Events Calendar
Explore family friendly events, theatres, galleries, concerts, nightlife, things to do, and more in the Greenville, SC and Upstate areas.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Join award-winning author Mindy Friddle in conversation with Caroline Cleveland for a book your lunch event at City Range on Tuesday, June 11th at Noon. They will talk about their books, Her Best Self and When Cicadas Cry, and will be available afterwards to sign.
Your $55 ticket admits one to the event, and includes lunch, as well as a copy of either Her Best Self or When Cicadas Cry.
If you’re unable to attend the event, signed books can be purchased on our website.
Tickets can be purchased through Tuesday, June 11th, at 12pm. Refunds can be requested through Friday, June 7th, at 12pm. (You can send someone else in your place after the cutoff, but be sure to give that person your ticket.)
Your menu options (to be selected on the order form) will be:
BBQ Burnt Ends & Grits
Brisket over cheese grits, bourbon onions, BBQ sauce, scallions
Bourbon Pecan Chicken
Crispy pecan coated chicken breast, bourbon cream sauce, mashed potatoes, blistered brussels.
Cookies will be provided for dessert.
Beverage options include iced tea, water, and coffee.
Like a Southern Succession, award-winning novelist Mindy Friddle’s “fast paced, clever, and wickedly compelling” (Michel Stone) Her Best Self begins with a car wreck, and lets off the brake into: swingers and wife swaps; swindlers and woo-woo scams; senatorial elections and campaign strategy; secrets and manipulated information; incest and inheritance; a wedding like a game of Stratego; and ambition as more motive than goal.
Janelle “Before”–choreographer of the Wolf family and their enterprises–went over the bridge with her car, in the wreck that ruined Janelle’s reputation and upended her public life. Lucky for her, Lana O’Shield adores lonely people. Coaxing Janelle to remember the circumstances of her accident, her revelations unravel the fragile veil over the Wolfs’ smalltown life. As the Wolf family’s public return–the cold-footed wedding of their only daughter–approaches, HER BEST SELF is part thriller, part drama, following women clawing at independence, no longer pawns in a man’s game.
About the author:
Mindy Friddle is author of the novel, Secret Keepers, (winner of the Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction). The Garden Angel, her first novel and SIBA bestseller, was selected for Barnes & Noble’s Discover Great New Writers. The South Carolina Arts Commission awarded Mindy a prose fellowship, and she has twice won the state’s Fiction Prize. Her stories and essays have appeared in numerous journals. She holds an MFA from Warren Wilson and lives on Edisto Island, South Carolina.
A young white woman has been bludgeoned to death in a rural church on Cicada Road, just outside the small town of Walterboro, South Carolina—a state that has been roiling with racial tenson since the shooting of an unarmed Black man by a white police officer. Sam Jenkins, who is Black, was found covered in blood and kneeling over her. Zach Stander, a down-and-out lawyer, is convinced to take Sam’s case by his detective girlfriend, Addie, while the local solicitor prosecuting the case wields the power of an influential family. And then there’s the mysterious cold-case of teen girls murdered on a nearby beach—is there a connection, and will Addie and Zach put the pieces together in time?
About the author:
Caroline Cleveland: A native South Carolinian, Caroline Cleveland grew up in the small town of Walterboro, and she credits her love of reading to its quieter way of life. Her love of the written word eventually led her to law school, and later to establish the law firm Cleveland & Conley, LLC, in Charleston, South Carolina, where she represents public employers, including local governments and law enforcement. Caroline writes stories from a Southern perspective, featuring deceptively peaceful small towns and strong, complex characters who rely on their Southern sense of values. Her debut novel is WHEN CICADAS CRY, published by Union Square & Co. Visit her website at www.CarolineClevelandAuthor.com.
“Amy’s story is a rich mix of courage, grace, persistence, and most important, love. This is a book to treasure.” —Laurene Powell Jobs, founder and president, Emerson Collective
“So many people are in pain these days, enduring hard times, facing challenges. They are wondering, ‘How do I do this?’ Amy Low is the perfect guide.” —David Brooks, New York Times columnist and bestselling author
About the Book
This honest and emotional memoir presents much needed lessons and advice for navigating uncertainty in the worst of times.
Amy Low resides in a room that is her last—her medical team is clear-eyed with her: there is no cure for Stage IV metastatic colon cancer, and the odds of long-term survival are scant. Miraculously, she’s lived four years with her diagnosis, and that life between life has changed her.
Through the swirl of prolonged trauma and unbearable grief, a vantage point emerged—a window that showed her the way to relish life and be kinder to herself and others while living through the inevitable loss and heartbreak that crosses everyone’s paths. Instead of viewing joy and sorrow as opposites, she saw how both exist in harmony, full of mystery and surprise. Instead of seeing days as succeeding or failing, and physical selves as healthy or unwell, she’s learned to carry both achievements and afflictions in stride. And instead of bitterness and betrayal, forgiveness—toward her body, toward others, toward herself—became her wisest light.
Mapping her experiences to the words that St. Paul wrote in his own last room, The Brave In-Between is a sacred invitation to explore that space between triumph and tragedy. We all have a heart to marvel at miracles, a lightness to spot the absurdity, and an imagination to pause and extend empathy for others—even when tragedy strikes. Sometimes we just need a guide.
About the Author
Amy Low has been a storyteller all her life. She grew up in and continues to live life through parables and metaphors. She sees her life as an invitation to discovering the new every day and even records some of these discoveries in her Substack, Postcards from the Mountain. As the managing director for fellowships and nonprofit journalism at the Emerson Collective, she directs efforts to empower individuals and newsrooms to strengthen our shared conversation in the public square. Most important, Amy is mom to Connor and Lucy. Her proudest achievement is raising a son and daughter who are unafraid, grateful, and curious, whether in class, at home, on stage, and especially in the band.
Celebrate the release of Mindy Friddle’s new book, Her Best Self — a Southern fiction, psychological tale of deception. Meet with us at the bookshop on Wednesday, June 12th at 6 PM. Mindy Friddle will be in-conversation with Hub City Press author Michelle Stone.
This event is free and open to the public. Get a 10% discount on Her Best Self when you RSVP and purchase your copy of the book on Eventbrite!
Gather with your community for a FREE tasty meal, lessons on healthy eating and information on Double Up Food Bucks (a new program through SNAP)! Community Dinners are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 – 7:30 pm. FREE childcare provided.
Seating is limited. Reserve your seat online.
For more information, contact Leah Berger-Singer, Preventive Health Coordinator at (828) 254-7206 ext. 212 or [email protected].
Fiction Addiction Storytime
Fiction Addiction hosts a free children’s storytime at our shop at 1175 Woods Crossing Rd. #5 every Thursday morning at 10:30am.
Visit : fictionaddiction.com
Uncensored expression: anyone is invited to step up to share song, music, poetry, comedy, rants & raves!
The most eclectic open mic around, in a welcoming gallery setting! 6 pm signup, perform 6:30-8:30 pm.
Join author Liz Crowe for an in-store signing at Fiction Addiction on Friday, June 14th from 3-5pm to celebrate her new book, Cul-de-Sac.
This event is free and open to the public, or you can purchase an $15.89 book add-on. Additional books can be ordered on our website or purchased at the event while supplies last.
If you’re unable to attend, signed copies of the author’s book can be purchased on our website.
Tickets can be purchased online through Thursday, June 13th at 2pm. Refunds can be requested up until the ticket cutoff. At-the-door tickets and books will be available as space allows.
Can the residents of an exclusive community keep their secrets buried, or will the deadly truth expose them all?
Welcome to Connelly Court. A secluded, old money neighborhood, harboring a web of desires and deceit behind pristine facades and manicured lawns, where the lives of a group of neighbors, bound by their shared secrets and unconventional lifestyle, are about to unravel.
Michael and Amelia Ross move into their dream home, and get drawn into the seductive allure. But their house once belonged to a family whose lives were seemingly ruined by their participation, which leads Amelia to question everything about her new-found friends. Suspicions run rampant as the close-knit group turns on each other. Lies, betrayals, and hidden agendas are revealed, ripping apart the fabric that once bound the group together.
Cul-de-Sac is a dark tale of marriage, friendship, desire, and betrayal, where nothing is as it seems, and the truth may be more shocking than anyone could have imagined. Discover the twisted secrets of Connelly Court in this chilling domestic suspense novel that will leave you questioning just how well you truly know—or should know—your neighbors.
About the Author:
Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in South Carolina. She’s spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner and bar manager, and is currently a digital marketing and fundraising consultant, in addition to being an award-winning author.
The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.
Her favorite things to do when she’s not scrolling social media for cute animal videos is walk her dogs, cuddle her cats, and watch her favorite sports teams while scrolling social media for cute animal videos.
On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.
Join us for a special Father’s Day celebration at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware! Our Dad & Me Epoxy Coaster Workshop is a unique opportunity for fathers and children to bond while creating personalized epoxy coasters and a coaster holder together. During this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the art of epoxy resin crafting under the guidance of our skilled instructors. Each ticket grants admission for one father and one child (ages 6 and up) to the workshop, where they’ll work together to create two epoxy coasters and a custom coaster holder that can hold up to four coasters. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today and celebrate Father’s Day at Rockler! Price includes all materials, safety equipment, and one Rockler silicone coaster mold.
On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.
Are you looking for an excuse to knit or crochet for a good cause? Help make baby hats and blankets and adult hats, scarves, and slippers to support at-risk newborns and homeless adults. Your handmade knitwear will keep our neighbors warm. Volunteers with basic skills in knitting or crocheting are welcome. Please bring your own needles or crochet hooks and a pattern.
Check out Knit-n-Give on WLOS: http://wlos.com/news/only-on-wloscom/close-knit-group-of-women-use-their-talents-to-help-asheville-charities
Katherine Center and SCPL have a big thing in common: we both want you to read for the joy of reading. To celebrate her latest novel, “The Rom-Commers,” the Queen of Comfort Reads will be in Spartanburg to talk about her new book, what it means to read for the sake of reading, and how she develops happy endings.
As part of this event, SCPL is giving away copies of “The Rom-Commers” to the first 100 people who arrive for the event. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Fiction Addiction will be on hand to sell copies of Center’s substantial backlist of novels.
Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.
Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.
To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].
Fiction Addiction Storytime
Fiction Addiction hosts a free children’s storytime at our shop at 1175 Woods Crossing Rd. #5 every Thursday morning at 10:30am.
Visit : fictionaddiction.com
Uncensored expression: anyone is invited to step up to share song, music, poetry, comedy, rants & raves!
The most eclectic open mic around, in a welcoming gallery setting! 6 pm signup, perform 6:30-8:30 pm.
On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.
On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.
There was nothing like the elementary school book fair – the smell of new books in the air, the rush of racing your friends to find the next installment of your favorite series, and, if you were lucky, the crinkle of money from Mom in your pocket.
Life felt so much easier back then, didn’t it? Don’t you find yourself wishing from time to time that you could just go back?
You can – but we’re doing it grown-up style.
Don’t miss our Boozy Book Fair at RJ Rockers (226 W Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29306 ) on Sunday, June 23rd from 1-3pm!
We will have STICKERS!!! as well as books for everyone and every interest:
-Geeks and Gamers
-Myths and Fairy Tales
-Gothic and Ghastly
-Happy Endings
-Romantasy
-Read the Rainbow
-Bookclub Picks
-Celebrate the South
-Nonfiction
-Whodunnits & Thrillers
-Father’s Day Ideas
-Criminally Good Reads
-The Birds and the Bees
…and much much more!
This event is FREE and open to the public, so bring your friends! Be sure to RSVP so we have the booze + books ready – we can’t wait to see you there.
Middle grade author Lis Anna-Langston leads a high-energy writing workshop for ages 9-14. Author’s books will be available for purchase. Registration required; opens May 25
When her mother goes missing, a young woman uncovers the secrets beneath her protected community.
The women asked: How are they safe?
And Tamsen Nightingale said: In this red grove, no woman can be harmed. No violence may come upon her. No injury to her flesh from the flesh of another.
―The Story of the Sisters, Welcoming Incantation
The Red Grove is a special place, protected. Some say a spell was cast by the community’s founder, Tamsen Nightingale. Some say the mountain lions who stalk the nearby hills guard its mysteries and its people. Some say the mighty redwoods keep them safe.
Yet Luce’s mother, Gloria, has gone missing. A man came seeking answers among the Red Grove’s mysteries―a connection to the beyond―and died. And then Gloria vanished. The Red Grove is Luce’s whole world. She is devoted to its mission, its rituals and myths. But she knows that her mother, frustrated free spirit though she might be, wouldn’t just leave without a word, wouldn’t leave her little brother, Roo, and especially their aunt Gem, whose care in that suspended state of everdream depends on Gloria in every way. But as Luce tries to figure out what has happened to her mother, she discovers that this special place is not what it seems and that protection comes at a cost.
The debut novel by the acclaimed author of The Electric Woman, Tessa Fontaine’s The Red Grove is an exploration of the legacies of violence, the price of safety, and the choices we make to protect what we love.
About the Author
Tessa Fontaine is the author of The Electric Woman: A Memoir in Death-defuing Acts, a New York Times Editors’ Choice; Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers pick, and best book of 2018 by Southern Living, Refinery29, Amazon Editors’, and The New York Post. Other writing can be found in Outside online, The New York Times, Glamour, AGNI, The Believer, LitHub, Creative Nonfiction, and more. Raised outside San Francisco, Tessa is a former professor and has taught in jails and prisons for five years. She co-founded and teaches the Accountability Workshops with writer and pal Annie Hartnett, and lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband, daughter, goofy dog and sassy cat. The Red Grove is her first novel.
About the in-conversation Partner
Eric Kocher, assistant professor of environmental studies at Wofford College, explores domestic encounters with planetary forces, and his writing on the topic has appeared in a variety of national publications. In the classroom, he works to help students understand how environmental ideas from literature, art, film and digital media shape our treatment of the environments in which we live.