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.

Thursday, October 2, 2025
True Home Open Mic at Flood Gallery
Oct 2 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Flood Gallery

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.

Saturday, October 4, 2025
Gorges State Park to Host Third Annual Mountain Monarch Festival on Oct. 4
Oct 4 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Gorges State Park

Back by popular demand, the third Annual Mountain Monarch Festival will be at Gorges State Park in Sapphire on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This free event, hosted by the park and sponsored by the Friends of Gorges State Park and other partners, will celebrate the monarch butterfly during its migration and raise awareness about the species’ declining numbers. The park lies along the monarchs’ migratory route. The butterflies can be seen in early October each year flying over the park, heading south to the high-elevation fir forests in central-southern Mexico’s Volcanic Belt, where they overwinter until early spring.

The festival will offer educational programs and exhibits as well as children’s crafts, face painting by Brevard College cheerleaders, a butterfly hike, and a Monarch Migration Passport to guide visitors through the activities. The featured speakers will be Heyward Douglas, an entomologist who is a former naturalist and has served on the Foothills Trail Conservancy’s board of directors since 1989, who will talk about visiting the wintering area for the monarchs in Mexico, and Brian Bockhahn, interpretation and education specialist for North Carolina State Parks, who will discuss “Monarch Life Cycle and Tagging.”

The event, activities and programs are free and open to the public. The event will be held rain or shine and is first-come, first-served. For event details, visit https://www.friendsofgorges.org

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Oct 4 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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.

Sunday, October 5, 2025
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Oct 5 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Empower Hour
Oct 7 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

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].

Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Upstate Fall Native Plant Sale
Oct 8 all-day
Upstate Native Nursery

The South Carolina Native Plant Society’s Fall Native Plant Sale offers over 4,000 native plants representing nearly 200 species October 9-11, 2025, with early access for members on October 8.

This online-only sale features shade-loving woodland species, sun-loving meadow plants, and everything needed for rain gardens and pollinator habitats — all requiring less water and maintenance while supporting local wildlife. Shop early as popular species sell out quickly.

All orders must be placed online and picked up at the Upstate Native Nursery, 180 Lakewood Drive, Greenville. The sale coincides with South Carolina Native Plant Week and supports the Society’s conservation initiatives throughout the Upstate.

Visit scnps.org/upstateplantsale for details and plant lists, or follow SCNPS on Facebook and @upstate.scnps on Instagram.

Community Dinner
Oct 8 @ 6:30 pm
YWCA of Asheville

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].

Thursday, October 9, 2025
Upstate Fall Native Plant Sale
Oct 9 all-day
Upstate Native Nursery

The South Carolina Native Plant Society’s Fall Native Plant Sale offers over 4,000 native plants representing nearly 200 species October 9-11, 2025, with early access for members on October 8.

This online-only sale features shade-loving woodland species, sun-loving meadow plants, and everything needed for rain gardens and pollinator habitats — all requiring less water and maintenance while supporting local wildlife. Shop early as popular species sell out quickly.

All orders must be placed online and picked up at the Upstate Native Nursery, 180 Lakewood Drive, Greenville. The sale coincides with South Carolina Native Plant Week and supports the Society’s conservation initiatives throughout the Upstate.

Visit scnps.org/upstateplantsale for details and plant lists, or follow SCNPS on Facebook and @upstate.scnps on Instagram.

True Home Open Mic at Flood Gallery
Oct 9 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Flood Gallery

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.

Friday, October 10, 2025
Upstate Fall Native Plant Sale
Oct 10 all-day
Upstate Native Nursery

The South Carolina Native Plant Society’s Fall Native Plant Sale offers over 4,000 native plants representing nearly 200 species October 9-11, 2025, with early access for members on October 8.

This online-only sale features shade-loving woodland species, sun-loving meadow plants, and everything needed for rain gardens and pollinator habitats — all requiring less water and maintenance while supporting local wildlife. Shop early as popular species sell out quickly.

All orders must be placed online and picked up at the Upstate Native Nursery, 180 Lakewood Drive, Greenville. The sale coincides with South Carolina Native Plant Week and supports the Society’s conservation initiatives throughout the Upstate.

Visit scnps.org/upstateplantsale for details and plant lists, or follow SCNPS on Facebook and @upstate.scnps on Instagram.

Saturday, October 11, 2025
Upstate Fall Native Plant Sale
Oct 11 all-day
Upstate Native Nursery

The South Carolina Native Plant Society’s Fall Native Plant Sale offers over 4,000 native plants representing nearly 200 species October 9-11, 2025, with early access for members on October 8.

This online-only sale features shade-loving woodland species, sun-loving meadow plants, and everything needed for rain gardens and pollinator habitats — all requiring less water and maintenance while supporting local wildlife. Shop early as popular species sell out quickly.

All orders must be placed online and picked up at the Upstate Native Nursery, 180 Lakewood Drive, Greenville. The sale coincides with South Carolina Native Plant Week and supports the Society’s conservation initiatives throughout the Upstate.

Visit scnps.org/upstateplantsale for details and plant lists, or follow SCNPS on Facebook and @upstate.scnps on Instagram.

Autumn Rails 2025
Oct 11 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag Center
We hope to see you for Autumn Rails 2025,

ALL SCALES MODEL TRAIN SHOW

Friday, Oct. 10 12-6 pm

Saturday, Oct. 11 10 am-4 pm

Adults: $8

Children under 12: Free with an Adult

Scouts in Uniform: Free

Come see our Vendors, Layouts, Kids’ Play Zone, and win Door Prizes!
*Listen for the Train Whistle before the prize numbers*

27,000 sq ft of vendors, displays and TTraks to see! A canteen with an assortment of food to choose from.

Free Parking!

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Oct 11 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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.

Sunday, October 12, 2025
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Oct 12 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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.

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Racial Justice Workshop
Oct 14 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

The YWCA Racial Justice Workshop is open to our entire YWCA Asheville community – including our staff, volunteers, board, donors, program participants, Fitness Center and community members. This 90-minute workshop will take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 am and will be facilitated by Gerry Leonard, Racial Justice & Outreach Specialist and Lexus Walker, Tzedek Social Justice Fellow.

 

Thursday, October 16, 2025
True Home Open Mic at Flood Gallery
Oct 16 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Flood Gallery

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.

Saturday, October 18, 2025
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Oct 18 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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.

Sunday, October 19, 2025
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Oct 19 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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.

Knit-n-Give
Oct 19 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Mission Rathbun House

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

 

 

Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Empower Hour
Oct 21 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

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].