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.
He was one of the greatest creators of children’s books in the 20th century – though he didn’t like the term “children’s books” and preferred “books that children like.” Author and artist Maurice Sendak upended expectations by depicting menace, anxiety and “wild” behavior in picture books devoured by readers of all ages.
The Upcountry History Museum will serve as the only South Carolina stop on the Wild Things national exhibition tour. Visitors of all ages will experience the fantastical imagination of Maurice Sendak as they explore over 50 pieces of original artwork and step into the pages of his beloved books.
The immersive exhibition celebrates Sendak’s life and work by showcasing his most famous pieces through preliminary sketches, finished artwork, and interactive experiences. All of this is told through the words of Sendak himself, intimately connecting the artist to his art and stories.
Sendak created a visual language that has captivated generations of children. Although he sometimes indulged in lighthearted plots, his picture books often had menacing elements: fanged monsters, baby stealing goblins and young protagonists placed in dangerous situations. Sendak intentionally gave children the opportunity to engage with ethical dilemmas, to feel afraid as well as joyful, and to take part in imaginative play.
During his long career Sendak illustrated over one hundred books, which continue to thrill and fascinate life-long learners all over the world. The fifty works of art in the exhibition will be accompanied by quotes from fellow illustrators, friends, and celebrities, sharing their thoughts on Sendak and the ways in which he inspired them. As comedian Stephen Colbert stated, “His art gave us a fantastical but un-romanticized reminder of what childhood truly felt like.”
Curriculum based lessons, along with “rumpus themed” family and adult programs will coincide with the exhibition and its timeless messages.
Limited Capacity: 12 Guests per Tour
A truly memorable experience featuring rare photo opportunities, this exclusive guided tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the design and construction of Biltmore House in areas unavailable on the regular house visit. Imagine yourself a Vanderbilt (or cherished Vanderbilt guest) as you take in stunning views seen only from the house’s rooftop and balconies.
Advance reservation required. Tour includes 250 stairs with no elevator access. Wheelchairs, strollers, and baby backpacks are prohibited. Backpacks are not allowed on any guided tours. Guests are required to leave backpacks in a locker or in their vehicle. To participate in this tour, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.
Our city has great architectural examples of styles that span the last 200 years and charming neighborhoods that give them context.
Our downtown is blessed with a selection of historic neighborhoods that encircle our city center, providing a great mix of the progress surrounding the Main Street area with the stability of traditional domestic living. As the young village of Greenville formed in the late 1700s, homes were naturally scattered around the region with large tracts of land tied to them. This tour traces the development of Greenville’s neighborhoods on the North and West sides of the Reedy River, taking you on a pleasant drive to see the variety of architectural styles, hear stories of their home-owners, and understand the role in Greenville’s revitalization.
Tours will take place in a comfortable Ford Transit high-roof tour van. Digital photographs will be shown on a screen to provide insights into the information that you hear from the tour guide. Your tour guide, John Nolan, is a local historian and author of “A Guide to Historic Greenville, SC” and “The Lost Restaurants of Greenville, SC
Highlights include:
• Current downtown condos and apartments
• Pettigru Neighborhood
• Alta Vista / Crescent Ave.
• Augusta Road neighborhood
• Mills Mill village
• Hampton Pinkney neighborhood
Capacity is limited.
Tasting room by reservation only. Make reservations in-person on the day of your Winery visit.
To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.
Reservations are required for all wine tastings and must be made on the day of your visit. Because our complimentary wine tastings fill up quickly, we recommend you reserve your tasting when you arrive for your visit.
United Community Bank Ice on Main is an open outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. This year, this winter tradition and favorite activity of many in the Upstate is open from November 11, 2022 to January 16, 2023. Located at Village Green near the Courtyard Marriott, you’ll truly be skating in a winter wonderland when you come skate with us! The rink is open 7 days a week, excluding Christmas Day.
The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile multi-use (walking and bicycling) greenway that traverses along the Reedy River, an old railroad corridor and City parks to connect Travelers Rest with the city of Greenville, South Carolina.
From our location, you can venture south on the trail through Greenville’s many parks. The Swamp Rabbit links up with Falls Park on the Reedy, Cancer Survivors Park and down into Cleveland Park. Heading north, you’ll see how the trail has transformed from an old railbed to a thriving trail with many breweries and eateries, as you head toward Furman University (7 miles) and Travelers Rest (1 miles).
Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight during this nighttime tour, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians stationed throughout the house perform seasonal favorites. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce encircled by illuminated evergreens and shrubs sparkling in the center of the front lawn.
Make Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) your first stop on First Friday! Located in the historic Brandon Mill complex in the creative arts district of West Greenville, GCCA is a perfect place to begin the Metropolitan Arts Council’s monthly art walk.
The Art Center is open for extended hours, 6pm to 9pm, on the first Friday of every month for First Friday activities. In addition to viewing multiple exhibitions from both locally and nationally-recognized artists, at GCCA you’ll have the opportunity to meet the resident working artists, see their studio spaces and works in progress, and learn more about their personal style and artistic process.
The mission of GCCA is to enrich the cultural fabric of the community through visual arts promotion, education, and inspiration. Founded by a dedicated group of artists, teachers, and community leaders, the Art Center offers programs for people of all ages, backgrounds, and economic circumstances.
Greenville’s Downtown Trolley (Route 903) provides visitors to the downtown area easy and free transport to the West Greenville area from July through September, every Thursday and Friday, 6pm to 11pm, and Saturdays, 5:30pm to 11pm. For real-time scheduling, download the FindGreenlink app on your phone and come visit!
First Fridays Format
The first Friday of every month from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
First Fridays invites you to navigate Greenville’s visual arts scene each month as galleries and venues are open to the public from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. There are a number of resources on this page to help you plan your route. First, you can sign up for our eblast list to receive gallery highlights in your inbox each month before the event. Second, you can visit our maps to find the main areas where the galleries are located. Lastly, our gallery directory contains contact information and directions through Google Maps to each location.
First Fridays invites you to navigate Greenville’s visual arts scene each month as galleries and venues are open to the public from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. There are a number of resources on this page to help you plan your route. First, you can sign up for our eblast list to receive gallery highlights in your inbox each month before the event. Second, you can visit our maps to find the main areas where the galleries are located. Lastly, our gallery directory contains contact information and directions through Google Maps to each location.
New Year, New YOU, New Connections! Meet lots of Singles from all over the Upstate at our next Speed Dating Event at Zen.
If you’re single and looking to meet your match, then our Speed Dating Event is the right place for you, and if the stars align, we’ll even set you up on a date!
We are extremely excited to bring our event back at Zen, the most elegant venue downtown Greenville.
Get off your dating APPS! Come out, grab a drink, and meet local singles in a fun and casual setting. Upon arrival at the venue, our event coordinators will welcome you and sign you in. There will be a short period of time, prior to the event, for you to settle in, mingle, and grab drinks while everyone arrives. You will also receive a “MATCH CARD” and a designated number for the evening. We will then give a brief introduction and explain everything that you will need to know about the setup. Appetizers will be served and are included with your ticket purchase.
Forget about boring Speed Dating nights where you felt like you ran a marathon. Our new interactive system is a great way to meet lots of people in a deeper way and make meaningful connections.
On this date all the guests will be officially introduced to everyone!
You’ll be able to meet people from both age groups.
Don’t worry, our wonderful Hosts will explain how the entire event works! You will know where to go and how to fill out your “MATCH CARD”. If you would like to see the other person again, we will assist you with the date set-up too.
This will be FANTASTIC and FUN night, numbers are limited at this event so sign up soon!
We will have 2 age groups, please choose according to the age group you are looking to date in.
Age Groups:
45 and Younger
45 and Up
Come and see why our Speed Dating events are so amazing and produce great results!
DRESS-CODE will be strictly enforced! NO jeans, NO sandals, NO hats, NO t-shirts, NO shorts, NO tank tops, NO tennis shoes.
***Please note: If you purchase a ticket to this event and subsequently find yourself unable to attend, we request that you let us know by emailing us at: [email protected] or calling us at (864)757-2076. We do not provide refunds or credits for those who cannot attend, but we will use this knowledge to attempt to keep the ratios even. Must arrive before 6:30 pm in order to participate ***
**NO REFUNDS, NO TICKETS TRANSFERS.**
Opening Reception Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 from 6pm-9pm.
už linijos (beyond the line) is a conceptual installation by multimedia artistic team Jeff + Goda.
The exhibit features allegorical pointillism and three dimensional mixed media works that pull focus on the physical and emotional lines seen and felt in universal topics, such as temporality, stability, and a constant search of one’s identity.
Lines are an integral component for giving shape, form, and interpretation to stories and personal experiences. However, the core feelings and immediacy of living are often blurred, overlooked, or hidden; somewhere beyond those visible lines.
už linijos (beyond the line) strives to reflect, and bring awareness to, the rarity and significance of those imperceptible day to day moments.
Is “Read More” on your 2023 Resolutions? Join us at Dear Greenville (80 Orchard Park Dr Greenville, SC 29615 ) on January 6th at 7pm to create and customize your 2023 Reading Journal and have an opportunity to join The Bookclubbers. As a Bookclubber you get to set your own reading goals and then celebrate as a group each month with fun rewards from local businesses.
Admission to this event is $38 and includes a blank journal to customize, a creative bundle including choice of colored pens, stickers, and washi tape,10% off any purchases at Dear Greenville, drinks and small bites.
Tickets can be purchased online through Friday, January 6th at 5pm. Refunds can be requested up until the ticket cutoff. At-the-door tickets will be available as space allows.
Downtown Greer shifts into TURBO! On 1/6, Pro Wrestling TURBO and Greer Relief team up to present HEADLOCK ON HUNGER @ The Jenny! Proceeds go to fight food insecurity in The Upstate. Come see all your favorite TURBO stars, while also giving back to your community.
IMPACT Wrestling star Savannah Evans returns home to face NWA Women’s Tag Team Champion Ella Envy! Dual champion BK Westbrook defends both the Interim World Championship AND the TURBO Scramble Championship!
Plus: Mad Dog Mayhem, WrestleRanger, Big Game James, and the first matches in the TURBO Tag League to crown inaugural tag team champions!
Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable foods to donate to Greer Relief!
Kid friendly
For the adults
Food truck
FREE parking
Bell time is at 7:30 | Doors open at 6:30
*Card subject to change*
už linijos (beyond the line) is a conceptual installation by multimedia artistic team Jeff + Goda.
The exhibit features allegorical pointillism and three dimensional mixed media works that pull focus on the physical and emotional lines seen and felt in universal topics, such as temporality, stability, and a constant search of one’s identity.
Lines are an integral component for giving shape, form, and interpretation to stories and personal experiences. However, the core feelings and immediacy of living are often blurred, overlooked, or hidden; somewhere beyond those visible lines.
už linijos (beyond the line) strives to reflect, and bring awareness to, the rarity and significance of those imperceptible day to day moments.
Adventure is what we do.
Nantahala Outdoor Center has a long history of venturing where many haven’t, pioneering new adventures, and bringing opportunities to experience the outdoors to millions of guests over five decades. Our International Adventure Tours offer unique destinations, exciting adventures and activities, experienced guides, and world-class hospitality. These all-inclusive, small group excursions will redefine how you travel. Experience some of the most breathtaking places in the world without feeling like a tourist.
If your idea of fun is a rafting trip on the Chilko, a quiet lake paddle in Argentina, surf lessons in Ecuador, or trekking in Iceland, our trips have something for every adventure and skill level. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, yoga, surfing, ziplining, wine tastings, or cultural experiences, along with the flexibility to customize your own adventure. Settle in after your travels in some of the most unique accommodations in the world; from cozy lodges and five star resorts, with local cuisine and tastings, every detail is meticulously planned so you can soak up every moment.
We hope these guided, off-the-beaten-path expeditions will foster the same spirit of adventure we encourage in our Southeastern locations, while giving you the opportunity to explore beyond your own backyard.
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We have officially announced our new 2023 Adventure travel trips for you to explore new destinations, try new adventures, and experience new cultures! Our trips are small groups, offer world-class hospitality, unique lodging and the most diverse activity options for you to try! We’re giving “revenge travel” new meaning. |
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Remote Tropical |
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Uncrowded point breaks, warm water, predictable waves, friendly locals, great food and drink…this is a real surfer’s paradise! Join us on a surf safari in the Ecuadorian town of Mompiche. Great waves and a multitude of other activities from surf lessons, SUP, horseback riding, massages and more, enjoy it all from your ocean front home away from home! |
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The Gala 2023 is a women’s gymnastics competition for athletes of all ages. The event is being organized and run by three partners: Diane Thompson, Karen Pleasants and Jessica Harris, who share a wealth of experience as judges, coaches and former athletes. This annual event has become a large competitive opportunity for gymnasts of all levels from all over the Southeast region and beyond.
The Gala partners are committed to making each Gala a top-notch competition and a fun and memorable experience for all participants, coaches, volunteers and spectators.
Right now, a team of doctors is scrubbing in for a surgery while a patient waits for a procedure that they hope will save their life; blood bags are prepared and ready. In a different hospital, a team of nurses is giving a trauma victim a lifesaving blood transfusion. Several floors away, a cancer patient is receiving a platelet transfusion after chemotherapy. Those patients, and thousands of others, can hope and plan for the new year because blood products were available.
As we enter 2023, many are looking at a piece of paper, writing down their new year’s resolutions and goals: ‘read ten books…get outside more often…go to the gym.’ The Blood Connection (TBC), the non-profit community blood center, is encouraging people to add one more thing to that list: save a life with TBC. It may sound daunting. It may sound unachievable. But with just one hour and one blood donation, three lives can be saved in this community. The difference between a joyous and tragic new year for many local families is community blood donors.
TBC is urging community members to make blood donation a priority in 2023 – because, simply put: lives depend on it.