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.
Gather in Downtown Spartanburg’s favorite parking lot for a collection of the food trucks in the Greenville/Spartanburg area. Stop in the library to get your holds, print some documents or find out about upcoming library programs for the entire family.
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).
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence…and special powers! She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. However, the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, despises children and loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage, cleverness, and extraordinary imagination that will lead her classmates to revolt and take back their freedom!
Age Recommended: Most enjoyed by children 6 and up.
Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes (includes 15 minute intermission)
See you October 13-14 at Arran Farm (820 Lenhardt Rd Easley SC) for this two-day community event featuring live music, food trucks, Upstate Coffee Competition, a pup costume contest, trick o’ treating, a cookie decorating class, and the Critter Keeper. Tickets are $5 and kids under 18 are free. Follow @forestryweekend on Instagram for all the details.
Theme Park Transforms from Wild West by Day to Ghost Train at Night
The spooktacular season of Tweetsie’s Ghost Train® Halloween Celebration, a popular fall family tradition, begins Friday, September 22, and continues every Friday and Saturday night through October 28.
Daytime guests can still enjoy all of Tweetsie’s Wild West adventures, rides and attractions. . . but when the sun goes down, the park gets a full makeover complete with costumed characters, decorations, music and Halloween-themed attractions.
Younger children will love the dance parties, trick-or-treat stations, themed photo opportunities, and the Palace Spooktacular Show.
Braver kids and adults will appreciate the scary night-time journey on the Ghost Train, walking through the hallowed halls of the Haunted House and exploring the murky Freaky Forest.
And, everyone will love the park’s most popular amusement rides after dark in the Creepy Carnival.
The park opens at 7:30 pm with the first train scheduled for 8:00 p.m. On October Saturday nights starting on the 14, 21, and 28, the park opens at 7:15 p.m. with the first train scheduled for 7:30 pm.
Tickets are $60 for adults, $40 for children (ages 3-12) and free for children age 2 and under. They are sold in advance for a designated night with a scheduled train ride departure time. A limited number of guests will be admitted each evening, so visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets well beforehand to avoid missing out on all of the spooky fun.
Choose from two tours full of Greer’s wild and frightening stories, from its rough start on Trade Street to the bodies left behind in its first cemetery: https://www.greerheritage.com/ghosts/
VIRTUAL RAILFAN is live from the Hub City RR Museum in Spartanburg.
The Virtual Railfan cameras were installed on Tuesday, July 6th at the Hub City Railroad Museum. There is one camera looking north and one looking south. The Hub City RR Museum wants to thank the City of Spartanburg for allowing us to install the cameras, and to Virtual Railfan for the install. We have already seen over 300 railfans at one time watching the video feed.
Links to live feeds: [North Camera feed] [South Camera feed]
Carolina Railroad Heritage Association
The Carolina Railroad Heritage Association is a <501(c)(3)> not for profit local association of approximately eighty members who enjoy railroads and railroad history. The CRHA is currently meeting the third Friday of each month in Fountain Inn, SC at 7:00 pm. Programs at the meetings include presentations on historical and current railroads and are presented by members as well as outside speakers. Our activities include a photo contest, occasional field trips to local railroad sites, picnics and a December pot luck dinner. CRHA members volunteer at our museum and caboose in Spartanburg, SC. If you have an interest in railroads, contact Dave Winans at [email protected] for more information about the CRHA.
For membership, please download and print the membership application and follow the instructions.
Museum Hours:
Wed: 10am – 2pm
Sat: 10am – 2pm
WNC – Fall Harvest Days
38th Annual
Antique Engine and Tractor Show
Featuring:
International Brands
2 full days of more than 100
vendors/exhibitors, parts, tools, antiques, crafts, food
collectibles, toys & odd stuff!
October 13, 14, 2023
Rain or Shine
8am to 5pm
Admission $8.00 for adults / Kids Free 12 and Under
Presented by: Apple Country Engine and Tractor Association
Farm Show Vendor Fees
Exhibitors: Free
Reserve Outside Spaces: $40.00 and Up
Reserve Inside Spaces: $50.00 and Up
Camping full hook up: $70.00 night
ALL Vendors are encouraged to stay thru Saturday / Oct 14, 2022 / 3pm
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.
This program provides free access for families of children, teenagers, and young adults who would benefit from a sensory-friendly experience and quieter setting at the museum.
Guests who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have other disabilities can experience the museum’s exhibitions at their own pace and enjoy other special activities.
General Admission to Accessibility Morning is Free for participants.
Accessibility Morning Schedule:
- 9 – 11 a.m. | Sensory Room Available
- 9 – 10 a.m. | Program Partners Present
- 9:30 – 9:45 a.m. | Character Meet-and-Greet with The Cat in the Hat
- 9:45 a.m. | Select Sensory Show – Earth, Moon and Sun planetarium experience *
An ASL Interpreter will be available during the 9:30 a.m. story time and the 9:45 a.m. sensory show. ASL interpretation is provided by certified interpreters through the SC School for the Deaf and Blind.
*Sensory Friendly Shows will alternate monthly between planetarium and 4D theater experiences. Shows feature lowered volume, however 4d experiences still include enhanced effects, including bursts of air, rumbling seats, leg ticklers, bubbles and snow, lighting effects, and squirts of water. Accessibility Morning shows are free but space is limited.
From September 30 through October 8, guests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily, weather permitting, and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. As the starting locations will vary day to day based on the foliage, visitors should inquire at the park’s Entrance Gate or the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery upon arrival.
Grandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles, guests are able to learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves.
Participants can become familiar with tree identification, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.
Stock and Top Cut Tire Classes
Hook Fee: $10 or 3 for $25
Spectators – Included in Gate Ticket admission of $8.00 adults / Kids 12 and Under FREE with paid Adult.
10:00 AM – Until Pull Concludes at 12,000 lbs.
1. Antique models through 1964 (any questionable age tractor or protest will be decided by a 3-man committee named at each tractor pull).
2. Gasoline, diesel, and Factory LP gas are approved fuels.
3. Any questionable age of tractor must have serial number intact and not tampered with.
4. Tractors must weigh within limits of each weight class. One (1) entry per class.
5. Factory high R.P.M. only- 10% override allowed. Tractors subject to R.P.M. check at any time.
6. Tractors must retain stock engine and stock appearance where possible.
7. Tractors are allowed 14″ tire width in Classes 1 through 4; 16″ tire width in Classes 5 through 11; 18″ tire width in Class 12; 23″ tire width in Classes 13 and 14.
8. Tractor Tires
9. Add on weights are allowed. No weights to extend past 16″ from face of front tires. NO duals on rear. Rear weight bracket shall not extend past rear tires and weights shall not extend 12″ past rear of tires. Minimum of 10″ width opening between rear weights required for access to clevis.
10. All tractors must start with a tight chain, start off easy, do not jerk sled, no shifting of TAs. If your tractor has a factory TA, you are permitted to shift ONE time.
11. Drivers must remain seated during pull with at least one hand on steering wheel — unless tractor has hand brakes. NO bouncing in seat during pull, Track Officials will disqualify puller.
12. Persons under 16 years of age must have track official and parent or guardian signature and approval before pulling.
13. Each puller has two (2) attempts to pass the 20′ mark – pull is official after 20′ mark is passed.
14. Track official may disqualify any tractor driver for unsportsmanlike conduct, intoxication, or failing to stop when red flagged.
15. No one allowed on track except pullers and officials.
16. Pull is over when forward motion of sled is stopped or when red flag is dropped.
17. Front wheels may not leave the ground more than 18″ during pull. This will be flagman’s discretion.
18. 20″ maximum drawbar height – 18″ minimum drawbar length from center of rear axle to center of drawbar hole. 3″ minimum horizontal free clevis shall be on tractor.
19. Drawbar must be stationary with no more than one (1) inch movement vertically one (1) inch movement horizontally.
20. No differential or driveline alterations.
21. A protest must be filed within weight class before next class starts.
22. Flagman’s decision is final.
23. No hotrod tractors or pickup trucks allowed to pull. No TURBO tractors.
24. In a pull off situation, tractors must return to the staging area and only there may move weights on the tractor. Adding or removing weights will not be permitted.
25. WHEELIE BARS ARE MANDATORY and must meet new standards if questioned. No wheels on bars.
26. All weights must be securely attached to the tractor. Any ballast lost while hooked to the sled will be cause for the pull to stop (stop signal given by flagman) where the item is lost.
27. Maximum sled speed is 4.0 MPH. Puller is allowed one blow of horn. Puller will be disqualified if horn blows a second time.
28. If the tractor or sled touches the white line, pull stops (stop signal given by flagman) and is measured. If puller does not stop when signaled, puller is disqualified.
29. Person pulling tractor must be able to stage, backup and hook to sled, and maneuver tractor in a safe manner with no physical assistance.
Thompson Family Farms has expanded to include pumpkins this fall season, in addition to a sunflower maze and other fall crops. With over 3 acres of planted pumpkins, visitors are able to pick their own variety out of the field or select from our assortment of pre-picked pumpkins, while taking in the gorgeous fall mountain views. The farm is open to the public 10am-7pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday beginning September 21 and throughout the entire month of October.
Come to the library and watch the eclipse safely from a television screen!
A free festival in downtown Spartanburg, the Spartanburg Soaring! International Kite Festival presented by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System will feature live music by local musicians, performing acts/artists, tasty food trucks, local arts and crafters at a makers market, an interactive kids zone with activities for all ages, and so much more!
Attendees are welcome to bring their own kites but a limited number of kites will be available for purchase at the festival. Proceeds help support the mission of Chapman Cultural Center!
The Spartanburg Kite Club will be in attendance with their members and friends including international kite flyers who visit from Europe, Asia, Canada, and across the United States to join in on the kite flying fun!
About Spartanburg Soaring!
In spring 2014, Chapman Cultural Center launched a community-wide initiative called Spartanburg Soaring! to encourage creativity, promote healthy outdoor activity, and to build civic pride. Using kites as a common theme, Spartanburg Soaring! engaged cultural curiosity and promoted active play through activities and events all across the city. The kite festival takes place in and around the Chapman Cultural Center each year when hundreds of colorful kites fill the skies above Spartanburg.
Learn more about what to expect this year and how you can participate below!
Kids Zone
There’s fun for the whole family during the Kite Festival – including the kids activity area. In past years we’ve had Spartanburg’s Play Mobile truck, face painters, drum circles, and more!
This year’s Kids Zone will feature activities and programming like:
Makers Market
One of Spartanburg’s great assets is its artists. The Makers Market will be set up where regional artisans will sell their wares – keeping 100% of their profits – so you can keep a piece of local culture even after you fly away. Everything will be affordable and locally handcrafted.
Are you a maker or artist interested in attending? Apply here!
Community Organizations
What makes Spartanburg Soaring! so great? It’s the collaborative nature of the festival! This year we have plenty of community organizations stopping by the festival to make sure there is something everyone can enjoy! This year’s organizations will be announced soon.
Are you a local nonprofit interested in attending? Apply here!
Food Trucks
It wouldn’t be a festival without delicious, local food! This year’s food trucks will be announced soon.
Are you a food truck interested in attending? Apply here!
Music & Performances
Spartanburg Soaring! will have musicians and performers at various locations throughout the festival. From dance acts to your favorite local musicians, there’s something everyone can enjoy!
Volunteer!
We’re looking for volunteers to help make our festival a great experience! Contact Lauren Prestino-Friedrich if you are interested in being involved.
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.
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence…and special powers! She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. However, the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, despises children and loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage, cleverness, and extraordinary imagination that will lead her classmates to revolt and take back their freedom!
Age Recommended: Most enjoyed by children 6 and up.
Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes (includes 15 minute intermission)