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.

Monday, January 3, 2022
PAVILION SNOW CARNIVAL Creating a Winter Wonderland for Your Preschoolers
Jan 3 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
The Pavilion

 

This high quality Morning Out program includes sleigh rides, ice skating, snowman building, and many other exciting activities your child will love! Let your kid experience all the fun that comes with playing in the snow by making a reservation today.

Snow Carnival Details

Snow Carnivals are only available for groups with a minimum of ten children

Schedule: Available Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Cost: $9 per child

Snow Carnivals are held based on reservation. To make a reservation or learn more about the program, call 864.467.3483 or email Daniel Halliman.

ICE ON MAIN: SCHOOL BREAK HOURS
Jan 3 @ 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Village Green

IOM Group

Tickets are only good for the day/time purchased and are not transferable to another session.

Tickets are only required for those individuals skating. Admission is free for spectators. 

PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING

  • In order to maintain safe capacity levels, only 1 non-ticketed spectator will be admitted to the event site with each ticketed skater.
  • Each ticket is good for a specific 1-hour skate session. Rescheduling is not allowed.
  • Face coverings are required at all times.
  • Tickets are non-refundable. Exceptions to the refund policy will be made in the event the rink is closed due to weather or maintenance issues.
HOLIDAY HOURS
Wednesday, November 25 11 AM – 10 PM
Thanksgiving Day, November 26 2 PM – 9 PM
Friday, November 27 11 AM – 10 PM
Christmas Eve, December 24 11 AM – 7 PM
Christmas Day, December 25 CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, December 31 11 AM – 10 PM
New Year’s Day, January 1 11 AM – 10 PM
Martin Luther King Day, January 18 11 AM – 10 PM
Ice skating at The Pavilion
Jan 3 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
The Pavilion

SKATE ON A PERFECT SHEET OF ICE

At the Pavilion, our state-of-the-art ice system creates a smooth, professional, and sustainable surface available for a variety of great ice activities. Take a lesson, bring a friend, or go on your own during our public skate times.

 

Ice skating at The Pavilion
Jan 3 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
The Pavilion

SKATE ON A PERFECT SHEET OF ICE

At the Pavilion, our state-of-the-art ice system creates a smooth, professional, and sustainable surface available for a variety of great ice activities. Take a lesson, bring a friend, or go on your own during our public skate times.

Greenville Parks + Rec Afterschool Program
Jan 3 @ 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Various Community Centers

Afterschool

The Study Buddies Afterschool program is offered at four community centers throughout Greenville. The program runs Monday through Friday from 2:30-6 p.m. Participants will receive homework assistance, life skills development, recreational activities, educational projects, and much more. A healthy meal is provided daily for each participant. This program is open to students in K through 8th grade.

Registration is currently open for city of Greenville residents. 

Participants in the Study Buddies Afterschool program  will receive homework assistance, life skills development, recreational activities, educational projects, and much more. A healthy meal is provided daily. This program is open to students in 5K through 8th grade.

We are committed to providing our students a safe, enriching, and healthy afterschool experience. View Afterschool Health and Wellness Policy (PDF)

Dates: August 17, 2021 – June 1, 2022                                                         *Program does not run when there is no school for holidays, half days, teacher work days, vacations, or snow days (following Greenville County School calendar).

Time: 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Fees:  $585 for City Residents

Discounts for families registering two or more children. Payment plan available in 9 installments with the first initial payment due upon registration.

Financial Assistance: City of Greenville residents with documented financial need will automatically qualify for a reduced fee after school program. Qualified participants must complete the application and submit all required documentation to be eligible for the reduced fee. Financial aid will automatically be added to the participants online account after their application and documentation has been approved. Applications are available online (see below under documents) or in person at David Hellams Community Center or Bobby Pearse Community Center.

Financial assistance rates are $270 for the year. Sibling discounts do not apply to financial assistance rates.

Locations:

  • Bobby Pearse Community Center (FULL)
    • Elementary: Stone Academy
    • Middle: League Middle
  • David Hellams Community Center
    • Elementary: East North Street
    • Middle: Greenville Middle
  • Nicholtown Community Center
    • Elementary: Lake Forest
    • Middle: Northwood Middle
  • West Greenville Community Center
    • Elementary: AJ Whittenberg (transportation will be provided)
    • Middle: League
    • Legacy Charter School also provides transportation to the Center

Bussing Directly From The School To The Community Center: The City of Greenville DOES NOT provide transportation from the school to the afterschool site. Parents are responsible for arranging school bus transportation and also letting the school know that their child will be attending this afterschool program.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Refunds are not available after the first week of the program.
  • Prior to August 17, Parent/Guardian must submit all completed parent consent forms.

DOCUMENTS

Parent Handbook

Parent Handbook Forms

Financial Assistance Application Form

Afterschool Flyer

Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays
Jan 4 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upcountry History Museum

Rockwell’s hopeful and admiring attitude toward humanity was the hallmark of his work. He loved to paint pictures that conveyed stories about people, their attitude toward each other, and his feelings about them.

 

During his forty-seven year affiliation with The Saturday Evening PostNorman Rockwell was celebrated for his special holiday cover illustrations, which were commissioned to mark a full spectrum of annual events for an enthusiastic public, from Thanksgiving, Christmas, and The New Year to Valentine’s Day and April Fools’ Day.  Whether it was the presentation of mouth-watering turkey at the Thanksgiving table or a rosy-cheeked Santa checking his list to see who’s naughty or nice, the illustrations simply conveyed Americana. In a rapidly changing world, Norman Rockwell’s art has been a reassuring guide for over six decades, and it continues to resonate today.

 

The Upcountry History Museum – Furman University in partnership with the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts will host the traveling exhibition Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays.  This beloved exhibition, featuring over 40 of Norman Rockwell’s most memorable and enduring holiday images, will make its South Carolina debut at the Upcountry History Museum.

PAVILION SNOW CARNIVAL Creating a Winter Wonderland for Your Preschoolers
Jan 4 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
The Pavilion

 

This high quality Morning Out program includes sleigh rides, ice skating, snowman building, and many other exciting activities your child will love! Let your kid experience all the fun that comes with playing in the snow by making a reservation today.

Snow Carnival Details

Snow Carnivals are only available for groups with a minimum of ten children

Schedule: Available Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Cost: $9 per child

Snow Carnivals are held based on reservation. To make a reservation or learn more about the program, call 864.467.3483 or email Daniel Halliman.

War Dogs: Never Above You, Never Below You, Always Beside You
Jan 4 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upcountry History Museum

Since the American Revolutionary War, military working dogs have served with all branches of the United States Armed Forces. First used as pack animals, working dogs have expanded their military roles to include scouting, policing, detection, and combat.

U.S. military dogs officially began serving in WWII, following the formation of the Dogs for Defense, Inc. coalition. Today, hundreds of dogs serve with U.S. military forces around the globe assisting with dangerous missions on today’s modern battlefields.

The exhibition combines life-size sculptures designed by Ohio master craftsman James Mellick with combat art and objects on loan from the collections of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Navy.

The project features eight Wounded Warrior and two Canine War Dog sculptures, bringing attention to the history, service and heroism of military working dogs. The collection represents Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Malinois who served in WWII, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan military campaigns.

One of James Mellick’s sculptures represents Lucca, a Marine Corps war dog.  She conducted more than 400 missions during two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan.  One of those missions cost Lucca her leg and severe burns but there were no human casualties under her watch.  When she retired, her handler was able to adopt her.

Twenty pieces of art paint a more complete picture of dogs at work, detailing the most menacing war dogs to goggled high-flying dogs to sleeping warriors and keen detectives. Artifacts include items used by war dogs and their handlers. Dog uniforms, medical kits and Purple Hearts share poignant stories of perseverance and bravery.

Military working dogs have served and protected countless lives in war, this inspiring exhibition tells their amazing story.

Empower Hour
Jan 4 @ 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].

Ice skating at The Pavilion
Jan 4 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
The Pavilion

SKATE ON A PERFECT SHEET OF ICE

At the Pavilion, our state-of-the-art ice system creates a smooth, professional, and sustainable surface available for a variety of great ice activities. Take a lesson, bring a friend, or go on your own during our public skate times.

 

Ice skating at The Pavilion
Jan 4 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
The Pavilion

SKATE ON A PERFECT SHEET OF ICE

At the Pavilion, our state-of-the-art ice system creates a smooth, professional, and sustainable surface available for a variety of great ice activities. Take a lesson, bring a friend, or go on your own during our public skate times.

Greenville Parks + Rec Afterschool Program
Jan 4 @ 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Various Community Centers

Afterschool

The Study Buddies Afterschool program is offered at four community centers throughout Greenville. The program runs Monday through Friday from 2:30-6 p.m. Participants will receive homework assistance, life skills development, recreational activities, educational projects, and much more. A healthy meal is provided daily for each participant. This program is open to students in K through 8th grade.

Registration is currently open for city of Greenville residents. 

Participants in the Study Buddies Afterschool program  will receive homework assistance, life skills development, recreational activities, educational projects, and much more. A healthy meal is provided daily. This program is open to students in 5K through 8th grade.

We are committed to providing our students a safe, enriching, and healthy afterschool experience. View Afterschool Health and Wellness Policy (PDF)

Dates: August 17, 2021 – June 1, 2022                                                         *Program does not run when there is no school for holidays, half days, teacher work days, vacations, or snow days (following Greenville County School calendar).

Time: 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Fees:  $585 for City Residents

Discounts for families registering two or more children. Payment plan available in 9 installments with the first initial payment due upon registration.

Financial Assistance: City of Greenville residents with documented financial need will automatically qualify for a reduced fee after school program. Qualified participants must complete the application and submit all required documentation to be eligible for the reduced fee. Financial aid will automatically be added to the participants online account after their application and documentation has been approved. Applications are available online (see below under documents) or in person at David Hellams Community Center or Bobby Pearse Community Center.

Financial assistance rates are $270 for the year. Sibling discounts do not apply to financial assistance rates.

Locations:

  • Bobby Pearse Community Center (FULL)
    • Elementary: Stone Academy
    • Middle: League Middle
  • David Hellams Community Center
    • Elementary: East North Street
    • Middle: Greenville Middle
  • Nicholtown Community Center
    • Elementary: Lake Forest
    • Middle: Northwood Middle
  • West Greenville Community Center
    • Elementary: AJ Whittenberg (transportation will be provided)
    • Middle: League
    • Legacy Charter School also provides transportation to the Center

Bussing Directly From The School To The Community Center: The City of Greenville DOES NOT provide transportation from the school to the afterschool site. Parents are responsible for arranging school bus transportation and also letting the school know that their child will be attending this afterschool program.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Refunds are not available after the first week of the program.
  • Prior to August 17, Parent/Guardian must submit all completed parent consent forms.

DOCUMENTS

Parent Handbook

Parent Handbook Forms

Financial Assistance Application Form

Afterschool Flyer

Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays
Jan 5 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upcountry History Museum

Rockwell’s hopeful and admiring attitude toward humanity was the hallmark of his work. He loved to paint pictures that conveyed stories about people, their attitude toward each other, and his feelings about them.

 

During his forty-seven year affiliation with The Saturday Evening PostNorman Rockwell was celebrated for his special holiday cover illustrations, which were commissioned to mark a full spectrum of annual events for an enthusiastic public, from Thanksgiving, Christmas, and The New Year to Valentine’s Day and April Fools’ Day.  Whether it was the presentation of mouth-watering turkey at the Thanksgiving table or a rosy-cheeked Santa checking his list to see who’s naughty or nice, the illustrations simply conveyed Americana. In a rapidly changing world, Norman Rockwell’s art has been a reassuring guide for over six decades, and it continues to resonate today.

 

The Upcountry History Museum – Furman University in partnership with the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts will host the traveling exhibition Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays.  This beloved exhibition, featuring over 40 of Norman Rockwell’s most memorable and enduring holiday images, will make its South Carolina debut at the Upcountry History Museum.

PAVILION SNOW CARNIVAL Creating a Winter Wonderland for Your Preschoolers
Jan 5 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
The Pavilion

 

This high quality Morning Out program includes sleigh rides, ice skating, snowman building, and many other exciting activities your child will love! Let your kid experience all the fun that comes with playing in the snow by making a reservation today.

Snow Carnival Details

Snow Carnivals are only available for groups with a minimum of ten children

Schedule: Available Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Cost: $9 per child

Snow Carnivals are held based on reservation. To make a reservation or learn more about the program, call 864.467.3483 or email Daniel Halliman.

War Dogs: Never Above You, Never Below You, Always Beside You
Jan 5 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upcountry History Museum

Since the American Revolutionary War, military working dogs have served with all branches of the United States Armed Forces. First used as pack animals, working dogs have expanded their military roles to include scouting, policing, detection, and combat.

U.S. military dogs officially began serving in WWII, following the formation of the Dogs for Defense, Inc. coalition. Today, hundreds of dogs serve with U.S. military forces around the globe assisting with dangerous missions on today’s modern battlefields.

The exhibition combines life-size sculptures designed by Ohio master craftsman James Mellick with combat art and objects on loan from the collections of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Navy.

The project features eight Wounded Warrior and two Canine War Dog sculptures, bringing attention to the history, service and heroism of military working dogs. The collection represents Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Malinois who served in WWII, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan military campaigns.

One of James Mellick’s sculptures represents Lucca, a Marine Corps war dog.  She conducted more than 400 missions during two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan.  One of those missions cost Lucca her leg and severe burns but there were no human casualties under her watch.  When she retired, her handler was able to adopt her.

Twenty pieces of art paint a more complete picture of dogs at work, detailing the most menacing war dogs to goggled high-flying dogs to sleeping warriors and keen detectives. Artifacts include items used by war dogs and their handlers. Dog uniforms, medical kits and Purple Hearts share poignant stories of perseverance and bravery.

Military working dogs have served and protected countless lives in war, this inspiring exhibition tells their amazing story.

Ice skating at The Pavilion
Jan 5 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
The Pavilion

SKATE ON A PERFECT SHEET OF ICE

At the Pavilion, our state-of-the-art ice system creates a smooth, professional, and sustainable surface available for a variety of great ice activities. Take a lesson, bring a friend, or go on your own during our public skate times.

 

Ice skating at The Pavilion
Jan 5 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
The Pavilion

SKATE ON A PERFECT SHEET OF ICE

At the Pavilion, our state-of-the-art ice system creates a smooth, professional, and sustainable surface available for a variety of great ice activities. Take a lesson, bring a friend, or go on your own during our public skate times.

Greenville Parks + Rec Afterschool Program
Jan 5 @ 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Various Community Centers

Afterschool

The Study Buddies Afterschool program is offered at four community centers throughout Greenville. The program runs Monday through Friday from 2:30-6 p.m. Participants will receive homework assistance, life skills development, recreational activities, educational projects, and much more. A healthy meal is provided daily for each participant. This program is open to students in K through 8th grade.

Registration is currently open for city of Greenville residents. 

Participants in the Study Buddies Afterschool program  will receive homework assistance, life skills development, recreational activities, educational projects, and much more. A healthy meal is provided daily. This program is open to students in 5K through 8th grade.

We are committed to providing our students a safe, enriching, and healthy afterschool experience. View Afterschool Health and Wellness Policy (PDF)

Dates: August 17, 2021 – June 1, 2022                                                         *Program does not run when there is no school for holidays, half days, teacher work days, vacations, or snow days (following Greenville County School calendar).

Time: 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Fees:  $585 for City Residents

Discounts for families registering two or more children. Payment plan available in 9 installments with the first initial payment due upon registration.

Financial Assistance: City of Greenville residents with documented financial need will automatically qualify for a reduced fee after school program. Qualified participants must complete the application and submit all required documentation to be eligible for the reduced fee. Financial aid will automatically be added to the participants online account after their application and documentation has been approved. Applications are available online (see below under documents) or in person at David Hellams Community Center or Bobby Pearse Community Center.

Financial assistance rates are $270 for the year. Sibling discounts do not apply to financial assistance rates.

Locations:

  • Bobby Pearse Community Center (FULL)
    • Elementary: Stone Academy
    • Middle: League Middle
  • David Hellams Community Center
    • Elementary: East North Street
    • Middle: Greenville Middle
  • Nicholtown Community Center
    • Elementary: Lake Forest
    • Middle: Northwood Middle
  • West Greenville Community Center
    • Elementary: AJ Whittenberg (transportation will be provided)
    • Middle: League
    • Legacy Charter School also provides transportation to the Center

Bussing Directly From The School To The Community Center: The City of Greenville DOES NOT provide transportation from the school to the afterschool site. Parents are responsible for arranging school bus transportation and also letting the school know that their child will be attending this afterschool program.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Refunds are not available after the first week of the program.
  • Prior to August 17, Parent/Guardian must submit all completed parent consent forms.

DOCUMENTS

Parent Handbook

Parent Handbook Forms

Financial Assistance Application Form

Afterschool Flyer

Thursday, January 6, 2022
Student Poetry Contest – “Ambition”
Jan 6 all-day
online

January through April

Actors performing Sandburg's works on stageActors portray characters from Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Story “Three Boys with Jugs of Molasses and Secret Ambitions.”

NPS Photo

Educators in grades 3-12 are invited to submit original poems written by their students in February. The poems will be judged and winners announced in April. Find the 2022 Poetry Contest Information and submission guidelines here. The theme “Ambition” is from one of Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories, to celebrate it’s 100th year of being published. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.”

Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry, and is open to students nationwide!

Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be postmarked by March 1, 2022. See below for submission rules.

Winners will be notified by April 8, 2022, and will be invited to participate in a special virtual program on April 22.


2022 Contest Rules

Theme – “Ambition”
Carl Sandburg wrote millions of words reflecting on the American experience of the 20th century. Though his words often focused on war, labor, and social injustice, as a father of three, he also wrote imaginative, zany, and fantastical children’s stories, called “Rootabaga Stories.” Carl Sandburg’s “Rootabaga Stories” were first published in 1922 and celebrate 100 years of entertaining readers of all ages this year. The theme “Ambition” is from one of these stories. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.” Read the story here.

Poems submitted for the 2022 contest should reflect the theme of “Ambition.” By definition, a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Or setting goals to achieve success.

Submission Rules

  • Poetry accepted from 3-12th grades only. Poems will be grouped for judging by 3-5th, 6-8th, and 9-12th.
  • Poems must be submitted by a teacher (traditional classroom or homeschool teacher).
  • No more than three poems per class. Teachers with multiple classes, can submit up to three poems per class period.
  • Poem will be judged on its ability to communicate the theme.
  • Poem can be written in any style, but must not exceed one-page in length. No illustrations.
  • Poems must be typed, no handwritten entries, using standard computer fonts, like Times, Arial, etc…
  • Do not place any identifying information (name, school, grade, etc…) on poem sheet, that will go on the accompanying submission form.
  • Submission form must be complete to be accepted:
    • Paperclipped to poem, no staples
    • Must be signed by parent, student and teacher
    • Submissions must be postmarked, faxed, or e-mailed to [email protected], by March 1, 2022. Emailed submissions must be docs, .pdfs or scans. Low resolution pictures of the submission will not be accepted.

Judging
Judges from the literary community will make the decision for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place within each grade category (3-5th, 6-8th, 9-12th).

Poetry Partners
The 2022 Poetry Contest is a result of tremendous community support including the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, and literary volunteers who serve as judges. Thank you.

Poetry Resources
You may also find curriculum resources to use in the classroom at the park’s website: www.nps.gov/carl/learn/education/index.htm.

Send Submissions to:
Carl Sandburg Home NHS
Attn: Poetry Contest
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731
Fax 828-693-4179
Email: [email protected]

Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays
Jan 6 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upcountry History Museum

Rockwell’s hopeful and admiring attitude toward humanity was the hallmark of his work. He loved to paint pictures that conveyed stories about people, their attitude toward each other, and his feelings about them.

 

During his forty-seven year affiliation with The Saturday Evening PostNorman Rockwell was celebrated for his special holiday cover illustrations, which were commissioned to mark a full spectrum of annual events for an enthusiastic public, from Thanksgiving, Christmas, and The New Year to Valentine’s Day and April Fools’ Day.  Whether it was the presentation of mouth-watering turkey at the Thanksgiving table or a rosy-cheeked Santa checking his list to see who’s naughty or nice, the illustrations simply conveyed Americana. In a rapidly changing world, Norman Rockwell’s art has been a reassuring guide for over six decades, and it continues to resonate today.

 

The Upcountry History Museum – Furman University in partnership with the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts will host the traveling exhibition Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays.  This beloved exhibition, featuring over 40 of Norman Rockwell’s most memorable and enduring holiday images, will make its South Carolina debut at the Upcountry History Museum.