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.

Friday, July 23, 2021
Spartanburg County Public Libraries Booklovers Podcasts
Jul 23 all-day
Online

About Booklovers

Booklovers is the longstanding book club at SCPL’s downtown location. The book club has been meeting since at least 2003, and at least one of the regulars is a charter member. When meeting in person, the group meets on the fourth Monday of every month, and when meeting virtually, we meet on the first Tuesday. Booklovers discusses everything from classics like The Sun Also Rises and Emma to science fiction and graphic novels.

About the Podcast

Jess and Joseph started the Booklovers podcast in June 2020 to discuss books that were originally selected for in person book club meetings, as well as to discuss additional titles that intrigue the hosts. Carmanita officially joined the podcast starting with our sixth episode. While we often discuss book pairs, we sometimes discuss groups of titles, individual books, and film & television.

Staying on Top Blog
Jul 23 all-day
Online
Ten at the Top
Through TATT’s Staying on Top Blog, leaders from across the Upstate provide insights into key Upstate issues.
Below are the most recent Staying on Top posts:
Outdoor Water Attractions Across the Upstate – by Patrick Flagler – Click Here to Read
Water Parks & Splash Pads Across the Upstate – by Rachel Page – Click Here to Read
Beyond Housing SC – Click Here to Read
The Phoenix Center – Click Here to Read
Tarzan Train
Jul 23 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Tarzan Train

 

Our train and canopy combo trip will start in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train depot. You will ride through the Smoky Mountains, along Fontana Lake and up into the Nantahala Gorge. On your 2 hour train ride, watch paddlers challenge the rapids on the Nantahala River. A delicious Deli Sandwich lunch is included. At the top-of-the-line, you will disembark the train and travel a short distance to Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours.

The original zipline canopy tour in Western North Carolina, Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours offers 13 different zip lines and 8 sky bridges. Our two highest platforms have unbelievable views of Clingman’s Dome, Fontana Lake and waterfalls. This gliding experience, naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change, takes you through multiple ecosystems, past hemlocks, into hardwoods and through a deciduous forest packed with native flowering plants. All Canopy Tour Rangers are trained to – and all courses are built and inspected to – ACCT Standards to provide for your well-being and fun. This is a great experience for families.

After enjoying the fully guided zip line tour, check out your photos and buy a t-shirt in Wildwater’s store. Your adventure will end later in the afternoon back at your car in Bryson City, NC. All transportation is included.

Members of your party who can’t – or don’t want to – go on the canopy tour can ride the train round trip. You’ll all meet up shortly after the train’s return in Bryson City, NC.

The Freewheelers of Spartanburg A Bicycling Club
Jul 23 all-day
The Freewheelers of Spartanburg

Join anytime for $25 (Single Membership)!

 

freewheelers-logoMembership is open year round.  $25 for Singles and $35 for Families.
By joining the Freewheelers you help support bicycle advocacy in the Spartanburg area. Membership also provides members opportunities to network with other cyclists through the online message board for rides and events.  Membership drive for the coming year is Oct-Dec of each year.
Club membership is no longer be a requirement to participate in the Assault on Mt. Mitchell.
Benefits and examples of what we do:
    • The Freewheelers offer a challenging and extensive ride calendar for the beginner as well as the seasoned rider
    • Monthly Club meetings to help guide and support cycling in Spartanburg.
    • Bearden Josey women’s racing team support
    • SAG support for local rides
The Glass Animals’ “Dreamland” Tour Tickets on Sale Now
Jul 23 all-day
Online w/ ticket master

The Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville is proud to announce The Glass Animals’ “Dreamland” Tour in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on March 28, 2022. Tickets for the event will go on publicly via ONLINE ONLY on Thursday, May 6 at 10:00am via Ticketmaster.com. Adding to an already incredible year, Glass Animals have announced their North American “Dreamland Tour.” The run kicks off August 30th in Lewiston, NY and takes the band across North America well into 2022. The shows add to their already sold out UK tour dates, previously announced Red Rocks shows and confirmed festival performances at BonnarooLife Is Beautiful, and Outside Lands. For more information about this event, please click here.

In addition, last week the band was selected as 2021 Billboard Music Awards finalists for Top Rock Song “Heat Waves” and Top Rock Album Dreamland. This is the first time the band has been recognized by the BBMAs. The Billboard Music Awards LIVE will take place Sunday, May 23rd at 3pm EST/5pm PT on NBC.

Earlier this month, Glass Animals performed “Heat Waves” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where the band took over Margate’s Dreamland Theme Park and brought it back to life with an electrifying performance—watch HERE. In addition, they performed on The Ellen Degeneres Show where they took over a skate rink and used fan submitted footage to fill the television screens behind their performance—watch HERE.

Wings of the City Art Exhibit
Jul 23 all-day
Falls Park and on the Peace Center
WINGS OF THE CITY
Local news has shared several recent stories about a petition to remove the Wings of the City exhibit. Art can create many different reactions and emotions in viewers, and Hispanic Alliance respects the right to both share these impressions and to be civically active in the community.
We also want to reassure the community that the vast majority of responses to this exhibit have been overwhelmingly positive. Many are full of pride to have a world-renowned artist, and the accompanying tourism, brought to our home. Please read a joint statement from the City of Greenville and Hispanic Alliance regarding the City’s support for Wings of the City, as well as the real intentions behind welcoming this art.
On a personal note, Hispanic Alliance has been deeply touched by the supportive messages and generous donations of those seeking to preserve this art for everyone. We encourage you to see these impressive sculptures in-person! Please visit WingsofGVL.com to learn more, and don’t forget to use the hashtags #WingsofGVL, #AlasdeGVL, and #WingsoftheCity.
Please DONATE BLOOD as soon as possible! Historically Low Supply
Jul 23 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Spartanburg Donor Center

TBC Rewards

BLOOD DONORS NEEDED NOW

The local blood supply is now critically low after months of historically low blood donor turnout. This community is inching dangerously close to a blood shortage. Please DONATE BLOOD as soon as possible!

 

Please DONATE BLOOD as soon as possible! Historically Low Supply
Jul 23 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
The Blood Connection

TBC Rewards

BLOOD DONORS NEEDED NOW

The local blood supply is now critically low after months of historically low blood donor turnout. This community is inching dangerously close to a blood shortage. Please DONATE BLOOD as soon as possible!

 

Banco de Comida I Food Pantry
Jul 23 @ 8:00 am – 11:30 am
United Ministries Administration and Emergency Assistance
Children’s Fountain at RiverPlace
Jul 23 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
RiverPlace

Children playing in the railroad-themed splash fountain at Riverplace

CHILDREN’S FOUNTAIN

Located at RiverPlace, this railroad-themed splash fountain is a popular spot to cool off in the summer months. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, from April 1 to October 31.

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Jul 23 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

WNC Farmers Market Open Daily
Jul 23 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

With the convenience of being open year-round, 7 days a week, the WNC Farmers Market offers a selection of farm-fresh produce at the lowest prices in Western N.C. Our popular retail buildings, providing a selection of non-perishables, fruits, vegetables, crafts and more, are open daily.

WEST END WALKING TOUR
Jul 23 @ 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Greenville—Falls Park

This tour begins at the very birthplace of Greenville—Falls Park. The same allure of the gorgeous 40-foot natural waterfall that casts a spell on Falls Park visitors today must have had the same impact on the first colonial settler, Richard Pearis, when he arrived in c.1769. Less than a handful of American cities can boast such a waterfall in the heart of downtown. Visitors receive a chronological history of our city beginning with a view of the falls from the newest icon of the city’s cityscape—the award-winning pedestrian Liberty Bridge. At the foundation walls of an 1816 grist mill built by Vardry McBee, guests will learn about the factors that caused this small trading post town to grow into the textile center of the world.

Other highlights of the tour include discussion of some of the oldest buildings still existing along the banks of the river, including the 1882 Huguenot Mill and the Gower, Cox and Markley Carriage factory buildings that are now used for dining and entertainment. On the other side of the river banks, visitors will soak in the magnificent features of the $137 million Riverplace development with its unique mix of restaurants, offices, condominiums, artists’ open studios, a 30-foot cascading waterfall feature, hotel and more.

A stroll back up Main St. into the West End discusses a famous Greenvillian, Charles Townes. This tour will give you a great overview of our city’s past but you’ll also hear about the exciting current projects that are adding to the downtown experience as well as future projects that are going to be transforming us into the future.

Highlights include:

• Ruins of an 1816 grist mill built by the “Father of Greenville”, Vardry McBee

• The 1882 Huguenot Mill – learn how Greenville became the “Textile Center of the World”
• The 1857 Gower, Cox and Markley Carriage factory building, once the largest carriage company in the South
• Riverplace – stroll the river walk while learning about the beautiful complex of fine restaurants, shopping, condos, open artist studios, and more overlooking the Reedy River that has sparked a revitalization of the Historic West End
• The bronze memorial to Charles Townes, a Greenvillian who became the inventor of the laser

A Life in the Wild Art Exhibit
Jul 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

A Life in the Wild  features more than 30 large-format images from award-winning nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen, who has devoted decades of his life to documenting wild places across the globe and the remarkable creatures that inhabit them. For this traveling retrospective exhibition of his works, Mangelsen has hand-selected several legacy photographs from his portfolio of more than 40 years, during which time he has captured thousands of breathtaking images of wildlife under natural — and sometimes harsh — conditions. With subjects ranging from black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains to plains zebras in the savannas of East Africa, this collection of photographs serves to remind us all to slow down and take a moment to connect with nature near and far. Named the 2011 Conservation Photographer of the Year by Nature’s Best Photography, among other accolades, Mangelsen has his work featured in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C..

A Life in the Wild is on display daily, May 15 – September 5, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Baker Exhibit Center. Face coverings are required for visitors ages 5 years and older.

Exhibit support for A Life in the Wild is provided in part by The North Carolina Arboretum SocietyAsheville Citizen-TimesBiltmore Farms HotelsGasperson Moving & StorageRomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide and Smoky Mountain Living Magazine

THOMAS D. MANGELSEN – A LIFE IN THE WILD, produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C., David J. Wagner, Ph.D., Curator/Tour Director.

Converse College Kids Basketball Camp
Jul 23 @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
TBA

Kids Summer Basketball Camp
For boys & girls ages 5-14 (Kindergarten-8th Grade). This camp is designed for teaching the fundamentals of the game of basketball in a fun and safe environment. Camp Includes daily contests for prizes, fundamental stations, 3-on-3 half court and 5-on-5 full court games, instruction by Converse coaches and players, Converse basketball t-shirt.

Dates:
Session 1: July 5-9, 2021 (At Converse College)
Session 2: July 12-16, 2021 (At Converse College)
Session 3: July 19-23, 2021 (TBD)
Mon-Thu 9:00am – 3:30pm; Friday 9:00am – 12:00pm (Awards Ceremony begins at 11:30am)

Cost: $200 per session (multiple week & family discounts available)

Location: Converse College Weisiger Center- 321 North Fairview Avenue, Spartanburg, SC 29302

-Lunch is available for purchase Monday thru Thursday (Chick-Fil-A, Pizza, etc.). Campers may bring their own lunch. We will have a camp store and concession stand where campers may buy snacks and drinks. 
-Gatorade Bank ($20): Campers will receive a sports bottle and have access to unlimited Gatorade for the week.

Links to Register:

TO REGISTER: https://converse.formstack.com/forms/athletic_camp_sign_up

For more information, please call 864-596-9610. 

Fairy Trail 2021
Jul 23 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Fairy Trail 2021

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.

Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.

IMAGINATION CREATION  Summer Camp
Jul 23 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Children's Museum of the Upstate

MAGINATION CREATION 
July 19-23  
Grab your wizards’ hat, princess tiara and pirate eye patch as you journey through the fantasy story YOU create! Build castles, discover dragons and go on an exciting treasure hunt during this magical week of camp!

TCMU-GREENVILLE SUMMER CAMPS

TIMING AND PRICING OPTIONS:

PRESCHOOL AGE CAMP 

Half Day Only: 9AM-12PM or 1PM-4PM 
$150 (members) and $175 (non-members)
Campers must be three years old by the start of camp and potty trained. 

ELEMENTARY AGE CAMPS (K5-2nd or 3rd-5th)

Half Day Only: 9AM-12PM or 1PM-4PM 
$150 (members) and $175 (non-members)

Full Day: 9AM-4PM (Includes Lunch Bunch) 
$300 (members) and $350 (non-members)

Lunch Bunch Hour Add-On: 12PM-1PM 
$30/Camper for half day campers only (only at TCMU-Greenville)

MUSICAL THEATRE (In-Person) Rising 5th – 7th Grades
Jul 23 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse/Studio 52

Picture

In this exciting week-long, half-day theatre program, young artists will work with a team of industry experts to explore the genre of musical theatre. With a fun combination of training, rehearsal, and performance, students will take their acting, singing, and dance skills to the next level, developing an original musical revue presented at the end of the week for a small audience. This week is perfectly suited for students who are passionate about musical theatre, excited to collaborate with peers and professionals, and interested in expanding their theatre skill set. No previous experience required. Space is limited. 

​​​​
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 19

Summer Plant Sale
Jul 23 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve

Hatcher Garden

Hatcher Garden is here for you to enjoy from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, free of charge.

Please be aware that you are in a natural setting and there are factors beyond our control. We cannot be responsible for falling limbs, acts of God, behavior of wild animals, etc.

TATT Reconnect: Transportation + Mobility in the Upstate
Jul 23 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Park 37 Community Room

As we start returning to in-person gatherings, TATT is hosting a series of Friday morning informal “ReConnect” events where a small group of participants get together to reconnect with others from across the Upstate. Session are limited to no more than 30 attendees and are being held in locations that have plenty of space for appropriate distancing.

The Hosts for July 23rd will be Upstate Mobility Alliance Director Michael Hildebrand and co-chairs of the Mobility Alliance Leesa Owens from Michelin and Keith Scott from Electric City Transit.  The topic for this session will be Mobility in the Upstate.

TATT Reconnect is a free event, but registration is required as we will be limiting the number of participants to 30 people to allow for group conversation and social distancing.