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, May 19, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 19 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Greer Community Garden Volunteer Opportunities
May 19 @ 7:00 am
Greer Community Garden
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 19 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

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!

Runaway Friday Wine Lunch
May 19 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
M. Judson Booksellers

Some of the most fun we have at M. Judson comes from our collaborations with Mission Grape and Camilla Kitchen, where we let the food and wine do the storytelling. One afternoon amongst the bottles, Chef Teryi got to talking about her not-so-distant tradition of Runaway Fridays, where a person might sneak off for a midday margarita and be all the better for it. And we figured we can do better than that.

So join us for our end-of-week getaway in The Gallery at M.Judson: Runaway Friday Wine Lunch. We’ll pair three wines from the same producer with three small plates from Camilla Kitchen, get some delicious education from Danny Baker and Chef Teryi, as well as a sweet little treat to go.

Wines will be for sale, tickets will be limited!

Brew in the Zoo
May 19 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Greenville Zoo

– The Greenville Zoo invites zoo-goers to tap into the wild at the annual Brew in the Zoo. The evening provides adults 21+ an opportunity to sample an assortment of beers while exploring the zoo after-hours. Greenville Zoo invites zoo-goers to tap into the wild at the annual Brew in the Zoo.

Saturday, May 20, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 20 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Greer Community Garden Volunteer Opportunities
May 20 @ 7:00 am
Greer Community Garden
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 20 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

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!

SpringBoard Conference 2023: Training for Boards + Commissions
May 20 @ 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
online

The fourth annual SpringBoard Conference will help South Carolina women who have yet to seek positions on appointed boards and commissions gain the knowledge and confidence to do so and help women already serving become more effective board members. Learn the important role boards and commissions play in our government, understand the responsibilities associated with serving, and how to stand out in the application process. We’ll help you find the right board for your interests and experience, submit, and follow up on your application.

New this year–learn about service on corporate and nonprofit boards and hear from the officials who oversee appointments to statewide boards!

This is a virtual only conference.

 

Leading in the Private Sector: Serving on a Corporate or Non-Profit Board
Learn what it’s like serving on a private board, how to know if it’s the right fit for you, what experience you need, and how to find opportunities.

Presented by:
Karen Jenkins, President, Columbia Chamber of Commerce and member, SC Chamber of Commerce Board
Naomi Lett, Executive Director, United Way of SC


Starting at Home: Serving on a Local Appointed Board

Learn the roles boards and commissions play in local government, how they function, and the type of boards you can expect to find.

Presented by:
Dr. Kim Roberts, Fairfield County Clerk to Council

 

A New Solution: Appointments in the Digital Age
Learn how the innovative new MatchBoard app can help you find and apply for boards in your area.

Demonstration presented by:
Emily Bowerman, MatchBoard Director, SC Women in Leadership
Christie Lindsey, Clerk, City of Spartanburg


The Secret Formula for Being Appointed

What makes a candidate stand out to the council members and mayors making appointments? What skills should you have? Can networking help? What should you do before and after you apply?

Panelists:
Brandy Amidon, Mayor, City of Travelers Rest
David Kenner, Barnwell County Council
Daniel Rickenmann, Mayor, City of Columbia


How to Become a (More) Effective Board Member

What’s it like to serve? What’s the time commitment involved and how do you juggle it with other responsibilities? How many hours a month are you working outside of meetings? How do you handle conflict during meetings? How can you build a relationship with council members and officials? How do you increase your value to and status on the board?

Panelists:
Aisha Grant TaylorWorkers Compensation Commission
Kelly GlynnColumbia HTAX Committee
Ashlye WilkersonWinthrop Board of Trustees


Expanded Horizons: Serving on a Statewide Board

Learn more about opportunities to serve at the state level and how the appointment process varies from local appointments.

Panelists:
S.C. State Senator Sandy Senn, District 41 – Charleston & Dorchester Counties
S.C. State Representative Beth Bernstein, District 78 – Richland County, Member, S.C. House Judiciary Committee and Secretary, S.C. House Ethics Committee

Guided Trail Walk
May 20 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

  • Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
  • Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
  • Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
  • Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
  • COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
  • At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
YOGA IN THE GARDEN
May 20 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve

Join Kristin Shook for Yoga in the Garden each Saturday beginning April 1st through June 17th. The natural setting of Hatcher Garden is the perfect place for this practice. A suggested donation of $15 can be paid online during registration each week or you may bring it to class. All donations directly benefit Hatcher Garden.

JudFest
May 20 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Warehouse at Judson Mill

Come celebrate the phase 2 opening of the Judson Mill District all day on May 20th!
.
SIP & SHOP: Local artisan food and craft vendors and plenty of beer from Magnetic South Brewery
.
PLANT SEEDS: participate in a free seed planting activity with the Greenville County Library System and the Greenville County Soil & Water Conservation District
.
ENJOY SOME TUNES: enjoy live music from Mojo On Max -Live Music-, DJ Tennis Legend, and Sevendust throughout the day
.
GREET THE ANIMALS: Meet ambassador animals like box turtles from the Greenville Zoo

Polish Fest at Fireforge
May 20 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Fireforge Crafted Beer

Celebrate with polka, house-made kielbasa, Naked Pasta pierogi & Polish-style beer during Fireforge’s 1st annual Polish Fest, Saturday, May 20th from 12 to 10 p.m. The festive music line-up is as follows: Foothills Oompah Band (1-4 p.m.) & Wasted Wine (5-7 p.m.) Stay tuned for more details on beers & food! 🍻 Na Zdrowie!

Sunday, May 21, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 21 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Greer Community Garden Volunteer Opportunities
May 21 @ 7:00 am
Greer Community Garden
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 21 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

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!

Boozy Book Fair
May 21 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Carolina Bauernhaus Greenville

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to stockpile books for that upcoming vacation and stock up on beach reads. And what more fun way to do so than at the Boozy Book Fair?

There was nothing like the elementary school book fair – the smell of new books in the air, the rush of racing your friends to find the next installment of your favorite series, and, if you were lucky, the crinkle of money from Mom in your pocket.

Life felt so much easier back then, didn’t it? Don’t you find yourself wishing from time to time that you could just go back?

This May, you can – but we’re doing it grown-up style.

Don’t miss our Boozy Book Fair at Carolina Bauernhaus Greenville (556 Perry Ave Suite B118, Greenville, SC 29611) on Sunday, May 21st from 2-4pm!

We’ll have suggested book and drink pairings by Carolina Bauernhaus owner Casey Certain.

Book categories will include:

-Beach Reads

-Geeks & Gamers

-Read the Rainbow

-Gothic & Ghastly

-Drawing Under the Influence

-Guide to Adulting

-When Nature Calls

-Not Your Mama’s Cookbook

-Altered States

-Meet Cute Moments

-Criminally Good Reads

…and much much more!

This event is FREE and open to the public, so bring your friends! Be sure to RSVP so we have the booze + books ready – we can’t wait to see you there.

Monday, May 22, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 22 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Greer Community Garden Volunteer Opportunities
May 22 @ 7:00 am
Greer Community Garden
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 22 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

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!