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.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023
MJ The Musical
Sep 20 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

The music. The moves. The icon. Now, the unparalleled artistry of the greatest entertainer of all time comes to Greenville as MJ, the multi Tony Award® -winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Greenville, SC premiere at the Peace Center.

Thursday, September 21, 2023
Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Sep 21 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Sep 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!

Pumpkin Patch
Sep 21 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thompson Family Farms

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.

The Music of Dirty Dancing
Sep 21 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Get ready for the time of your life with The Music of Dirty Dancing! This musical tribute to the film shot, in part, at Henderson County’s own Lake Lure is sure to feature all the hip-shaking guilty pleasure the world came to love in the 1987 blockbuster. The sizzling soundtrack comes to life on ‘The Rock’ with vocals and dancing that will dazzle you.  Feel free to sing and dance along to tunes like “Be My Baby,” “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,”  the Academy Award winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and so many more!

Grandfather Presents: Brad Panovich
Sep 21 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Grandfather Mountain

As part of our Grandfather Presents series, meet Meteorologist Brad Panovich and learn “How the Mountains of North Carolina Affect Our Weather In Every Season of the Year”. Brad is a well-known and respected meteorologist who has been working for WCNC-TV in Charlotte since 2003. He is the chief meteorologist and hosted the weekly segment “Carolina Weather School” during COVID lockdowns. He is also an avid skier and snowboarder who provides weather forecasts for ski resorts across the southeast.

Brad has a passion for weather and science education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from The Ohio State University. He is a certified broadcast meteorologist by the American Meteorological Society and a member of the National Weather Association. He has won several awards for his work, including two Emmys and The American Meteorological Society Broadcast Meteorologist of the year in 2017. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte in their Meteorology department.

Brad Panovich is not only a meteorologist, but also a social media influencer. He has over 425,000 followers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, where he posts daily weather updates, videos, live streams and interactive Q&A sessions. He is known for his engaging and informative style, as well as his use of humor and emojis. He is also an advocate for environmental issues, such as climate change and renewable energy.

Brad Panovich is a proud husband and father of two children. He enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, hiking, biking and playing video games. He is also a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets.

Tickets
Buy tickets below beginning July 20, 2023.

“VIP” tickets include a VIP reception with the guest speaker that includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, in addition to the program and the “meet and greet” session after the event. Admission to the park for the day is also included.

  • $60 “VIP” Adult
  • $51 “VIP” Bridge Club Member

“Regular” tickets are a more cost-effective option and include only the speaker’s program and the “meet and greet” session after the event.

  • $25 “Regular” Adult
  • $20 “Regular” Bridge Club Member
  • Children under 12 admitted for free (max of four free children per purchase)

Refunds/Cancelations
Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration please call 828-733-2013 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Schedule

  • 8 a.m. | Park opens for the day and “VIP” ticket holders allowed access to the park
  • 4:45 p.m. | “Regular” ticket holders allowed to enter the park and head to the Wilson Center for the event
  • 5 – 5:30 p.m. | “VIP” Reception in one of the classrooms in the Wilson Center (VIP ticket holders only)
  • 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. | Speaker Presentation in the Classroom in the Clouds
  • 6:45 – 7:30 p.m. | Meet and Greet or Book Signing with Speaker
  • 7:45 p.m. | Park should be clear of all Grandfather Presents guests

Refunds/Cancellations
Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration please call 828-733-2013 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

More About Grandfather Presents
Our 2023 speaker series at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery includes five big Thursday night events with internationally and nationally known presenters. Presented by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the series also includes two Saturday afternoon presentations focused on nature, adventure or conservation-related topics on a local or regional scale. Read more.

ArborEvenings
Sep 21 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. 

Find more information here. 

Live Music Thursdays
Sep 21 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
RJ Rockers Brewing Company
Koe Wetzel: The Road to Hell Paso
Sep 21 @ 7:30 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

KOE WETZEL ANNOUNCES THE FALL LEG OF HIS ‘ROAD TO HELL PASO’ NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE TOUR PRESENTED BY MONSTER ENERGY

Genre-bending artist Koe Wetzel has added fall dates to his ‘Road to Hell Paso’
North American headline tour. Presented by Monster Energy, the newly announced 22-date run kicks off July 28 in Idaho Falls, ID with stops in Baton Rouge, Indianapolis, San Antonio, and more. The tour will conclude with shows in Lubbock and El Paso, TX, both of which have inspired a couple of Koe’s song and album titles. Additionally, Koe has added a performance in Sioux Falls, SD on June 29. See full routing below.

Koe has been on the road playing sold out shows across the country in support of his latest album Hell Paso, which debuted at #12 on the Billboard 200 upon release in September. Recorded at the iconic Sonic Ranch Studio outside of El Paso, TX, the 13-track LP perfectly blends Koe’s musical influences and carves a unique lane for himself. In speaking about the album, Koe says: “We pulled in every genre
we were feeling at the time. We spent the last ten years trying to make this sound, Hell Paso has it.”

With over 100,000 tickets sold thus far this year, the Texas-born singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer continues to dominate the touring world. In addition to his ‘Road to Hell Paso’ dates, Koe will support Eric Church this July. He will also perform at various festivals including a headline slot at the inaugural Georgia Country Music Fest this Labor Day Weekend in Marietta, GA.

MJ The Musical
Sep 21 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

The music. The moves. The icon. Now, the unparalleled artistry of the greatest entertainer of all time comes to Greenville as MJ, the multi Tony Award® -winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Greenville, SC premiere at the Peace Center.

The Music of Dirty Dancing
Sep 21 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Get ready for the time of your life with The Music of Dirty Dancing! This musical tribute to the film shot, in part, at Henderson County’s own Lake Lure is sure to feature all the hip-shaking guilty pleasure the world came to love in the 1987 blockbuster. The sizzling soundtrack comes to life on ‘The Rock’ with vocals and dancing that will dazzle you.  Feel free to sing and dance along to tunes like “Be My Baby,” “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,”  the Academy Award winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and so many more!

Moonlight Movies: SELENA
Sep 21 @ 8:00 pm
Falls Park

JOIN US EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT

Come early to grab a good spot and play trivia with us before the show. Movies begin at sundown in Falls Park every Thursday in September & October. Local food trucks and Poppington’s Popcorn will be on-site.

Feel free to bring your own picnic, chairs/blanket and enjoy a cozy night under the stars!

$1 wristbands must be purchased on-site if you plan on bringing alcohol.

As an important reminder for all, please leave all pets at home, do not bring glass cups or bottles and no smoking on-site.

Subscribe to receive event information via email or text.

Selena

In this biographical drama, Selena Quintanilla (Jennifer Lopez) is born into a musical Mexican-American family in Texas. Her father, Abraham (Edward James Olmos), realizes that his young daughter is talented and begins performing with her at small venues. She finds success and falls for her guitarist, Chris Perez (Jon Seda), who draws the ire of her father. Seeking mainstream stardom, Selena begins recording an English-language album which, tragically, she would never complete.

Friday, September 22, 2023
Nantahala Outdoor Center Guest Appreciation Festival
Sep 22 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Snag great deals from the Outfitter’s Store, the Guest Used Gear Marketplace, and shop handmade crafts and goods from local artisans. Play riverside games or participate in a race, grab a cold beverage and burger, and dance the evening away with live music.

The Used Boat sale will begin online a week before GAF! Used boats and gear will be available onsite at both the NOC Paddling School and the Outfitter’s Store so be sure to check them out when you visit!

Schedule of Activities

Friday, 9/15
8am GAF Demo Pre-boat sale Online sale starts at 8am. The sale at the NOC Outfitters Store starts at 9am
Friday, 9/22
8am Paddleports Apparel and Used Boats On Sale The Outfitters Store & the NOC Paddling School
12-7pm Used Gear Marketplace & Artisan Village River Left at NOC
5-8pm Live Music by Wyatt Esplain Riverside Stage
Saturday, 9/23
8am Used Boat & Apparel Sales The Outfitters Store & the NOC Paddling School
8am – 7pm Used Gear Marketplace & Artisan Village
10am-5pm Upper Nantahala / Cascades Release 300 CFS
12-3pm NRC Race Nantahala Slalom Course
12-3pm Macon Faces Kids Facepainting & Henna Free until 3pm!
12-3pm Magic Tom Balloon art & Magic
3pm-6pm Live Music by Christina Chandler Trio Riverside Stage
5pm Check Presentation to American Rivers Riverside Stage
7pm-10pm Live music by The Get Right Band Riverside Stage
Sunday, 9/24
8am Used Boat & Apparel Sales The Outfitters Store & the NOC Paddling School
10am-3pm Upper Nantahala / Cascades Release 425 CFS
3-5pm Upper Nantahala / Cascades Release 250 CFS

 

NRC Slalom Race

Come join us for a fun fall citizen’s slalom race on the Nantahala River! The race is open to paddlers of all ages and the course difficulty will be novice – intermediate.

The slalom course will start just above the NOC Founder’s Bridge and end upstream of the highway bridge. The course will consist of 18-20 slalom gates and will run through the 2013 Worlds Hole. Racers are encouraged to use slalom-specific or plastic “half-slice” boats and have at least class 2 river running skills.

Signup by emailing [email protected] or same day registration will be available Saturday morning by the NRC Trailer.  A start list and information will be provided by email.

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Sep 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!

Pumpkin Patch
Sep 22 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thompson Family Farms

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.

Swamp Rabbit Trail Tour
Sep 22 @ 2:30 pm
Reedy Rides

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).

Food Truck Rollouts
Sep 22 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Greer City Park

Bring your blankets or chairs and join us for a fun night of great food and live music at Greer City Park! Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Greer Relief & Resources Agency, Inc. Valid ID is required to purchase alcohol. Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited.

ArborEvenings
Sep 22 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. 

Find more information here. 

Main Street Fridays
Sep 22 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
NOMA Square
Wind up the work week at Greenville Heritage FCU Main Street Fridays presented by Pepsi, listening and dancing to the best in musical entertainment.
This weekly music series on Main Street at NOMA Square opens at 5:30 PM and closes at 9:30 PM, with bands playing two sets at 5:50 PM and 7:40 PM. NOMA Square chairs go fast, so bring a tailgating chair if you are not arriving early.
🎸 MUSIC LINEUP 🎸
3/17 The Jamie Wright Band (St. Patrick’s Day)
3/24 Haints & Saints
3/31 Latin Soul Band
4/7 Jukebox 45 (Masters Weekend)
4/14 Soul Intent
4/21 Hot as a Pepper
4/28 Odyssey Band
5/5 JazzSmith (Cinco de Mayo)
5/12 No Event – Artisphere
5/19 The Fortunate Sons
5/26 Eric Weiler Group (Scottish Games)
6/2 Hurt & Skip
6/9 Rhythm Jab
6/16 Wanda Johnson
6/23 Xpresso Party Band
6/30 Power2Party
7/7 The Night Affair Band
7/14 Soul Legit Band
7/21 The Night Owls
7/28 Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues
8/4 Jazz Revolution
8/11 Song
8/18 J-E-T
8/25 The Time Pilots
9/1 Shades of Brown
9/8 Sidecar
9/15 Rock and Roll Reunion (Shag Night)
9/22 Whitten Brothers Band
9/29 True Blues
Live Music
Sep 22 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
RJ Rockers Brewing Company