Explore family friendly events, theatres, galleries, concerts, nightlife, things to do, and more in the Greenville, SC and Upstate areas.

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Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Sep 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!

Tri-ART: Call of the Wild
Sep 19 @ 9:30 am
Brocks Center for Performing Arts

Jack London’s classic tale comes to life on stage. This multi-media adventure mixes performance and storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the story of Buck, the magnificent offspring of a St. Bernard and Scottish Collie.

Kidnapped from his lavish life on a California estate and sent to work as a sled dog during the great Klondike Gold Rush of the 1800s, Buck becomes the most famous dog in the northland’s history and discovers the endurance and strength of his wild, primal ancestors as their call courses through his blood. A thrilling tale of courage and survival.

The production uses 180-degree projection that surrounds the performer and provides scenic, artistic, and historical context to the show through their content. The images feature a unique mix of Philip R. Goodwin’s classical illustrations from the book’s first edition, period photographs, and brand-new drawings and animations created by artist Michael Rae.

 

Berea Library: Story Time
Sep 19 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Berea Library

Stories, music, and activities that help children ages 5 and under develop social, listening, and comprehension skills.

Five Forks Library: Bouncing Babies
Sep 19 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Five Forks Library

Meeting Rooms A & B Stories, rhymes, music, and bouncing games for ages 1 – 18 mos. Includes play time for hands-on exploring and social skill development.

Greer Library: Talk Like a Pirate Story Time
Sep 19 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Greer Library

Join us for a special story time with a pirate theme for ages 5 & under. Children are invited to dress up.

Hughes Main Library Story Time
Sep 19 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Hughes Main Library

Story Room Stories, music, and activities that help children ages 5 and under develop social, listening, and comprehension skills.

Simpsonville Library: Mother Goose on the Loose
Sep 19 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Simpsonville Library

Nursery rhymes are used to create nurturing play experiences for ages 1-24 mos. Maximum of 3 children per adult caregiver. Attendance is limited to 40 per program.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Sep 19 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas! Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century. Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and our popular Cajun seasoned Pulled Pork BBQ with Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce cooked in our special spices and slow roasted to perfection! During the month of October, 9am departures will feature the option of a delicious Cheesy Shrimp & Grits or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole while 2pm departures will be served the popular BBQ meal.

Hughes Main Library Stay and Play!
Sep 19 @ 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Hughes Main Library

Meeting Rooms A & B Build Kindergarten readiness skills at this drop-in event for ages 2 – 6.

Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Sep 19 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our  First Class Dinning menu options OR you can pre-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

Itinerary

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 45m Reach top of the line
2h 00m Begin return
2h 30m—3h 30m Layover
3h 30m Depart Layover
4h 30m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity
Pelham Road Library: Stay and Play!
Sep 19 @ 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Pelham Road Library

Build Kindergarten readiness skills at this drop-in event for ages 2 – 6.

Simpsonville Library Toddler Tales
Sep 19 @ 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Simpsonville Library

Stories, movement, and music for ages 19+ mos.

Empower Hour
Sep 19 @ 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].

Tri-ART: Call of the Wild
Sep 19 @ 11:30 am
Brocks Center for Performing Arts

Jack London’s classic tale comes to life on stage. This multi-media adventure mixes performance and storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the story of Buck, the magnificent offspring of a St. Bernard and Scottish Collie.

Kidnapped from his lavish life on a California estate and sent to work as a sled dog during the great Klondike Gold Rush of the 1800s, Buck becomes the most famous dog in the northland’s history and discovers the endurance and strength of his wild, primal ancestors as their call courses through his blood. A thrilling tale of courage and survival.

The production uses 180-degree projection that surrounds the performer and provides scenic, artistic, and historical context to the show through their content. The images feature a unique mix of Philip R. Goodwin’s classical illustrations from the book’s first edition, period photographs, and brand-new drawings and animations created by artist Michael Rae.

 

Wee Wine + Dahlias
Sep 19 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Bullington Gardens
Bullington Gardens invites you to experience the epitome of exclusivity with their new and exciting offering – twilight parties in the enchanting gardens. Now accepting reservations, this is your chance to indulge in a truly magical evening with your own private group of eight. From August 15 to October 14, 2023, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30-6:30p.m., immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while delighting your palate with locally-sourced wines and cider, all in the company of the resplendent Dahlias in full bloom.

Picture this: you and your closest companions, relishing the serenity of the gardens, sipping on delectable beverages, and taking leisurely strolls amidst the breathtaking flora. To ensure an intimate experience, each group of up to eight will have their own private party. Whether you prefer the charming pavilion or the festive tents, the choice is yours. And fear not, for even if the rain tries to dampen the mood, the horticultural therapy greenhouse is ready to shelter you.

With only two groups accommodated each evening, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying your own secluded space. Each group’s table will be beautifully set in separate venues, adorned with fresh floral arrangements that you can take home as a keepsake. As the host, you have the opportunity to curate a culinary masterpiece by bringing your own hors d’oeuvres or even an entire meal. Imagine the delight of savoring delicious food amidst an unparalleled view, creating an unforgettable private party.

The cost for a table of eight is $300 per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. If you’re interested in elevating your involvement, consider a sponsorship level of $500. By participating in this extraordinary event, you will not only create cherished memories but also support the Educational and Horticultural Therapy programs dedicated to children and adults with special needs.

To secure your spot for the Wee Wine & Dahlias evening of your dreams, reserve below or give us a call at 828-698-6104. Remember, availability is limited, so make sure to secure your reservation early. Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of enchantment at Bullington Gardens!

August 15th through October 14th, 2023. Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30pm-6:30pm.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Take our Science Center survey
Sep 20 all-day
online
Take our Science Center survey to share feedback for future planning!
The first 50 responses will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift card of your choice! We have partnered with Heightened Development to facilitate this process. All responses will remain confidential. The survey will remain open until September 21st, but we encourage you to respond as soon as possible through the link below.
Survey
Upstate Food Access Interactive Map
Sep 20 all-day
online
It’s no secret that food insecurity is an issue facing many of our neighbors in the Upstate. Fortunately, there are countless organizations and resources working tirelessly to alleviate that stress!
Head over to our Upstate Food Access Resource Map to locate service providers near you!
VIRTUAL RAILFAN is live!
Sep 20 all-day
online w/ Hub City RR Museum

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

CRHA LogoThe 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

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

Swamp Rabbit Trail Tour
Sep 20 @ 9:30 am
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).

 

Running every Monday/Wednesday 9:30am and 2:30pm and Fridays at 2:30pm

 

2 Hours | Approx 8-10 Miles | $65 per person