Greenville, SC Events and Things to Do

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, September 22, 2023

The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad

Sep 22 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

Categories: Tours

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).

Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Sports Tours

Wee Wine + Dahlias

Sep 22 @ 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.

Categories: Food & Drink Garden

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.

Categories: Community Family Fun Food & Drink Outdoors

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.

Categories: Food & Drink Outdoors

Project Host BBQ Cook-Off

Sep 22 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Fluor Field

Competition brings out the best in us, right? But a BBQ competition might just bring out the very best in us! Join us Friday, September 22 for the Anything Butt Contest and enjoy appetizers, sides, and desserts prepared by our cookers along with live entertainment, while the little ones enjoy the Kids Zone!

Winners of the Cook-Off will be announces on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. so get here early to sample all the offerings along with the judges. Live entertainment and the Kids Zone will be open!

The event is free with tickets for food samples and select activities sold at the gate.

Join us Friday for the Anything Butt Contest and enjoy appetizers, sides and desserts prepared by our cookers along with live entertainment, while the little ones enjoy the Kids Zone.

Winners of the Cook-off will be announced on Saturday at 1:30pm, so et here early to sample all of the offerings along with the judges. Kids Zone and live entertainment will be open. Please see the Project Host BBQ website for more.

Categories: Family Fun Food & Drink

Live Music

Sep 22 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

RJ Rockers Brewing Company

September:

8th

BROTHER OLIVER

15th

MONKEY HILL

22nd

ECHO OPERATIVE

Categories: Food & Drink Music

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Greenville BBQ Trail Tour

Sep 23 all-day

Various Locations Greenville SC

While Downtown Greenville’s familiar culinary scene has some great BBQ options, this tour will take you outside of the city center to the places locals know and love. These are the types of joints with smoke stacks sticking out of the rooftops and white smoke billowing out of the chimneys–smoking the meats right on the premises.

The Greenville BBQ Trail tour is your opportunity to try back-to-back tastings of what are considered by many to be among the top BBQ spots in the city.

Book Your Tour!

Tours include:

• Insights into each restaurant’s cooking processes and techniques
• Information about each restaurant’s history and how they got started
• Interesting information about Greenville BBQ history
• A drive through old textile mill villages
• And, of course, a chance to try generous portions of smoked meats and delicious sides

Locations we visit:

• Bucky’s Bar-B-Q
• Henry’s Smokehouse
• Mike & Jeff’s BBQ

Categories: Food & Drink Tours

OneSpartanburg Beautiful mini-grants

Sep 23 all-day

online

Do you, your neighborhood group, or other community organization have a beautification project you’d like to tackle? Apply for a Keep OneSpartanburg Beautiful Community Beautification Mini-Grant before Sept. 30 and help improve Spartanburg County’s environment. The work of our community’s Keep America Beautiful affiliate is directly tied to the OneSpartanburg Vision Plan.

Categories: Business and Networking

The Greenville BBQ Trail Tour

Sep 23 all-day

The Greenville BBQ Trail Tour

Greenville’s BBQ scene has been gaining more and more national attention, and it was most notably ranked a Top 10 BBQ City in America by Yahoo.com.

While downtown Greenville’s familiar culinary scene has some great BBQ options, this tour will take you outside of the city center to the places locals know and love. These are the types of joints with smoke stacks sticking out of the rooftops and white smoke billowing out of the chimneys — smoking the meats right on the premises.

The Greenville BBQ Trail Tour, presented by Greenville History Tours, is your opportunity to try back-to-back tastings of what are considered by many to be among the top BBQ spots in the city.

The tours include insights into each restaurant’s cooking processes and techniques, information about each restaurant’s history, interesting information about the city’s BBQ history, a drive through old textile mill villages, and of course generous portions of smoked meats and delicious sides.

The tours usually take place on Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:45 am and meet at City Hall. Tickets are $55 per person.

Visit greenvillehistorytours.com/greenville-culinary-tours/bbq-trail/ or call (864) 567-3940 for additional information.

Categories: Food & Drink Tours

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience

Sep 23 @ 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.

Categories: Food & Drink

Nantahala Gorge Excursion

Sep 23 @ 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 pr e-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

Time from Departure	Activity
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

Categories: Family Fun Food & Drink

Project Host BBQ Cook-Off September

Sep 23 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Flour Field

Winners of the Cook-Off will be announces on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. so get here early to sample all the offerings along with the judges. Live entertainment and the Kids Zone will be open!

The event is free with tickets for food samples and select activities sold at the gate.

Join us Friday for the Anything Butt Contest and enjoy appetizers, sides and desserts prepared by our cookers along with live entertainment, while the little ones enjoy the Kids Zone.

Categories: Family Fun Food & Drink

Sandburg Home Tours

Sep 23 @ 11:00 am

Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Home Tours – Thursday to Sunday at 11am, 1pm, 2pm.

*As of April 2022, tours are free until further notice. See rates below if they change before your visit. Online reservations are available at recreation.gov.

The Sandburg Home is a great place to start your visit! The ground floor of the home contains visitor information, exhibits, tour ticket sales, the park store, and you can watch the park video. The main and top level of the home are furnished with the Sandburg family belongings. Visitors may only access the furnished ares of the home on a guided tour.

Tour Reservations: Reserving in advance lets you pick your preferred house tour time. Tours fill up quickly. Last-minute, in-person tickets may not be available on the day you visit. Plan ahead and reserve house tour tickets at recreation.gov.

Passes: The park does not currently sell the America the Beautiful– National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
*These passes do not waive the house tour fee, but do provide a discount.
*You can purchase a pass online at America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass | USGS Store.
30-minute house tours are offered year-round, schedule varies by season. Visit recreation.gov for the current schedule.
Visitors may only tour the Sandburg Home on a guided tour.
Tours are limited to 6 persons.
Strollers are not permitted on the house tour, but there is a place to leave them for storage. Infants and small children should be carried through the house while on tour.
Sandburg Home Guided Tour Fee
*Tours are free until further notice, this chart is the rate when fees resume.
(credit card only)
$10.00 for Adults 16 and older
$6.00 for Adults age 62 and older and all interagency pass holders
Free for Children age 15 and under

Categories: Tours

The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad

Sep 23 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

Categories: Tours

InnoVenture Futures Festival

Sep 23 @ 11:30 am – 5:30 pm

Hyatt Regency Greenville

Innovation is a contact sport

On September 23, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Greenville, a dynamic group of thought leaders is meeting at the InnoVenture Futures Festival to explore creating the future for ourselves, our organizations, and our region.

It’s a Festival, so we’ll connect over inspiring presentations, delicious food, and great music. We’ll explore combining our passions with our professions in the Jazz of Sales, Excelling at an Olympic Level, and the Dance of Bioengineering. Big organizations will present their innovation priority needs which are business development and job opportunities for others.

A networking lunch and a long networking break with an interesting technology demonstration will provide time for great connections to make attending the Festival worthwhile. We’ll end the evening with live music and beverages on Noma Square outside the Hyatt.

We’ll help optimize your networking by distributing free to those registered to attend the inaugural Carolina Crescent Smart Manufacturing Report documenting the needs and capabilities of 50+ manufacturers, logistics organizations, technology providers, colleges and universities, and economic and workforce development agencies.

We’ll set the foundation for a multi-day 2024 Festival of Festivals on the Canvas of Greenville with multiple events by numerous organizations tapping into our global relationships to “Bring the World to the Carolina Crescent.”

Your insights are valuable to us. We appreciate you joining us as we explore together how to predict our future by creating it.

Agenda