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.

Thursday, September 28, 2023
Pumpkin Patch
Sep 28 @ 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.

Sit + Sew
Sep 28 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Anderson County Museum
Would you love to learn how to start making quilts?

Join Tommy & friends at the Anderson County Museum for our weekly meet up!
During this fellowship we learn & share quilting and sewing knowledge.
Bring a sewing machine & share your projects or ask questions!
This program is free, but donations are accepted.


Email to get onto the schedule for class!
[email protected]

Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Sep 28 @ 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
Friday, September 29, 2023
Greenville County Libraries: New library catalog powered by Aspen Discovery
Sep 29 all-day
Online w/ Greenville County Libraries

New Catalog

On Monday, September 25th we will be switching to a new library catalog powered by Aspen Discovery, providing an improved searching and browsing experience. You will be able to:

  • Search for physical items and eContent in the same place
  • Discover value-added features such as read-alikes and reviews
  • Get notified when new items by your favorite author or topic are added to the collection
  • Personalize your library account
  • Link family accounts together for easier management

What do I need to know?

  • All locations of the Greenville County Library System will be closed on Sunday, September 24th for the transition to the new system.
  • Your library card number will stay the same. If you have created an Alternate ID for your library card account, it will also carry over to the new system.
  • Saved Lists and Preferred Searches will not carry over to the new system. See a Library System staff member for assistance if you would like help exporting your saved lists.
  • On Saturday, September 23rd and Sunday, September 24th, you may experience some down time while accessing library online resources. If you have items already checked out in Libby or Hoopla, you should still be able to view those items. However, you will not be able to check out new items during this time.
  • Beginning at 6p on Saturday, September 23rd, the Library System’s mobile app will be temporarily down for maintenance during our transition to new library services management software. Current users of the mobile app will be notified via push notification and the Library System’s website will be updated when the app has been restored.
  • On September 25th, all patron PINs will be reset to the last 4 digits of the phone number saved in each account. You will be able to change to a preferred PIN by logging into your account or speaking with a staff member.
  • If the Reading History feature is currently turned on in your account, then your history will appear in the new system and that feature will remain turned on for future checkouts.
  • The drive-through book return at the Five Forks Branch Library will be closed on September 23–26.

Is there anything I need to do?

There’s nothing you need to do to keep your library account active.

However, there are some things you can do to help make this a smooth transition:

  • Speak to a staff member to make sure your correct phone number is saved in your account. This will ensure that access to your account is not disrupted when your PIN number changes.
  • Check to make sure your library account has accurate contact information so you can receive library notifications. You can update your email address by logging into your account or by speaking with any Library System staff member.
  • If you have set up your own PIN for your library account, you will need to log into your account after 9 am on Monday, September 25th and reset your PIN to that custom PIN. Otherwise, you may have trouble signing in to certain online services such as Libby and Hoopla.
Greer Christmas Parade Registration is OPEN
Sep 29 all-day
online
Theme: Christmas in Candyland

Join the fun and decorate your entries to reflect a Candyland Christmas. Remember, Santa is ONLY on the last float in the parade! The Greer Christmas Parade route is 1.1 miles; beginning at Poinsett Street & Memorial Drive and ending at N. Main Street & Cunningham Drive.

$50 Non-Commercial/Organization/Non-Profit registration

$100 Commercial/Business registration

$750 Rent a float from Greer Relief

$825 Rent a float from Greer Relief with sound

CLICK HERE for available floats

ALL entries & fees must be received or postmarked by the day before Thanksgiving (November 23rd). Entries & fees received/postmarked after this date will be assessed the $50 late entry fee.

We will have several awards determined by our judges: Best Float Entry, Best Walking Entry, and Best Band. 2022 Best Float was Scruffy’s Auction House, 2022 Best Walking Entry was Ignite Dance, and 2022 Best Band was Eastside High School Band. They each get bragging rights & a free entry for the 2023 Greer Christmas Parade!

BACK AGAIN THIS YEAR!! We will be incorporating a toy drive INTO the parade. We are asking for new toys to be brought to the parade to help support the Greer Relief Christmas Morning Shoppe, click here for more information on the program.

Please forward this email to any individual, business, and organization interested in participating in the parade. If you have any questions you can email us at [email protected] or call (864) 334-3490.

Upstate Food Access Interactive Map
Sep 29 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 29 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

Volunteer: Greer Community Garden
Sep 29 @ 7:00 am
Greer Community Garden

Volunteer

Water our garden plot at the Greer Community Garden located at 218 West Road, Greer, SC. Our plots are 13,19,25,31. Coming from the parking lot, they will be the last 4 plots to the far left of the first section.

The best time to water is when the temperature is before 80° (in the morning before the sun is too high or in the late afternoon once it’s begun to set).

If you need anything, email Jenn [email protected]

Neighborhood Breakfast
Sep 29 @ 7:30 am – 9:00 am
Grace Church

 

Join us for breakfast and table discussions about Greer Relief. Each year we invite neighbors to come together in a common goal to eliminating poverty and equip our neighbors to overcome barriers for success.  You will learn: who we are, what we do, and how YOU can get involved.

RSVP by September 25th, click here 

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Sep 29 @ 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!

RENEW: Walking Group
Sep 29 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Greer Relief & Resources Agency, Inc.

Take a walk with a neighbor in the park. Check-in and out at Greer Relief.

Weather dependent unless otherwise noted.

Remember:

  • Please be early. There are no late check-ins.
  • The class is for adults only. Children can walk with you in the park if you (or someone) can watch them. They can participate if they wish, but only those 18 and older will earn a RENEW reward.
  • Must attend in person and be present for the entirety of each class to earn RENEW Rewards.
  • RENEW Rewards: $10 

About RENEW: RENEW is an education, enrichment, and life skills program designed to improve the quality of life and well-being of the greater Greer community. We welcome any and all individuals who are passionate about learning and developing skills that will set them on a path of healthy living.

RENEW: Reaching Every Neighbor Every Way, for classes on: Financial Wellness, Job Services, and Healthy Living

Anderson County Museum Gallery Open
Sep 29 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Anderson County Museum

Holidays The Museum is closed.

Greer Relief Volunteer Opportunities
Sep 29 @ 10:00 am
Greer Relief & Resources Agency, Inc.

Volunteer

Opportunities

Are we on your calendar?

Go HERE to see available activities

Most needed days & times for the pantry are* Monday-Friday 11:30am-2:30pm

Monday & Thursday 2pm-5pm

Wednesday & Friday 9am-12noon

RENEW SHOP

Thursday, September 28th

8:45am-12:30pm

12:30pm-4:30pm

Set up on

Wednesday, September 27th

Other Activities Include:

  • Sorting donations
  • Taking extra donations to Carol’s Hope
  • The Shop is open the last Thursday each month

Greer Community Garden

Our garden is going into a new season. We are going to have a fall garden!! Henn’s Plant Farm in Fletcher, NC has donated the plants. As soon as the plot is tilled planting can take place.

Please email [email protected] for more information.

Weeding, watering, and bringing produce to office will continue!!

Pumpkin Patch
Sep 29 @ 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.

Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Sep 29 @ 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
Swamp Rabbit Trail Tour
Sep 29 @ 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).

Tweetsie Railroad’s Family-Friendly Halloween Celebration: The Ghost Train
Sep 29 @ 7:30 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Theme Park Transforms from Wild West by Day to Ghost Train at Night

The spooktacular season of Tweetsie’s Ghost Train® Halloween Celebration, a popular fall family tradition, begins Friday, September 22, and continues every Friday and Saturday night through October 28.

Daytime guests can still enjoy all of Tweetsie’s Wild West adventures, rides and attractions. . . but when the sun goes down, the park gets a full makeover complete with costumed characters, decorations, music and Halloween-themed attractions.

Younger children will love the dance parties, trick-or-treat stations, themed photo opportunities, and the Palace Spooktacular Show.

Braver kids and adults will appreciate the scary night-time journey on the Ghost Train, walking through the hallowed halls of the Haunted House and exploring the murky Freaky Forest.

And, everyone will love the park’s most popular amusement rides after dark in the Creepy Carnival.

The park opens at 7:30 pm with the first train scheduled for 8:00 p.m. On October Saturday nights starting on the 14, 21, and 28, the park opens at 7:15 p.m. with the first train scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Tickets are $60 for adults, $40 for children (ages 3-12) and free for children age 2 and under. They are sold in advance for a designated night with a scheduled train ride departure time. A limited number of guests will be admitted each evening, so visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets well beforehand to avoid missing out on all of the spooky fun.

Saturday, September 30, 2023
Greenville County Libraries: New library catalog powered by Aspen Discovery
Sep 30 all-day
Online w/ Greenville County Libraries

New Catalog

On Monday, September 25th we will be switching to a new library catalog powered by Aspen Discovery, providing an improved searching and browsing experience. You will be able to:

  • Search for physical items and eContent in the same place
  • Discover value-added features such as read-alikes and reviews
  • Get notified when new items by your favorite author or topic are added to the collection
  • Personalize your library account
  • Link family accounts together for easier management

What do I need to know?

  • All locations of the Greenville County Library System will be closed on Sunday, September 24th for the transition to the new system.
  • Your library card number will stay the same. If you have created an Alternate ID for your library card account, it will also carry over to the new system.
  • Saved Lists and Preferred Searches will not carry over to the new system. See a Library System staff member for assistance if you would like help exporting your saved lists.
  • On Saturday, September 23rd and Sunday, September 24th, you may experience some down time while accessing library online resources. If you have items already checked out in Libby or Hoopla, you should still be able to view those items. However, you will not be able to check out new items during this time.
  • Beginning at 6p on Saturday, September 23rd, the Library System’s mobile app will be temporarily down for maintenance during our transition to new library services management software. Current users of the mobile app will be notified via push notification and the Library System’s website will be updated when the app has been restored.
  • On September 25th, all patron PINs will be reset to the last 4 digits of the phone number saved in each account. You will be able to change to a preferred PIN by logging into your account or speaking with a staff member.
  • If the Reading History feature is currently turned on in your account, then your history will appear in the new system and that feature will remain turned on for future checkouts.
  • The drive-through book return at the Five Forks Branch Library will be closed on September 23–26.

Is there anything I need to do?

There’s nothing you need to do to keep your library account active.

However, there are some things you can do to help make this a smooth transition:

  • Speak to a staff member to make sure your correct phone number is saved in your account. This will ensure that access to your account is not disrupted when your PIN number changes.
  • Check to make sure your library account has accurate contact information so you can receive library notifications. You can update your email address by logging into your account or by speaking with any Library System staff member.
  • If you have set up your own PIN for your library account, you will need to log into your account after 9 am on Monday, September 25th and reset your PIN to that custom PIN. Otherwise, you may have trouble signing in to certain online services such as Libby and Hoopla.
Greer Christmas Parade Registration is OPEN
Sep 30 all-day
online
Theme: Christmas in Candyland

Join the fun and decorate your entries to reflect a Candyland Christmas. Remember, Santa is ONLY on the last float in the parade! The Greer Christmas Parade route is 1.1 miles; beginning at Poinsett Street & Memorial Drive and ending at N. Main Street & Cunningham Drive.

$50 Non-Commercial/Organization/Non-Profit registration

$100 Commercial/Business registration

$750 Rent a float from Greer Relief

$825 Rent a float from Greer Relief with sound

CLICK HERE for available floats

ALL entries & fees must be received or postmarked by the day before Thanksgiving (November 23rd). Entries & fees received/postmarked after this date will be assessed the $50 late entry fee.

We will have several awards determined by our judges: Best Float Entry, Best Walking Entry, and Best Band. 2022 Best Float was Scruffy’s Auction House, 2022 Best Walking Entry was Ignite Dance, and 2022 Best Band was Eastside High School Band. They each get bragging rights & a free entry for the 2023 Greer Christmas Parade!

BACK AGAIN THIS YEAR!! We will be incorporating a toy drive INTO the parade. We are asking for new toys to be brought to the parade to help support the Greer Relief Christmas Morning Shoppe, click here for more information on the program.

Please forward this email to any individual, business, and organization interested in participating in the parade. If you have any questions you can email us at [email protected] or call (864) 334-3490.

U.S. Kids Golf Greenville Fall Tour
Sep 30 all-day
Cross Creek Club

Welcoming girls and boys ages 5-18! Participants have the opportunity to earn medals for 1st-5th place at each event, as well as an End of Season award. Parent and grandparent caddies allowed. Opportunity to qualify for state, regional, world and teen world championships. From first tournament to the world championships!