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, February 9, 2024
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 9 @ 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!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 9 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Disney’s The Lion King Jr. (musical)
Feb 9 @ 4:30 pm
Chapman Cultural Center

Music and Lyrics by Elton John & Tim Rice

Additional Music and Lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer

Book by Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi

Based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor

Music Adapted & Arranged and Additional Music & Lyrics and “Luau Hawaiian Treat” written by Will Van Dyke

The Tony Award winning Broadway phenomenon comes to life on SYT stage! Simba, a naive and curious lion cub, struggles to find his place in nature’s great ‘circle of life’. After being forced into exile by his evil and greedy uncle, Scar, Simba meets hilarious friends Timon & Pumbaa, and with their help, overcomes great fear and adversity to take his rightful place as ruler of the Pride Lands.

Ages Recommended: Most enjoyed by children 6 and up

Run Time: 90 minutes (includes 15 minute intermission)

Daddy Daughter Date Night
Feb 9 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Hearts of Clay

In honor of our daughters we are doing our 9th annual Valentine’s Daddy Daughter Date Night. We will have chocolate, candies, cookies and soft drinks and water. Cost is $3 per person non-refundable event fee plus cost of whatever pottery you choose to paint that night. We will have a picture taking area, call today and reserve your seat! Two events this year, February 9th and 23rd.

If you would like to sit with another daddy daughter that will be attending, please call us at 864-576-2228 or put in the notes at checkout. Thanks!

Ties + Tiaras: Sweetheart Dance
Feb 9 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Cleveland Park Event Center

It’s almost time for the Spartanburg Parks Ties and Tiaras Sweetheart Dance!
We hope you can join us on Friday, February 9th at the Cleveland Park Event Center for dinner, dancing and lots of magical moments!

Girls ages 5 and up are invited to attend, along with their VIP… Very Important (Adult) Person they’d like to twist and twirl with on the dance floor, whether that’s a dad, uncle, grandpa, cousin or family friend.

The dinner menu will be chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, green beans and a roll. We’ll have an ice cream truck for dessert, so you’ll have your choice of several sweet treats.

Each girl will get a tiara at check-in. We’re switching things up a bit this year, and instead of the candy bar, there will be a Taylor Swift-style friendship bracelet making station, so each girl will have a chance to make at least one personalized bracelet to take home.

Tickets are $60 per pair ($30 for each additional child).

Ringling Bros. and Barnum + Bailey® The Greatest Show On Earth®!
Feb 9 @ 7:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Get ready for The Greatest Show On Earth®! The reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® invites Children Of All Ages to a spectacle of superhuman feats, pushing the limits of possibility and thrilling families and fans of all generations. Get closer to the action than ever before. Feel part of the show with an immersive, 360-degree environment and new technology that creates real connections between you and unforgettable performers from all over the world. Witness daring and never-before-seen acts on a highwire, trapeze, bicycle, and much, much more. Share the laughter and awe-inspiring spirit of the circus and ignite your family’s spark of fun at The Greatest Show On Earth®. Come fun, come all! The new Ringling™ live show experience is coming to a town near you!

Saturday, February 10, 2024
2024 Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest is open with a theme of “Memory”
Feb 10 all-day
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Carl Sandburg wrote countless words in an array of different genres, including poetry, children’s stories, journal articles, as well as a biography and autobiography! He wrote of love and nature, dreams and struggles. This year’s theme of “Memory” is echoed in much of his works. ““Under the summer roses, when the flagrant crimson, lurks in the dusk, Of the wild red leaves, Love, with little hands, comes and touches you with a thousand memories, and asks you beautiful, unanswerable questions.” Carl Sandburg

Poems submitted for the 2024 contest should reflect the theme of “Memory.” By definition, “the process or power of recallling something learned or experienced from the past” Note: Poems do NOT need to be titled Memory, as long as the poem itself relates to the theme.

Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry and is open to students nationwide!

  • Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be submitted by email by Monday March 4, 2024. See below for submission rules.
  • Winners will be notified by April 7, 2024, and will be invited to participate in a virtual celebration program on Sunday, April 28.
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 10 @ 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!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 10 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum + Bailey® The Greatest Show On Earth®!
Feb 10 @ 10:30 am
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Get ready for The Greatest Show On Earth®! The reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® invites Children Of All Ages to a spectacle of superhuman feats, pushing the limits of possibility and thrilling families and fans of all generations. Get closer to the action than ever before. Feel part of the show with an immersive, 360-degree environment and new technology that creates real connections between you and unforgettable performers from all over the world. Witness daring and never-before-seen acts on a highwire, trapeze, bicycle, and much, much more. Share the laughter and awe-inspiring spirit of the circus and ignite your family’s spark of fun at The Greatest Show On Earth®. Come fun, come all! The new Ringling™ live show experience is coming to a town near you!

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Feb 10 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

Disney’s The Lion King Jr. (musical)
Feb 10 @ 2:00 pm
Chapman Cultural Center

Music and Lyrics by Elton John & Tim Rice

Additional Music and Lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer

Book by Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi

Based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor

Music Adapted & Arranged and Additional Music & Lyrics and “Luau Hawaiian Treat” written by Will Van Dyke

The Tony Award winning Broadway phenomenon comes to life on SYT stage! Simba, a naive and curious lion cub, struggles to find his place in nature’s great ‘circle of life’. After being forced into exile by his evil and greedy uncle, Scar, Simba meets hilarious friends Timon & Pumbaa, and with their help, overcomes great fear and adversity to take his rightful place as ruler of the Pride Lands.

Ages Recommended: Most enjoyed by children 6 and up

Run Time: 90 minutes (includes 15 minute intermission)

Ringling Bros. and Barnum + Bailey® The Greatest Show On Earth®!
Feb 10 @ 2:30 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Get ready for The Greatest Show On Earth®! The reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® invites Children Of All Ages to a spectacle of superhuman feats, pushing the limits of possibility and thrilling families and fans of all generations. Get closer to the action than ever before. Feel part of the show with an immersive, 360-degree environment and new technology that creates real connections between you and unforgettable performers from all over the world. Witness daring and never-before-seen acts on a highwire, trapeze, bicycle, and much, much more. Share the laughter and awe-inspiring spirit of the circus and ignite your family’s spark of fun at The Greatest Show On Earth®. Come fun, come all! The new Ringling™ live show experience is coming to a town near you!

Disney’s The Lion King Jr. (musical)
Feb 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Chapman Cultural Center

Music and Lyrics by Elton John & Tim Rice

Additional Music and Lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer

Book by Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi

Based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor

Music Adapted & Arranged and Additional Music & Lyrics and “Luau Hawaiian Treat” written by Will Van Dyke

The Tony Award winning Broadway phenomenon comes to life on SYT stage! Simba, a naive and curious lion cub, struggles to find his place in nature’s great ‘circle of life’. After being forced into exile by his evil and greedy uncle, Scar, Simba meets hilarious friends Timon & Pumbaa, and with their help, overcomes great fear and adversity to take his rightful place as ruler of the Pride Lands.

Ages Recommended: Most enjoyed by children 6 and up

Run Time: 90 minutes (includes 15 minute intermission)

Ringling Bros. and Barnum + Bailey® The Greatest Show On Earth®!
Feb 10 @ 6:30 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Get ready for The Greatest Show On Earth®! The reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® invites Children Of All Ages to a spectacle of superhuman feats, pushing the limits of possibility and thrilling families and fans of all generations. Get closer to the action than ever before. Feel part of the show with an immersive, 360-degree environment and new technology that creates real connections between you and unforgettable performers from all over the world. Witness daring and never-before-seen acts on a highwire, trapeze, bicycle, and much, much more. Share the laughter and awe-inspiring spirit of the circus and ignite your family’s spark of fun at The Greatest Show On Earth®. Come fun, come all! The new Ringling™ live show experience is coming to a town near you!

Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
Feb 10 @ 7:00 pm
PNC Arena

Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils

Whalers Night: Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
Feb 10 @ 7:00 pm
PNC Arena

 

The Hurricanes will honor their heritage on Whalers Night, which will encompass a number of throwback elements, including vintage Whalers sweaters and more! Presented by Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken.

Sunday, February 11, 2024
2024 Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest is open with a theme of “Memory”
Feb 11 all-day
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Carl Sandburg wrote countless words in an array of different genres, including poetry, children’s stories, journal articles, as well as a biography and autobiography! He wrote of love and nature, dreams and struggles. This year’s theme of “Memory” is echoed in much of his works. ““Under the summer roses, when the flagrant crimson, lurks in the dusk, Of the wild red leaves, Love, with little hands, comes and touches you with a thousand memories, and asks you beautiful, unanswerable questions.” Carl Sandburg

Poems submitted for the 2024 contest should reflect the theme of “Memory.” By definition, “the process or power of recallling something learned or experienced from the past” Note: Poems do NOT need to be titled Memory, as long as the poem itself relates to the theme.

Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry and is open to students nationwide!

  • Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be submitted by email by Monday March 4, 2024. See below for submission rules.
  • Winners will be notified by April 7, 2024, and will be invited to participate in a virtual celebration program on Sunday, April 28.
Kids Artistic Review Dance Competition
Feb 11 all-day
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

KAR is dedicated to producing world class dance events that provide rewarding and positive experiences for dancers, teachers, and parents. Our competitions give dancers across America the opportunity to showcase their talent and passion on the KAR stage. We also proudly acknowledge the achievements and excellence of dance teachers, choreographers, and parents and appreciate their efforts in helping to make dreams come true! KAR is honored to be recognized as America’s Favorite Dance Competition and look forward to seeing the amazing talent your city has to offer!

Kendra Bunch

(714) 826-8440 ext 1020
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 11 @ 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!