Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

• Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
• Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
• Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
• Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

• Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
• Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
• Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
• Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.

History Comes Alive Festival

From antebellum America to the Golden West, from the world of Nazi Austria to the world of American pop music, we have an image of these times, these people. On the Chautauqua stage, we will explore the truth of those images.

El Vaquero – When it comes to legends, what is a greater image of the West than the cowboy? Learn what the culture of life in the saddle was really like – Portrayed by Angel Vigil.

FREE Admission.

Seating is limited and first-come, first-served.

Come early to get a seat.  Doors open at 6 pm.

This show is sponsored by: 

History Comes Alive Festival

From antebellum America to the Golden West, from the world of Nazi Austria to the world of American pop music, we have an image of these times, these people. On the Chautauqua stage, we will explore the truth of those images.

El Vaquero – When it comes to legends, what is a greater image of the West than the cowboy? Learn what the culture of life in the saddle was really like – Portrayed by Angel Vigil.

FREE Admission.

Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Come early to get a seat.  Doors open at 1 pm.

History Comes Alive Festival

From antebellum America to the Golden West, from the world of Nazi Austria to the world of American pop music, we have an image of these times, these people. On the Chautauqua stage, we will explore the truth of those images.

“Stagecoach Mary” Fields – She rose from slavery to become a living Western legend – Portrayed by Becky Stone.

Cost: Free

Greenville Tech Barton Campus. Bring lawn seating.

In the case of inclement weather, we will move indoors (Seats require climbing stairs).  You will need to come early to get a seat. First come, first served.  Doors will open 45 minutes before show time.

Click here for a Greenville Tech – Barton Campus Map which shows the auditorium’s location (behind the Tent, in building 104)

History Comes Alive Festival

From antebellum America to the Golden West, from the world of Nazi Austria to the world of American pop music, we have an image of these times, these people. On the Chautauqua stage, we will explore the truth of those images.

Cass Elliot Discussion. This event is NOT an in-character performance.  FREE.

Discussion about Cass Elliot with Karen Vuranch

During the June Festival at we gather together to pick the brains of the historical performers. No costumes, no script, just a chance to have some personal time and dialog with the performers – and get to know them and what they think about their characters.

Each morning features a different performer/historical figure.

Come see the new modern Senior Action Headquarters. Plenty of free parking.

History Comes Alive Festival

From antebellum America to the Golden West, from the world of Nazi Austria to the world of American pop music, we have an image of these times, these people. On the Chautauqua stage, we will explore the truth of those images.

El Vaquero, the Spanish colonial cowboy, is a true American hero. He was the first cowboy to ride the open ranges and sleep under the stars, to tame the wild horses of the plains and deliver vast herds of cattle across great distances, and to master the basic and eternal cowboy skills: riding and roping.

Without the Spanish Vaquero there would be no John Wayne, no Annie Oakley, no rodeos, no Stetson cowboy hat, no cowboys singing around the campfire. The stories of El Vaquero explain the origins of the most powerful and enduring American myth: the cowboy on his horse, riding tall in the saddle, his self-reliant, independent spirit representing all that is good in the American character. The stories of El Vaquero are the stories of America.

Registration required.

*ASL interpretation provided.

History Comes Alive Festival

From antebellum America to the Golden West, from the world of Nazi Austria to the world of American pop music, we have an image of these times, these people. On the Chautauqua stage, we will explore the truth of those images.

El Vaquero, the Spanish colonial cowboy, is a true American hero. He was the first cowboy to ride the open ranges and sleep under the stars, to tame the wild horses of the plains and deliver vast herds of cattle across great distances, and to master the basic and eternal cowboy skills: riding and roping.

Without the Spanish Vaquero there would be no John Wayne, no Annie Oakley, no rodeos, no Stetson cowboy hat, no cowboys singing around the campfire. The stories of El Vaquero explain the origins of the most powerful and enduring American myth: the cowboy on his horse, riding tall in the saddle, his self-reliant, independent spirit representing all that is good in the American character. The stories of El Vaquero are the stories of America.

Registration required.

*ASL interpretation provided.

History Comes Alive Festival

From antebellum America to the Golden West, from the world of Nazi Austria to the world of American pop music, we have an image of these times, these people. On the Chautauqua stage, we will explore the truth of those images.

Maria von Trapp – The Sound of Music told her story, now hear her side of that story – Portrayed by Elsa Wolff.

Cost: Free

Mauldin Cultural Arts Center Amphitheater.  Bring lawn seating.

In the case of inclement (extreme heat or rain) weather, show(s) may be cancelled or held virtually. In the late afternoon of the event, check back for details. We will not move indoors there as their theater has other events going on.