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.

TCMU Tots

Jun 27 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am

TCMU Spartanburg

Skill-building and community-building for toddlers and their caregivers! Little ones ages 2-5 will explore role-playing, storytelling, and interactive activities, fostering early social skills and a world of make-believe adventures that could include an ice cream shop, car wash or post office!

Categories: Family Fun

Toddler Tales

Jun 27 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Hughes Main Library

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

Categories: Community Family Fun

Rootabaga Express

Jun 27 @ 10:15 am – 10:45 am

Carl Sandburg Home

Rootabaga Express!
Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10:15 am.
June 15 – August 5 (no plays July 13 & 15)

Carl Sandburg created his own version of American fairy tales when he published Rootabaga Stories (1922) and Rootabaga Pigeons (1923). He replaced the European fairy tale cast of princes, princesses, castles and kingdoms with icons American children would recognize — taxi-drivers, movie actors, skyscrapers, prairies and automobiles. Rootabaga Express! brings the stories of the Five Rusty Rats, Bimbo the Snip and more to life.You’ll meet new characters and journey farther into the Village of Liver and Onions and Sandburg’s imagination than ever before.

The 30-minute plays are appropriate for all ages and held weather permitting in the amphitheater (check our Facebook page in case performances are moved to the garage near the Sandburg Home or cancelled for severe weather). These shows are supported by the Flat Rock Playhouse and the Park Store, operated by America’s National Parks.

Young visitors who attend the plays can earn a limited edition Rootabaga Junior Ranger badge. Rootabaga Ranger activity sheets will be available at the amphitheater. Once completed, kids can get their Rootabaga Ranger badge at the amphitheater, Sandburg Home, or farm.

Arrival and Parking
Please visit our Parking page for more information.
Visitors who need transportation assistance should call the park at 828-707-8125 upon arrival.

Apprentice actors from the Flat Rock Playhouse have performed adaptations of Sandburg’s works for park visitors since 1974. Using Sandburg’s own words from his collections of children’s stories, poetry, collected music, biography of Abraham Lincoln and his own autobiography, the performances provide visitors with a sense of the scope of his work and imagination. Sandburg was an expert storyteller, and easily wove important messages of fairness, empathy and social justice into his writings. Whatever play you are able to attend you will walk away with a smile on your face and a better understanding of the legacy of Carl Sandburg.

Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Theatre

Story Time + More

Jun 27 @ 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm

TCMU Spartanburg

Listen, respond and imagine during Story Time & More! Young learners can listen and respond to a story and participate in enrichment activities designed to ignite fun, discovery and learning.

Categories: Family Fun

Tuckasegee River Excursion

Jun 27 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small-town life in Western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4-hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City. Please refer to the map below for a layout of Dillsboro.

Itinerary

Below is an outline of this train’s excursion. Please refer to this train’s schedule for exact departure times.

Time from Departure	Activity
30m before departure	Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time	Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 30m	Arrive at Dillsboro, NC
1h 30m—2h 50m	Layover
2h 50m	Depart Dillsboro, NC
4h 00m	Arrive at Bryson City Depot

Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change with

Categories: Family Fun

steamWORKS jr.

Jun 27 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

TCMU Spartanburg

Step into TCMU-Spartanburg’s STEAM based classroom! Young minds can explore weekly themes through science activities designed to encourage creative problem solving and hands-on learning. We’ll even get a little messy sometimes!

Categories: Family Fun

MUSIC ON MAIN

Jun 27 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Morgan Square

Music on Main Flyer with Event Details

Categories: Community Family Fun Music Outdoors

True Home Open Mic at Flood Gallery

Jun 27 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Flood Gallery

Uncensored expression: anyone is invited to step up to share song, music, poetry, comedy, rants & raves!

The most eclectic open mic around, in a welcoming gallery setting! 6 pm signup, perform 6:30-8:30 pm.

Categories: Art & Craft Featured

Moonlight Movies

Jun 27 @ 7:00 pm

Greer City Park Amphitheater

Watch the stars under the stars at the Greer City Park Amphitheater! The Moonlight Movies series is free and fun for all families. Pre-show fun & crafts start at 7:00pm. Movies start at sundown every Thursday night during the summer. Concessions will be available for purchase.

2024 Movie Lineup Coming Soon!

June 6
June 13
June 20
June 27
July 11
July 18
July 25
August 1

Moonlight Movies will start at 7pm beginning with preshow fun and crafts! Movies will begin around dusk (8:45pm-9:00pm). More exciting details to follow!

For the safety of all participants,
-Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. Please do not drop off your child.
– Per City of Greer Ordinance, pets are not allowed.
– No Smoking

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, activity or public meeting of the City of Greer should contact 864-968-7008 as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled event.

Follow the City of Greer Events Center Facebook page for additional event information.

Categories: Family Fun Film Outdoors

Greenville Drive vs. Hickory

Jun 27 @ 7:05 pm

Fluor Field

Greenville Drive vs. Hickory

Categories: Family Fun Sports

City Dance

Jun 27 @ 7:30 pm

Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Categories: Dance Featured Parks & Recreation

Friday, June 28, 2024

Mile High Swinging Bridge

Jun 28 all-day

Grandfather Mountain

One of the top highlights and memories of visits to Grandfather Mountain nature park is walking across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Since 1952, visitors have “oohed” and “aahed” at the bridge’s 360-degree panoramic views. America’s highest suspension footbridge gives easy access to the spectacular views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet.

The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation (hence the name!). To reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge, drive the two-mile, winding scenic road up the mountain to the summit parking area by the Top Shop. Climb 50 stairs adjacent to the parking area or inside the Top Shop to reach the short pathway to the bridge. Also, an elevator in the Top Shop takes you to the third floor for a level walk to the bridge.

Top Shop

Located adjacent to the Bridge, the Top Shop features a gift shop, snacks, restrooms, elevator and second-floor exhibition area. Also get the latest park information and trail maps. Read more.

Accessibility

Inside the Top Shop, an elevator makes the Mile High Swinging Bridge accessible to people with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs. From the Top Shop, there is a paved 50-yard path to the bridge. Read more about our accessibility.

Tickets & Hours

Walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in your Grandfather Mountain admission ticket that includes many other things to do in our nature park. Buy tickets online and book a reservation time to enter the park. You do not need a separate reservation for the bridge. It’s open, weather permitting, every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See hours.

More to Explore

Before or after visiting the Mile High Swinging Bridge, allow time to enjoy other parts of the mountain: wildlife habitats, Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, restaurant, hiking trails, roadside overlooks, picnic areas and more. See more Things to Do.

Nearby Hiking Trails

Trailheads to many of the Grandfather Mountain hiking trails are located near the Swinging Bridge. In fact, the 0.4 mile Bridge Trail takes you beneath the bridge, starting from the Black Rock parking area just below the summit. For details on our nearby trails, go to our Hiking Guide.

Bridge Tips & Tidbits

Does it really swing? Very little — unlike the original one. Today’s bridge is made of steel and reinforced with cables and springs. It has railings on the sides to ensure safety.
We suggest you wear rubber-soled shoes and walk with care when crossing the rocks on the far side of the bridge.
If heights give you pause, you can still enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain views from the ground before you reach the bridge and even from the parking area.
Due to periodic extreme weather conditions at the bridge, it closes when there is area lightning, high wind or icy conditions.
The official U.S. Weather Service Reporting Station atop the Mile High Swinging Bridge has provided daily weather observations since 1955. The temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in the flatlands you see below. It’s also one of the windiest locations in North Carolina, with a 124-mph record set in winter 2019. Learn more about our weather.
Pets are allowed on the bridge if well behaved and on a leash.
Photographs and videos to remember your visit are encouraged. Be mindful of sharp drop-offs along the Linville Peak ridge. Drones are not allowed. See our photography policies.
The Singing Bridge? When the wind blows, the Mile High Swinging Bridge “sings” in the same way as a harmonica.
In April through October, join Grandfather’s expert naturalists by the Bridge for Interpretive Talks about the our unique weather, climate, flora and fauna. Read more.
Need driving directions? The address for Grandfather Mountain’s entrance gate is 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (click link for Google Maps). There are no shuttles, so you must have your own vehicle to explore our nature park. No RVs longer than 28 feet in length or hinged vehicles are allowed through the Entrance Gate. See detailed directions.
To see much more info, see our Plan Your Visit section.

Mile High Swinging Bridge History

Former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker coined the name “Mile High Swinging Bridge” at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet). The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway.

The original 1952 bridge was designed by Charles Hartmann Jr. of Greensboro, N.C. It was fabricated in Greensboro and then reassembled on top of the Mountain. Erecting the bridge took three weeks, a process slowed by inclement weather created by a hurricane off the North Carolina coast. Cost was $15,000. It was dedicated on Sept. 2, 1952 by North Carolina Gov. William B. Umstead.

The bridge was rebuilt in 1999 using the original towers. The cables, floor boards and side rails were all replaced using galvanized steel. One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not have to be painted. Now, Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to hang out over the gorge to paint the span. It was redesigned by Sutton, Kennerly & Associates Engineering of Asheville, N.C., and rebuilt by Taylor & Murphy Construction Company of Asheville. The cost of rebuilding was $300,000.

Categories: Family Fun Outdoors

Raft + Rail A Fully Guided Experience

Jun 28 all-day

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8-mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot. Available April–October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. 2024 bookings starting soon!

Ticket fares subject to 7% Historic Preservation Fee and 7% North Carolina sales tax. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. We guarantee the class of service you select. You will be notified if a change in schedule or motive power affects your reservation. Payment in full at booking by major credit card is required to finalize a reservation. You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $7.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure, except The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. You may reschedule any time prior to your originally scheduled departure with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year. You may not reschedule a reservation after the scheduled departure.

Categories: Family Fun Outdoors

Upstate Outdoor Activity & Recreation Map

Jun 28 @ 7:00 am

online

Summer is officially here, and it is bringing the HEAT! Whether you’re looking to cool off, grab a tan, or just keep the kids entertained, we’ve got a comprehensive interactive map of Upstate outdoor recreation opportunities that will keep you busy all season long!

The Upstate Outdoor Activity & Recreation map is an interactive resource that allows you to see everything from splash pads to hiking trails to playgrounds and more across the region. With so many opportunities, what will you check out first?!

Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors Sports

Garden Tours

Jun 28 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Falls Park

GARDEN TOURS

Categories: Garden Garden Events Tours

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails

Jun 28 @ 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.

Categories: Family Fun Hike Hiking Outdoors

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Jun 28 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a challenging and rewarding horticultural activity, in which ordinary plants are grown in an extraordinary way. Through rigorously applied cultivation techniques, trees, shrubs, vines and even herbaceous plants are kept in a miniaturized state, developed into artistic shapes and then displayed in special containers.

What makes the Arboretum’s bonsai endeavor unique among all other public collections in the United States? Regional Interpretation. Visitors will find the Arboretum’s bonsai collection of more than 100 specimens carefully cultivated with a Southern Appalachian accent. The collection draws inspiration from the traditional roots of bonsai, but takes the form of a contemporary, Southern Appalachian influenced American garden. Plantings in the landscape include species and cultivars of American, European and Asian origin.

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Established in October 2005, The North Carolina Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a world renowned garden that displays up to 50 bonsai specimens at a time. Represented are traditional Asian bonsai subjects such as Japanese maple and Chinese elm, tropical plants such as willow-leaf fig and bougainvillea, and American species such as bald cypress and limber pine. Of particular importance are the plants native to the Blue Ridge region, such as American hornbeam and eastern white pine, which enable the Arboretum to bring the thousand-year tradition of bonsai home to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Interpretive signage throughout the garden conveys information about the art and history of bonsai, and the Arboretum’s own creative approach to it.

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Garden Open Year Round

Parking Fees
- Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
- Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
- Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
- Members: Free
Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Categories: Family Fun Garden Garden Events Outdoors

TCMU Tots

Jun 28 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am

TCMU Spartanburg

Categories: Family Fun

Story Time + More

Jun 28 @ 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm

TCMU Spartanburg

Listen, respond and imagine during Story Time & More! Young learners can listen and respond to a story and participate in enrichment activities designed to ignite fun, discovery and learning.

Categories: Family Fun

Tuckasegee River Excursion

Jun 28 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Itinerary

Below is an outline of this train’s excursion. Please refer to this train’s schedule for exact departure times.

Time from Departure	Activity
30m before departure	Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time	Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 30m	Arrive at Dillsboro, NC
1h 30m—2h 50m	Layover
2h 50m	Depart Dillsboro, NC
4h 00m	Arrive at Bryson City Depot

Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change with

Categories: Family Fun

June 2024 Jun 2024

Events Calendar

Rootabaga Express! Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10:15 am. June 15 – August 5 (no plays July 13 & 15)

Itinerary

Top Shop

Accessibility

Tickets & Hours

More to Explore

Nearby Hiking Trails

Bridge Tips & Tidbits

Mile High Swinging Bridge History

GARDEN TOURS

What is Bonsai?

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Itinerary

Rootabaga Express!
Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10:15 am.
June 15 – August 5 (no plays July 13 & 15)