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.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Banco de Comida I Food Pantry
Oct 20 @ 8:00 am – 11:30 am
United Ministries Administration and Emergency Assistance
Children’s Fountain at RiverPlace
Oct 20 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
RiverPlace

Children playing in the railroad-themed splash fountain at Riverplace

CHILDREN’S FOUNTAIN

Located at RiverPlace, this railroad-themed splash fountain is a popular spot to cool off in the summer months. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, from April 1 to October 31.

WNC Farmers Market Open Daily
Oct 20 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

With the convenience of being open year-round, 7 days a week, the WNC Farmers Market offers a selection of farm-fresh produce at the lowest prices in Western N.C. Our popular retail buildings, providing a selection of non-perishables, fruits, vegetables, crafts and more, are open daily.

WEST END WALKING TOUR
Oct 20 @ 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Greenville—Falls Park

This tour begins at the very birthplace of Greenville—Falls Park. The same allure of the gorgeous 40-foot natural waterfall that casts a spell on Falls Park visitors today must have had the same impact on the first colonial settler, Richard Pearis, when he arrived in c.1769. Less than a handful of American cities can boast such a waterfall in the heart of downtown. Visitors receive a chronological history of our city beginning with a view of the falls from the newest icon of the city’s cityscape—the award-winning pedestrian Liberty Bridge. At the foundation walls of an 1816 grist mill built by Vardry McBee, guests will learn about the factors that caused this small trading post town to grow into the textile center of the world.

Other highlights of the tour include discussion of some of the oldest buildings still existing along the banks of the river, including the 1882 Huguenot Mill and the Gower, Cox and Markley Carriage factory buildings that are now used for dining and entertainment. On the other side of the river banks, visitors will soak in the magnificent features of the $137 million Riverplace development with its unique mix of restaurants, offices, condominiums, artists’ open studios, a 30-foot cascading waterfall feature, hotel and more.

A stroll back up Main St. into the West End discusses a famous Greenvillian, Charles Townes. This tour will give you a great overview of our city’s past but you’ll also hear about the exciting current projects that are adding to the downtown experience as well as future projects that are going to be transforming us into the future.

Highlights include:

• Ruins of an 1816 grist mill built by the “Father of Greenville”, Vardry McBee

• The 1882 Huguenot Mill – learn how Greenville became the “Textile Center of the World”
• The 1857 Gower, Cox and Markley Carriage factory building, once the largest carriage company in the South
• Riverplace – stroll the river walk while learning about the beautiful complex of fine restaurants, shopping, condos, open artist studios, and more overlooking the Reedy River that has sparked a revitalization of the Historic West End
• The bronze memorial to Charles Townes, a Greenvillian who became the inventor of the laser

Arbor Huescapes: Paintings by Michael Fowler
Oct 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Artist Michael Fowler creates evocative abstract landscape paintings by incorporating vibrant colors with subtle, complex details. His semi-large-scale approach invites viewers to step into his work and build a sense of wonder and contemplation surrounding the natural world. Fowler’s artistic response in contemplating nature is to capture something of a landscape’s pleasantness, which is often unexpected harmonies of color and shape. In his latest exhibit, Arbor Huescapes, Fowler highlights the distinctive vegetation – primarily trees – and topography of North and South Carolina’s midlands and piedmont regions.

Fowler received his Bachelor of Arts from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas with a focus in Advertising Design. He then attended the University of Nebraska where he received a Master’s degree in Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing with a minor in Art History. From there, he attended the University of Memphis where he earned a Doctorate in Higher Education. Based in North Augusta, South Carolina, Fowler is currently an associate professor of design and computer graphics and serves as the Mary Durban Toole Chair of Art at the University of South Carolina in Aiken. His paintings are in a number of public and private collections nationally, and he actively exhibits in regional and national shows.

Please note: Arbor Huescapes has been rescheduled due to the COVID-19 crisis and will now open in fall 2021. The exhibit is on display daily September 18, 2021 – January 9, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Baker Exhibit Center. All works are available for purchase and a portion of sales will be donated to The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

Art Exhibit: A Well Worn Path
Oct 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
GREENVILLE CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS

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by Zach Suggs

Greenville Center for Creative Arts welcomes visitors to view free exhibitions throughout the year in our Main Gallery and Community Gallery. Each gallery space has its own focus, with exhibitions of art by international, national, regional and local artists, as well as young artists, community partners, GCCA studio artists, and GCCA student artists.

GCCA’s Main Gallery & Community Gallery are free and open to the public every Tuesday through Friday from 9AM – 5PM and Saturday from 11AM-3PM. Please click here to read about our COVID-19 safety protocols to prepare for your visit. We look forward to seeing you!

Christmas Morning Shoppe Donations Needed
Oct 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Greer Relief
October might seem a little early for Season’s Greetings and Merry Christmas, but not for Greer Relief! We’re hard at work preparing for this year’s Christmas Morning Shoppe. We’re so thankful for the Greer community’s support each and every year.
The Christmas Morning Shoppe gives parents and guardians the opportunity to “shop” for their children. This means that we need new toys for all ages: infant – 18 years old. We’re excited to help make the Holiday Season merry and bright for our neighbors in need and need your help to do so! There are many ways for you to get involved.
Donate toys
Organize a toy drive
Volunteer
Donate gift wrapping supplies
Make a monetary donation
Greer Relief | greerrelief.org | (864) 848-5356
Fall Plant Sale
Oct 20 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve

Hatcher Garden

Hatcher Garden is here for you to enjoy from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, free of charge.

Please be aware that you are in a natural setting and there are factors beyond our control. We cannot be responsible for falling limbs, acts of God, behavior of wild animals, etc.

Hub City Railroad Museum NOW OPEN!
Oct 20 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Hub City Railroad Museum

Hub City RR Museum entrance at the Spartanburg Depot

WE ARE OPEN!

After a year of being closed, the Hub City Railroad Museum is open again. Come by on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm and check out our recently added display about the Pullman Company. We also have a new order of tee shirts that have just arrived.

There are some restrictions in place due to the virus. We will request that you wear a mask and we will be limiting the number of visitors at one time. We will be periodically sanitizing the museum, especially frequently touched items. Your understanding is appreciated.

The caboose is still undergoing a major renovation, but there has be significant progress made. Stop by and peek in to see how the construction is going.

We will be closed on May 15, since many of our volunteers will be at the Easley Train Show at the Rock Springs Baptist Church. We will have tables at the show and several volunteers will be involved with operating model train layouts.

One major step back to normal!

Manzanar: The Wartime Photographs of Ansel Adams Exhibit
Oct 20 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upcountry History Museum

Manzanar: The Wartime Photographs of Ansel Adams consists of fifty photographs taken by famed Western landscape photographer Ansel Adams of the Manzanar Relocation Center between 1943 and 1944. The controversial period in American history is depicted in authentic black and white photographs by the skilled Adams and presents a moment in time when Japanese American citizens were denied their freedom and rights due to their Japanese ancestry.

 

Adams presents an intimate look at daily life in Manzanar through portraits and images of daily life. This series is a departure from his usual landscape photography. Concentrating on the internees and their activities, Adams photographed family life in the barracks; people at work – internees as welders, farmers, and garment makers; and recreational activities, including baseball and volleyball games.

 

In addition to Adams’s work, the exhibition features photographs by Dorothea Lange and Toyo Miyatake. Miyatake, a Los Angeles portrait photographer and internee at Manzanar, fashioned a camera from parts he brought with him in his luggage. Both Adams’s and Miyatake’s photographs present a positive view of those interned at Manzanar. In contrast Lange’s photographs reflect the upheaval of evacuation and the bleak conditions at the camp.

The Soldier Bishop: Ellison Capers Exhibit
Oct 20 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upcountry History Museum

The Soldier Bishop: Ellison Capers, a special exhibit created by Faith Memorial Chapel, Cedar Mountain, NC, now on display at the Upcountry History Museum, presents the unshakable faith of Rt. Reverend Ellison Capers and how his fortitude created a lasting legacy.

Though he lost loved ones and survived many of his own near-death experiences in some of the most horrific engagements of the American Civil War (1861-1865), Capers’ trust in God and the path before him never faltered. In 1865, at the age of 28, he was promoted in the military to Brigadier General receiving recognition for his leadership and distinguished service. After the war Capers was elected Secretary of State for South Carolina. Even so, his calling to Christ was overpowering. The Governor told him, “You can be a Governor, Senator, or anything you like. You will be a fool to give all this to become a preacher.”

In 1866, Capers accepted a call to Christ Church Episcopal in Greenville, South Carolina, where he served for 20 years. He was consecrated as bishop of the State of South Carolina in 1893 and moved to Charleston. To escape the summer heat, he purchased a plot of land in Cedar Mountain, NC, and erected a cottage. This inspired in Mrs. Capers a dream to erect an Episcopal chapel for the local population. In 1894, this dream became a reality, and “Faith Chapel” was built.

“Faith Chapel” fell into disrepair following Capers death in 1908. In honor of his enduring influence and guidance, a disciple of Capers, the Reverend Dr. Alexander Mitchell from Greenville, began a movement to rebuild the chapel and dedicated the new church, “Faith Memorial Chapel,” in Capers’ memory in 1941.

The exhibit shares the story of Ellison Capers and the history of Faith Memorial Chapel. Historical artifacts, including Capers’ original military sword, the musket balls that nearly killed him, his war diaries and handwritten letters to his wife from the battlefield, and the preserved renderings for rebuilding the Chapel dedicated to his memory, highlight key moments of Capers life’s journey through war, faith, and salvation.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Oct 20 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains 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 a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.

Diesel $109.00 ($114.00 October) Not Permitted
Steam $119.00 ($126.00 October) Not Permitted
Locomotive Adult (21+ Only) Under 21

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

S.C. State Fair Will Resume 2021
Oct 20 @ 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
The SC State Fair

The South Carolina State Fair returns in Columbia Oct. 13-24, 2021.

After keeping its commitment to the community and adapting to a free, drive-through fair in 2020, the S.C. State Fair will once again welcome guests in person for 12 days of exhibits, competitions, food, rides, entertainment and the free, daily “CIRCUS at the Fair.”

Fair officials said they are committed to following the latest Covid-19 health guidelines and ensuring a safe event for everyone.

“For more than 150 years, the South Carolina State Fair has brought families and friends together to create lifelong memories,” says S.C. State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith, who served as the 2020 chair of the International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions. “As always, safety is our top priority, and we’ve taken extra precautions this year, including increased health and safety measures and a new mandatory clear bag policy.”

2021 S.C. State Fair Highlights

With nearly 70 rides, this year’s S.C. State Fair will have sky-high thrillers and family-friendly fun, including two new kiddie rides, Dumbo and Tea Cup.

A mix of stage and roving shows will entertain patrons, including various musical shows, dance groups, animal acts, magicians, jugglers, stunt artists and more.

Back by popular demand is the free daily “CIRCUS at the Fair,” which will feature fresh new acts and a never-before-seen show.

Traditional favorites also will return, including arts and crafts displays, agriculture, pig races, livestock exhibits and more.

With more than 90 food stands, guests will find everything from fried cookie dough and donut burgers to S.C. State Fair staples (Fiske fries and foot-long corn dogs) and lighter fare (Greek salad).

A variety of new food items will also be introduced — as well as the expansion of the S.C. State Fair’s cookie kitchen.

Covid-19 Health Precautions

This year, S.C. State Fair officials said they will follow the latest CDC, state and local mask guidelines, have increased hand sanitation stations, offer limited contact payment options, provide increased cleaning protocols and display hygiene signage throughout the Fairgrounds.

The officials said they will ask that fairgoers help protect themselves and others by following the event’s safety protocols — as well as state and local public health recommendations and mandates.

To ensure a safe and memorable event, officials said the S.C. State Fair will have:

  • A large contingent of law enforcement on the grounds from open to close every day of the fair.
  • Updated metal detector technology.
  • A new mandatory clear bag policy. This policy is similar to those implemented throughout Columbia, S.C., and across the country, complying with a new level of security expected of large, heavily-attended events and festivals.
  • Additions to general grounds security.
  • Updated youth admission policy.


Call for Exhibition Competitors

Each year, South Carolina’s agriculture, art, crafts, flowers and livestock are showcased at the S.C. State Fair.

Officials said the call for entries is now open, and exhibition competitors are asked to submit their entries to be considered for this year’s S.C. State Fair by Sept. 1, 2021.

Those wishing to compete can view the department Exhibit Guide and enter online at scstatefair.org/competitions.

Wednesday, Oct. 13:  Noon – 9 p.m.   

Thursday, Oct. 14:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Friday, Oct. 15:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Saturday, Oct. 16: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 17:  Noon – 9 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 18:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Tuesday, Oct. 19:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Wednesday, Oct. 20:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Thursday, Oct. 21:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Friday, Oct. 22:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Saturday, Oct. 23:  10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 24:  Noon – 8 p.m. 

SC State Fair
Oct 20 @ 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
South Carolina State Fairgrounds
Greenville Chamber Young Professionals Leadership Lunch
Oct 20 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Greenville Hilton

Get to know the speaker: Jonathan is a visionary leader, engaging conversationalist, and dynamic speaker whose life was transformed by understanding the art of conversation. He is passionate about sharing his expertise and personal experience in order to help leaders in all areas become more skilled communicators so they can experience more success both personally and professionally.

Jonathan has been leading and speaking professionally for more than a decade. From delivering keynotes to conducting workshops and corporate training, he has had the privilege of teaching audiences all over the US and abroad.

As a community leader and entrepreneur, Jonathan’s work and life serve the same purpose: to inspire and empower the people he meets. He lives in Greenville, South Carolina with his beautiful wife, Jessica, and their 3 sons, Titus, Judah, and Zion.

Life in an American War Relocation Camp
Oct 20 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Upcountry History Museum

On February 19, 1942, following the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, a mandate that required all Americans of Japanese ancestry to enter internment camps.

Join special panelists Catherine Ladnier, Greg Robinson, and Karen Korematsu as they discuss everyday life for Japanese American citizens that were denied their freedom and rights due to their Japanese ancestry.

This special event will be both in-person and virtual.

 


LECTURE PANELISTS

Catherine Ladnier (presenting in-person) will share the stories of young, resilient Japanese American women through personal letters written about their new lives behind barbed wire.

Professor of American History at the University of Quebec, Greg Robinson (presenting virtually) will discuss his book, The Unsung Great: Stories of Extraordinary Japanese Americans.

Karen Korematsu, daughter of national civil rights hero Fred T. Korematsu, will share the story of her father’s refusal to be incarcerated, appealing his case all the way to the Supreme Court. Korematsu will be presenting virtually.

Free to UHM Members.

Program is included with general admission for all other guests attending in-person.

To attend virtually, cost is $5.00 per non-member.

Greenville Parks + Rec Afterschool Program
Oct 20 @ 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Various Community Centers

Afterschool

The Study Buddies Afterschool program is offered at four community centers throughout Greenville. The program runs Monday through Friday from 2:30-6 p.m. Participants will receive homework assistance, life skills development, recreational activities, educational projects, and much more. A healthy meal is provided daily for each participant. This program is open to students in K through 8th grade.

Registration is currently open for city of Greenville residents. 

Participants in the Study Buddies Afterschool program  will receive homework assistance, life skills development, recreational activities, educational projects, and much more. A healthy meal is provided daily. This program is open to students in 5K through 8th grade.

We are committed to providing our students a safe, enriching, and healthy afterschool experience. View Afterschool Health and Wellness Policy (PDF)

Dates: August 17, 2021 – June 1, 2022                                                         *Program does not run when there is no school for holidays, half days, teacher work days, vacations, or snow days (following Greenville County School calendar).

Time: 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Fees:  $585 for City Residents

Discounts for families registering two or more children. Payment plan available in 9 installments with the first initial payment due upon registration.

Financial Assistance: City of Greenville residents with documented financial need will automatically qualify for a reduced fee after school program. Qualified participants must complete the application and submit all required documentation to be eligible for the reduced fee. Financial aid will automatically be added to the participants online account after their application and documentation has been approved. Applications are available online (see below under documents) or in person at David Hellams Community Center or Bobby Pearse Community Center.

Financial assistance rates are $270 for the year. Sibling discounts do not apply to financial assistance rates.

Locations:

  • Bobby Pearse Community Center (FULL)
    • Elementary: Stone Academy
    • Middle: League Middle
  • David Hellams Community Center
    • Elementary: East North Street
    • Middle: Greenville Middle
  • Nicholtown Community Center
    • Elementary: Lake Forest
    • Middle: Northwood Middle
  • West Greenville Community Center
    • Elementary: AJ Whittenberg (transportation will be provided)
    • Middle: League
    • Legacy Charter School also provides transportation to the Center

Bussing Directly From The School To The Community Center: The City of Greenville DOES NOT provide transportation from the school to the afterschool site. Parents are responsible for arranging school bus transportation and also letting the school know that their child will be attending this afterschool program.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Refunds are not available after the first week of the program.
  • Prior to August 17, Parent/Guardian must submit all completed parent consent forms.

DOCUMENTS

Parent Handbook

Parent Handbook Forms

Financial Assistance Application Form

Afterschool Flyer

Studio 52: MUSIC THEATRE (In-Person), 3rd-5th Grades
Oct 20 @ 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Studio 52/ Flat Rock Playhouse

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Notes: To ensure increased ventilation, this class will be held outside whenever possible. If rain forces the program indoors, all students and staff will be required to wear masks. Thank you for understanding as we work to keep our community safe. Read more about our Covid Safety Guidelines here
Discover the fun and fundamentals of musical theatre technique by integrating acting, singing, and simple choreography in the development of a Broadway repertoire. Students will learn proper vocal technique, storytelling through song, musical theatre-style choreography, and how to work within an ensemble. Apply your skills in an informal showcase for friends and family. With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times.
Instructor: Anna Kimmell & Matthew Glover
*Need-based scholarships are available upon application.
Learn more below about payment plans and multi-student discounts.
Boo at the Zoo
Oct 20 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

See the source image

Hey, kids! Put on your cutest costume for the Zoo’s popular Halloween spook-tacular.

 On Sale September 1

Details Coming Soon

THE BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR ARTISTS: TELLING YOUR STORY: TACKLING ARTIST STATEMENTS AND GRANT NARRATIVES
Oct 20 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Greenville Center for The Arts

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TELLING YOUR STORY: TACKLING ARTIST STATEMENTS AND GRANT NARRATIVES

with Jennifer Oladipo, Marketing Strategist, Arts Advocate & Publisher of The Chord

Artist statements and narratives are an important form of communication for every artist. If you find yourself procrastinating and sweating when you’re asked to put your art into words, this workshop will help you understand the basics of how to clearly get across the information your audience needs, while sharing your authentic voice and story.

THE BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR ARTISTS

The Business Toolkit for Artists is a FREE, 6-part workshop series that gives artists insight into the resources and skills needed for career growth in the fine art industry. Topics range from foundational basics for every artist like writing an artist statement, to more advanced business tools like taxes and money management for creative entrepreneurs. Led by industry professionals, these workshops will help artists transition their unique craft into a sustainable business model.

The Business Toolkit workshops are open to any artist/creative. Workshops fill on a first-come, first-served basis are held in-person at GCCA unless listed as “virtual” in the title.

Registration is required for all workshops. If you register for a virtual workshop, you’ll receive an email from GCCA with information to join the Zoom Virtual Classroom on the date and time of your workshop. For information on getting started with Zoom click HERE.

This program is funded in part by the Metropolitan Arts Council, which receives support from the City of Greenville, BMW Manufacturing Company, Michelin North America, Inc., SEW Eurodrive and the South Carolina Arts Commission.