Events Calendar
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.
This event is a discussion, not an in-character performance. Hughes Main Library or Join Us Online. FREE.
Join us on Tuesday, January 23rd at 7 pm for an Off-Site Booktalk event with author Kate Bowler. She’ll be chatting about her new book, Have A Beautiful, Terrible Day! alongside Emily Freeman at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Find out more and don’t miss this event! Your ticket will include a copy of the book and admission to the event.
BOOK SUMMARY
HAVE A BEAUTIFUL, TERRIBLE DAY! (Convergent) is packed with bite-sized reflections and action-steps to help you get through the day. Good days. Bad days. Totally mediocre ones. This is a devotional for the rest of us, which is to say, the people who don’t always have magical lives that work out. Written in a season of chronic pain, Bowler understands that every day can be an obstacle course. She encourages us to develop our capacity to feel the breadth of our experiences. The better we are at identifying our highs and lows, the more resilient we become.
Like a modern-day psalmist, Bowler’s spiritual reflections look for the ways we can expand our capacity for courage, love, and honesty—while discovering divine moments with God. With bonus sections to use during the seasons of Advent and Lent, this is an easy book to read along with others too.
If you want to build your daily habit of spiritual attentiveness, this book is here to say: May all your days be lovely. But if they aren’t, have a beautiful, terrible day!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kate Bowler is the three-time New York Times bestselling author of Everything Happens for a Reason, No Cure for Being Human, Good Enough, The Lives We Actually Have, Blessed, and The Preacher’s Wife and hosts the popular podcast Everything Happens. A Duke University professor, she earned a master’s of religion from Yale Divinity School, and a PhD at Duke University. @KateCBowler/ www.KateBowler.com
PRAISE FOR KATE BOWLER
“Kate Bowler is the only one we can trust to tell us the truth.”
—Glennon Doyle, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Untamed
“Bowler offers an alternative to the good vibes/prosperity gospel approach: honesty with room for mystery and humor.” —New York Times Book Review, “Inside the List”
“This interior monologue about her cancer battle and her life is unputdownable in its blunt honesty, soulfulness, and vulnerability.” —Zibby Owens, Katie Couric Media
“I have long admired [her.] Kate has an amazing ability to honor heartbreak and evoke smiles, at once.”
—On Being’s Krista Tippett
“No Cure For Being Human is an amazing resource. So I hope everyone whom this topic touches will remember No Cure.” —Dax Shephard, host of Armchair Expert
“Kate Bowler is a truth teller who shows us how to hold the terrible and the beautiful in one hand. No Cure For Being Human is a must read for anyone whose life has been bifurcated into a before and after—which is to say all of us. In this roadmap though the messy middle, Bowler’s words are a soothing balm, like a late-night conversation with a best friend. Every page shimmer with wit and wisdom.”
—Suleika Jaouad, author of Between Two Kingdoms
“This is a remarkably poignant memoir about what it means to be human. With grace, wisdom, and humor, Kate Bowler encourages us to cut back on self-help Kool-Aid and teaches us how to make more of our lives.” —Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again
Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.
2024 Virtual Writers Workshops
February 26 – Ruba Ahmed
March – Amber Rose Crowtree
2023 Workshop Writers : Angela Evans, Tom Tenbrunsel, Robert Edward Miss, Kenneth Chamblee, Yasmin Mays, Shannon Yong, Jennifer McGaha, Erica Reid, Raymond McNally, Jane Waldrop, Francis Pearce, Eric Nelson, Darren Todd.
PHONE RINGS, DOOR CHIMES, IN COMES COMPANY.
Winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, COMPANY “strikes like a lightning bolt. It’s brilliantly conceived and funny as hell” (Variety). Three-time Tony® Award-winning director Marianne Elliott (War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Angels in America) helms this revelatory new production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s groundbreaking musical comedy, at once boldly sophisticated, deeply insightful, and downright hilarious.
It’s Bobbie’s 35th birthday party, and all her friends keep asking, Why isn’t she married? Why can’t she find the right man and isn’t it time to settle down and start a family? As Bobbie searches for answers, she discovers why being single, being married, and being alive in the 21st-century could drive a person crazy.
COMPANY features Sondheim’s award-winning songs “You Could Drive a Person Crazy,” “The Ladies Who Lunch,” “Side by Side by Side” and the iconic “Being Alive”. Let’s all drink to that!
“Dazzling! So vibrant, so alive!” – Hollywood Reporter
“GLORIOUSLY TRANSFORMATIVE. A GODSEND.” – The New York Times
“HANDS DOWN THE BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION OF THE SEASON!” – New York Post
Single tickets on sale: December 15
About STOMP
STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.
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.
The 2024 SEASON HAS ARRIVED and you’re not gonna want to miss a show!
Subscriptions on sale January 10 / All Tickets on sale January 24.
– The Magic of Live Theatre is alive and well at Flat Rock
Playhouse! Coming off a wildly successful 2023 season, Flat Rock Playhouse, The State
Theatre of North Carolina is thrilled to unveil its highly anticipated lineup for the 2024 season.
Subscriptions go on sale January 10 and all single tickets on sale Jan. 24. We can’t wait
to share these incredible productions with our community.
Kicking off the season is our ever-popular Music on the RockTM Concert Series followed by our
Mainstage Series.
Mixtape! The Best of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s – February 22 – 25
It’s February, which means ‘the boys are back!’ From the same outstanding musical talent who
brought you the Music of Queen, the Eagles, and the Beatles, welcome to Mixtape! The Best of
the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. Come shake off the winter blues with this red-hot rockin’ playlist
featuring tunes you know and love. It’ll be ‘a gas,’ ‘far out,’ and ‘totally tubular!’
The Music of John Denver – March 8 – 9
Celebrate the Timeless Music of John Denver with this Spectacular Tribute Concert, featuring
national tribute artist, Ted Vigil. An unforgettable evening of music and nostalgia honoring the
legendary singer-songwriter, and you won’t believe the uncanny resemblance to the legend!
From classics like “Take Me Home Country Roads,” “Annie’s Song,” and “Sunshine on My
Shoulders,” this concert will showcase the breadth and depth of John Denver’s musical legacy.
Uptown: The Music of Motown – March 21 – 24
Motown Remixed! From New York City, the epicenter of Soul and R&B, these young men of
‘UPTOWN’ will sing and dance their way into your hearts, and out of your seats in STYLE. With
the class of young Temptations, moves like the Jackson 5, vocals like Marvin Gaye and Stevie
Wonder, and the contemporary feel of Bruno Mars … “Everybody’s Going UPTOWN!” It’s old
school soul for a new generation!
Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute – April 4 – 6
Let’s Go Surfin’ Now…you get it! At over 80 shows a year, Sail On is the most booked Beach
Boys Tribute band in the world! Sail On plays all of the Beach Boys’ classic hits, plus some
treasures from the band’s brilliant extended catalog, recreating the soundtrack to an Endless
Summer completely live and in rich detail. If you are looking for an authentic Beach Boys
concert experience, you won’t find one better than Sail On! It’s all Good Vibrations!
Country Gold: Country Music’s Greatest Hits – April 25 – 27
International Recording Artist, Grammy Member, and American Idol Golden Ticket Winner,
Blake Ellege is a generational talent whose unparalleled vocals have transported and enthralled
audiences around the world. Join Blake and his showband: “Saddletramp” on a journey through
Country Music’s Greatest Hits. Come see for yourself why Blake has been named one of the
most prominent and charismatic entertainers on this side of the Mississippi.
Jersey Boys – May 10 – June 1
“The Four Seasons story still hits all the high notes!” Experience the Unforgettable Music and
Untold Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with Jersey Boys. This Tony Award-winning
musical, filled with chart-topping hits, captivating storytelling, and electrifying performances, will
have audiences singing and dancing in their seats. Featuring iconic songs like “Sherry,” “Big
Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” this musical is a
celebration of the timeless music that defined a generation. Don’t miss your chance to
experience the magic, the music, the story of Jersey Boys.
The Shawshank Redemption – June 14 – 30
Embark on an unforgettable journey of resilience, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit
as the Playhouse proudly presents The Shawshank Redemption. Adapted for the stage by
Owen O’Neil, Dave Johns and based on Steven King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank
Redemption, and its subsequent 1994 film adaptation, this captivating story has enthralled
audiences around the world. Prepare to be riveted, moved, and inspired by this timeless tale of
hope and reclamation as it comes to life on the Playhouse stage!
*Adult language and content. Parental discretion is advised.
Cabaret – July 12 – August 3
Willkommen to the Kit Kat Klub! A Berlin Nightclub at the end of the 1920s. Hitler’s totalitarian
regime and the Nazi Party are on the rise. Be transported back in time and welcome for the first
time at Flat Rock Playhouse, Kander and Ebb’s Broadway sensation, Cabaret! Dark and
sensual, it will break your heart and lift your spirits more wildly than anything else you’ll see this
season. “Cabaret is one of the great Broadway musicals and musical scores of all time–an
exhilarating, harrowing masterpiece.” –Time Out New York *Adult language and content.
Parental discretion is advised.
Boeing-Boeing – August 9 – 25
The comedy of the season has landed! Fasten your seatbelts–there’s turbulence ahead in this
laugh-out-loud tour-de-farce! It’s the 1960’s and Bernard, an American living in Paris, has the
perfect setup: three international fiancées, each a beautiful airline hostess with frequent
“layovers.” He keeps “one up, one down, and one pending” until unexpected schedule changes
bring all three to Paris, and Bernard’s apartment, at the same time. Prepare yourself for the
most deliriously funny flight of your life.
Jesus Christ Superstar, In Concert – September 5 – 22
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar–in concert, is heading to
the Rock. Born of the evocative 1970 concept album, this groundbreaking production, with lyrics
by Sir Tim Rice, is a rock radio play that immerses audiences in a formidable and emotional
musical journey. Electrifying music, and gut-punching vocal stylings unite to help narrate the last
seven days of Jesus’ life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. In music industry parlance, it’s all
killer, no filler. Expect a powerful and unforgettable experience that will resonate long after the
final note is sung.
The Mountaintop by Katori Hall (The Black Box Series) – October 4 – 13
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. retires to the Lorraine Motel after delivering a history-altering “I’ve
Been to the Mountaintop” speech and encounters Camae, a mysterious maid with some
surprising news. When Camae reveals her true identity, Dr. King must reflect on his legacy and
the challenges facing the civil rights movement, laying bare the leader’s profound humanity.
Hailed as “a thrilling, wild, provocative flight of magical realism…as audacious as it is inventive”
by the Associated Press, Katori Hall’s Olivier Award-winning drama reimagines what Dr. King’s
last night on Earth could have been. *Adult language and content. Parental discretion is
advised.
CATS – October 25 – November 10
An extravaganza of fantasy and theatre magic, CATS has enchanted audiences for decades
with its fiercely energetic dancing, showbiz razzle-dazzle, and unforgettable lyrics drawn from
T.S. Elliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. As one of the most popular Broadway
blockbusters of all time and winner of seven Tony Awards, this certified classic has brought
cheer to millions of theatre lovers of all ages! You and your family are sure to leave the theatre
tapping your toes and ‘feline’ groovy!
Mozart to Pop Chart: Volume 3 – The History of Rock and Roll – November 14 – 17
Nat Zegree is back! The inimitable entertainer, (Million Dollar Quartet, Amadeus, Queen,
Macbeth,) returns to The Rock with an all-new musical journey for Mozart to Pop Chart: Volume
3—The History of Rock and Roll! Already known and celebrated for his world-class
musicianship, Nat is also a teacher of distinction whose infectious passion not just for music, but
for the people and histories behind the music make his celebrated concerts second to none.
Join us for this one-week-only event! Don’t be late for class!
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas – November 29 – December 21
Tis the season to be jolly! The tradition continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you
in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh
bells jinglin,’ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season.
So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of
this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright!
Ring-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding, y’all!
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GCCA’s exhibitions strive to educate and inspire by promoting diverse ideas while encouraging innovative, contemporary approaches to visual arts. Our Community Gallery aims to introduce local Upstate SC artists to a broader audience with an exhibition space featuring 135 linear feet of wall space.
GCCA is currently seeking artist proposals to fill our Community Gallery exhibition schedule from September 2024 – May 2025. GCCA’s Community Gallery features Upstate South Carolina artists only and each exhibition lasts for approximately two months. Community Gallery proposals are free to submit but there is a limit of one proposal per artist in this review period.
Please note your proposal submission does not guarantee acceptance into an exhibition in GCCA’s galleries. A review process will be conducted with GCCA’s community gallery committee before decisions are made. GCCA will not accept exhibition proposals submitted via email or traditional mail. All submissions must be completed via the online application form using the button below. An exhibition agreement and additional information will be provided if the proposal is accepted. Contact Gallery Director, Ben Tarcson, at [email protected] if you have any questions.
South Carolina Federal Credit Union is now accepting applications for its 14th annual scholarship program. The credit union will award $45,000 to nine students attending a traditional or technical college in South Carolina for the fall 2024 semester.
Applicants are asked to write a short essay about how their education will enable them to give back to their community and make a difference in the lives of South Carolinians. They will also provide an overview of their volunteer commitments, academic marks, work experience, and financial need. Applications will be reviewed by an internal credit union committee and an external panel of educators and community leaders.
“Our annual scholarship program exemplifies our dedication to investing in the future of our communities,” said Scott Woods, President and CEO of South Carolina Federal. “Each year, we receive hundreds of applications from hardworking, ambitious students who are focused on serving others. Their integrity and dedication make this program one of the highlights of our year!”
In order to apply, candidates must be a high school or undergraduate student, have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be a legal U.S. resident. The first-place winner in the traditional college category will receive a $10,000 scholarship, and the first-place technical school winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship.
Students can visit scfederal.org/scholarship to review the rules and requirements and complete the online application. Applications are due January 31, and winners will be announced in the spring.
The program will select 45 rising 6th to graduating 12th graders who are energetic, highly motivated and demonstrate academic excellence, in order to ensure the participants’ commitment and success.
Eligibility:
- GPA of B+ or above.
- Students who are energetic and highly motivated.
- Priority will be given to students who can attend all activities in the program and who plan to continue their learning.
Application checklist:
- Application form. Apply.
- Official transcript: We require an official report card or an official transcript from your current school. Submit.
- A letter of recommendation: You must submit one letter of recommendation from your teacher. Your recommender can fill out the form online. Submit.
Deadline: Feb. 1, 2024. Completed applications will be reviewed and students will be admitted on a rolling basis.
MHAGC’s dedicated and passionate volunteers can serve either in person at MHAGC facilities in Upstate South Carolina or remotely anywhere in the country from their homes, offices, and schools. Volunteers can use their commitment to fulfill school or services requirements or for internships and field practicums.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The agency’s largest volunteer program involves serving on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Volunteers for the Lifeline receive 65+ hours of classroom and live training including intensive active listening and crisis intervention training. Volunteers gain skills that are useful both in professional fields and everyday life, greatly expanding their knowledge about mental and behavioral health, resources across the state and country, and the agency’s programs. Training can be in-person or remote.
Serving on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline means connecting with some of the tens of thousands of adults and youth who call, chat, and text the Lifeline each year. Volunteers can contribute their time in-person in MHAGC’s facilities or remotely in the comfort of their homes. Our volunteers will be part of a team of dedicated individuals who have chosen to make a difference in the lives of others.
If you are interested in supporting crisis operations, please click the application link below.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
There are a variety of ways volunteers and interns might offer their time and talent to MHAGC besides serving on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. A few of those include:
- helping update our database of resources
- supporting communications and marketing
- lending expertise with fund development
- participating in volunteer recruitment and community education
- serving on the MHAGC Board of Directors
If one of these opportunities sparks your interest or you have questions about these or other ways you might lend a hand, email [email protected] and we’ll reach out.
Thank you for considering giving your time and talent to MHAGC!
Don’t miss this opportunity to make your dreams of a remarkable getaway come true, all while supporting a great cause. Purchase your sweepstakes entry today, and you could be the lucky winner of one of these incredible experiences!
Remember, every entry counts and helps us make a difference in our community. Thank you for your support, and best of luck!
Winner’s Choice! Spend a week in Italy for 2 at the Hotel Ponte Sisto in Rome 2-Night Stay, and the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa 5-Night Stay. Enjoy a daily complimentary breakfast and enjoy a Winery and Olive Oil Press Tour & Tasting with lunch at the Fattoria Colle Verde in the Tuscany countryside or enjoy a 3-Night stay for 2 in Napa Valley at the Meritage Resort and Spa with a Wine Train Tour including a gourmet lunch, Hot Air Balloon Ride, & Wine Tasting.
Meal Pack as a Group
Packing meals in our kitchen is a great group volunteer opportunity. Every morning, we need 8-10 volunteers to help pack hot meals from 8-10 a.m.
Gather your coworkers, a group you’re involved in, or your family members and sign up to volunteer together!
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!
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.
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Upstate collage artist and teacher Roscoe Conn describes his artwork and art career as “chunks” of himself that do not fall far from his personality and approach to life. He will share himself and his collage and mixed media art in his solo exhibition, “Chips Off the Old Block: A Retrospective of Roscoe Conn’s Art,” Jan. 2 through March 2, 2024, in the Solomon Gallery of the Artists Collective | Spartanburg. |
New 2023 members of the Artists Collective | Spartanburg will reveal themselves through their unique artistic visions “of the place we all call home” in “Altered States: 10 New Visions,” an exhibition Jan. 9 through Feb. 3 in Galleries II and III.
An artists’ talk is planned for Thursday, Jan. 18, at ACS as part of ArtWalk Spartanburg. The artists’ works range from pottery to acrylic and oil painting, to photography and mosaics.
Participating artists include Ken Bolton, Pat Cato, Dan Hazard, Judith Kolva, B. Collins, Monica Raquel, Petra Romero, Jackie Spohnholtz, Cassandra Stephens-Johnson and Skye Winter.
Woodbine Studio proudly announces an upcoming art exhibition featuring the renowned artist Phil Garrett. Titled “SOJOURN: Paintings and Works on Paper,” this showcase is set to open on January 19, 2024, and will continue through February 24, 2024, at Woodbine Studio, located at 1112 Rutherford Road, Greenville, SC.
This exhibition promises to be a stunning journey through Phil Garrett’s artistic explorations, featuring a range of his exceptional paintings and works on paper. Known for his vibrant use of color and innovative techniques, Garrett’s works are a testament to his mastery and creativity.
Opening Reception:
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, January 19th, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This event offers a unique opportunity to meet the artist and experience his works in an intimate setting.
Exhibition Details:
Title: SOJOURN: Paintings and Works on Paper
Artist: Phil Garrett
Venue: Woodbine Studio, 1112 Rutherford Road, Greenville, SC
Exhibition Dates: January 19, 2024 – February 24, 2024
Opening Reception: January 19th, 6 PM – 9 PM
About Phil Garrett:
Phil Garrett is an acclaimed artist whose works have captivated audiences worldwide. His use of color and form brings a unique perspective to contemporary art. Garrett’s paintings and works on paper are a journey into the realms of abstraction and expressionism, making each piece a statement of artistic innovation.




