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.

Monday, May 15, 2023
Swamp Rabbit Trail Tour
May 15 @ 9:30 am
Reedy Rides

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile multi-use (walking and bicycling) greenway that traverses along the Reedy River, an old railroad corridor and City parks to connect Travelers Rest with the city of Greenville, South Carolina.

From our location, you can venture south on the trail through Greenville’s many parks. The Swamp Rabbit links up with Falls Park on the Reedy, Cancer Survivors Park and down into Cleveland Park. Heading north, you’ll see how the trail has transformed from an old railbed to a thriving trail with many breweries and eateries, as you head toward Furman University (7 miles) and Travelers Rest (1 miles).

 

Running every Monday/Wednesday 9:30am and 2:30pm and Fridays at 2:30pm

 

2 Hours | Approx 8-10 Miles | $65 per person

Italian Renaissance Alive
May 15 @ 10:00 am
Biltmore Estate

Explore Biltmore House with an Audio Guide that introduces you to the Vanderbilt family and their magnificent home’s history, architecture, and collections of fine art and furnishings.

PLUS: Immersive, multi-sensory Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition created by Grande Experiences

PLUS: FREE next-day access to Biltmore’s Gardens and Grounds

This visit includes access to:

  • Italian Renaissance Alive at Amherst at Deerpark®
  • 8,000 Acres of Gardens and Grounds for two consecutive days
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tastings at the Winery
  • Tastings require a Day-of-Visit Reservation, which can be made by:
    • Scanning the QR Code found in your Estate Guide
    • Visiting any Guest Services location
  • Complimentary parking

Art Exhibition: Italian Renaissance Alive

This fascinating experience takes you on a spellbinding tour of Italy, fully immersing you in the beauty and brilliance of iconic masterworks from the greatest artistic period in history

Historic Neighborhoods + Architecture Tour
May 15 @ 10:30 am
Greenville History Tours

Our city has great architectural examples of styles that span the last 200 years and charming neighborhoods that give them context.

Our downtown is blessed with a selection of historic neighborhoods that encircle our city center, providing a great mix of the progress surrounding the Main Street area with the stability of traditional domestic living. As the young village of Greenville formed in the late 1700s, homes were naturally scattered around the region with large tracts of land tied to them. This tour traces the development of Greenville’s neighborhoods on the North and West sides of the Reedy River, taking you on a pleasant drive to see the variety of architectural styles, hear stories of their home-owners, and understand the role in Greenville’s revitalization.

Tours will take place in a comfortable Ford Transit high-roof tour van. Digital photographs will be shown on a screen to provide insights into the information that you hear from the tour guide. Your tour guide, John Nolan, is a local historian and author of “A Guide to Historic Greenville, SC” and “The Lost Restaurants of Greenville, SC

Highlights include:

• Current downtown condos and apartments

• Pettigru Neighborhood

• Alta Vista / Crescent Ave.

• Augusta Road neighborhood

• Mills Mill village

• Hampton Pinkney neighborhood

The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad
May 15 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

  • An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
  • A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
  • Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

The White Rabbit Fine Art Gallery for Mother’s Day
May 15 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
White Rabbit Fine Art Gallery

This Mother’s Day, gift your Mom a piece of upstate art. Paintings (large or small), jewelry, a hand woven basket filled with her favorite things, thrown coffee mug, a stained glass butterfly garden stake, floral paper sculpture, or a gift certificate for a private class with you. The White Rabbit Fine Art Gallery has all of this plus more. Stop in downtown Travelers Rest Wednesday thru Sunday afternoon.
Located: 5 S. Main Street in the heart of Travelers Rest next to Topsoil Restaurant.

Swamp Rabbit Trail Tour
May 15 @ 2:30 pm
Reedy Rides

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile multi-use (walking and bicycling) greenway that traverses along the Reedy River, an old railroad corridor and City parks to connect Travelers Rest with the city of Greenville, South Carolina.

From our location, you can venture south on the trail through Greenville’s many parks. The Swamp Rabbit links up with Falls Park on the Reedy, Cancer Survivors Park and down into Cleveland Park. Heading north, you’ll see how the trail has transformed from an old railbed to a thriving trail with many breweries and eateries, as you head toward Furman University (7 miles) and Travelers Rest (1 miles).

ASHEVILLE AMADEUS FESTIVAL Mostly Mozart
May 15 @ 7:30 pm
Brevard Music Center-Parker Concert Hall

The Asheville Amadeus Festival comes to Parker Concert Hall at Brevard Music Center for a delightful evening of ‘mostly’ Mozart performed by your favorite Brevard Music Center faculty, students, and alumni.

Asheville Amadeus Mostly Mozart at Parker Concert Hall
May 15 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Brevard Music Center-Parker Concert Hall

The Asheville Amadeus Festival comes to Parker Concert Hall at Brevard Music Center for a delightful evening of ‘mostly’ Mozart performed by your favorite Brevard Music Center faculty, students, and alumni.

KENNY LOGGINS: THIS IS IT! HIS FINAL TOUR 2023
May 15 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Kenny Loggins has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and has won two Grammy® Awards. His songs have left his musical imprint on “the soundtrack of our lives.”  Over the last four decades, his chart-topping songs have included “This Is It,” “I’m Alright,” “Footloose,” “Danger Zone,” and so many more.

 

In addition to his string of successful recordings, both solo and as a member of the famed duo Loggins & Messina, Kenny became the first major rock star to dedicate himself to recording music for children and families. His album Return to Pooh Corner remains the best-selling children’s album of the last 20 years. In 2016, he released his latest children’s project, the book Footloose (Moondance Press, an imprint of Quarto Publishing Group USA, October 17, 2016), inspired by his 1985 Oscar® nominated and Grammy® Award-winning “Song of the Year.”

 

In 2016, he was a recipient of the ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award at the annual Chapin Awards hosted by WhyHunger.  Later that year, The Guild of Music Supervisors honored the legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist with the organization’s first-ever Icon Award for his outstanding achievements in film, television, and soundtracks. His gift for crafting deeply emotional music is unparalleled, and it’s been a part of his life as long as he can remember. His generous support of countless local organizations has made a lasting impact on the causes that are close to his heart.

 

In February 2021, Kenny released “The Great Adventure”, a brand-new single that is the theme song for San Diego Zoo Kids television network. The closed-circuit television adventure channel features programs produced primarily for medical facilities that serve pediatric patients and their families. The channel debuted at Rady Children’s Hospital in 2013 and offers family-friendly, animal-oriented stories that are both entertaining and educational, supporting Kenny’s core belief that “every child should experience the healing power of music.”

 

Loggins released At The Movies on June 12, 2021 – a Record Store Day exclusive vinyl that included some of his career-spanning soundtrack hits for the first time ever on one album, including “I’m Alright” (Caddyshack), “Footloose” (Footloose), “Danger Zone” (Top Gun), and many more.

 

On June 14, 2022, Hachette Books published Still Alright, Loggins’ long-awaited memoir. In Still Alright, Loggins gives fans a candid and entertaining perspective on his life and career as one of the most noteworthy musicians of the 1970s and ’80s.

 

For more information, please visit www.kennyloggins.com

 

Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 16 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Cinderella Magic Package
May 16 all-day
online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse

We are excited to bring this special package to you and your loved ones. It’s super easy!

  1. Pick your show date – June 14, 17, 21, 24 (Evening only)
  2. Choose 2 Adult Seats and 2 Student Seats
  3. At Checkout, discount will be applied

Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!

Your wish is granted!

TICKETS + INFO

If you have any problems, our Box Office is happy to help!

828.693.0731

Greenville Center for Creative Arts Summer Art Camps Registration Open
May 16 all-day
Greenville Center for Creative Arts

Camps that run from 9 AM – 12 PM, Monday – Friday, beginning June 5 – August 4.

Weekly art camps at GCCA are designed to let kids ages 5-12 explore their creativity through a range of materials and concepts. Each week features a different artistic medium and includes professional guest artists who demonstrate technique and discuss what makes their work unique.

WEEK 1:

Printmaking Camp

JUNE 5 – JUNE 9

Printmaking is a form of art-making that allows the artist to reproduce a design, drawing, or image multiple times onto various surfaces, though most often on paper. This means that prints can come in all different shapes, sizes, designs, and media. Printmaking campers will explore multiple techniques and learn how to create prints using different methods like mono printing and collograph printing. Projects will include monotype self-portraits, stamps, relief prints and more.

WEEK 2:

Bookmaking & Paper Art Camp

JUNE 12 – JUNE 16

Draw, paint, and collage to create sketchbooks and storybooks in Bookmaking and Paper Art Camp! Campers will create their very own artist sketchbook that can be taken anywhere and everywhere to record travel, thoughts, drawings, and ideas. This week of bookmaking includes the creation of cover designs, sewn and bound edges, folded paper inserts, and drawings and paintings that illustrate the artistic vision of the artist.  Campers will learn to combine imagery and text while working to understand scale, balance, and color.

WEEK 3:

Clay Camp

JUNE 19 – JUNE 23

Explore the world of artmaking with clay! Campers will learn hand-building fundamentals to create everything from clay sculpture to pinch pots, tiles, and more! Hand-building techniques like coil building and slab rolling will teach campers to make objects with clay, while glazing, stamping, and stenciling will introduce them to design and color theory.

WEEK 4:

Painting Camp

JUNE 26 – JUNE 30

Basic painting skills, including color theory and color mixing, provide a solid foundation that is useful in understanding all areas of the visual arts. Campers will learn to use value, perspective, and gesture to create self-portraits, animal paintings, abstract collages, and more in Painting Camp! Exploration will include an introduction to painting movements and techniques—from abstraction and collage to landscape and still life.

WEEK 5:

Fiber and Textile Arts Camp

JULY 10 – JULY 14

Greenville’s rich textile history will serve as the inspiration for Fiber and Textile Arts Camp. Campers will learn to weave, sew, and batik using both traditional and unconventional materials to create their own designs—all against the backdrop of a historic textile mill. Projects like wall-hanging batiks and useable totes will introduce campers to design basics including color, composition, and form.

WEEK 6:

Drawing and Collage Camp

JULY 17 – JULY 21

Experience the art of paper, from paper making to surface design with stamps and textiles. Campers will combine images and layer materials while learning color theory, composition, and form. Taking inspiration from famous artists they will develop a range of ideas and projects.  Campers will learn to use line, value, and composition to create abstract collages, self-portraits, sketches, and more.

WEEK 7:

Wearable Art Camp

JULY 24 – JULY 28

Express yourself with artwork you can wear! Using traditional and non-traditional materials, campers will explore sculptural techniques while learning to manipulate and transform materials in new and creative ways. Altered clothes, hats made out of paper, and unique accessories are just some of the fun projects campers will create to showcase their very own style and make an artistic statement.

WEEK 8:

Sculpture Camp

JULY 31 – AUGUST 4

Sculpture Camp will introduce campers to what sculpture is and why it differs from other art forms. Using a variety of materials, including wire, paper mache, and recycled bottles, campers will create everything from animals to abstraction and move from drawings to three-dimensional forms to understand how an artist must think about viewing a sculpture from every angle. Campers will also learn to consider the top, bottom, and sides of piece while learning about the importance of scale and composition to make finished sculptures.

Leadership Spartanburg Progarm
May 16 all-day
online

Applications for the 2023-24 class of Leadership Spartanburg are open, and will be accepted through June 15, 2023.
Leadership Spartanburg’s next class will run from September 2023 through May 2024, focusing on community information and issues, volunteerism and leadership development. Sessions are held one day a month from 8:30 AM- 4 PM, typically on the third Thursday of the month.

PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES

Leadership Spartanburg gives you a hand in shaping our community’s future.

But, is Leadership Spartanburg for you?

  • Leadership Spartanburg is for anyone who has looked around our county and felt inspired.
  • Leadership for anyone who wants to have a lot of fun meeting 40 other interesting, passionate people from all walks of life.
  • It’s for anyone who has noticed something in our neighborhoods that could be better and wanted to help fix the problem.

Leadership Spartanburg’s approach to community issues is open and honest about the good and the bad. Meetings will challenge you personally and professionally, but challenges are always framed to encourage realistic positive action.

Getting the most out of Leadership Spartanburg requires a long, thoughtful look around as you dig into the program of monthly meetings and experiential small-group learning projects. Leadership Spartanburg will prepare participants to work within their own community and the region as effective leaders capable of making decisions.

The main objectives of Leadership Spartanburg are to:

  • Identify and select highly motivated, potential community leaders to participate in the program.
  • Systematically challenge the participants to become aware of, examine, and respond to the social and economic needs of the community.
  • Develop an esprit de corps among the participants, which will provide a common ground for working together on present and future community needs.
  • Identify organizational and individual opportunities for community involvement and assist in the placement of participants.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

Time commitment: An opening session followed by an eight-month curriculum that focuses on community information and issues.

Tuition:

  • OneSpartanburg, Inc. Members: $1,895
  • Non-members: $2,295

Selection Criteria

  • Civic Involvement
  • Leadership Potential
  • Diversity Perspective
  • Commitment to the Leadership Program and the community

2023-24 Session Topics

  • Talent, Place, Economy and Image
  • Spartanburg’s History & Where We’re Headed
  • Fostering Spartanburg’s Educational Attainment
  • Community Issues: Challenges & Successes
  • Spartanburg County’s Economic Excellence
  • Local Talent to Promote Community Cohesion
  • Spartanburg’s Quality of Life & Cultural Assets
  • Health & Wellness: Impacting the Local Communities
SC Women In Leadership: City of Spartanburg boards and commissions: positions available
May 16 all-day
online

On local boards and commissions across the country, women are particularly underrepresented on more so-called “masculine” boards like planning, construction, and transportation boards. It’s not always a matter of men being chosen over women. Often, it’s because women simply don’t apply to these boards.

Right now the City of Spartanburg has 11 boards and commissions with available positions, including the:

Imagine the difference we could make for equal representation if we could ensure half of the applications they receive are from women. In fact, research shows that underrepresented groups can have a larger impact on policy through appointed positions than elected ones.

Will you help us improve diversity and give women in your community a say in the policies that affect them? Applications are being accepted now through June. Apply to serve on a board or commission for Spartanburg and encourage your friends to apply, too.

Want to learn more about boards and commissions including the role they play in government, what it’s like to serve, and opportunities at the statewide level? Join us for our annual SpringBoard Conference on May 20th sponsored by Duke Energy and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.

Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Trails”
May 16 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail continues with a celebration of how our trails transform each spring. Bring your camera on your next excursion in the park and capture budding wildflowers, spring hikers, or whatever you encounter along the way. You may even win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

STEAM Summer Camp Registration is OPEN
May 16 all-day
Spartanburg Science Center

From June through August the Spartanburg Science Center will be offering 18 STEAM Summer Camps featuring a wide array of topics for rising K4 through rising 9th grade. Our professional educators feature high-quality programming as well as interaction with SSC exhibits and animals. There is something for everyone! You can check out all the available summer camps on our website.

Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 16 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Greenville State Farmers Market
May 16 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Greenville State Farmers Market

 

The Greenville State Farmers Market includes retail sheds and farmer stalls that offer a wide variety of locally grown products and specialty goods. Both quality and variety are standards for the volume of products offered for sale at the Greenville State Farmers Market. Market operations continue Monday – Saturday all year long, ceasing for only two holidays: Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Find information about upcoming events and what’s in season at our market’s Facebook page.

 

Office Hours

Monday – Friday  •  7:30 am – 4 pm
Closed on State Holidays

 

Retail Hours

Monday – Saturday  •  8 am – 6 pm
Admission and parking are free
Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 16 @ 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!

Boxes Needed: Greer Relief
May 16 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Greer Relief

Boxes !!

Keep Bringing Daily

This is a great opportunity for kids to get volunteer hours. Please email Jenn at [email protected] if you are interested in signing up. We have 5 open spots weekly at the grocery of your choice.

We appreciate the hard work put into acquiring these milk boxes. We need 50-100 boxes a week to keep from having to order bags.

If you make a connection with a grocery store, please let me know what support is needed.