Explore family friendly events, theatres, galleries, concerts, nightlife, things to do, and more in the Greenville, SC and Upstate areas.

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Saturday, August 14, 2021
Noble Trees of Spartanburg County Contest
Aug 14 all-day
Online

The Noble Tree Foundation
Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve

HOW TO ENTER YOUR NOBLE TREE

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Locate your Noble Tree, take a photo of it, and make your best guess on its height (in feet), crown spread (width in feet) and trunk circumference (inches). Download the pdf How to Measure a Tree below. Measure the trunk at 4.5’ from the ground level.  Our tree experts will confirm the data. Noble Trees will be judged by species. The Noble Tree Foundation will donate $2500 to Hatcher Garden in the name of the winning entrant and $100 each in the name of five notable mention entrants. You can make your entry online or by downloading the entry form and mailing to: Hatcher Garden, P.O. Box 2337, Spartanburg, SC 29304.

Noble Trees will only be nominated once and must be located in Spartanburg County. Be sure to look for your Noble Tree on our interactive map to check if your tree has already been nominated for 2021 Contest.

We will accept Noble Trees of Spartanburg County Contest nominations beginning September 15, 2020 thru August 15, 2021.  Those Noble Trees nominated between the dates of September 15, 2020 and August 15, 2021 are eligible to win our 2021 contest.

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE TWILIGHT IN THE GARDEN EVENT TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER 2021

Why are we having the 2021 Best Noble Tree of Spartanburg County Contest?

The contest is a way to educate school children and the community about the importance of Noble Trees and will be a great resource to locate Spartanburg County’s largest and most notable specimen trees. Additionally, this will create a Google Map of the Tree Canopy of Spartanburg County and show open areas where Noble Trees need to be planted.

Peace Broadway! On sale Now!
Aug 14 all-day
Peace Center

Guarantee Your Seats for All 9 Shows!

Premium Seating

Peacekeepers may purchase up to TWO Premium subscriptions per $250 donation. Box seating is available with annual gifts starting at $1,500 for upper boxes and $2,500 for lower boxes. Gifts must be renewed annually to retain season tickets in this section. Please note, due to demand, this seating area is limited.

Patron Accessibility

The Peace Center offers a variety of accessibility services including assistive listening, ASL interpreted performances (Saturday matinees), audio described performances, wheelchair accessible seating, and transfer chairs. For the best experience, please discuss your specific need with a Customer Service Representative. Some services require advance notice.

Private Caboose Party
Aug 14 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!

Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.

A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.

You can charter the caboose on:

Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Rafting
Aug 14 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

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 by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Rail + Trail
Aug 14 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Enjoy this trip combining the Great Smoky Mountains Railroads trip with the Waterfall Jeep® tour. You’ll begin your trip in Bryson City, NC, with a 2 hour (approximate) railroad excursion over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. As you travel on the train, watch paddlers challenge the rapids. At the top of the line, disembark from the train and climb aboard Wildwater’s customized Jeep® for a 2-hour (approximate) personal exploration up the mountain, past waterfalls and lakes, up to the Appalachian Trail and back. A delicious deli lunch is included.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

* Children 40 – 80 lbs. are required to sit in the front passenger seat with the airbag disengaged using a child booster seat. Children 80 lbs. or greater will sit in the back using a lap seat belt. If there is more than one child in the 40 – 80 lb. range, the second child will sit in the back using a lap belt.

Register TODAY for Neighborhood Focus after school program
Aug 14 all-day
Varies--the Upstate
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Neighborhood Focus has openings available for the after school program starting next week. The program is open to Westcliffe, Berea and Alexander Elementary and Lakeview and Berea Middle School. This is a free program that will offer tutoring in reading and math, learn about STEAM, recreational activities, worship and much more. For registration and information please email [email protected] or call 864.214.6553.
Reimagined Competition for 2021 Gingerbread Season
Aug 14 all-day
The Omni Grove Park Inn

The National Gingerbread House Competition™

The Omni Grove Park Inn, home of the iconic National Gingerbread House Competition, announced a reimagined Competition for 2021. After a virtual 2020, the Resort is planning to welcome back participants in-person this year, along with an esteemed panel of judges, including renowned Food Network Chef, Carla Hall.

Gingerbread enthusiasts are now encouraged to enter the Competition (find entry details HERE) and begin dreaming up dazzling designs for their confectionary creations. The 2021 Competition will take place at The Omni Grove Park Inn on November 22, 2021.

November 8, 2021: Competitor Entry Form Deadline.

 

November 15, 2021: Digital Content and Description Summary Form Deadline.

 

November 22, 2021: Awards Ceremony and Winners Announcement.

 

December 1-12, 2021: 12 Days of Gingerbread series on The Omni Grove Park Inn social channels highlighting top finalists. Assets will be available.

 

November 2021 – January 2, 2022: In-person Gingerbread Display will be open for public viewing at The Omni Grove Park Inn.

Tarzan Train
Aug 14 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Tarzan Train

 

Our train and canopy combo trip will start in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train depot. You will ride through the Smoky Mountains, along Fontana Lake and up into the Nantahala Gorge. On your 2 hour train ride, watch paddlers challenge the rapids on the Nantahala River. A delicious Deli Sandwich lunch is included. At the top-of-the-line, you will disembark the train and travel a short distance to Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours.

The original zipline canopy tour in Western North Carolina, Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours offers 13 different zip lines and 8 sky bridges. Our two highest platforms have unbelievable views of Clingman’s Dome, Fontana Lake and waterfalls. This gliding experience, naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change, takes you through multiple ecosystems, past hemlocks, into hardwoods and through a deciduous forest packed with native flowering plants. All Canopy Tour Rangers are trained to – and all courses are built and inspected to – ACCT Standards to provide for your well-being and fun. This is a great experience for families.

After enjoying the fully guided zip line tour, check out your photos and buy a t-shirt in Wildwater’s store. Your adventure will end later in the afternoon back at your car in Bryson City, NC. All transportation is included.

Members of your party who can’t – or don’t want to – go on the canopy tour can ride the train round trip. You’ll all meet up shortly after the train’s return in Bryson City, NC.

The Freewheelers of Spartanburg A Bicycling Club
Aug 14 all-day
The Freewheelers of Spartanburg

Join anytime for $25 (Single Membership)!

 

freewheelers-logoMembership is open year round.  $25 for Singles and $35 for Families.
By joining the Freewheelers you help support bicycle advocacy in the Spartanburg area. Membership also provides members opportunities to network with other cyclists through the online message board for rides and events.  Membership drive for the coming year is Oct-Dec of each year.
Club membership is no longer be a requirement to participate in the Assault on Mt. Mitchell.
Benefits and examples of what we do:
    • The Freewheelers offer a challenging and extensive ride calendar for the beginner as well as the seasoned rider
    • Monthly Club meetings to help guide and support cycling in Spartanburg.
    • Bearden Josey women’s racing team support
    • SAG support for local rides
Unto These Hills, Outdoor Drama
Aug 14 all-day
Mountainside Theatre

Monday-Saturday. CLOSED SUNDAYS
You can feel a slight chill run up your spine; but not from the mountain winds shifting their direction in anticipation of the coming dusk. It is from your anticipation of the coming drama. Unto These Hills drama is the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee that traces back to the years before the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears to the present day. Millions of people have witnessed America’s most powerful drama, which rewrites the Cherokee’s place in the world. A place based on traditional Cherokee values and modern sensibilities.

Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park
Aug 14 all-day
The Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park

The Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park is a community collaboration located off the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail behind the Flock Shop in Spartanburg, SC. The park includes bicycle features like the wood and dirt flow trails which take mountain bikers on a roller coaster experience with little pedaling and braking necessary. The park was made to suit all skill levels, built with progressive features so you can start small and advance at your own pace.

VIRTUAL RAILFAN is live!
Aug 14 all-day
Online

VIRTUAL RAILFAN is live!

VIRTUAL RAILFAN is live from the Hub City RR Museum in Spartanburg.

The Virtual Railfan cameras were installed on Tuesday, July 6th at the Hub City Railroad Museum. There is one camera looking north and one looking south. The Hub City RR Museum wants to thank the City of Spartanburg for allowing us to install the cameras, and to Virtual Railfan for the install. We already have seen over 300 railfans at one time watching the video feed.
Links to live feeds:
[North Camera feed]
[South Camera feed]

Wings of the City Art Exhibit
Aug 14 all-day
Falls Park and on the Peace Center
WINGS OF THE CITY
Local news has shared several recent stories about a petition to remove the Wings of the City exhibit. Art can create many different reactions and emotions in viewers, and Hispanic Alliance respects the right to both share these impressions and to be civically active in the community.
We also want to reassure the community that the vast majority of responses to this exhibit have been overwhelmingly positive. Many are full of pride to have a world-renowned artist, and the accompanying tourism, brought to our home. Please read a joint statement from the City of Greenville and Hispanic Alliance regarding the City’s support for Wings of the City, as well as the real intentions behind welcoming this art.
On a personal note, Hispanic Alliance has been deeply touched by the supportive messages and generous donations of those seeking to preserve this art for everyone. We encourage you to see these impressive sculptures in-person! Please visit WingsofGVL.com to learn more, and don’t forget to use the hashtags #WingsofGVL, #AlasdeGVL, and #WingsoftheCity.
Wings of the City Instagram Contest!
Aug 14 all-day
Greenville SC

Together with Fundación Marín and the Mexican Consulate in Raleigh, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Wings of the City Photo Contest! Participate for a chance to win a lithograph by Jorge Marín!⁣
1) Follow the following Instagram accounts: @jorgemarinmx@hispanicalliancesc, and @gvilleevents.⁣
2) Take a picture posing in front of one of the 9 sculptures.⁣
3) Post the picture in your Instagram Feed (not in stories) using the hashtag #WingsoftheCityGVL.⁣
4) In the caption, include a word, phrase or quote that conveys what the sculpture or the exhibit means to you.⁣
First, second, and third place will be chosen by the number of likes – so make sure you share and ask your friends to support you by liking your post! ⁣
We will be accepting entries until September 13, 2021. Participants from SC, NC, and GA are eligible. For more information, please visit WingsofGVL.com/contest.⁣
Children’s Fountain at RiverPlace
Aug 14 @ 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.

Saturday Market
Aug 14 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Downtown Greenville
The Hub City Farmers Market
Aug 14 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Hub City Farmers Market

The Hub City Farmers Market is a producer-only farmers market in order to support local farmers and educate the community on seasonal produce and nutrition. It is the longest running farmers market in the Upstate and open every Saturday April-December and then the third Saturday of January, February, and March. Visit our site to meet our vendors, see who’s playing on Wade’s Community Stage, learn about our variety of kids activities, and more.

All customers, vendors, and staff are required to wear masks.

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Aug 14 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

WNC Farmers Market Open Daily
Aug 14 @ 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.

Traveler’s Rest Farmer’s Market
Aug 14 @ 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Trailblazer Park

Saturdays, May-Sept., 8:30-12 at Trailblazer Park on the Swamp Rabbit Trail find over 60 local producers and artists. Pets are not permitted in the park. Created to provide a forum for the exchange of local products and goods, as well as educational and cultural activities for increasing knowledge about, appreciation for, and participation in the local production of natural products, while also fostering a sense of community among the residents and visitors of the Travelers Rest area.