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.

Friday, May 24, 2024
Hippies by the River
May 24 all-day
Events by the River

Join us for an unforgettable day of peace, love, and music at Hippies by the River! This groovy event will take place on Fri May 24 2024 – May 26 2024 at 62 Arnold Branch Rd.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the 60s and 70s, as we celebrate the spirit of the counterculture movement. With live performances from talented local artists, you’ll be transported back to a time of freedom and self-expression.

At Hippies by the River, you can expect a laid-back and friendly environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Feel free to dress up in your favorite hippie attire, and don’t forget to bring your blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy the beautiful riverside location.

Indulge in delicious food from various food trucks offering a wide range of cuisines. Explore the colorful market stalls filled with unique handmade crafts, jewelry, and vintage clothing.

Whether you’re a true flower child or simply curious about the hippie culture, Hippies by the River promises a day filled with good vibes, great music, and positive energy. So mark your calendars and get ready to experience a groovy time!

Rita’s 40th Birthday Celebration Sweepstakes
May 24 all-day
Rita's Italian Ice + Frozen Custard

Rita’s is ringing in its 40th and wants to give its guests the presents this year! Beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET Monday, April 29, through 11:59 p.m. ET Sunday, May 26, participants from select states can enter weekly for their chance to win* a trip to the destination of their choice: Italy or Iceland, including airfare, hotel for two and more. To participate in Rita’s 40h Birthday Celebration Sweepstakes, enter for a chance to win at http://www.ritas40thbirthdaysweepstakes.com.

Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year

In honor of its milestone birthday, Rita’s is sweetening the sweeps for 40 lucky participants! Each week of the sweepstakes, 10 randomly selected first prize winners will receive Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year.** Please note the entry limit is once per week starting April 29 through May 26.

**Each “Free Italian Ice for a Year Prize” is one (1) year of free Italian Ice (52 free small ice rewards to be issued in winner’s Rita’s Ice app account, expiring 1 year from issue date). Terms and conditions apply.

“This sweepstakes underscores our gratitude to our loyal Rita’s community whose unwavering support has propelled Rita’s to become the largest Italian Ice concept in the world serving happiness in over 30 states,” said Linda Chadwick, President & CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. “Our success story is a testament to the passion and commitment of our fans and franchisees, without whom Rita’s wouldn’t have reached such heights. As we mark this milestone, we are thrilled to give back and express our heartfelt thanks for four decades of Ice, Custard and Happiness. We can’t wait to make this celebration our most memorable one yet.”

For over 40 years, Rita’s has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!”. Originally founded in May 1984, Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo created his prized family recipe to include real fruit and opened his first Rita’s Italian Ice shop in Bensalem, PA. Since then, Rita’s has staked its claim in the frozen treats industry by planting franchises across the country that offer a happy, family-friendly atmosphere and set the standard for fresh and quality-driven Italian Ice. Now, Rita’s has over 550 shops in over 30 states, serving up Ice, Custard and Happiness to millions of loyal fans.

Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating daily selection from over 80 flavors. Other menu items at Rita’s include creamy Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes, Frozen Coffee, Rita’s BlendersTM, Milkshakes and more.

For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard and to find your closest location, please visit http://www.ritasice.com/.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of the 50 US/DC (excluding AK, AR, HI, ID, IA, KS, LA, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, NM, ND, OR, RI, SD, VT, WA, WI, and WY), 18 years of age and older. Void in excluded states & where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes starts 12 pm ET on 4/29/24 and ends 11:59 pm ET on 5/26/24. The Sweepstakes consists of 4 weekly Entry Periods/prizes and one Grand Prize Entry Period/prize. Subject to Official Rules, including how to enter, entry period dates, prize details, odds, and restrictions, see  https://www.ritas40thbirthdaysweepstakes.com/rules. Sponsor: Rita’s Franchise Company, LLC, 1210 Northbrook Drive, Trevose, PA 19053.

About Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard:

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened its doors in Bensalem, Pa. in 1984, and has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!” ever since. Now, Rita’s is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world with over 550 shops. Guests around the world visit Rita’s to celebrate their everyday moments with freshly made cool treats in a fun-filled atmosphere. Known for its famous Italian Ice, made daily featuring real fruit, and award-winning Frozen Custard, Rita’s serves a taste of happiness with each delicious treat. For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice, please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com and www.ownaritas.com.

Saturday, May 25, 2024
Greenville BBQ Trail Tour
May 25 all-day
Various Locations Greenville SC

While Downtown Greenville’s familiar culinary scene has some great BBQ options, this tour will take you outside of the city center to the places locals know and love. These are the types of joints with smoke stacks sticking out of the rooftops and white smoke billowing out of the chimneys–smoking the meats right on the premises.

The Greenville BBQ Trail tour is your opportunity to try back-to-back tastings of what are considered by many to be among the top BBQ spots in the city.

Tours include:

• Insights into each restaurant’s cooking processes and techniques
• Information about each restaurant’s history and how they got started
• Interesting information about Greenville BBQ history
• A drive through old textile mill villages
• And, of course, a chance to try generous portions of smoked meats and delicious sides

Locations we visit:

• Bucky’s Bar-B-Q
• Henry’s Smokehouse
• Mike & Jeff’s BBQ

Hippies by the River
May 25 all-day
Events by the River

Join us for an unforgettable day of peace, love, and music at Hippies by the River! This groovy event will take place on Fri May 24 2024 – May 26 2024 at 62 Arnold Branch Rd.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the 60s and 70s, as we celebrate the spirit of the counterculture movement. With live performances from talented local artists, you’ll be transported back to a time of freedom and self-expression.

At Hippies by the River, you can expect a laid-back and friendly environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Feel free to dress up in your favorite hippie attire, and don’t forget to bring your blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy the beautiful riverside location.

Indulge in delicious food from various food trucks offering a wide range of cuisines. Explore the colorful market stalls filled with unique handmade crafts, jewelry, and vintage clothing.

Whether you’re a true flower child or simply curious about the hippie culture, Hippies by the River promises a day filled with good vibes, great music, and positive energy. So mark your calendars and get ready to experience a groovy time!

Rita’s 40th Birthday Celebration Sweepstakes
May 25 all-day
Rita's Italian Ice + Frozen Custard

Rita’s is ringing in its 40th and wants to give its guests the presents this year! Beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET Monday, April 29, through 11:59 p.m. ET Sunday, May 26, participants from select states can enter weekly for their chance to win* a trip to the destination of their choice: Italy or Iceland, including airfare, hotel for two and more. To participate in Rita’s 40h Birthday Celebration Sweepstakes, enter for a chance to win at http://www.ritas40thbirthdaysweepstakes.com.

Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year

In honor of its milestone birthday, Rita’s is sweetening the sweeps for 40 lucky participants! Each week of the sweepstakes, 10 randomly selected first prize winners will receive Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year.** Please note the entry limit is once per week starting April 29 through May 26.

**Each “Free Italian Ice for a Year Prize” is one (1) year of free Italian Ice (52 free small ice rewards to be issued in winner’s Rita’s Ice app account, expiring 1 year from issue date). Terms and conditions apply.

“This sweepstakes underscores our gratitude to our loyal Rita’s community whose unwavering support has propelled Rita’s to become the largest Italian Ice concept in the world serving happiness in over 30 states,” said Linda Chadwick, President & CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. “Our success story is a testament to the passion and commitment of our fans and franchisees, without whom Rita’s wouldn’t have reached such heights. As we mark this milestone, we are thrilled to give back and express our heartfelt thanks for four decades of Ice, Custard and Happiness. We can’t wait to make this celebration our most memorable one yet.”

For over 40 years, Rita’s has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!”. Originally founded in May 1984, Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo created his prized family recipe to include real fruit and opened his first Rita’s Italian Ice shop in Bensalem, PA. Since then, Rita’s has staked its claim in the frozen treats industry by planting franchises across the country that offer a happy, family-friendly atmosphere and set the standard for fresh and quality-driven Italian Ice. Now, Rita’s has over 550 shops in over 30 states, serving up Ice, Custard and Happiness to millions of loyal fans.

Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating daily selection from over 80 flavors. Other menu items at Rita’s include creamy Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes, Frozen Coffee, Rita’s BlendersTM, Milkshakes and more.

For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard and to find your closest location, please visit http://www.ritasice.com/.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of the 50 US/DC (excluding AK, AR, HI, ID, IA, KS, LA, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, NM, ND, OR, RI, SD, VT, WA, WI, and WY), 18 years of age and older. Void in excluded states & where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes starts 12 pm ET on 4/29/24 and ends 11:59 pm ET on 5/26/24. The Sweepstakes consists of 4 weekly Entry Periods/prizes and one Grand Prize Entry Period/prize. Subject to Official Rules, including how to enter, entry period dates, prize details, odds, and restrictions, see  https://www.ritas40thbirthdaysweepstakes.com/rules. Sponsor: Rita’s Franchise Company, LLC, 1210 Northbrook Drive, Trevose, PA 19053.

About Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard:

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened its doors in Bensalem, Pa. in 1984, and has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!” ever since. Now, Rita’s is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world with over 550 shops. Guests around the world visit Rita’s to celebrate their everyday moments with freshly made cool treats in a fun-filled atmosphere. Known for its famous Italian Ice, made daily featuring real fruit, and award-winning Frozen Custard, Rita’s serves a taste of happiness with each delicious treat. For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice, please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com and www.ownaritas.com.

Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society Rose Exhibit
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Presented by the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society, the Annual Rose Exhibition promises to be the most spectacular exhibition of roses in Western North Carolina! Over a hundred varieties of fragrant, WNC-grown roses will be on display, including rare and beautiful blooms from some of the region’s most admired gardens, along with lovely easy-care roses perfect for your garden.

Rose experts will be available to offer helpful gardening tips and answer your questions.

Admission to the Annual Rose Exhibition is included with the regular Arboretum parking fee.

More info at wncroses.com.

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

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

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

 

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

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

 

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

  • Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
  • Garden Open Year Round
  • Parking Fees
    • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
    • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
    • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
    • Members: Free

    Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

SATURDAY Boozy Book Fair
May 25 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Magnetic South Brewery Greenville

School’s letting out and it’s time to stock up on books for all your summer plans: the beach, the lake, plane trips, road trips, camping, or just a lazy day by the pool.

We have you covered with a book fair that’s fun for both kids and adults. Join us INDOORS at Magnetic South Brewery, home of great beer, great food, and even arcade games!

There was nothing like the elementary school book fair – the smell of new books in the air, the rush of racing your friends to find the next installment of your favorite series, and, if you were lucky, the crinkle of money from Mom in your pocket.

Life felt so much easier back then, didn’t it? Don’t you find yourself wishing from time to time that you could just go back?

You can – but now we’re doing it grown-up style.

Sunday, May 26, 2024
Hippies by the River
May 26 all-day
Events by the River

Join us for an unforgettable day of peace, love, and music at Hippies by the River! This groovy event will take place on Fri May 24 2024 – May 26 2024 at 62 Arnold Branch Rd.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the 60s and 70s, as we celebrate the spirit of the counterculture movement. With live performances from talented local artists, you’ll be transported back to a time of freedom and self-expression.

At Hippies by the River, you can expect a laid-back and friendly environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Feel free to dress up in your favorite hippie attire, and don’t forget to bring your blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy the beautiful riverside location.

Indulge in delicious food from various food trucks offering a wide range of cuisines. Explore the colorful market stalls filled with unique handmade crafts, jewelry, and vintage clothing.

Whether you’re a true flower child or simply curious about the hippie culture, Hippies by the River promises a day filled with good vibes, great music, and positive energy. So mark your calendars and get ready to experience a groovy time!

Rita’s 40th Birthday Celebration Sweepstakes
May 26 all-day
Rita's Italian Ice + Frozen Custard

Rita’s is ringing in its 40th and wants to give its guests the presents this year! Beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET Monday, April 29, through 11:59 p.m. ET Sunday, May 26, participants from select states can enter weekly for their chance to win* a trip to the destination of their choice: Italy or Iceland, including airfare, hotel for two and more. To participate in Rita’s 40h Birthday Celebration Sweepstakes, enter for a chance to win at http://www.ritas40thbirthdaysweepstakes.com.

Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year

In honor of its milestone birthday, Rita’s is sweetening the sweeps for 40 lucky participants! Each week of the sweepstakes, 10 randomly selected first prize winners will receive Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year.** Please note the entry limit is once per week starting April 29 through May 26.

**Each “Free Italian Ice for a Year Prize” is one (1) year of free Italian Ice (52 free small ice rewards to be issued in winner’s Rita’s Ice app account, expiring 1 year from issue date). Terms and conditions apply.

“This sweepstakes underscores our gratitude to our loyal Rita’s community whose unwavering support has propelled Rita’s to become the largest Italian Ice concept in the world serving happiness in over 30 states,” said Linda Chadwick, President & CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. “Our success story is a testament to the passion and commitment of our fans and franchisees, without whom Rita’s wouldn’t have reached such heights. As we mark this milestone, we are thrilled to give back and express our heartfelt thanks for four decades of Ice, Custard and Happiness. We can’t wait to make this celebration our most memorable one yet.”

For over 40 years, Rita’s has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!”. Originally founded in May 1984, Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo created his prized family recipe to include real fruit and opened his first Rita’s Italian Ice shop in Bensalem, PA. Since then, Rita’s has staked its claim in the frozen treats industry by planting franchises across the country that offer a happy, family-friendly atmosphere and set the standard for fresh and quality-driven Italian Ice. Now, Rita’s has over 550 shops in over 30 states, serving up Ice, Custard and Happiness to millions of loyal fans.

Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating daily selection from over 80 flavors. Other menu items at Rita’s include creamy Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes, Frozen Coffee, Rita’s BlendersTM, Milkshakes and more.

For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard and to find your closest location, please visit http://www.ritasice.com/.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of the 50 US/DC (excluding AK, AR, HI, ID, IA, KS, LA, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, NM, ND, OR, RI, SD, VT, WA, WI, and WY), 18 years of age and older. Void in excluded states & where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes starts 12 pm ET on 4/29/24 and ends 11:59 pm ET on 5/26/24. The Sweepstakes consists of 4 weekly Entry Periods/prizes and one Grand Prize Entry Period/prize. Subject to Official Rules, including how to enter, entry period dates, prize details, odds, and restrictions, see  https://www.ritas40thbirthdaysweepstakes.com/rules. Sponsor: Rita’s Franchise Company, LLC, 1210 Northbrook Drive, Trevose, PA 19053.

About Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard:

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened its doors in Bensalem, Pa. in 1984, and has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!” ever since. Now, Rita’s is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world with over 550 shops. Guests around the world visit Rita’s to celebrate their everyday moments with freshly made cool treats in a fun-filled atmosphere. Known for its famous Italian Ice, made daily featuring real fruit, and award-winning Frozen Custard, Rita’s serves a taste of happiness with each delicious treat. For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice, please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com and www.ownaritas.com.

Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society Rose Exhibit
May 26 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Presented by the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society, the Annual Rose Exhibition promises to be the most spectacular exhibition of roses in Western North Carolina! Over a hundred varieties of fragrant, WNC-grown roses will be on display, including rare and beautiful blooms from some of the region’s most admired gardens, along with lovely easy-care roses perfect for your garden.

Rose experts will be available to offer helpful gardening tips and answer your questions.

Admission to the Annual Rose Exhibition is included with the regular Arboretum parking fee.

More info at wncroses.com.

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden
May 26 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

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

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

 

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

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

 

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

  • Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
  • Garden Open Year Round
  • Parking Fees
    • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
    • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
    • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
    • Members: Free

    Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Monday, May 27, 2024
PUBLIC ART IN THE PARK self-guided tour
May 27 all-day
Greenville SC

The beauty of the waterfalls and gardens is enhanced by the graceful lines of the Liberty Bridge’s architecture and the appealing stonework throughout the park. But that is only the beginning. Several pieces of public art can be found within and around the park. Inside the park you’ll find:

  • The sculpture “Rose Crystal Tower,” created by internationally-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, was commissioned by the Wyche Sculpture Committee, comprised of Wyche family members and friends, to honor Harriet Wyche, whom the garden was named for. Wyche was a life-long Greenville resident and community volunteer, who was instrumental in establishing Falls Park, and played a critical role in its continued development over many decades.
  • A commissioned sculpture by internationally-recognized artist Bryan Hunt, is found at the Main Street entrance to Falls Park. This unique sculpture, Falls Lake Falls, is the second in an edition of 3 (the original is in Tokyo ) and the only piece of its kind on this continent.
  • Evoking much thought and discussion, “Untitled 2002-2003” by Joel Shapiro is also commonly referred to as the dancing or running sculpture. It is located across the river from the main entrance, at the Wyche, Burgess, Freeman and Parham overlook.
  • “Sunflower Fountain,” created by Ed Zeigler, Charles Gunning and Robert Brown, can be found in Pedrick’s Garden. Named for Pedrick Lowrey, one of the principal fundraiser for the park, the fountain is cast bronze and patterned after the center radiating spirals of a sunflower, which was Pedrick’s favorite flower.

Interested in more information about public art? View the Public Art Walking Tour

Garden Tours
May 27 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Falls Park

GARDEN TOURS

Landscape architect Andrea Mains of Washington, D.C., has designed the park to feature a collection of “garden rooms,” offering a spectacular display of seasonal color and artistic garden design.

Interested groups can enjoy a Garden Tour with the Falls Park manager. Tours last an hour and incorporate the horticulture and history of Falls Park. Cost is $50 for a group of 30 or less. Garden tours are available from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday – Friday.

To arrange a garden tour

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden
May 27 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

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

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

 

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

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

 

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

  • Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
  • Garden Open Year Round
  • Parking Fees
    • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
    • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
    • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
    • Members: Free

    Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Garden Tours
May 28 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Falls Park

GARDEN TOURS

Landscape architect Andrea Mains of Washington, D.C., has designed the park to feature a collection of “garden rooms,” offering a spectacular display of seasonal color and artistic garden design.

Interested groups can enjoy a Garden Tour with the Falls Park manager. Tours last an hour and incorporate the horticulture and history of Falls Park. Cost is $50 for a group of 30 or less. Garden tours are available from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday – Friday.

To arrange a garden tour

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden
May 28 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

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

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

 

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

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

 

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

  • Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
  • Garden Open Year Round
  • Parking Fees
    • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
    • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
    • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
    • Members: Free

    Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Music Bingo
May 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
New Groove Artisan Brewery
Best of Spartanburg 2022 Winner for Best Bingo!
Quarterly Tournaments AND Weekly Prizes for Music Bingo Winners!
It’s the most fun you’ll have on a Tuesday with Jen and New Groove.
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Garden Tours
May 29 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Falls Park

GARDEN TOURS

Landscape architect Andrea Mains of Washington, D.C., has designed the park to feature a collection of “garden rooms,” offering a spectacular display of seasonal color and artistic garden design.

Interested groups can enjoy a Garden Tour with the Falls Park manager. Tours last an hour and incorporate the horticulture and history of Falls Park. Cost is $50 for a group of 30 or less. Garden tours are available from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday – Friday.

To arrange a garden tour

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden
May 29 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

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

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

 

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

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

 

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

  • Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
  • Garden Open Year Round
  • Parking Fees
    • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
    • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
    • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
    • Members: Free

    Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.