Find Spartanburg events and things to do, including concerts, art walks, sporting events and nightlife entertainment. Be sure to also check out our outdoors guide for the Upstate and a listing of museums and galleries.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Thursday, April 25, 2024
Arts Education Classes
Apr 25 all-day
Mauldin Cultural Center

Learn a new skill at the Cultural Center!

 

All of our classes are taught by community artists and are offered at competitive prices. We offer private lessons, classes and workshops. Our list of current classes and upcoming showcases are listed below.

Be sure to check back here often as classes and events are continuously added. If you are interested in teaching a class, contact us and we’ll help you get your class off the ground!

For more information on any class listed below, be sure to check the description first for instructor contact information, as they handle all class details including scheduling, pricing, and supply lists.

The Cultural Center team DOES NOT handle registration for classes outside of theatre.

Register and Learn More About Arts Education Classes
BRING ON SPRING w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Apr 25 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

 

Donate: The Salvation Army Boys + Girls Club Summer Camps
Apr 25 all-day
online

Make summer bright for kids in Greenville

The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club needs your help to make this summer the best one yet for kids in our community. For nine weeks while children are out of school on summer break, the Boys & Girls Club hosts its Summer Camp at the Kroc Center in Greenville.

The children spend their days doing fun-filled activities, taking field trips, participating in character building classes and much more. We need help funding the scholarship program to help offset the cost for families unable to afford this quality out-of-school time experience for their children.

  • $80 pays for a child to attend one week of summer camp
  • $160 pays for one child to attend one week of camp, all field trips, as well as covers their t-shirt cost
  • $720 pays for one child or half the summer session for two children. This includes field trips and a t-shirt.

Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can support families in Greenville this summer through The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club!

Learn + Grow ADULT + CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Apr 25 all-day
NC Arboretum

Plants Connect Us in Place

Throughout Southern Appalachia this month, the first spring ephemerals — floral harbingers of the colorful season to come — begin their journey toward the light. Trillium, Trout Lily, Bloodroot, Dicentra: All appear the most delicate of flowers, yet they are mighty enough to push through heavy layers of damp leaf duff to reach the sun’s rays. Usher in the brightening days like these first flowers with courses that extend the Arboretum’s mission to connect people with plants and learn more about what roots us in our special place in nature.

Eco Gardening: Principles in Practice | In Person Version – ONSITE, Three Sessions: Wednesdays, March 6, 20 & April 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Or  Asynchronous Version – Open March 6 through May 31.


Emergence: Spring Wildflower Walk | ONSITE | Saturday, March 9, 1 – 3 p.m. or Saturday, March 16, 1 – 3 p.m.


Lifelong Gardening | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.


Free! Lunch & Learn: Previewing the Cullowhee Native Plants Conference | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.


Native Plants for the Vegetable Garden | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.


Botany Basics | In Person Version – ONSITE, Six Sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 19 – April 4, 1 – 3 p.m. Or Asynchronous Version – Open April 4 through June 30.


Soil Health Check Up | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 27, 1:30 – 4 p.m.


Free! Arboretum Reads Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy | ONSITE | Two Sessions: Thursday, April 4 & 18, 3:30 – 5 p.m.


Registration is also open for our signature plant-based core classes in April. Join us for Spring Native Flora ID (field and blended field/online sections), Spring Native Tree ID (online, field and intensive versions). Plan ahead in April to learn about exotics at the Orchid Festival, April 12 – 14, held at the Arboretum, then return to learn about our native azaleas at the Native Azalea Day, April 27. 

Learn a New Language and Broaden your Horizons with Upstate International!
Apr 25 – May 3 all-day
Upstate International

Registration for Spring 2024 language classes at Upstate International is open!
Embark on a transformative journey with Upstate International’s language classes designed to elevate your career and broaden your horizons. With eight language options available our small classes provide an intimate learning environment where you can progress at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the richness of cultural diversity while acquiring valuable language skills that will open doors to new opportunities.
This 15-week semester beginning January 22nd offers Finnish French Spanish Russian etc. Whether you want to learn a language for work, expand your resume, play, travel, or stimulate your brain, UI has a class for you.
Classes are conducted in an informal relaxed atmosphere and are limited to no more than ten people. There are two types of classes: Regular classes meet once a week for 75 minutes costing $180 per semester and Intensive classes meet twice a week for 90 minutes each costing $480 per semester. Annual memberships are required for all students and cost from $75 to $100.
Classes are held both online and in person at Upstate International 9 S. Memminger Street Greenville SC.
For more information please visit www.upstateinternational.org

Mile High Swinging Bridge
Apr 25 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

One of the top highlights and memories of visits to Grandfather Mountain nature park is walking across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Since 1952, visitors have “oohed” and “aahed” at the bridge’s 360-degree panoramic views. America’s highest suspension footbridge gives easy access to the spectacular views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet.

The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation (hence the name!). To reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge, drive the two-mile, winding scenic road up the mountain to the summit parking area by the Top Shop. Climb 50 stairs adjacent to the parking area or inside the Top Shop to reach the short pathway to the bridge. Also, an elevator in the Top Shop takes you to the third floor for a level walk to the bridge.

Top Shop

Located adjacent to the Bridge, the Top Shop features a gift shop, snacks, restrooms, elevator and second-floor exhibition area. Also get the latest park information and trail maps. Read more.

Accessibility

Inside the Top Shop, an elevator makes the Mile High Swinging Bridge accessible to people with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs. From the Top Shop, there is a paved 50-yard path to the bridge. Read more about our accessibility.

Tickets & Hours

Walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in your Grandfather Mountain admission ticket that includes many other things to do in our nature park. Buy tickets online and book a reservation time to enter the park. You do not need a separate reservation for the bridge. It’s open, weather permitting, every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See hours.

More to Explore

Before or after visiting the Mile High Swinging Bridge, allow time to enjoy other parts of the mountain: wildlife habitats, Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, restaurant, hiking trails, roadside overlooks, picnic areas and more. See more Things to Do.

Nearby Hiking Trails

Trailheads to many of the Grandfather Mountain hiking trails are located near the Swinging Bridge. In fact, the 0.4 mile Bridge Trail takes you beneath the bridge, starting from the Black Rock parking area just below the summit. For details on our nearby trails, go to our Hiking Guide.

Bridge Tips & Tidbits

  • Does it really swing? Very little — unlike the original one. Today’s bridge is made of steel and reinforced with cables and springs. It has railings on the sides to ensure safety.
  • We suggest you wear rubber-soled shoes and walk with care when crossing the rocks on the far side of the bridge.
  • If heights give you pause, you can still enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain views from the ground before you reach the bridge and even from the parking area.
  • Due to periodic extreme weather conditions at the bridge, it closes when there is area lightning, high wind or icy conditions.
  • The official U.S. Weather Service Reporting Station atop the Mile High Swinging Bridge has provided daily weather observations since 1955. The temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in the flatlands you see below. It’s also one of the windiest locations in North Carolina, with a 124-mph record set in winter 2019. Learn more about our weather.
  • Pets are allowed on the bridge if well behaved and on a leash.
  • Photographs and videos to remember your visit are encouraged. Be mindful of sharp drop-offs along the Linville Peak ridge. Drones are not allowed. See our photography policies.
  • The Singing Bridge? When the wind blows, the Mile High Swinging Bridge “sings” in the same way as a harmonica.
  • In April through October, join Grandfather’s expert naturalists by the Bridge for Interpretive Talks about the our unique weather, climate, flora and fauna. Read more.
  • Need driving directions? The address for Grandfather Mountain’s entrance gate is 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (click link for Google Maps). There are no shuttles, so you must have your own vehicle to explore our nature park. No RVs longer than 28 feet in length or hinged vehicles are allowed through the Entrance Gate. See detailed directions.
  • To see much more info, see our Plan Your Visit section.

Mile High Swinging Bridge History

Former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker coined the name “Mile High Swinging Bridge” at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet). The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway.

The original 1952 bridge was designed by Charles Hartmann Jr. of Greensboro, N.C. It was fabricated in Greensboro and then reassembled on top of the Mountain. Erecting the bridge took three weeks, a process slowed by inclement weather created by a hurricane off the North Carolina coast. Cost was $15,000. It was dedicated on Sept. 2, 1952 by North Carolina Gov. William B. Umstead.

The bridge was rebuilt in 1999 using the original towers. The cables, floor boards and side rails were all replaced using galvanized steel. One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not have to be painted. Now, Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to hang out over the gorge to paint the span. It was redesigned by Sutton, Kennerly & Associates Engineering of Asheville, N.C., and rebuilt by Taylor & Murphy Construction Company of Asheville. The cost of rebuilding was $300,000.

Mystery Rider Program
Apr 25 all-day
Greenville Area

Greenlink is seeking volunteers for its pilot Mystery Rider Program. This customer service initiative aims to collect trip feedback in real-time, is intended to gather details on the complete customer experience and will identify areas for improvement and employee recognition.

Why should you volunteer?

  • Help the Facilities team address bus stop issues.
  • Help the Maintenance team address mechanical issues and cleanliness issues on the bus.
  • Help the Safety & Training team address areas for improvement in operations and customer service.

Your feedback can lead to a better customer experience for everyone!

What is required and what do you get out of it?

Volunteers will be required to participate in a one-hour training to understand how to complete the Mystery Rider Report. In exchange for attending the training, volunteers will receive two 7-Day passes ($25 value).

Then, once the training is complete, passengers will be required to complete a minimum of 12 Mystery Rider Reports:

  • 3 completed on trips taken M-F between 5:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • 3 completed on trips taken M-F between 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
  • 3 completed on trips taken M-F between 4:30 – 11:30 p.m.
  • 3 completed on trips taken on Saturdays between 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

In exchange for completing the twelve reports, volunteers will receive one 31-Day pass ($50 value).

All reports are due by April 30, 2024.

Spring 2024 Language Classes
Apr 25 – May 3 all-day
Upstate International Center

Stimulate your brain this Spring by learning a new language or building on your current foreign language skills at Upstate International, a 501(c)(3), empowering people and businesses of all nations to thrive in the Upstate by connecting them through programs, events, and initiatives that foster the dynamic exchange of international cultures and ideas.

Registration for Spring language classes at Upstate International will be open in a few weeks! The 15-week semester, beginning on January 22nd and ending on May 3rd, will offer classes in English, French, Italian, German, Russian, and Spanish. Whether you want to learn a language for work, expand your resume, play, travel, or stimulate your brain, UI has a class for you.

Classes are conducted in an informal, relaxed atmosphere and are limited to no more than ten people. There are two types of classes: Regular classes meet once a week for 75 minutes, costing $180 per semester, while Intensive classes meet twice a week for 90 minutes, costing $480 per semester. UI language classes are only available to UI members. Annual memberships are required for all students and cost $75 to $100.

Classes are held online and in person at Upstate International, 9 S. Memminger Street, Greenville, SC.

For more information, please visit www.upstateinternational.org

If you are interested in being notified when registration opens for the Spring semester, sign up on our Spring Semester Interest Sheet. https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/1PZ24MutkpKyTSJj7JwT4w

Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Inspiration”
Apr 25 – May 31 all-day
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Cost: Included with Park admission.
Stem Day Camp High School registration open
Apr 25 all-day
Spartanburg Community College Giles Campus

Open to incoming 9th-12th graders.

2024 High School STEM Camp

July 8th – 12th

Please complete form by June 15th

Summer Zoo Camp registration open
Apr 25 all-day
Greenville Zoo
Zoo Camp: Nature's Canvas - Ages 5-14 - Beginning June 3

Site Tools

Join us for a fun-filled summer where art and nature collide at the Greenville Zoo! Conservation is explored through activities, crafts, games, animal encounters, keeper chats, and more! Campers ages 5 – 14 are invited to use nature as their canvas to paint a picture of the animal world right here in Greenville.

 

5-6 year old Camps

Colorful Creatures

Embark on a whimsical journey through the zoo, where each animal showcases the incredible pallet of the animal world.

  • June 3rd – 7th 
  • June 17th – 21st 
  • July 8th – 12th 
  • July 22nd – 26th

Nature Explorers

Calling all little explorers! Join us to find a place where friendships blossom, imaginations run wild, and a love of the natural world begins.

  • June 10th – 14th 
  • June 24th – 28th 
  • July 15th – 19th 
  • July 29th – August 2nd 

7-8 year old Camps

Paws & Paintbrushes 

Immerse your child in a week-long adventure where creativity and curiosity come together to capture the imagination.

  • June 3rd – 7th 
  • June 17th – 21st
  • July 8th – 12th 

Jr. Naturalist

Join us for a week of laughter, discovery, and wild fun as we explore the incredible world of animals and embark on a mission to keep them thriving in their natural habitats. 

  • June 10th – 14th  
  • July 15th – 19th
  • July 29th – August 2nd 

9-11 year old Camps

Animal Artists

Unleash your inner artist and ignite your passion for wildlife as we dive into the animal kingdom through the lens of creativity and art.

  • July 22nd – 26th

Eco Enthusiasts

This is no ordinary summer camp; it’s a steppingstone for the next generation of conservationists as they become stewards of the wild!

  • June 24th – 28th 

12 – 14 year old Camp

Jr. Zookeeper 

Join the Greenville Zoo crew as you get an exclusive peek at what a day in the life of a zookeeper is all about! (Full-day Camp)

  • July 1st – 2nd 

Check out our FAQ page here:

The AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant
Apr 25 all-day
online

Apply Now through June 30, 2024!

APPLY NOW

Keeping the future of agriculture bright 

Each year, AgSouth Farm Credit supports non-profit organizations and farmers markets with grants of up to $5,000 to help in their endeavors and to further the future of agriculture in our region of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Grant Mission & Objectives

The AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant’s mission is to build strong partnerships and alliances, leveraging the resources within our grant program to preserve and promote the farmer, the family, and our communities. The grant has three main objectives:

  • Invest in the future of agriculture.
  • Enhance and impact the quality of life in the AgSouth territory.
  • Be recognized as a leading corporate citizen in the AgSouth territory.

Applications

The AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant operates on an application-based grant system. Grants will be awarded for up to $5,000 per organization per year. To be considered for funding, organizations’ values and purpose must align with the grant program’s mission. Applications must be submitted online. You will be asked to attach a copy of your organization’s W9 to the application prior to submission. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. Please make sure you complete all fields prior to submission.

Project Guidance
As part of the application, organizations must submit a project the grant will help fund. Examples of previously funded projects include but are not limited to:

•    Providing farmers market programming for children
•    Purchasing fans for a livestock arena to help cool the animals
•    Developing a comprehensive chick hatching program to give tools and resources to those wanting to raise backyard flocks
•    Opening a demonstration farm in conjunction with a local school district
•    Purchasing grain bin rescue equipment for fire and rescue teams
•    Funding a bee-keeping education program for vulnerable youths
•    Purchasing an irrigation system at a local Farmers Market
•    Expanding a local church garden space and adding fencing
•    Hosting an annual agricultural event
•    Purchasing a cargo trailer to transport livestock equipment
•    Building a school greenhouse

Eligibility Considerations

Grants will be considered for programs only in the 147 counties and geographic areas where AgSouth Farm Credit conducts business. Grants will only be awarded to non-profit organizations and farmers markets and will not be awarded to individuals or private farms.

Funding Cycle

Grant applications will be accepted from April 1 to June 30th, 2024. Proposals will be reviewed and grants will be awarded in Nov-Dec of 2024. Funds awarded maybe utilized by recipients during the 2025 calendar year.

Application Deadline

The 2025 Grant Application period is now open. Applications can be received from April 1 to June 30th, 2024.

Winner’s Choice! Choose between a Cancun Paradise Vacation or a Colorado Front Range Getaway
Apr 25 all-day
online w/ Greer Relief

Win a 5‐Night Stay for 2 at the Westin Resort & Spa in Cancun OR a 3‐Night Stay for 2 in Colorado with Choice of Cog Railway or Rocky Mountain National Park

SWEEPSTAKES DETAILS
  • CLOSE DATE
    May 6, 2024
  • CLOSE TIME
    11:59 PM EDT
  • DRAWING DATE
    May 14, 2024
  • DRAWING TIME
    12:00 PM EDT
Greenville State Farmers Market
Apr 25 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Greenville State Farmers Market

Admission and parking are free

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 Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

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

From its beginning as a tailgate produce market along the Court Street curbside in the heart of downtown, the Greenville Farmers Market has been an integral part of the community. When the need for more space and better facilities was recognized, the Greenville County Marketing Commission helped relocate the market to its present location on June 1, 1949. The Greenville Market continued to operate under the oversight of the Greenville County Marketing Commission until 1980 when by mutual agreement, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture assumed operations of the facility. After selling part of the market property in 2017, the Greenville State Farmers market now operates solely as a retail market on approximately 4 acres and continues its proud heritage of service to the Piedmont region of South Carolina.

The retail market includes a major produce vendor and horticultural vendor year-round. Market operations continue daily, ceasing only for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Retail hours are 8 am through 6 pm, Monday through Saturday. The market is closed on Sunday.

Small Vendor Saturdays operates from April through December and consists of local farmers and vendors who rent tables in the daily sales area to offer their products.

A privately-owned restaurant is also located onsite.

The market also sponsors two festivals each year:

Piedmont Plant & Flower Festival  |  April/May

  • Gardening plants from across the state, gardening advice clinics
  • Aquaculture products (koi fish and pond items)
  • Natural soil additives and worm castings
  • Lawn & garden accessories (yard ornaments, garden tools, etc.)

AutumFest at the Market  |  September/October

  • Reminds the public that there are Fall products still available at the Market
  • Apples, pumpkins, squash, gourds, etc.
  • Mums, pansies, and other Fall plants
Nature’s Blueprints: Biomimicry in Art and Design
Apr 25 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Baker Exhibit Center

In an age of complex environmental challenges, why not look to the ingenuity of nature for solutions? The forms, patterns, and processes found in the natural world—refined by 3.8 billion years of evolution—can inspire our design of everything from clothing to skyscrapers. This approach to innovation, called biomimicry, is becoming increasingly popular.

Nature’s Blueprints is supported in part by The North Carolina Arboretum Society, The Laurel of Asheville, RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide, and Smoky Mountain Living Magazine.

Tomato Plant Sale
Apr 25 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Blue Moon Specialty Food

Blue Moon Specialty Food’s Annual Tomato Plant Sale has begun! Visit us at Blue Moon Downtown to pickup heirloom tomato plants grown by Wishbone – they’re just $5 each! Available while supplies last. Previous year’s favorites include Jolene, Chef’s Choice, Cherokee Purple, Black Cherry & Mortgage Lifter tomatoes!

Downtown Alive
Apr 25 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
NOMA Square

Outdoor concerts bringing live music to downtown Greenville kick off this week.

Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive and Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays will return to NOMA Square for the 2024 season with a lineup of new and returning artists.

Downtown Alive starts Thursday, March 14 with performances by Linda Faye’s Sound. Benefiting the Metropolitan Arts Council, the weekly music series runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday until late August.

April 4, Darby Wilcox & The Peep Show

April 11, The Well Drinkers

April 18, Cash Machine

April 25, Gold Road

May 2, DJ Tambition

May 9, Mark Webb Jr.

May 16, Nathan Angelo

May 23, Bucko with Sunhouse

May 30, Threesound

June 6, Tuba Gin

June 13, Funcle

June 20, Randomonium

June 27, Juno Dunes

July 11, Andrew Scotchie

July 18, The Wobblers

July 25, Kendall Lanford

August 1, The Shady Recruits

August 8, BR385

August 15, Run Katie Run

August 22, Wilder Things Than Us

August 29, Gimmie the Gig Winner
Art Opening- “I See What I See”
Apr 25 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Pub For What Ales You

From Winnebagos to comedians and dogs, Stella is sharing paintings and works from her sketchbooks. While this show focuses on her dog series, she also has many other subject series including musicians, comedians, places and portraits.

Simple and sometimes complex, Stella’s work shows that she draws what she sees; without inhibition.

Art opening April 25th 6-9pm

at The Pub For What Ales You
105c New Plaza Drive (across from Publix next to ABC party store)
Greenville, SC 29617
864-236-8096
Come Share in a lovely evening celebrating art, community and conversation.
Light Hors d’oeuvres served
Beer, wine, cider available for purchase from the bar

Live music by local Musician Ty Olsen
Children welcome, art is for everyone. Kids really like my work.

Show runs April 25-June 30th

Bluey’s Big Play
Apr 25 @ 6:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

This is Bluey’s Big Play, For Real Life. When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life.

Bluey’s Big Play is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co. Website: blueylive.com Facebook / Instagram: @OfficialBlueyTV

Open Mic Night
Apr 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fretwell Spartanburg
Join us for this month’s open mic at Fretwell. From 6pm-8pm you could take the stage and sing a song, recite poetry, dance, anything! The stage is yours!
Fretwell is a “family-friendly” location. Participants are asked to keep performances as such.
This event is free to attend and participate in.
Sign-ups start at 5:30, we hope to see you there!
About Fretwell:
Fretwell is Spartanburg’s newest gathering spot, located just a few steps off the Mary Black Rail Trail. Whether you’re here to rest from the Trail, have a beer or coffee with friends, or listen to live music with your family, we’ll have a spot for you.