Check out the most comprehensive list of live music events happening in Spartanburg today and every day with Spartanburg.com’s live music event calendar.

Saturday, May 11, 2024
2024 Fairy Door Sponsor
May 11 – Aug 31 all-day
Bullington Gardens

Last year, our fairy gardens attracted almost 9,000 visitors between June and August 2023. We see this as an opportunity to highlight Bullington’s circle of contributors through the sponsorship of a fairy door. The handcrafted doors will have the sponsor’s name, will be opened by guests to reveal a hidden message, and will be given to the sponsors when they are taken down after the summer.

Here are just a few statistics about the 2023 Fairy trail and sponsors from last year:

  • Visitors – Local visitors (from a 50-mile radius) numbered 2,647. Total visitors: over 8,700 from 18 countries, 41 different states, and D.C., 138 cities in N.C., 52 cities in S.C.

  • Appeared on WLOS and over 15 print publications.

  • Appeared in over a hundred social media posts (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.)

  • Acknowledgement of sponsors were printed on 1350 of the Woodland Gazettes that were given out to children as they visited.

  • Sponsors were highlighted in our Friends of Bullington newsletter.

The dates of the fairy garden will run from June 1, 2024, through August 31, 2024. Please consider being one of our ‘Sponsors with Heart’ by purchasing a fairy door. We need to hear from you no later than April 15, 2024, so we can customize your door and message in time for the grand opening of our Fairy Gardens kickoff.

Fairy Door Sponsor Information:

Thank you for supporting Bullington Gardens, and sharing our passion for providing WNC with magical public gardens aimed to connect to the natural world and provide science-based education.

Dates: June 1- August 31, 2024

Location: Bullington Gardens Fairy Trail, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792

Sponsor Benefits $350

  • Business or name listed on a medium (approx.) 12” fairy house doors. (You can help our artist to design if ordered early enough)

  • Recognition of sponsorship in Bullington Board newsletter.

  • Acknowledgment on the Bullington Gardens social media pages.

  • Sponsor logo and link on the Bullington Gardens website for 90 days

  • Donation is tax-deductible.

Invoices and tax-deductible receipts will be sent from Bullington Gardens, Inc. Please send payment and the form below by April 15, 2024. For any questions, please contact Annie Higgins at [email protected] or call (828) 698-6104

Sponsor a door here.

20th annual Artisphere festival
May 11 all-day
Greenville, SC

CELEBRATING THE ARTS

ENGAGING, INSPIRING, AND ENRICHING OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY

Now in its 20th year,  Artisphere continues to break its own attendance record, with an estimated 92.5 thousand visitors in 2023. With consistent growth in attendance, we continue to bring arts, culture, and a unique experience to the Upstate year after year.

5 STAGES OF SHOWSTOPPERS

PERFORMANCES BY STAGE

Artisphere 20th Anniversary
May 11 all-day
Downtown Greenville

CELEBRATING THE ARTS

ENGAGING, INSPIRING, AND ENRICHING OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY

Every year Artisphere breaks its own attendance record. With consistent growth in attendance, we continue to bring arts, culture, and a unique experience to the Upstate year after year.

BRING ON SPRING w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 11 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

 

Great Anderson County Fair
May 11 all-day
Anderson County Fair
THE GREAT ANDERSON COUNTY FAIR WILL BE BACK MAY 2-12, 2024. GET READY FOR RIDES, FUN & FAIR FOOD!
$10.00 general admission, free for children 10 years and under.

Free Parking!

Greenville BBQ Trail Tour
May 11 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

Mile High Swinging Bridge
May 11 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.

Mother’s Day Weekend at The Omni Grove Park Inn
May 11 – May 12 all-day
The Omni Grove Park Inn 

Pamper Mom with our ‘Mother’s Day Made Easy’ package. Create lasting memories as you celebrate Mother’s Day in style with an elegant Tea Party featuring local live music, delectable hors d’oeuvres and artisanal activities. Sip and savor complimentary sparkling wine upon arrival and enjoy blissful overnight accommodations. Revel in late checkout until 1pm and start each day with a scrumptious breakfast. Book now for an effortless and enchanting getaway for the cherished mom in your life.

Terms & Conditions: Subject to availability and blackout dates. Taxes not included. Does not apply to group or conventions and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

Mother’s Day Activations:

Overall:

Gift Basket Giveaway (Friday – Saturday, winner announced Sunday)

Free Golf for Mom with paying player (guests & locals)

Free Yoga & Dance Classes for Moms

Friday May 10:

Audio History Tour

Friday Night Seafood Buffet at Blue Ridge Dining Room

Saturday May 11:

Audio History Tour

Mother’s Day Tea Party

2-4pm │ Seely Pavilion │ Package Holders & Event Brite Tickets │ Celebrate Mother’s Day in style with an elegant Tea Party featuring local live music, delectable hors d’oeuvres and artisanal activities.

Sunday May 12:

Audio History Tour

The Morning Table Buffet at Blue Ridge Dining Room

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Blue Ridge Dining Room

Raft + Rail A Fully Guided Experience
May 11 all-day
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

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 April–October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. 2024 bookings starting soon!

Ticket fares subject to 7% Historic Preservation Fee and 7% North Carolina sales tax. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. We guarantee the class of service you select. You will be notified if a change in schedule or motive power affects your reservation. Payment in full at booking by major credit card is required to finalize a reservation. You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $7.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure, except The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. You may reschedule any time prior to your originally scheduled departure with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year. You may not reschedule a reservation after the scheduled departure.

Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Inspiration”
May 11 – May 31 all-day
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Cost: Included with Park admission.
Summer Zoo Camp registration open
May 11 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
May 11 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.

Live Music Saturdays
May 11 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ji-Roz on the corner of Main & Stone

Eat, drink and be merry! Join us this Saturday (and every Saturday) from 7pm to 10pm as we host live local talent! The talent in our beautiful city is incredible, so come out for dinner and live music. Saturday, February 3rd we will have the acoustic sounds of Katie D. Check out our website for a list of all artists that will be playing!

Headlock On Hunger 2 @ Holland Park
May 11 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Double Stamp Brewery

Drama. Athleticism. Community. TURBO’s annual fundraiser for Greer Relief & Resources Agency is on May 11 at Double Stamp Brewery in Holland Park! Proceeds from this event help support Greer Relief in their mission to fight food insecurity in The Upstate.

Beer and wine are available for the adults, and this event is open to all ages!

In the main event, TURBO World Champion WrestleRanger defends against #1 contender and former champion, “Supastud” BK Westbrook.

What will unfold next now that TK Stark’s restraining order against “The Headline” Dean Richards has been struck down by the state legislature?

Plus: The debut of Amanda Kiss, Mad Dog Mayhem, Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Sean Legacy, NWA Women’s Tag Team Champion Ella Envy, and more!

Special thanks to our sponsors: Upstate Games, Clean Eatz Greenville, and Magnetic South Brewery!

🎟️ available at bit.ly/prowrestlingturbo
🤼 2.5 hours of wrestling action
🍔 Great food | 🚻 FREE bathrooms
⌚ Doors open at 6:30 PM | Bell time is at 7:30 PM

Karaoke with Fischer
May 11 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
New Groove Artisan Brewery

Get ready to show off your superstar singing skills with New Groove Karaoke – hosted by Andrew Fischer!
Performances kick off at 7:30pm – get in early to get on the list. Karaoke runs until 10 pm.
Grab your friends, some beers and dinner – then sing your heart out with Fischer at NG Karaoke!
Karaoke Events are every month on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays.

Sunday, May 12, 2024
20th annual Artisphere festival
May 12 all-day
Greenville, SC

CELEBRATING THE ARTS

ENGAGING, INSPIRING, AND ENRICHING OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY

Now in its 20th year,  Artisphere continues to break its own attendance record, with an estimated 92.5 thousand visitors in 2023. With consistent growth in attendance, we continue to bring arts, culture, and a unique experience to the Upstate year after year.

5 STAGES OF SHOWSTOPPERS

PERFORMANCES BY STAGE

Art by Appointment
May 12 all-day
Greenville Center for Creative Arts

Art by Appointment with GCCA Art School Instructors

TUESDAY – FRIDAY 9 AM – 5 PM
SATURDAY 11 AM – 3 PM

 


Art by Appointment offers artists of all levels the opportunity for private, customized, art experiences for you and up to 15 friends and family. These experiences are perfect for birthday parties, corporate outings, team building activities and more!

MEDIUMS

Art by Appointment workshops offer a variety of mediums for exploration.

Drawing

Unlock the gateway to artistic expression through the fundamental skill of drawing! GCCA’s drawing instructors will lead you through the basics of shading and perspective and more!

Painting

Acrylics and watercolor and more! Grab a paintbrush and join GCCA’s instructors for a private step-by-step art experience!

Mixed Media

What happens when you combine multiple artistic mediums into one project? Follow GCCA’s instructors in an exploration of all visual mediums in this engaging workshop!

Jewelry

Wear your own creation! Step into GCCA’s state-of-the-art jewelry studio and try your hand at jewelry making!

Printmaking

Jump into this layered visual art medium and learn to create your own prints! GCCA’s instructors will lead you step by step through this engaging art form in the printmaking studio at GCCA!

Artisphere 20th Anniversary
May 12 all-day
Downtown Greenville

CELEBRATING THE ARTS

ENGAGING, INSPIRING, AND ENRICHING OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY

Every year Artisphere breaks its own attendance record. With consistent growth in attendance, we continue to bring arts, culture, and a unique experience to the Upstate year after year.

BRING ON SPRING w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 12 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

 

Great Anderson County Fair
May 12 all-day
Anderson County Fair
THE GREAT ANDERSON COUNTY FAIR WILL BE BACK MAY 2-12, 2024. GET READY FOR RIDES, FUN & FAIR FOOD!
$10.00 general admission, free for children 10 years and under.

Free Parking!