Thru Nov. 12
Denver Downs Fall Festival
Want to get lost in a corn maze? Head down to Anderson to family-owned Denver Downs Farm, where you can navigate your way through a 10-acre labyrinth that has placed in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Corn Mazes for five years running (we dare you to bring a flashlight and try it in the dark!). The festival includes a pumpkin patch, live music, food, and the Pig-Tucky Derby races.
Denver Downs Farm, 1515 Denver Rd., Anderson. Thru Nov. 12, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. $15-$29.99 (discount for online tickets; children 2 and under, free). 864.515.4554, denverdownsfarm.com
Oct. 1
Olympic Feats of Opera
The Greenville Symphony hits all the high notes in this evening of artistry, which presents some of the most virtuosic works ever composed for the human voice. Arias from Handel’s Alcina, Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and Arthur Sullivan’s The Mikado, among others, will be sung by South African soprano Bronwen Forbay, tenor Keith Jameson, and baritone Bruce Schoonmaker. If you love opera, you’ll want to grab a ticket to hear these Olympic feats of singing.
Gunter Theatre at the Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Sept. 30–Oct. 1, Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 3pm. $20-$55. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Oct. 1
24th Hispanic Heritage Festival
The perfect way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, the festival brings the culture of more than 15 Hispanic countries to Fluor Field. Sway to the rhythms of live bands, enjoy folk dancing demonstrations, and feast on Latin American food and drink. When you’re not eating or dancing, shop for unique crafts and indulge the little ones in the many children’s activities.
Fluor Field at the West End, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. Oct. 1, Sun., noon–6pm. Adults, $10; children, $7. 864.402.4207, ahamsc.org/hhf
Oct. 5, 19, & 26
World Finance Moonlight Movies
Pack a picnic or purchase snacks on-site from local food trucks and Poppington’s Popcorn to enjoy at this family-friendly free film series. October opens with the galactic adventures of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, and celebrates Halloween at the end of the month with a screening of Hocus Pocus. Admission is free, but if you bring alcohol, you’ll need to purchase a wristband ($1). Pro tip: come early to play trivia before the movie starts.
Falls Park, S. Main St., Greenville. Oct. 5, 12, 19 & 26, Thurs., movies start at dusk. Free. 864.232.2273, greenvillesc.gov/1324/World-Finance-Moonlight-Movies
Oct. 5
Iliana Rose Cuban Jazz Band
Treat yourself to an evening of live jazz at the Sigal Music Museum. As part of the museum’s diverse series of events, Illiana Rose will entertain music lovers in early October. Born in Miami to Cuban parents, Illiana Rose began playing music at the age of four. In addition to having her own band, the musical prodigy now composes pieces for films and arranges songs for other Latin jazz bands.
Sigal Music Museum, 615 Buncombe St., Greenville. Oct. 5, Thurs., 7:30pm. $20. 864.520.8807, sigalmusicmuseum.org
Oct. 6–8
World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WRCA) Rodeo Carolina
Think Tryon International Equestrian Center is all about staid dressage and jumping events? Think again. This year for the first time, TIEC brings the WRCA Rodeo Carolina to its ring, complete with bucking broncos, bull riders, steer wrestlers, and barrel racers. You won’t want to miss a minute of the action.
Tryon International Equestrian Center, 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC. Fri.–Sat., times vary. Tickets start at $20 for individual events. 828.863.1000, resort.tryon.com/events/wcra-rodeo-carolina
Oct. 6–7
Oktoberfest at NOMA Square
Follow the smell of grilled bratwurst up Main Street this weekend when NOMA Square is transformed into a virtual Bavarian Biergarten for this annual festival. You can bet that German beer will be flowing and traditional oompah bands will be playing. You may even want to consider dusting off those dirndls and lederhosen for the weekend.
NOMA Square, 220 N. Main St., Greenville. Oct. 6–7, Sat.–Sun., 11am–9:30pm. Free. 864.235.1234, nomasquare.com
Oct. 6
Old Dominion: No Bad Vibes Tour
Five times named as the Academy of Country Music’s Group of the Year, Old Dominion takes to The Well’s stage for one rockin’ night. The tour’s name refers to the fact that the band wants concert attendees to leave their worries behind and just have a good time. After listening to songs from their 2021 album, Time, Tequila and Therapy—written in a studio in Asheville—you’re bound to leave feeling better than when you arrived.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N. Academy St., Greenville. Oct. 6, Fri., 7:30pm. Tickets start at $29. 864.241.3800, bonsecoursarena.com
Oct. 7
Fall Wine Festival
From sauvignon blanc to sangria and Merlot to malbec, oenophiles will find lots to like about this fall celebration of wine. More than 50 wines will be represented, along with mimosas, seltzer, and beer. All beverage tastings are included in the ticket price and food will be available for purchase. Throughout the afternoon, Soulution and DJ Chill Will provide the entertainment. Must be 21 to attend.
Fluor Field at the West End, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. Oct. 7, Sat., 1–5pm. $55 in advance; $65 at the door. greenvillewinefestivals.com
Oct. 7
M&G Makers Market
Pottery, watercolor paintings, jewelry, carved wooden toys, handmade cards, herbed soaps, and artisan breads are just a sampling of the wares you’ll find at this market, hosted by the Museum & Gallery of Bob Jones University. The best part is that all the unique items for sale are made by BJU students, graduates, and faculty.
Student Center at Bob Jones University, 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville. Oct. 7, Sat., 10am–5pm. Free. 864.770.1331, museumandgallery.org/mg-annual-makers-market/
Oct. 12
Indigo Girls
You’ll be much closer to fine once you secure your tickets for this concert, which reunites Grammy-winning folk duo Emily Saliers and Amy Ray for one night on the Peace Center stage. With 16 studio albums under their belt, the Indigo Girls focus this tour on their newest album, Look Long, which delves into their personal upbringings with surprising tenderness and honesty.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Oct. 12, Thurs., 7:30pm. $35-$65. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Oct. 13–15
Antiques, Fine Art & Design Weekend
This annual show fills the Greenville County Museum of Art with vendors of fine antiques and folk art from around the Southeast. They come bearing collections of furniture, sterling silver, decorative arts, and Victoriana, so if you’re searching for interior design inspiration, put this event on your calendar. For more in-depth design knowledge, purchase a ticket ($120) for the Friday presentation by famed British designer India Hicks.
Greenville County Museum of Art, 420 College St., Greenville. Oct. 13–15, Fri.–Sat., 10am–5pm; Sun., noon–4pm. $10 (good for all 3 days). 864.271.7570, gcma.org
Oct. 13–15
Bank of America Fall for Greenville
If you’re looking for a delicious taste of Greenville, head downtown to Main Street to check out the event that U.S. News rated among their Top 26 Festivals in the US for 2023. Representatives of 50 local restaurants will be on-site, handing out 250 different menu items. All the weekend’s festivities are set to music by more than 80 bands performing on 6 different stages.
Main St., Greenville. Oct. 13–15, Fri., noon–10pm; Sat., 11am–9pm; Sun., noon–7pm. 864.467.4396, fallforgreenville.net
Oct. 14
Spartanburg Soaring! International Kite Festival
When someone tells you to “go fly a kite,” head to this aerial festival. Presented by the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System to encourage creativity and promote healthy outdoor activity, Spartanburg Soaring! is fun for everyone. Don’t have a kite? Purchase one on-site or watch members of the Spartanburg Kite Club demonstrate their skills while you chow down on food truck fare. There are special activities for kids, and a maker’s market featuring locally handcrafted items.
Chapman Cultural Center, 200 E. St. John St., Spartanburg. Oct. 14, Sat., 11am–5pm. Free. 864.542.2787, chapmanculturalcenter.org/spartanburg-soaring
Oct. 19–29
Bewitched Broadway
Tip your witches or goblin’s hat to Halloween at this original Greenville Theatre musical revue. You’ll hear songs from spine-tingling shows like Wicked, Little Shop of Horrors, Phantom of the Opera, and The Addams Family—to name a few. Highlighting local talent and a live on-stage band, Bewitched Broadway is a perfectly ghoulish way to gear up for All Hallows’ Eve.
Greenville Theatre, 444 College St., Greenville. Oct. 19–29, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. $40. 864.233.6238, greenvilletheatre.org
Oct 20–29
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
Lilly loves everything . . . most of the time. She loved school until she brought her prized purple purse filled with treasures to class and her teacher, Mr. Slinger, confiscated it. To make matters worse, she suddenly has to share attention with her new baby brother. It’s a rocky road until her Grammy and BFFs help her see that sharing the spotlight is not so bad.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre, 153 Augusta St., Greenville. Oct. 20–29, Fri.–Sun., times vary. $12. 864.235.2885, scchildrenstheatre.org
Oct. 21
Coco Live-to-Film Concert
The entire family will enjoy this concert, which features a screening of Disney Pixar’s film Coco. Follow Miguel’s journey through the Land of the Dead as he sets off to realize his dream of becoming a musician. The award-winning musical score will be performed live by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Oct. 21, Sat., 6:30pm. $25-$55. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Oct. 21
Greenville Craft Beer Festival
With more than 100 local, regional, and national craft breweries represented at Fluor Field, you’re sure to find a libation—or several—to please even the most discriminating beer aficionado. The Upstate’s premier craft beer festival also features music, a custom food menu (for purchase), and the great camaraderie of other beer lovers.
Fluor Field at the West End, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. Oct. 21, Sat., noon–4pm. General admission, $55. gvlbeerfest.com
Oct. 22
Hampton-Pinckney Porch Fest
The third edition of this community celebration is a great way to meet your neighbors. Stroll around Hampton-Pinckney neighborhood, filled with historic architecture in Greenville’s first National Historic District. Along the way, step up on 12 porches to listen to local musicians play, seek out goodies from on-site food trucks, and shop the Artisan Village.
Hampton Ave. and Pinckney St., Greenville. Oct. 22, Sun., 1:30–5pm. Free. hpporchfest.org
Oct. 25
Judson Road Rooted in Love Luncheon
The major fundraiser for the nonprofit Jasmine Road, this year’s lunch features keynote speaker Kathy Givens, a wife, mother, author, and advocate who has overcome sex trafficking. Guests will be treated to a lovely meal from the organization’s social enterprise cafe, Jasmine Kitchen, as well as music co-written by the women of Jasmine Road. During the lunch, local artist Meredith Piper will be painting a canvas to auction off that day.
Judson Mill Annex, 701 Easley Bridge Rd., Greenville. Oct. 25, Wed., noon. Tickets start at $300 (for 2 tickets). 864.546.5077, jasmineroad.org
Oct. 26–29
Pat Conroy Literary Festival
Honoring the late writer Pat Conroy (1945–2016), the festival launched in 2015 as a celebration of his 70th birthday. Now in its eighth year, the event presents a series of free and ticketed events including writers’ workshops, poetry readings, and author discussions by such acclaimed regional writers as Ron Rash, Mary Alice Monroe, and Cassandra King. This year’s festival will also feature a screening of The Lords of Discipline, based on Conroy’s 1980 novel.
Pat Conroy Literary Center, 601 Bladen St., Beaufort. Oct. 26–29, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. $10 per author event; $100 for a 2-day pass. 843.379.7025, patconroyliterarycenter.org
Oct. 28
Trick-or-Treat at TCMU
Looking for a safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween? Bring all your little monsters, superheroes, and princesses to the Children’s Museum of the Upstate, where they can trick-or-treat their way through the building. It’s not all about the candy, though; there will be other spooky activities, like a Halloween petting zoo, to engage your little costumed crusaders.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, 300 College St., Greenville. Oct. 28, Sat., 9am–3pm. $7. 864.233.7755, tcmupstate.org
