Thru July 26
Amp’d Up Fridays
Successor to Beachin’ Fridays, this free weekly summer concert series presents a range of music genres from shag to rhythm and blues. Round up the family—including well-behaved and leashed pups—and get ready for an evening of dancing, food, and live music. Food and beverages will be available on-site, or you’re welcome to bring your own (must be 21+ to consume alcohol).
Mauldin Outdoor Amphitheatre, 101 E. Butler Rd., Mauldin. June 7, 14, 21 & 28, Fri., 6:30pm. Free. mauldinculturalcenter.org/events/festival-season/amp-fridays
June 1–30
Muzika! 2024
Founded by Kalin and Sharon Tchonev to connect the rich musical history of their city of Varna, Bulgaria, with choirs and orchestras around the world, Varna International organizes music festivals around the globe. Among its other performances in South Carolina this month, Muzika brings two classic operas to Bob Jones University: Mozart’s masterpiece Don Giovanni and Engelbert Humperdink’s opera, Hansel and Gretel. Both will be conducted by Gregory Buchalter of the Metropolitan Opera.
Rodeheaver Auditorium, Bob Jones University, 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville. June 25 & 26, Hansel and Gretel, 2pm; Don Giovanni, 7pm. $32-$48. varnainternational.com/muzika
Thru June 23
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
Calling all parrotheads: don’t miss this hilarious new show set to the familiar music of the late Jimmy Buffet. The plot introduces two very different characters: a career-focused tourist and a part-time bartender and singer who believes it’s always five o’clock somewhere. It’s a toe-tapping romp to watch them change each other’s lives after meeting at a rundown hotel in the Caribbean named Margaritaville.
Greenville Theatre, 444 College St., Greenville. Thru June 23, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. $40. 864.233.6238, greenvilletheatre.org
Thru June 16
Upstate Shakespeare Festival: Love’s Labour’s Lost
A highlight of summer in Greenville, the alfresco Upstate Shakespeare Festival kicks off its 28th season with Love’s Labour’s Lost (through June 16). When the King of Navarre and his three buddies resolve to swear off women for three years in favor of study and fasting, you can bet how long that lasts once they meet the attractive Princess of France and her ladies. Bring a blanket and watch the fun.
Falls Park on the Reedy, downtown Greenville. Thru June 16, Thurs.–Sun., 7pm. Free. 864.235.6948, warehousetheatre.com/shows/upstate-shakespeare-festival
Thru June 9
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Never underestimate the power of a woman—especially if she’s blonde. After her boyfriend dumps her, ditzy Valley Girl Elle Woods follows him to Harvard Law School, hoping to win him back. Attending classes dressed in pink with her chihuahua, Bruiser, in tow, Elle doesn’t exactly fit the Harvard mold. Yet, after some significant struggles, Elle buckles down and proves her potential to herself and her peers.
Centre Stage, 501 River St., Greenville. Thru June 9, Thurs.–Sat., 8pm; Sun., 3pm. $35. 864.233.6733, centrestage.org
June 1–2, 11–16, and 25–30
Greenville Drive
School’s out, so pack up the kids and head for Fluor Field to root for the home team. The whole family will get caught up in the excitement, sitting in the stands, munching on popcorn, and watching the Greenville Drive on their home field. The Drive starts the month off with a weekend challenge of the Rome Emperors, then continues with two six-game home series, one against the Hickory Crawdads and the other taking on the Asheville Tourists.
Fluor Field in the West End, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. June 1–2, 11–16, & 25–30, Tues.–Sun., times vary. Tickets start at $9. 864.240.4528, milb.com/greenville
June 3–9
BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD Synnex
The only golf tournament on the Korn Ferry Tour that pairs amateurs with celebrities in a better-ball competition over two courses, the 2024 BMW Pro-Am celebrates BMW Manufacturing’s 30th anniversary in the Upstate with a concert by Steel Toe Stiletto at Hartness. Golf rounds rotate between the greens at Thornblade Club and The Carolina Country Club. Since 2001, the tournament has raised more than $15 million for Upstate charities.
Thornblade Club, 1275 Thornblade Blvd., Greer, Thurs-Sun., times vary; and The Carolina Country Club, 2355 Carolina Country Club Rd., Spartanburg, Thurs. & Fri., times vary. Tickets start at $20 for one day at one course. bmwcharitygolf.com
June 4–9
Mamma Mia!
How many fathers can you have at one wedding? The answer awaits on a Greek island, where bride-to-be Sophie is planning her nuptials at the hotel her mother runs. It’s a wacky wedding indeed when Sophie invites three men from her mother’s past in order to find out the identity of her real father. ABBA songs, including “Honey, Honey,” “Dancing Queen,” and “SOS,” provide the musical score to this feel-good show.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. June 4–9, Tues.–Sun., times vary. $49-$139. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
June 6–9
La Vie en Rosé
It’s rosé all weekend among the vines at this popular annual arts festival and fundraiser held at Marked Tree Vineyard. Come celebrate local music, dance, theater, and art while sipping Marked Tree wines. An opening night gala, a night of wine, music, and fashion, and a sunset concert with the Hendersonville Symphony are just part of the fun.
Marked Tree Vineyard, 623 Deep Gap Rd., Hendersonville, NC. Admission is free, but times and prices for individual events vary. 828.693.8504, acofhc.org/rose.html
June 6–9
South Carolina Festival of Flowers
The city of Greenwood bursts into bloom during this leafy annual festival. Plant lovers of all stripes will dig larger-than-life topiary sculptures and garden tours and symposiums, while those lacking green thumbs can enjoy food trucks, a juried craft show, and the Flower Power Fun Run. Don’t forget to bring the kids for live entertainment, arts and crafts activities, and train rides.
Various locations in Uptown Greenwood. June 6–9, times vary. Free admission. Scfestivalofflowers.org
June 6, 13, 20 & 27
Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive
Presented by Clemson MBA, this weekly event kicks off the weekend early from March until the end of August. Pair fare from your favorite food trucks with great music and make a night of it at NOMA Square. Tuba Gin starts the month off with NOLA jazz, while June wraps up with beach rock by Juno Dunes.
NOMA Square, 220 N. Main St., Greenville. June 6, 13, 20 & 27, Thurs., 5:30–8:30pm. Free. events.greenvillesc.gov/1321/PNG-Downtown-Alive
June 7-18
Chautauqua History Comes Alive Festival
Author Charles Dickens, The Mamas and The Papas singer Cass Elliott, Western legend “Stagecoach Mary” Fields. Travel back in time to learn the secrets of these and other luminaries in this year’s 12-day Chautauqua Festival. These notables will be portrayed by nationally acclaimed historical interpreters—in period dress, of course. It’s all part of Chautauqua’s mission to bring history to life through compelling stories and live interactive theater.
Various Upstate locations. June 7–18, daily, times vary. Free. 864.244.1499, historycomesalive.org
June 7, 14, 21 & 28
Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays
Spring brings crowds out on Friday evenings to NOMA Square for live music, food, drinks, and a good time. Bands play two sets of music each Friday (at 5:50pm and 7:40pm), so grab a seat on the square—they go fast—or feel free to bring a camp chair. We dare you to sit still when you hear the ’60s and ’70s dance hits of Sweet Soul, and the party music of Kami Ocean and The Rhythm.
NOMA Square, 220 N. Main St., Greenville. June 7, 14, 21 & 28, Fri., 5:30–9:30pm. Free. 864.232.2273, greenvillesc.gov/1322/Greenville-Heritage-Main-Street-Fridays
June 7-8
Greenville Jazz Fest
Jazz fans, take note. The sounds of music—all that jazz to be exact—will be ringing out on Main Street during the second annual Greenville Jazz Fest. This year’s playlist cites just over 30 bands, including national acts such as singer/composer Tish Oney, jazz quintet Butcher Brown, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and jazz vocalist Karla Harris. Look for local groups too, including the Greenville Jazz Collective Big Band.
Main St., from Broad St. to Falls Park Dr., Greenville. June 7–8, Fri., 4–10pm; Sat., 11am–9pm. Free. greenvillesc.gov/2114/Greenville-Jazz-Fest
June 8, 15, 22 & 29
TD Saturday Market
If you’ve been dreaming of farm-fresh zucchini and beans, fresh herbs, juicy blueberries, and other summer delights, set your alarm and join the crowd on Main Street who get up early on Saturday morning to get the best pick. Stop and chat with the farmers and makers while you shop for everything from hand-carved cutting boards to handmade granola.
Main St at McBee Ave., Greenville. June 8, 15, 22 & 29, Sat., 8am–noon. 864.467.4494, saturdaymarketlive.com
June 8
Greenville Mimosa Festival
If the highlight of your brunch is a good Mimosa cocktail, you’ll want to buy tickets early for this inaugural event. Creative versions of Mimosas, brunch punch, beer, and wine are all included in the ticket price, and food will be available for purchase. While you sip Mimosas, you’ll enjoy live music from Solution and DJ Chill Will. Must be 21 or older to attend.
Fluor Field, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. June 8, Sat., 1–5pm. $55 in advance; $65 at the door. greenvillewinefestivals.com
June 15
Juneteenth Soul Food Festival
Celebrating freedom and at the same time paying homage to soul food, this Fountain Inn festival is presented through a joint effort between local businesses, churches, and nonprofits. Sample good eats ranging from fried fish and barbecue to sweet baked treats while you enjoy live music, shop local vendors, and take in live performances including spoken word, comedy, and dance.
Main St., Fountain Inn. June 15, Sat., noon–6pm. Free. mainstreetfountaininn.com/juneteenth-soul-food-festival
June 17
Grills & Greens Tasting Party
Get all the ideas you need to make your next summer backyard barbecue a smokin’ success when you sign up for this class at Oil & Vinegar. Shop owner Chef Veera Gaul will give you mouthwatering recipes for meats and plant-based meals on the grill, not to mention savory sides and cool salads. The cost of the class includes a plate of food, a sparkling flavored-vinegar spritzer, and a recipe booklet.
Oil & Vinegar, 220 N. Main St., Greenville. June 17, Mon., 6–7:30pm. $20. 864.241.6689, oilandvinegarusa.com
June 29
Freedom Blast
“Party like a Patriot” is the tagline for this Independence Day celebration. Founded in 2009 by the City of Greer to celebrate our freedom and the men and women who make it possible, Freedom Blast fills Greer City Park with live music, crafts, food vendors, and entertainment galore on the Saturday before the 4th of July. As it does every year, the evening ends with a big bang at 10pm with one of the largest fireworks displays in the Upstate.
Greer City Park, 301 E. Poinsett St., Greer. June 29, Sat., 6–10:30pm. Free. 864.968.7008, freedomblast.org
June 30
Simply Freedom Fest
Hey now, you’re an all star . . . or you will be when you’re watching the Grammy-nominated band Smash Mouth at Heritage Park. What better way to party for the Fourth of July than to attend a free concert with a fireworks show afterward? Bring a lawn chair and get there early to get a good parking spot; lots open at 4pm and gates open at 5:30pm.
CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park, 861 S.E. Main St., Simpsonville. June 30, Sun., 6pm. Free. simpsonville.com/administration/page/simply-freedom-fest-smash-mouth
