July 4–6, 19–21 & 30–31
Greenville Drive
Summer’s in full swing, and so is the Greenville Drive. That means packing up the family and heading for Fluor Field to root, root, root for the home team. This month, snag tickets to one of the Drive’s three home-game series, against the Asheville Tourists, the Bowling Green Hot Rods (kids can run the bases after the game on Sunday, July 21) and the Wilmington Sharks.
Fluor Field in the West End, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. July 4–6, 19–21 & 30–31, Tues.–Sun., times vary. Tickets start at $9. 864.240.4528, milb.com/greenville
July 4
Fireworks on the Fourth
Sponsored by Clemson MBA, this Independence Day celebration takes place in Unity Park. Be sure to come early to get a good spot to put your blanket on the lawn; consider packing a picnic dinner to make an evening of it, or purchase food from on-site food trucks (no alcohol is permitted). A dazzling fireworks display shoots off at 9:30pm.
Unity Park, 320 S. Hudson St., Greenville. July 4, Thurs., 6–10pm. Free. greenvillesc.gov/2006/Clemson-MBA-Fireworks-on-the-Fourth
July 4
Red, White & Boom
Good food, check. Beverages, check. A festive atmosphere, check. You’ll find all the ingredients for a fun-filled Fourth of July at Barnet Park in Spartanburg. Presented by Spartanburg Community College, Red, White & Boom is the city’s favorite Independence Day celebration—and it’s free. Go early and make an evening of it before the fireworks go off with a big bang at 9:30pm.
Barnet Park, 248 E. St. John St., Spartanburg. July 4, Thurs., 5:30–10pm. Free. 864.596.3105, cityofspartanburg.org/324/Red-White-Boom
July 5-28
Upstate Shakespeare Festival
A highlight of summer in Greenville, the alfresco Upstate Shakespeare Festival continues its 27th season with Henry IV (parts I and II). For this production, the festival director is combining two of Shakespeare’s plays into one two-hour presentation. Bring a blanket, purchase some popcorn on-site, and sit back as the adventures of Prince Hal, son and heir to Henry IV, and the rogue Sir John Falstaff unfold.
Falls Park on the Reedy, downtown Greenville. July 5–28, Thurs.–Sun., 7pm. Free. 864.235.6948, warehousetheatre.com/shows/upstate-shakespeare-festival
July 6, 13, 20 & 27
Hartness Farmstand
The Hartness community on Greenville’s Eastside is proud to be bringing back their farmstand this summer, featuring organically grown produce harvested from the on-site state-of-the-art Hartness Farm. Drop by Saturdays until October to take your pick of fresh kale, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, and eggs, for starters. Note that the farmstand accepts credit and debit cards only.
The Village Center at Hartness, 2000 Society St., Greenville. July 6, 13, 20 & 27, Sat., 9am–noon. hartnessliving.com/hartness-farm
July 6, 13, 20 &27
TD Saturday Market
It’s tomato season and to get your pick of the best crop, set your alarm and join the crowd on Main Street on Saturday morning at the TD Market. This month, plan your meals around zucchini, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and much more. 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. July 6, 13, 20 &27, Sat., 8am–noon. 864.467.4494, saturdaymarketlive.com
July 11–13
South Carolina Festival of Discovery
If barbecue and blues are your idea of the perfect summer duo, hop in your car and make your way to Uptown Greenwood for three days of toe-tappin’ music and good eats. You be the judge of the best barbecue by casting your vote for the People’s Choice ($1 per tasting ticket). Don’t care for ’cue? See if you have the stomach to enter the Hot Dog Eating Competition.
Main St., Greenwood. July 11 13, Thurs.–Sat., times vary. Free admission. uptowngreenwood.com/events/sc_festival_of_discovery/index.php
July 12-14
Ride to End ALZ
Hop on your bike and test your stamina for a great cause. The ultimate benefit ride for cycling enthusiasts, the three-day, 255-mile ride from Simpsonville to Charleston fuels research aimed at eliminating Alzheimer’s Disease. Meals are provided for participants, as are rest stops offering snacks and hydration every 10–15 miles along the route. The organizers also transport your luggage to the group’s hotel stops each night.
Ride begins at Heritage Park, 861 S.E. Main St., Simpsonville. $750 fundraising minimum. alz.org/ridesc
July 12-13
Black Mountain Blues
Soulful blues and mountain views combine to create a great weekend in Black Mountain for three days of cool blues music at the inaugural Black Mountain Blues festival. More than 40 bands will be making appearances, including Mac Arnold, Sugaray Rayford, Corey Harris, Bob Margolin, Jody Carroll, and Big Ron Hunter, to name just a few. When you’re not listening to music, you can browse the Vendor Village.
Downtown Black Mountain, NC. July 12–14, Fri.–Sun., times vary. 3-day pass, $80. blackmountainblues.org
July 12
Tapas & Tinis
The last pre-event leading up to the euphoria festival in September, Tapas & Tinis is a summertime favorite. You’ll enjoy crafted cocktails and Mediterranean fare prepared by Chef Tony Schmidt of Performance Food Service. And there will be no sitting down once you hear the repertoire of jazz, rock, Motown, R&B, and hip hop tunes on Java’s playlist.
The 405, 405 Westfield St., Greenville. July 12, Fri., 7–10pm. $80. euphoriagreenville.com/events/tapas-tinis
July 13 & 27
Greenville Triumph
Pack up the family and kick things up a notch this summer with some soccer action at Furman’s Paladin Stadium. In July, the Triumph plays two games on their home field, the first against Union Omaha and the second challenging One Knoxville SC. On July 13, Stars & Stripes Bash will be the theme, complete with a backyard BBQ and a patriotic block party.
Paladin Stadium, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville. July 13 & 27, Sat., 7pm. Tickets start at $15. 864.203.0565, greenvilletriumph.com
July 18
Sassafrass Flower Farm U-Pick Night
Spend a relaxing summer evening on the farm the third Thursday of every month from May–October. During these special nights, Sarah DuBose opens her flower fields, and in July, you can pick bright sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, and other blooms galore while you listen to live music from local bands. Local food and beverages will also be available, so bring a bucket (or vase), clippers, and a blanket, and settle in for the evening.
Sassafrass Flower Farm, 255 Alex Dr., Easley. July 18, Thurs., 5:30–8:30pm. Adults, $8 (children 13 & under, free).
July 18–Aug. 4
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
A young songwriter from Brooklyn, Carol Klein rose to stardom as the singer we know as Carol King. The musical chronicles her success, from the hits she wrote with her first husband, Gerry Goffin, in the 1960s to the 1970s and beyond, when she began singing her own songs. Her 1971 album Tapestry topped the US charts for 15 weeks. No need to ask the question—you’ll love this musical today and tomorrow.
Centre Stage, 501 River St., Greenville. Thru Aug. 4, Thurs.–Sat., times vary. Tickets start at $33. 864.233.6733, centrestage.org
July 20
Banjo Experience
For good ole toe-tappin’ tunes, you can’t beat the banjo. That’s why Hagood Mill’s Banjo Experience celebrates this instrument that traces its roots in Africa, where it was first carved from a gourd. Listen to talented performers strumming the day away while you and the family enjoy the entertainment that takes place on Third Saturdays at the mill. Shop the wares of local craftspeople, watch demonstration of colonial professions like weaving and ironworking, and watch the mill grinding corn.
Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Rd. Pickens. July 20, Sat., 10am–4pm. $5. 864.898.2936, visithagoodmill.com
July 26-27
Rock the Country
Expect a really big show when the new musical festival Rock the Country stops in Anderson for two days during its tour of the US. Headliners are none other than country greats Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, and Miranda Lambert, with appearances by Travis Tritt and Brantley Gilbert. If you’re a fan of country music, you won’t want to miss this show.
Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center, 3027 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Anderson. July 26–27, concert times vary. 2-day general admission, $189.99. rockthecountry.com
July 26
Steel Pulse
Summer lends itself to listening to the familiar rhythms of reggae music, and who better to play it than reggae legends Steel Pulse? Relax under the stars at the Peace Center Pavilion as Jamaican singer/songwriter Jesse Royal opens the evening before Steel Pulse takes the stage with songs from their twelfth studio album, Mass Manipulation. They don’t shy away from addressing controversial topics in their music, with the intention of bringing folks together.
The Pavilion at the Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. July 26, Fri., 7:30pm. Lawn, $40; Genevieve’s, $65. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
July 26
ZOSO: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
Climb the “Stairway to Heaven” at this tribute to rock band Led Zeppelin, the London band formed in 1968 with vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. ZOSO brings the band’s hard rock sound to the Greenville Theatre stage with their no-holds-barred tribute. You’ll only have one chance to see this tribute tour in Greenville, so get your tickets now.
Greenville Theatre, 444 College St., Greenville. July 26, Fri., 8pm. $45. 864.233.6238, greenvilletheatre.org
July 27
Sweetgrass Festival
Shining a light on the contributions of the history, culture, and traditions of the Gullah Geechee people, this annual festival revolves around the sweetgrass basket art form that originated in the Mount Pleasant area. In addition to meeting local basket makers and purchasing what is, since 2006, South Carolina’s Official Art Craft, the festival presents other original works in a variety of mediums.
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd, Mount Pleasant. July 27, Sat., 10am–3pm. Free. experiencemountpleasant.com/events/sweetgrass-festival
July 27
Tomato Sandwich Taste Off
TR Farmers Market’s most popular summer event, the Tomato Sandwich Taste-Off returns this month for its 10th year. Buy your ticket in advance and get there early to queue up for that beloved summer dish, the tomato sandwich. A group of local chefs will offer innovative versions of this favorite, so come sample them all and cast your vote for The People’s Choice.
Travelers Rest Farmers Market, Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest. July 27, Sat., 9–11:30am. $25. 864.610.0965, travelersrestfarmersmarket.com
