Thru Dec. 22
Southern Living Idea House 2024
Local luxury custom home builder Dillard-Jones constructed the stunning 4,400-square-foot house along the Kiawah River on Johns Island, South Carolina. Take a tour of this showcase of Lowcountry living, which boasts waterfront views and spacious outdoor areas ideal for entertaining. It was designed in partnership with MHK Charleston, Allison Elebash Interiors, and landscape architect Scott Parker. A portion of the ticket sales goes to benefit local charities.
3008 Eventide Dr., Johns Island. Thru Dec. 22, Thurs.–Sat., 10am–5pm; Sun., noon–5pm. $25. southernliving.com/2024-idea-house-8654129
Thru Nov 10
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 was rated among USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Corn Mazes (we dare you to bring a flashlight and try it in the dark!). Weekend fun includes 35 barnyard activities, such as a pumpkin patch, live music, pig races, and rides on the Cow Train.
Denver Downs Farm, 1515 Denver Rd., Anderson. Sept. 27–Nov. 12, Fri.–Sun., times vary. $31.95 at the gate. denverdownsfarm.com
Sept 27-Oct 13
Junie B. Jones – The Musical
The heroine of Barbara Park’s popular book series, Junie B. captured the hearts of readers from the first book. Now the plucky youngster is about to start first grade, with a host of new challenges and fun ahead of her. Watch the antics as Junie B. sings and dances her way through first grade, while noting her adventures in her “top secret personal beeswax” journal.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre, 153 Augusta St., Greenville. Sept. 27–Oct. 13, Fri.-Sun., times vary. $22. 864.235.2885, scchildrenstheatre.org
Oct 2–5, 2024
WCRA Rodeo Carolina
Breaking with its regular program of staid dressage and jumping events, Tryon International Equestrian Center welcomes WRCA Rodeo Carolina to its ring for the first time. For some kickass cowboy action, be sure to come out to see some of rodeo’s best athletes compete in events including bareback riding, roping, bronc riding, and steer wrestling. It promises to be a rollicking good time.
Tryon International Equestrian Center, 25 International Blvd., Mill Springs, NC. Oct. 2–5, Thurs., 4pm; Fri.–Sun., 7:30pm. Tickets start at $36. wcrarodeo.com
Oct 3, 17, 24 & 31
Moonlight Movies
Round up the family to see the spooky lineup slated for this movie series in October: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Practical Magic; The Addams Family, and Haunted Mansion. Pack a picnic or purchase snacks on-site from local food trucks and Poppington’s Popcorn. 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. Oct 3, 17, 24 & 31, Thurs., movies start at dusk. Free. greenvillesc.gov/1324/Moonlight-Movies-presented-by-Champion-C
Oct 4–5, 2024
Beaufort Shrimp Festival
If you love shrimp, you’ll find plenty of it—fresh off the boat—at this annual festival. In addition to South Carolina shrimp starring in dishes cooked up by local chefs, there’s also a Run Forest Run 5K run/walk, and a shrimp race to benefit local charities. Don’t worry, the shrimp in this race are rubber ones that float down the river in inner tubes.
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, 724 Bay St., Beaufort, SC. Oct. 4–5, Fri., 5–10pm; Sat., 11am–10pm. Free admission. beaufortshrimpfestival.com
Oct 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2024
TD Saturday Market
October is the last month for the Saturday Market, so make sure to go downtown on Saturday mornings to stock up on local meat, eggs, and fish, and so much more. Bid farewell to the market in style the last Saturday of the month at the Autumn Harvest, when the kids in costume can trick-or-treat at market vendors’ booths while you peruse the fall produce.
Main St. at McBee Ave., Greenville. Oct. 5, 12, 19 & 26, Sat., 8am–noon. saturdaymarketlive.com
Oct 5–6, 2024
Opening Night, Beethoven’s Ninth
The Greenville Symphony’s new music director, Lee Mills, conducts the season opener, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. First performed in 1824, this chorale work is considered one of Beethoven’s greatest compositions. Special guests for this performance show off local talent, as the Bob Jones University Chorale, the Furman Singers, and the North Greenville University Choir join GSO onstage.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Oct. 5–6, Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 3pm. Tickets start at $20. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Oct 5, 2024
Greer Arts & Eats
From more than 80 vendors in the Artist Alley to live music in Greer City Park, there is a good day’s-worth of fun to be found at Greer Arts & Eats. And that’s not to mention some of the best bites around at the Food Court and local brews at the Beer Garden. Stop by the Kids Creation Station, where the young set can express their inner artist with free craft projects.
Trade St., downtown Greer. Oct. 5, Sat., 10am–8pm. Free admission. greerartsandeats.com
Oct 9-20, 2024
South Carolina State Fair
Celebrating the 46 counties in South Carolina, the State Fair presents family fun from farm animals and funnel cakes to midway rides and a circus. New this year are the Spirit of South Carolina Awards, as well as the South Carolina Grown Marketplace, where fair attendees can shop for homegrown products from small businesses across the state.
1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia. Oct. 9–20, times vary. Gate admission, $20 (free for children 5 and under). scstatefair.org
Oct 11-13, 2024
Bank of America Fall for Greenville
Treat yourself to a delicious taste of Greenville at the 42nd year of Fall for Greenville and you’ll understand why U.S. News rated this event among their Top 26 Festivals in the U.S. last year. Enjoy bites from 60 local restaurants along with beer and wine from 50 vendors. The weekend’s festivities are set to music by more than 80 bands performing on 6 stages—not to mention slides and rides for the little ones.
Main St., Greenville. Oct. 11–13, Fri., noon–10pm; Sat., 11am–9pm; Sun., noon–7pm. fallforgreenville.net
Oct 12, 2024
7th Annual Greenville Blues Festival
This year, the Blues Festival brings The Blues Is Alright Tour to The Well. Included in the all-star musical lineup are R&B singer Tucka James; South Carolina native and fan favorite King George; Louisiana bluesman Wardell “Pokey Bear” Brown; soul singer Lenny Williams; blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Theodis Ealey; and Jawonn “J-Wonn” Smith, a hip-hop artist turned soul and blues singer.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N. Academy St., Greenville. Oct. 12, Sat., 7pm. Tickets start at $55. 864.241.3800, bonsecoursarena.com
Oct 15-20, 2024
& Juliet
What would happen if Shakespeare’s great love story didn’t end in tragedy? If Juliet didn’t off herself over her grief at Romeo’s death, maybe she’d have a second chance at love? That’s the storyline this musical explores, as Juliet rises from tragic heroine to empowered woman, with a soundtrack of iconic pop tunes such as “Since U Been Gone” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Oct. 15–20, Tues.–Sun., times vary. $50-$100. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Oct 17-Nov 3, 2024
Dial M for Murder
What a tangled web this classic play weaves, when a jealous gold-digging husband tries to arrange for his socialite wife’s murder. English playwright Frederick Knott penned the work, which was performed on Broadway in 1952 and inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film of the same name. Plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seat until just before the curtain falls.
Greenville Theatre, 444 College St., Greenville. Oct. 17–Nov. 3, Thurs.–Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 3pm. $45. 864.233.6238, greenvilletheatre.org
Oct 17–27, 2024
Next to Normal
Based on the 2010 Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Brian Yorkey, this emotional powerhouse of a play takes a close look at a family coping with the mother’s bipolar disorder. The story of this suburban mother, father, and two teens—told with empathy and heart—is set to a catchy pop/rock score by Tom Kitt that won a 2009 Tony Award for Best Musical Score.
Centre Stage, 501 River St., Greenville. Oct. 17–27, Thurs.–Sat., 8pm, Sun., 3pm. Tickets start at $25. 864.233.6733, centrestage.org
Oct 18–20, 2024
GVL Country Music Fest
Break out out those boots and cowboy hats. If country music is your jam, you won’t want to miss this music festival at Heritage Park. Headliners Megan Moroney, John Pardi, and Whiskey Myers are only the start; over the weekend, you’ll see more than 30 country artists. Each night after the headliners perform, rub elbows with the glitterati at the official after-parties (11pm–midnight).
CCNB Amphitheatre, 861 S.E. Main St., Simpsonville. Oct. 18–20, Fri.–Sun., times vary (doors open at 1pm each day). General admission day passes, $86.73. gvlfest.com
Oct 18–20, 2024
Antiques, Fine Art & Design Weekend
If you’re searching for interior design inspiration, this is the event for you. This annual show will fill the Greenville County Museum of Art with fine antiques from 21 dealers around the Southeast, who come bearing collections of furniture, sterling silver, decorative arts, and Victoriana. Don’t miss the presentation by this year’s guest speaker, award-winning American interior designer, author, and entrepreneur Mark D. Sikes (Fri., 9:30am; $125).
Greenville County Museum of Art, 420 College St., Greenville. Oct. 18–20, Fri., 11am–5pm; Sat., 10am–5pm; Sun., 1–5pm. Free. gcma.org
Oct 19-20, 2024
Georgetown Wooden Boat Show
Admirers of classic wooden boats should set sail for the 35th annual Wooden Boat Show in Georgetown. It’s an ode to boats and boatbuilding, with 100 wooden examples on display, plus a youth sailing regatta, maritime-themed arts and crafts, knot-tying demonstrations, and plenty of food. Produced by the Harbor Historical Association, the show raises money for the South Carolina Maritime Museum.
Front St., Georgetown, SC. Sat., 11am–6pm; Sun., 11am–4pm. Free admission. woodenboatshow.com
Oct 20
Hampton Pinckney Porchfest
Come enjoy camaraderie in downtown Greenville’s first National Historic District at the fourth annual Porchfest. Highlighting local musical talent and historic architecture, the event includes more than 20 local artists playing on the district’s porches, including Jamie Wright Trio, Trey Francis, and The Iliana Rose Cuban Jazz Band. Food trucks and local artisans add to this entertaining afternoon.
Hampton Pinckney Historic District, off Buncombe St., Greenville. Oct. 20, Sun., 1–6pm. Free. hpporchfest.org
Oct 22
Encanto, the Sing-Along Film Concert
Dress up as Mirabel, Luisa, or other characters from Disney’s film Encanto and celebrate the Colombian Madrigal family. The Peace Center will screen the film while the music is performed live, giving you an opportunity to sing along with your favorite Grammy Award-winning songs, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton fame). This production promises good fun for the whole family.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Oct. 22, Tues., 6:30pm. $30-$60. 864.467.3000, peacenter.org
Oct 26
Trick-or-Treat at TCMU
Calling all monsters, superheros, and princesses: get yourselves down to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, which morphs into the BOO!SEUM for one spooky day. The kids can trick-or-treat their way through the building and indulge in fun activities like face painting and Halloween-themed arts and crafts; then find more treats at the food trucks parked in the museum’s back lot.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, 300 College St., Greenville. Oct. 26, Sun., 9am–4:30pm. $8. 864.233.7755, tcmupstate.org
Oct 30
Boo in the Zoo
Looking for a safe, family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween? Your little Lion King and Princess Nala will feel right at home trick-or-treating on the wild side at the Greenville Zoo. Back for the 38th year, this zoo tradition features treats galore, along with haunting fun in areas like Dragon Alley and Ghost Town.
Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park Dr. Oct. 30, Wed., 3–8pm. $16 for trick-or-treaters; $13 for non-trick-or-treaters. greenvillezoo.com