Thru May 21
Springtime at Biltmore
Don’t miss the last weeks of the springtime spectacle of tulips, daffodils, azaleas, and cherry blossoms that paints Biltmore Estate’s gardens and grounds in a blaze of color. While you’re there, why not stick around to see the new light and sound show, Luminere?
Biltmore, One Lodge St., Asheville, NC. Thru May 21, daily, times vary. Tickets for house and grounds start at $90. biltmore.com
Apr 25- May 10
Dragons Love Tacos
Everybody loves tacos—even dragons. There’s just one caveat: if you feed tacos to a dragon, don’t give them spicy salsa. Based on Adam Rubin’s best-selling children’s book, Dragons Love Tacos will have the whole family laughing at the fiery chaos that ensues during a taco party for dragons.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre, 153 Augusta St., Greenville. Apr. 25–May 10, Sat.–Sun., times vary. $22. scchildrenstheatre.org
Apr 30- May 10, 2026
The Great Anderson County Fair
From a fire eater and magic shows to pig races and an exotic animal petting zoo, there’s fun for everyone at Anderson County’s biggest event of the year. Make it a family outing, complete with unlimited rides and crowd-pleasing fair food.
Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center, 3027 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Anderson. Thru May 10, daily, times vary. Admission, $10 (10 years and under, free). thegreatandersoncountyfair.com
May 1
Homes of Hope Spring Gala
Don your best semiformal attire for this annual spring gala and fundraiser. Come prepared to dance to live music and bid in the live auction. Proceeds benefit Homes of Hope’s initiatives to develop affordable housing and provide workforce training to men overcoming addiction and homelessness.
Younts Conference Center, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville. May 1, Fri., 6:15pm. $150. homesofhope.org/gala
May 1
Spring Wine Dinner at Marked Tree Vineyard
Part of the Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend in Hendersonville, North Carolina, this dinner is a collaboration between Chef Taylor Montgomery and the members of the WNC Cheese Trail. The chef will spotlight produce grown on his farm to pair with Marked Tree’s signature wines.
Marked Tree Vineyard, 623 Deep Gap Rd., Flat Rock, NC. May 1, Fri., 6pm. $175. markedtreevineyard.com
May 2 thru Oct
TD Saturday Market
The first market of the season is always special, as crowds gather on Main Street to reconnect with their favorite farmers and vendors and browse such spring delights as baby vegetables, lettuces, fresh herbs, and sweet strawberries. Get there early to get the best pick.
Main St. at McBee Ave., Greenville. May 2–Oct. 31, Sat., 8am–noon. saturdaymarketlive.com
May 2-Sept 18
Travelers Rest Farmers Market
As the largest independently run nonprofit farmers market in South Carolina, TRFM averages 100 regular farmers and vendors each week. Beyond a wealth of fresh veggies and handmade items, you’ll find food trucks, live music, chef’s demos, and yoga classes at the market.
Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest. May 2–Sept. 18, Sat., 8:30am–noon. travelersrestfarmersmarket.com
May 2, 2026
Kentucky Derby Viewing Party and Silent Auction
Ladies don showy spring hats and gents break out bow ties to watch the Run for the Roses and support First Tee–Upstate South Carolina. As First Tee’s signature event, the Derby Viewing Party raises money to empower young people through the game of golf.
SouthernFirst Bank, 6 Verdae Blvd., Greenville. May 2, Sat., 5–7:30pm. General admission, $75. firstteeupstate.org/derby
May 2
Reedy River Duck Derby
No, you’re not seeing things—those are thousands of yellow rubber duckies floating down the Reedy River. Help the Reedy River Rotary Club of Greenville reach their charitable goal of 14,000 ducks for this year’s event by purchasing your own rubber duckies to enter in the race.
Falls Park on the Reedy, downtown Greenville. May 2, Sat., race starts at 2:30pm. Single duck, $10; Super Quack Pack of 4 ducks, $30. duckrace.com/Greenville
May 3, 2026
Robert Cray Band
Over five decades, blues icon Robert Cray has shared the stage with the likes of Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Tina Turner. This month, the Blues Hall of Famer and five-time Grammy winner graces The Pavilion at the Peace Center for one evening of soulful music under the stars.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. May 3, Sun., 7pm. $49.50. peacecenter.org
May 3
Taste of the Upstate: Traditions with a Twist
Presented by Samaritan Biologics, the 30th annual Taste of the Upstate celebrates local culinary talent against a soundtrack of high-energy music from Greenville’s own Rhythm Jab. Come sample bites from more than a dozen local chefs and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N. Academy St., Greenville. May 3, Sun., 11am–2pm. $75. werescuefood.org/taste-of-the-upstate
May 6-9
SpringSkunk Music Fest
Calling all bluegrass, Americana, folk, roots, and rock fans: buy tickets now to this beloved music festival. With 20 bands over four days, you’ll be sure to get your fill of great music on this Greer farm, where you can camp on-site so you don’t miss a note.
Skunk Farm, 4067 Jordan Rd., Greer. May 6–9, Wed.–Sat., performance times vary. Single-day passes, $40-$90; multiday passes also available. albinoskunk.com
May 7-24
A Few Good Men
Be sure you can handle the truth if you want to see Aaron Sorkin’s gripping courtroom drama, which made its way to the screen in 1992. The complexities of honor, duty, and justice come to light again in Centre Stage’s powerful performance.
Centre Stage, 501 River St., Greenville. Thurs.–Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 3pm. Tickets start at $25. centrestage.org
May 8-10
Artisphere
One of the top fine art festivals in the country, Artisphere spans South Main Street between Court and Wardlaw streets. The main attraction, Artists Row, will display the curated work of 140 artists in 17 different mediums, while outdoor stages host live music and dance performances.
Main St., downtown Greenville. May 8–10, Fri.–Sun., times vary. Free admission. artisphere.org
May 15-17
Greek Festival
Come celebrate the 40th year of Greenville’s favorite Greek Festival, when the city’s best Greek food will be available for pickup and on-site dining. Outside the church, you’ll find grilled kebabs and other specialties, plus live Greek music and traditional dancing demonstrations. Opa!
Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 406 N. Academy St., Greenville. May 15–17, Fri. & Sat., 11am–9pm; Sun., 11am–5pm. $3 admission. greekforaday.com
May 16-17
Greenville Symphony Orchestra: Porgy and Bess
GSO concludes its 2026 American Season with a concert performance of George Gershwin’s time-honored opera Porgy and Bess, featuring soprano Laquita Mitchell and baritone DeAndre Simmons. As an added treat, the symphony will present Copland’s Old American Songs with soloist mezzo-soprano Kate Jackman.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. May 16–17, Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 3pm. Tickets start at $24.20. peacecenter.org
May 23
Take Flight 5K & 1-Mile Run
If you’re a runner who hates hills, sign up for the 5K or 1 Mile race at the Downtown Airport. The course ranges through the airport grounds, one of the flattest courses around. Proceeds go toward expanding the facilities at the airport’s Runway Park.
Greenville Downtown Airport, 21 Airport Rd., Ext., Greenville. May 23, Sat., 5K, 8am; 1-Mile, 8:45am. 5K, $30; 1 Mile, $17.50. runsignup.com/Race/SC/Greenville/TakeFlight5k
May 22-23
Gallabrae: Greenville Scottish Games
Fire up your clan spirit on Memorial Day weekend for two days of Celtic-themed fun, beginning with the Great Scot Parade on Friday evening. Head to the grounds of Furman University on Saturday for Scottish games, border collie sheepherding demonstrations, and Celtic food and music.
Parade, Main St., Greenville. May 22, Fri., 6pm. Free. Scottish Games, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville. May 23, Sat., event times vary. Adults, $20; children (5-12), $10. gallabrae.com
May 22–June 7
Spoleto Festival USA
Spoleto fills Charleston’s theaters, churches, and performance spaces with two weeks of opera, theater, dance, and musical performances, thanks to Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti who founded the event in 1977. Cornerstone of the festival, the Bank of America Chamber Music series holds sway at Dock Street Theatre.
Various venues in Charleston. May 22–June 7, daily, times & prices vary. spoletousa.org
May 29-31, 2026
Bear Shadow Music Festival, NC
This elevated music festival—literally, at 4,118 feet in the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau—brings world-class music acts to the mountains. Emerge from your winter hibernation to hear an all-star musical lineup of eight bands, headlined by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (Saturday), and Charley Crockett (Sunday).
Winfield Farm, Highlands, NC. May 29–31, Fri.–Sun., performance times vary; first concert starts at 3:30pm Sat., and 1:30pm Sun. Single day, $175; weekend pass, $300. bearshadownc.com
