Explore top August 2025 events happening throughout the Upstate, from live theater and music festivals to food truck rallies, art shows, and more local fun.
Thru Aug 30
19th Anniversary Small Works Exhibition
Don’t have space for large-scale artwork in your home? No worries. Art & Light Gallery can set you up with 10×10-inch works from more than 50 artists at their annual Small Works Exhibition. These original small works are offered at accessible prices, so investing in them is a great way to begin collecting.
Art & Light Gallery, 16 Aiken St., Greenville. Thru Aug. 30, Tues.–Fri., 10am–5pm; Sat., 10am–4pm. Free. artandlightgallery.com
Thru Aug. 23, 2025
The Play That Goes Wrong
“One of those breakneck exercises in idiocy that make you laugh ’til you cry . . .” is how The New York Times described this zany show. The laughs begin on the opening night of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s ill-fated production of The Murder at Haversham Manor. During the performance, things go terribly awry, as props fall off walls, actors forget their lines, and one cast member is knocked unconscious.
Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy., Flat Rock, NC. Thru Aug. 23, Wed.–Sun., times vary. $50-$70. flatrockplayhouse.org
Aug 5–10 & 26–31, 2025
Greenville Drive
The Drive plays two six-game series at home this month, first against the Rome Emperors, and at the end of August, against the Bowling Green Hot Rods. On August 7, bring your four-legged friend to the game for Bark in the Park. Presented by Noble Dog Hotel, this special evening features dog-friendly fun, including vendors catering to canines.
Fluor Field, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. Aug. 5–10 & 26–31, Tues.–Sat., 6:45pm; Sun., 3:05pm. Tickets start at $9. milb.com/greenville
Aug 5-10, 2025
Kimberly Akimbo
Time is not on Kimberly Levaco’s side in this musical, winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Plagued by a rare condition that forces her to age rapidly, the 16-year-old has the appearance of an elderly woman. As if that wasn’t enough, she faces family dysfunctions and the tribulations of being a teen—including her first crush—as she navigates her family’s move to a new town.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Tues–Sun., times vary. $55-$110. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Aug 7-10
South Carolina New Play Festival
Every night of this festival fills downtown’s performing arts halls with groundbreaking new plays and musicals from an extraordinary lineup of artists. The event winds up on Sunday evening with a sparkling Broadway Cabaret starring Mary Kate Morrissey (from the Broadway production of Wicked). The 2025 festival will also host the final competition of South Carolina’s Next Broadway Star, showcasing talented teenagers vying for scholarships.
Various locations in downtown Greenville. Aug. 7–10, Thurs.–Sun., times & ticket prices vary. southcarolinanewplayfestival.org
Aug 7, 14, 21 & 28
Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive
If you haven’t made it to NOMA Square in downtown Greenville on Thursdays nights to enjoy free music yet, August is your last chance to do so. This month’s lineup starts with the country stylings of Birdie Wilson, then continues in following weeks with Randomonium and ReggaeInfinity. Come on August 28 to see the winner of the Gimme the Gig contest.
220 N. Main St., Greenville. Aug. 7, 14, 21 & 28, Thurs., 5:30–8:30pm. Free.
Aug. 9-10. 2025
The Really Good, Really Big, Really Cheap Book Sale
Need a good book? Mark your calendar for the Greenville Literacy Association’s annual book sale at McAlister Square. The largest used-book sale in South Carolina, this event raises funds that enable the Association to provide literacy classes to Upstate adults and shine a light on our community’s adult literacy needs. Festivities begin with the kickoff party Friday night (6–9pm, tickets $50), and wind down on Sunday afternoon.
225 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville. Aug. 9–10, Sat., 9am–4pm; Sun., 11am–3pm. greenvilleliteracy.org
Aug 9-10, 2025
Sourwood Festival
Wondering what all the buzz is about? It’s the Sourwood Festival in Black Mountain, North Carolina. This annual event marks the beginning of the season for sourwood honey, a distinctive honey gathered from sourwood trees that grow in the Southern Appalachian region. Come taste and stock up on this regional specialty, in addition to enjoying two days of crafts, food, and music.
Downtown Black Mountain, NC. Aug. 9–10, Sat., 9am–7pm; Sun., 9am–5pm. Free. exploreblackmountain.com/sourwood-festival
Aug 9, 2025
24-Hour Musical
What if you had only 24 hours to stage a musical production? It would be a challenge, to say the least, but that’s what the members of the Market Theatre in Anderson do once a year. Actors come to audition not knowing what musical is to be performed. The name of the show is not announced until 24 hours before it is staged, then it’s a whirlwind of rehearsing, constructing sets, and creating costumes before the musical goes live.
Market Theatre, 110 Federal St., Anderson. Free ($25 advance donation reserves you a seat). markettheatre.org
Aug 14-24, 2025
SC Restaurant Week
These days, everyone can appreciate a discounted meal out, and South Carolina Restaurant Week is happy to oblige. Check the website for the list of participating restaurants in the Greenville area to find deals on prix-fixe multicourse menus. This is your chance to check out that new spot you’ve been wanting to try—and save a few bucks in the process.
Find a list of participating restaurants and menus at scrla.org
Aug 15-31, 2025
Prince of Egypt
Based on the 1998 animated film by Dreamworks Pictures, Prince of Egypt is an adaptation of the Bible’s Book of Exodus. You’ll journey through ancient Egypt as you follow the epic story of Ramses and Moses, who were raised as brothers by Pharoah Seti and each follow different paths. The production includes some of Stephen Schwartz’s award-winning songs from the film as well as ten new songs.
Mauldin Cultural Center, 101 E. Butler Rd., Mauldin. Aug. 15–31, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. $25. 864.335.4862, mauldinculturalcenter.org
Aug 16, 2025
Run2Overcome
Lace up your running shoes for the 17th annual Run2Overcome and help raise funds for the Julie Valentine Center, which provides vital services for survivors of sexual assault and abuse. The 10K and 5K races plot a course through Cleveland Park and beyond, while the Kids Fun Run Dash gives young runners an opportunity to join in the fun.
Race starts and ends at First Baptist Church, 847 Cleveland St., Greenville. Aug. 16, Sat., 10K at 7:45am; 5K at 8am; Kids Fun Run at 9am. 10K, $45; 5K, $30; Kids Run, $10. upstateraceseries.com
Aug 17, 2025
Indaco Summer Supper Series
A celebration of good food and live fire, Indaco’s Summer Suppers bring in guest chefs from around the region. In August, chefs Andrew McLeod (with the Indigo Road Hospitality Group) and Jon Buck (former executive chef at Husk Greenville and owner of catering company, Grits and Gravy) will join forces with Indaco’s culinary team over the grill to craft a memorable five-course alfresco family-style meal, with rotating beverage pairings of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Indaco, 40 W. Broad St., Greenville. Aug. 17, Sun., 6–9pm. $140. indacorestaurant.com/location/indaco-greenville
Aug 23, 2025
Japanese Bon Dance Festival
Echoing Japan’s Obon festivals, held in mid-August to honor the spirits of ancestors, the Bon Dance Festival is hosted by the Japan-America Association of South Carolina to raise funds for their local programs. Taiko drum performances, aikido and kendo martial arts demonstrations, and a Japanese tea ceremony are just a few of the happenings. You’ll also see traditional folk dances including a Bon Odori, performed in bright kimono, yukata, and happi coats.
McAlister Square, 225 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville. Aug. 23, Sat., 12:30–4:30pm. Free admission. jaasc.org/events/bon-dance-festival
Aug 24, 2025
America: The Encore Tour 2025
Famed for its vocal harmonies and folk rock sound, America is celebrating its 55th anniversary with a sweeping tour of the US and Canada, including a stop in Greenville. Be sure to get your ticket to be transported back to the ’70s with hits like “A Horse With No Name,” “Tin Man,” and “Sister Golden Hair” from this legendary Grammy Award-winning group, who earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Aug. 24, Sun., 7pm. Tickets start at $64.25. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Aug 28-31, 2025
Red
Launching Greenville Theatre’s Off-Broadway Series, this intense two-man drama—which won six Tony Awards in 2010—examines the life and work of American abstract painter Mark Rothko at the height of his career. The story is seen from the viewpoint of Rothko’s young assistant, Ken, as they struggle to create a series of large commissioned works, all the while questioning the role of art in the world.
Greenville Theatre, 444 College St., Greenville. Aug. 28–31, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. $35. 864.233.6238, greenvilletheatre.org
Aug 29-31, 2025
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Labor Day weekend brings three days of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music to the Blue Ridge foothills to pay homage to Earl Scruggs and his iconic banjo-picking style. Head to Tryon International Equestrian Center to see headliners Allison Krauss & Union Station, The Wood Brothers, and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, among many others musical performers. While you’re there, be sure to check out the craft and food vendors.
Tryon International Equestrian Center, 4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC. Aug. 29–31, Fri.–Sun., concert times vary. General admission passes run from $91.88-$102.19 (1 day); weekend passes (3 days) start at $175. earlscruggsmusicfest.com
Aug 29, 2025
Salsa at Sunset
Come shake your hips to the salsa beat at Camperdown Plaza with Upstate International. It’s a celebration of Latin music, dance, and culture, all set to the tunes of David Rodriguez & The Latin Hustle. Food and drinks—including a cash bar—will be available for purchase. Arrive early at 6:15p.m. to warm up with free salsa lessons courtesy of Pura Alegria Dance instructors.
Camperdown Plaza, 20 E. Broad St., Greenville. Aug. 29, Fri., 7–10pm. Free. upstateinternational.org
Aug 30, 2025
Old South Timeline Ball
Do you long for bygone days when elegant Southern ladies and dapper gentlemen waltzed together in grand ballrooms? If so, you’ll want to don your best eighteenth- and nineteenth-century finery (gentlemen: please leave your spurs and sabers at home) and direct your carriage driver to the Old South Timeline Ball at Embassy Suites. The evening includes a three-course Southern supper, dancing, plus a silent auction and a free photo for your scrapbook.
Embassy Suites & Golf Resort, 670 Verdae Blvd., Greenville. Aug. 30, Sat., 5:30–11:30pm. $90. oldesouthball.blogspot.com
Aug 30, 2025
Upstate Food Truck Festival
The largest food-truck festival in Upstate South Carolina drives into Simpsonville’s Reedy Fork Fairgrounds for one day of family fun. Food trucks will offer bites from around the globe, so plan to try something new, and bring a lawn chair so you can hang out and gather around the sound stage to enjoy live music and DJs spinning tunes throughout the day.
Reedy Fork Fairgrounds, 931 S. Garrison Rd., Simpsonville. 11:30am–9pm. Free. scupstatefoodtruckfestival.com
Aug 31, 2025
Celebrate Anderson Music Festival
For more than 25 years, Anderson County has hosted this free concert and fireworks show on Labor Day weekend. This year, Kool and the Gang will headline the music stage, along with backup bands to be announced. Come join the “Celebration” and experience “Summer Madness” with this Grammy-winning band, who can claim 31 gold and platinum albums.
William A. Floyd Amphitheatre, 3027 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Anderson. Aug. 31, Sun., 6pm. Free (requires free ticket to enter). andersonevents.com/celebrateanderson
