July–August
Beech Mountain Blackberry Jam Celebration
This summer, the highest town in the eastern US invites visitors to the inaugural Blackberry Jam music event at Beech Mountain Resort. Ticketed concerts include Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit (July 18), Lake Street Dive (July 19), and Charley Crockett (August 9). Listen to free live music on Saturday afternoons at the resort’s mountaintop 5,506’ Skybar and on Sunday evenings on the Lawn at Top of the Beech Inn.
1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy., Beech Mountain, NC. July & Aug.; check online for schedule and prices. beechmountainresort.com
July 1–3, 8–13 & 22–27
Greenville Drive
The Greenville Drive is in full swing this month, challenging the Asheville Tourists and the Winston-Salem Dash at Fluor Field. At the end of the month, the Drive plays a six-game home series against our neighboring team, the Hub City Spartanburgers. Come to the July 3rd game for a pregame street party (4–6pm) in honor our local military heroes and stick around for fireworks after the last out.
Fluor Field in the West End, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. July 1–3, 8–13 & 22–27, Tues.–Sat, 6:45pm; Sun., 3:05pm. Tickets start at $9. milb.com/greenville
July 3–27
Upstate Shakespeare Festival
The alfresco fun continues in Falls Park in July as The Warehouse Theatre presents Two Gentlemen of Verona, its second show in the summer Upstate Shakespeare Festival. Themes of friendship and infidelity run through the tale of friends Valentine and Proteus as they navigate the choppy waters of falling in love. Bring a blanket, purchase some popcorn on-site, and sit back to watch the adventures unfold.
Falls Park on the Reedy, downtown Greenville. July 3–27, Thurs.–Sun., 7pm. Free. warehousetheatre.com/shows/upstate-shakespeare-festival
July 3, 2025
Fourth of July Spectacular
Bring the whole family to nosh on tasty food truck fare and listen to great bands, and make your own party as you await the evening’s finale: a fireworks spectacular. If you want a good seat, bring a camp chair to the event, but not a cooler—they’re not allowed inside the festival zone. There will be plenty of beverages available from on-site vendors.
Main St., Fountain Inn. July 3, Thurs., 6–10pm. Free. mainstreetfountaininn.com/fireworks-spectacular
July 3
Clemson MBA Fireworks at Unity Park
Sponsored by Clemson MBA, this Independence Day celebration takes place in 60-acre Unity Park. Arrive early to stake out a good spot to spread out your blanket on Michelin Green or Meadowood Green, and pack a picnic dinner so you can settle in for the evening. (Limited food will be available for purchase from on-site food trucks; no alcohol is permitted). The dazzling fireworks display explodes across the sky at 9:30pm.
Unity Park, 320 S. Hudson St., Greenville. July 3, Thurs., 6–10pm. Free. greenvillesc.gov/2006/Clemson-MBA-Fireworks-on-the-Fourth
July 5, 12, 19 & 26
Hartness Farmstand
Located in the Hartness community on Greenville’s Eastside, the Hartness Farmstand features organically grown produce harvested from the community’s on-site farm. This year, the farmstand moves to the Carriage House next to Patterson Kitchen + Bar on the grounds of Hotel Hartness. Drop by on summer Saturdays to purchase fresh kale, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, and eggs, for starters. Note that the farmstand accepts credit and debit cards only.
110 Halston Ave., Greenville. July 5, 12, 19 & 26, Sat., 9am–noon. hartnessliving.com/hartness-farm
July 8-13, 2025
Life of Pi
Based on the best-selling novel by Yann Martel, Life of Pi tells the harrowing tale of Pi Patel, a teenage boy who survives a shipwreck and is stranded on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean for 227 days. In this story of perseverance and courage, Pi not only lives through the journey, but forms a curious connection to his lifeboat companion—a fierce Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. July 8–13, Tues.–Sun., times vary. $55-$121. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
July 9-19, 2025
South Carolina Peach Festival
If peaches are your jam, you won’t want to miss this annual festival in Gaffney. The main events take place on July 11 and 12, featuring fun from a dessert contest and car show on Friday night to the Peach Fest Parade and pageant plus crafts and kids’ activities on Saturday. Festivities end Saturday evening with 49 Winchester headlining the concert at Lake Welchel.
Various locations in Gaffney, SC. July 9–19, Wed.–Sat., times vary. Free admission ($35 for concert tickets). southcarolinapeachfest.com
July 9
The Tomato Dinner
A true celebration of summer, Topsoil’s wildly popular Tomato Dinner is part of the restaurant’s Plant-Based Supper Club. Chef Adam Cooke will create a multicourse feast focused on the many varieties of summer tomatoes newly arrived from nearby farms. Snag your ticket early and prepare to mingle with local farmers and taste Chef Adam’s creativity in courses—even dessert—where tomatoes take center stage.
Topsoil Kitchen + Market, 13 S. Main St., Travelers Rest. July 9, Wed., 6:30pm. $100; optional wine pairing, $35. topsoilrestaurant.com
July 10–12, 2025
South Carolina Festival of Discovery
A celebration of the culture, music, and food of South Carolina, the 25th SC Festival of Discovery promises to deliver loads of barbecue and blues in Uptown Greenwood. Carolina barbecue stars at the Kansas City Barbeque Society BBQ and Hash Cook-Off, while the Blues Cruise presents a crowd-pleasing lineup of blues bands at various venues around town. You be the judge of the best barbecue by casting your vote for the People’s Choice ($1 per tasting ticket).
Main St., Greenwood. July 10 12, Thurs.–Sat., times vary. Free admission. uptowngreenwood.com/events/sc_festival_of_discovery/index.php
July 11-20, 2025
Beaufort Water Festival
Eleven days of nonstop fun kicks off on Friday with an arts and crafts market at Waterfront Park and winds down with the Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats on Sunday afternoon. In between, there are concerts, a river rally, a talent show, a bed race, and so much more, allowing everyone in the family to participate in their favorite events.
Waterfront Park, Bay St., and other locations, Beaufort, SC. July 11–20, daily, times vary. Free admission (prices vary for ticketed events). bftwaterfestival.com/full-festival-schedule.html
July 11-13, 2025
Ride to End ALZ
See South Carolina on two wheels and challenge yourself for a great cause. The ultimate benefit ride for cycling enthusiasts, the three-day, 257-mile Grand Tour from Simpsonville to Charleston fuels research aimed at eliminating Alzheimer’s Disease. For 2025, there’s also a Half Tour option (136 miles). All meals are provided, along with daily luggage and bus transportation and discounted rates on nightly lodging.
Ride begins at Heritage Park, 861 S.E. Main St., Simpsonville. $750 fundraising minimum. alz.org/ridesc
July 12-13
The Big Crafty
Christmas in July? Well, maybe some early shopping at Western North Carolina’s favorite art event. Hundreds of local and regional artists and vendors fill Harrah’s Cherokee Center for this annual show. Find great gift ideas—and treats for you, too—among the wares from paintings to pottery and glassware to jewelry. Come out and show your support for Western North Carolina’s creative community.
Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville, NC. July 12–13, Sat.–Sun., noon–6pm. Sat., $10; free admission Sun. thebigcrafty.com
July 13
Sunday Sit-Down Supper with Coinneach Macleod
Stories and songs courtesy of Coinneach MacLeod, delectable courses by Chef Teryi Youngblood with wine pairings to match. That’s what you’ll enjoy at this Sunday supper at M. Judson when the author of The Hebridean Baker: The Scottish Cookbook presides over an unforgettable evening. Find kitchen inspiration in his recipes from savory pies to cakes for every occasion; your ticket includes a signed copy of the cookbook.
M. Judson Booksellers, 130 S. Main St., Greenville. July 13, Sun., 6:30–9pm. $130. mjudsonbooks.com
July 17
Old Crow Medicine Show
This Americana string band got their big break in 2000, when Doc Watson discovered them busking on a corner in Boone, North Carolina. Their unmistakable sound has been winning fans—and awards, including two Grammys—ever since. Members of the Grand Ole Opry, the band is now based in Nashville, still going strong with their trail-blazing combination of bluegrass, roots, and blues.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. July 17, Thurs., 7:30pm. $38.50-$60.50. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
July 17
Sassafrass Flower Farm U-Pick Night
Settle in for a relaxing evening the third Thursday of every month (May–October) when farmer Sarah DuBose opens her flower fields for U-Pick Nights. In July, harvest bright sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, and other blooms while you listen to live music from local bands. Bring clippers and a bucket for flowers and a blanket to picnic on the grounds. Rad Dad’s BBQ and Traveling Taps will supply the food and beverages.
Sassafrass Flower Farm, 255 Alex Dr., Easley. July 17, Thurs., 5:30–8:30pm. Admission, $8 (children 13 & under, free); 15-18 stems, $20; 35 stems, $40. sassafrassflowerfarm.com
July 17
Tapas & Tinis
Pumping up the energy for euphoria’s 20th year, Tapas & Tinis is the last pre-event before the main festival in September. Show off a chic summer party look and break out your best dance moves as Randomonium fuels this dance fest with high-energy hits. When you’re not on the dance floor, enjoy playful cocktails and flavorful bites from Chef Tony Schmidt of Performance Food Service.
Zen, 924 S. Main St., Greenville. July 17, Thurs., 7–10pm. $80. euphoriagreenville.com
July 24-Aug 10
Million Dollar Quartet
Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire! Don your blue suede shoes for this performance, where there’s certain to be a “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” If you’re a rock ‘n’ roll fan, make your way to Centre Stage as they recreate the legendary 1956 jam session in Memphis, where Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley performed together. It’s an evening rock enthusiasts won’t soon forget.
Centre Stage, 501 River St., Greenville. Thurs.–Sat., 8pm; Sun., 3pm. $33.50-$38.50. 864.233.6733, centrestage.org/events/million-dollar-quartet
July 25-26
Rock the Country
Mark your calendar for the fourth weekend in July as Rock the Country music festival returns to Anderson for two days during its US tour. Headliners include rapper Kid Rock, Canadian rock band Nickelback, and country crooners Hank Williams Jr. and Tracy Lawrence. To get the full experience, plan to camp nearby for the weekend.
Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center, 3027 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Anderson. July 25–25, Fri. & Sat., concert times vary. Single-day pass, $99.99; weekend pass, $159.99. rockthecountry.com
July 26
Tomato Sandwich Taste-Off
Don’t miss this much-anticipated event, celebrating luscious summer tomatoes at the Travelers Rest Farmers Market. The market’s annual fundraiser will challenge eight local chefs to create their best tomato sandwich and compete for bragging rights—and the Big Tomato trophy. The winner depends on the people’s choice, so be sure to get there early and sample all of the entries before casting your vote.
Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest. July 26, Sat., 8:30am–noon. Check website for tickets: travelersrestfarmersmarket.com/events
July 26
Sweetgrass Festival
Honoring the contributions of the history, culture, and traditions of the Gullah Geechee community, this annual festival shines a light on 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 local arts, crafts, and jewelry.
Memorial Waterfront Park, 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC. July 26, Sat., 10am–3pm. Free. experiencemountpleasant.com/events/sweetgrass-festival
