Find the best September 2025 events, from music and theatre to food festivals and family activities.
Sept 2-7
MJ: The Musical
If you missed it the first time around, now’s your chance to catch this Tony Award-winning musical as it returns to the Peace Center. MJ: The Musical offers a peek behind the curtain at the making of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Proclaimed a “riveting adrenaline rush of a show” by The Washington Post, the musical spotlights the electrifying moves and music of the King of Pop.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Sept. 2–7, Tues.–Sun., times vary. Tickets start at $75.90. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Sept 5, 2025
Sippin’ Safari
Take a walk on the wild side after work as you stroll through the Greenville Zoo, enjoying wine, beer, and delicious bites along the way. The Trey Francis Band will provide the live music, and the zoo’s animals will provide even more entertainment. Proceeds from Sippin’ Safari go to help the Greenville Zoo Foundation to preserve and care for wild animal species.
Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park Dr., Greenville. Sept. 5, Fri., 6:30–9:30pm. General admission, $70. greenvillezoofoundation.org
Sept 6, 12, & 20
Music in the Park
Kick back under the stars on Saturday nights in September, when Trailblazer Park Amphitheatre hosts free concerts. Food trucks line up at 6pm so you can enjoy a picnic dinner before the music starts. This summer’s lineup includes Chicago Rewired tribute band, Pickin’ in the Park, and a Celtic celebration with Drop ‘O the Pure, Highland Dancers, and Greenville Pipes & Drums.
Trailblazer Park, 125 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest. Sept. 6, 12, & 20, Sat., 7pm. Free. travelersrestsc.com/2025-music-in-the-park-concert-series
Sept 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2025
Moonlight Movies
Looking for a break from back-to-school madness? Round up the family and head to Falls Park with your lawn chairs and blankets for free Moonlight Movies on Thursday nights this month. Food trucks and Poppington’s Popcorn will be on-site, so no need to worry about dinner. (Pro tip: get there early to play trivia before the movie.) If you plan to bring alcohol, you’ll need to purchase a wristband for $1.
Falls Park, S. Main St., Greenville. Sept. 4, 11, 18 & 25, Thurs., movies start at dusk. Free. greenvillesc.gov/1324/Moonlight-Movies
Sept 5-6, 2025
South Carolina Apple Festival
As the largest apple-producing region in South Carolina, Oconee County is a fitting place to celebrate the apple harvest. Held in Westminster, the SC Apple Festival pays tribute to the crop with pageants, parades, and even an apple-baking contest. For two days, Main Street in Westminster is lined with craft and food—especially apple—vendors. The weekend fun even includes a championship rodeo on Friday and Saturday nights.
Main St., Westminster. Sept. 5–6, Fri.–Sat., times vary. Free. scapplefestival.com
Sept 6 & 13, 2025
Waggin’ in the Waterpark
Your four-legged best friend needs a break from the heat, too, and Waggin’ in the Waterpark is their opportunity for a doggone good time splashing in the pool. Two-hour sessions are allotted for different sizes of dogs: 9–10:30am for large; 10:45–12:15 for medium, and 12:30–2pm for small. Dogs must have specified vaccines to participate, and online registration is required before the event.
Sept 6 & 13, Sat., 9am–2pm. Sept. 6 at Discovery Park, 417 Baldwin Dr., Simpsonville; Sept. 13 at Otter Creek Waterpark, 101 W. Darby Rd., Greenville. $36. Greenvillerec.com
Sept 8, 2025
James Taylor and his All-Star Band
Head to CCNB Amphitheatre for a nostalgic evening listening to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Taylor and his All-Star Band. Who can pass up a concert with this beloved crooner, whose hits include “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” and “Carolina in my Mind”? Taylor’s special guest will be Boston folk group Tiny Habits. How sweet it is.
CCNB Amphitheatre, Heritage Park, 861 S.E. Main St., Simpsonville. Sept. 8, Mon., 7:30pm. Tickets start at $55.75. ccnbamphitheatre.com
Sept 12-28, 2025
A Chorus Line
Greenville Theatre
One singular sensation lands on the Greenville Theatre stage with this delightful show, which goes behind the scenes of a Broadway musical to explore the personal stories of its performers. In 1976, A Chorus Line won ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. Now you can hear the timeless songs by Marvin Hamlisch again while each character lays it on the line in this must-see show.
Greenville Theatre, 444 College St., Greenville. Sept. 12–28, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. $45. 864.233.6238, greenvilletheatre.org
Sept 12-14, 2025
Indie Craft Parade
Celebrate hand-made as you shop from 121 makers at this beloved annual show. It’s not too early to be thinking about holiday gifts, and you’ll find ideas aplenty here, with artisans in mediums from ceramics and candles to food and fine art. When you need a break from browsing, enjoy craft stations, a free photobooth, and a selection of local food vendors.
Judson Mill, 701 Easley Bridge Rd., Greenville. Sept. 12–14, Fri., 5–9pm; Sat., 10am–5pm; Sun., 10am–4pm. Fri., $25; Sat., $10; Sun., $8.
Sept 12-14, 2025
Upstate Renaissance Faire
Huzzah, it’s back! With a new location at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds, the Upstate Renaissance Faire pays homage to a time long, long ago when knights defended the honor of fair maidens, fairies frolicked in the woods, and fire-breathing dragons ravaged the land. Feel free to don medieval attire and revel in three days of jousting, live music, roving performers, artisans, and food to satisfy the most kingly of appetites.
Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds, 575 Fairgrounds Rd., Spartanburg. Fri., 5–10pm; Sat. & Sun., 10am–5pm. $13.26. upstaterenaissancefaire.com
Sept 12-13, 2025
Sooie BBQ Cook-Off
Mauldin Cultural Center
The perfect pig-out, the Sooie BBQ Cook-Off brings 20 pitmasters to the Upstate to compete in this annual event. The fun starts on Friday night, with the Anything Butt (anything but barbecue, that is) competition. On Saturday, a panel of judges from the South Carolina Barbecue Association will determine who wins the title of Best BBQ in the main cook-off. You get a vote, too, for the People’s Choice Award.
Mauldin Cultural Center, 101 E. Butler Rd., Mauldin. Sept. 12–13, Fri., 6–9pm; Sat.,11am–3pm. Prices vary ($5 for a sheet of 5 tickets). mauldinculturalcenter.org/events/festival-season/mauldinbbq
Sept 18-21, 2025
Euphoria
You don’t want to miss this one, as Greenville’s premier food, wine, and music festival celebrates its 20th anniversary. More than 80 events will spotlight celebrity chefs along with Greenville’s finest culinarians and musicians, in addition to holding cocktail classes, wine tastings, and festive parties at Fluor Field. To kick off the weekend, there’s even a free concert in Camperdown Plaza featuring Kami Ocean and the Rhythm.
Various venues in Greenville. Sept. 18–21, Thurs.–Sun., times and prices vary for individual events. euphoriagreenville.com
Sept 19-Oct 5, 2025
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Based on Jeff Kinney’s popular book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a hilarious journey through middle school that strikes a chord with everyone who’s survived that awkward age. You’ll laugh, cringe, and cheer as you watch Greg Heffley’s attempts to win popularity at school, which backfire more often than not and put his relationship with his best friend, Rowley, in jeopardy.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre, 153 Augusta St., Greenville. Sept. 19–Oct. 5, Fri.–Sun., times vary. $22. scchildrenstheatre.org
Sept 20, 2025
Apple Fest and Season Finale
Get to the core of all things apple as the last edition of the Travelers Rest Farmers Market for the 2025 summer season celebrates the apple harvest. Expect the usual cast of vendors, many of whom will be offering apple-themed soaps, candles, donuts, cider, and more. And don’t leave without a bushel or two of crisp, delicious apples, straight from local orchards.
TR Farmers Market, 235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest. Sept. 20, Sat., 8:30am–noon. travelersrestfarmersmarket.com
Sept 21, 2025
CoComelon Sing-A-Long Live
Round up the little ones for this lively sing-along, featuring characters from the CoComelon universe on YouTube. Kids will love this live interactive show, where they can join Ms. Appleberry, JJ, Cody, Nina, and Cece in the Melon Patch to sing favorite songs like “Wheels on the Bus” and “Animal Dance.” It’s a magical experience your toddler will love.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N. Academy St., Greenville. Sept. 21, Sun., 2pm. Tickets start at $35. 864.241.3800, bonsecoursarena.com
Sept 25-Oct 5
MOJA Arts Festival
Storytelling, dance and theater performances, block parties, and juried art exhibitions are just a few of the attractions at this annual celebration of African-American and Caribbean visual and performing arts. Established in 1979 and named with a Swahili word meaning “one,” MOJA brings the community together with children’s activities and traditional crafts, while spotlighting local foodways during its six-day run.
Various locations in Charleston, Sept. 25–Oct. 5, daily, times and prices vary for individual events. mojafestival.com/2025-festival
Sept 26-28
Black Mountain Blues Festival
The Black Mountain Blues Festival is back for its second year, bringing downtown Black Mountain, North Carolina, to life with “a whole lotta blues.” Between open jams, panel discussions, and educational opportunities, there’s something for everyone at this celebration of music, culture, and community. This year, half the net proceeds for the festival will be donated to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
Various venues in downtown Black Mountain, NC. Sept. 26–28, Fri.–Sun., times vary. 3-day pass, $120 (single-day passes TBA). blackmountainblues.org
Sept 26, 2025
The Rose Ball
If it’s elegance you’re looking for, be sure to get a ticket to the Rose Ball. At Greenville’s longest-running charitable event, volunteers deck the halls of The Poinsett Club with more than 4,000 roses. Held every other year, the Rose Ball raises money for area nonprofits. So, break out those tuxes and ball gowns and dance the night away for a good cause.
The Poinsett Club, 807 E. Washington St., Greenville. Sept. 26, Fri., cocktails, 7pm; dinner, 8pm. Sponsorships start at $1,500/couple. theroseball.org
Sept. 27, 2025
CHI Cuisines: The Southern Table
Tailgating season is here, and you’ll want to prepare yourself with new recipes from around the South for those game-day gatherings. This is not only a hands-on class; it’s a full tailgate experience, complete with cornhole, socializing, and sampling. At the end of the day, you’re bound to please any football fans with this playbook of portable dips, sliders, and desserts.
Truist Culinary & Hospitality Innovation Center, 556 Perry Ave., Ste. B114, Greenville. Sept. 27, Sat., 9am–1pm. $115. chigreenville.com
Sept 27
Masterchef All-Stars Live
Calling all foodies: You’ve watched it on TV, and now you can see your favorite Masterchef competitors live in Greenville. The Peace Center stage will heat up as this high-energy show pits chefs against each other in head-to-head culinary battles resulting in amazing edible creations. Attendees will learn the chefs’ tips for cooking at home, plus their first-hand reports of what it’s really like in the Masterchef kitchen.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Sept. 27, Sat., 7:30pm. Tickets start at $38.50. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
