Thru Aug 31
Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive
Bid farewell to summer at the last month of Downtown Alive concerts, on Thursdays at NOMA Square. Come out on August 3rd to hear the funky sounds of The Conspiracy Band, and don’t miss the last concert on the 31st, when you’ll be treated to a performance by the winner of the Gimme the Gig band contest.
NOMA Square, 220 N. Main St., Greenville. Aug. 3, 10, 24 & 31, Thurs., 5:30–8:30pm. Free. events.greenvillesc.gov/1321/PNG-Downtown-Alive
Thru Aug 13
Greenville Symphony 75 Years: Concerts and Community
These are the last days to see the exhibit honoring the Greenville Symphony Orchestra at the Upcountry History Museum. Formed in 1948, GSO is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with a host of special events, including this exhibit. Learn about the remarkable history of Greenville’s beloved symphony, which has hosted world-class musicians such as jazz great Duke Ellington and renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Upcountry History Museum, 540 Buncombe St., Greenville. Thru Aug. 13, Tues.–Sat., 10am–5pm; Sun., 1–5pm. Adults, $12; children 3-18, $9. 864.467.3100, upcountryhistory.org
Aug 1–6, 8–13, 29–31
Greenville Drive
Be sure to catch all the home action at Fluor Field this month, as the Drive winds up their season with three six-game series (the third one extends into September). First up is the Rome Braves, followed the next week by the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Last at bat is the Brooklyn Cyclones; come root for the Drive to blow them away.
Fluor Field in the West End, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. Aug. 1–6, 8–13, 29–31; Tues.–Sat., 7:05; Sun., 3:05. Tickets start at $9. 864.240.4528, milb.com/greenville
Aug 2-20
Wicked
Ever wonder what made the Wicked Witch of the West in the Land of Oz so wicked? If you were born with emerald-green skin, and suffered discrimination and derision at the hands of your peers, you might be wicked too. This revealing backstory, which takes place before Dorothy ever set her ruby slippers down in Oz, tells the tale of the friendship between Elphaba (the Wicked Witch) and Glinda (the Good Witch). Turns out it’s not easy being green.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Aug. 2–20, Tues.–Sun., times vary. Tickets start at $78. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Aug 2
Avignonesi Montepulciano Wine Dinner
For this Italian-themed wine dinner at Foxcroft, Chef Justin Solomon will craft four courses, each of which will include a side-by-side tasting of two wines from Avignonesi Winery. Located in Montepulciano in the Tuscany region of Italy, Avignonesi produces wines from Sangiovese—the king of grapes in Tuscany. Their biodynamic viticultural methods produce wines with a vibrant acidity and an elegant profile.
Foxcroft Wine Co., 631 S. Main St., Greenville. Aug. 2, Wed, 7pm. $99 (plus tax & gratuity). 864.906.4200, foxcroftwine.com/greenville
Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
Brick Oven Pizza Night
Plan a pizza dinner alfresco with a night on the farm. Greenbrier Farms in Easley makes a pastoral setting in which to relax, enjoy the bucolic scenery, and treat yourself to a custom-made pie. Choices range from The Veggie to The Vincent (Italian sausage, mozzarella, peppers, onions, and tomato sauce). Gluten- and dairy-free options are available on request.
Greenbrier Farms, 766 Hester Store Rd., Easley. Thursdays in Aug., 5–8pm. Free admission (pizza prices start at $14). 864.350.6684, greenbrierfarms.com/events
Aug 4-5
Dirty Logic: A Steely Dan Tribute
An 11-piece powerhouse of all-star Asheville musicians will be reelin’ in the years at this tribute to Steely Dan at the Greenville Theatre. Founded in New York in 1971 by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, Steely Dan has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. You’ll hear the group’s best tunes at this show, played by a band who shares a love for Steely Dan’s music.
Greenville Theatre, 444 College St., Greenville. Aug. 4–5, Fri.–Sat., 8pm. $40. 864.233.6238, greenvilletheatre.org
Aug 4
Runaway Wine Lunch
Ever feel like sneaking off for lunch and a cocktail on a Friday afternoon? Chef Teryi Youngblood-Musolf of Camilla Kitchen makes it easy with her new tradition of the Runaway Wine Lunch. Held once a month upstairs in M. Judson’s Gallery, these events pair three courses crafted by the chef with three wines curated by Mission Grape. Oh, and there’s a sweet treat to take with you, too.
Judson Booksellers, 130 S. Main St., Greenville. Aug. 4, Fri., noon. $45. 864.604.2412, mjudsonbooks.com
Aug 9
Blooms & Tunes Kids Class
Join flower farmer Sarah DuBose and Lynne Holcombe from Music Adventure for a morning of music, set against the fields of bright blooms at Sassafrass Flower Farm. Little ones will love singing and dancing under the pavilion, after which they can walk through the fields with their moms and pick their own bouquet to take home (bring your own clippers and mason jar).
Sassafrass Flower Farm, 225 Alex Dr., Easley. Aug. 9, Wed., 10am–noon. $25 (ticket includes one adult and 2 children). sassafrassflowerfarm.com
Aug 10-13
South Carolina New Play Festival
Presenting two new plays, two new musicals, and one new variety show, the second annual SC New Play Festival takes over downtown’s performing arts halls with works by established and emerging playwrights. Every night is a different performance in a different venue, winding up on Sunday evening with a Broadway Cabaret starring Miguel Cervantes (from the Broadway production of Hamilton).
Various locations in downtown Greenville. Aug. 10–13, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. $65-$95. southcarolinanewplayfestival.org
Aug 11-13
The Really Good, Really Big, Really Cheap Book Sale
Like to read? Mark your calendar for the Greenville Literacy Association’s 22nd annual book sale. The largest used-book sale in South Carolina, this event raises funds that enable the Association to provide literacy classes to Upstate adults and bring our community’s adult literacy needs to light. Festivities begin with the kickoff party Friday night (6–9pm, tickets $50), and wind up on Sunday, when you can fill a bag with books for $15.
225 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville. Aug. 11–13, Sat., 9am–4pm; Sun., 11am–4pm. 864.467.3456, greenvilleliteracy.org
Aug 12
Music on the Mountain
Lake and mountain views at Table Rock State Park provide a stunning mountain backdrop against which to kick back and listen to bluegrass music. At this second-Saturday event, local musicians gather at the park for a jam session and visitors are welcome to bring their acoustic instruments and join in the fun.
Table Rock State Park Lodge, 158 E. Ellison Ln., Pickens. Aug. 12, Sat., 2–6pm. Free with park admission, adults, $6; children 6-15, $3.50; 5 and under, free. 864.878.9813, southcarolinaparks.com/table-rock
Aug 12
Staycation Saturday at TR Farmers Market
This Saturday’s market sports a special theme: a tropical getaway. Don your Hawaiian-print shirts, Ray-Bans, and flip-flops, and head to Trailblazer Park to celebrate those last precious days of summer. In addition to the usual roster of dozens of farmers and makers, you’ll be treated to reggae music and recipes from the tropics.
Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest. 8:30–noon. 864.610.0965, travelersresfarmersmarket.com
Aug 17
Third Thursday Market
Part of the Village Launch program to assist minority and women entrepreneurs who are starting up small hometown businesses, the Third Thursday Market takes place in Poe West. Besides building community with live music and food trucks, the market offers graduates of the Village Launch business entrepreneur program an opportunity to test their ideas and products in the actual marketplace.
Poe West, 556 Perry Ave., Greenville. Aug. 17, Thurs., 5–8pm. villagelaunch.org
Aug 18–20
Get Off the Grid Fest
Designed to serve as a catalyst for change, this carefully curated experience shows off the benefits of energy independence. Learn the alternatives to an on-the-grid lifestyle through a mix of music and art performances, hands-on workshops, and presentations. Expect more than 40 bands on three stages, a solar expo, a sustainability fair, and on-site camping (for an additional fee).
The Music Camp, 190 Childress Rd., Spartanburg. Aug. 18–20, Fri.–Sun., times vary. Single-day pass, $50 (multi-day passes also available). getoffthegridfest.com
Aug 19
Tunes in the Park
One Saturday a month in summer, the amphitheater in Greer City Park rings out with the sound of music in a series of free concerts. In August, you can hear The Carolina Coast Band play their repertoire of beach music and R&B. Bring a camp chair or a blanket and put together a picnic from the on-site food and beverage vendors.
Greer City Park, 301 Poinsett St., Greer. Aug. 19, Sat., 6–9pm. Free. 864.848.2150, cityofgreer.org/959/Tunes-in-the-Park
Aug 26-27
Brick Convention, A LEGO® Fan Event
Calling all LEGO aficionados: this is one event you won’t want to miss! All skill levels will enjoy creative, hands-on experiences at this activity- and entertainment-packed family event. Meet LEGO masters, build a castle, visit a LEGO city, even display your own creations. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the good times you’ll have at this convention.
Greenville Shrine Club & Event Center, 119 Beverly Rd., Greenville. Aug. 26–27, Sat. & Sun., times vary. $15 online, $18 at the door. greenvilleshrineeventcenter.com
Aug 26
iMAGINE Upstate STEAM Festival
A celebration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in South Carolina, this festival sparks the imaginations of Pre-K through 12th-grade students through family fun ranging from robotics demonstrations to hands-on science activities presented by more than 70 exhibitors—including some of the biggest companies in the Upstate. The goal? To promote lifelong learning and inspire students to pursue careers in the STEAM fields.
Main St., Greenville. Aug. 26, Sat., 11am–5pm. Free. imaginesteamsc.org/upstate
Aug 27
SummerFest 2023
At its 4th annual SummerFest, the Jewish Film Festival presents a blockbuster summer program, centered around the film The Jews and The Blues. Drew Stone, director and star of the movie, will be on hand to speak about his experiences making this film, in which he explores how the blues in Israel tie into a remarkable mix of neighboring cultures. Mediterranean fare by The Uptown Company and music by singer/songwriter Charles Hedgepath round out the entertainment.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre, 153 Augusta St., Greenville. Aug. 27, Sun., 4–7pm. $30. greenvillejewishfilmfestival.com
Aug 28
One Voice: A Black History Narrative
More than 180 years of Black history comes alive on stage, one voice at a time, in this one-man show. Actor JDew takes on the personas and words of luminaries including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali, and Frederick Douglass, as he covers decades of Black history from the 19th to the 21st centuries.
Center Stage, 501 River St., Greenville. Aug. 28, Mon., 7pm. Tickets start at $25. 864.233.6733, centrestage.org
Aug 30
August Tea at Sigal Music Museum
While away an afternoon by taking time for tea in the upstairs gallery of the Sigal Music Museum. Savory and sweet fare will accompany your tea, before or after which you can explore the collection of bespoke historical instruments, which date back to the 16th century. Space is limited, so invite some friends and make your reservations soon.
Sigal Music Museum, 516 Buncombe St., Greenville. Aug. 30, Wed., 3–4:30pm. $25 (includes museum admission).
