Furman’s Music by the Lake, Greenville Jazz Fest, BMW Charity Pro-Am, Chautauqua History Comes Alive Festival and Salsa at Sunset are just some of events taking place in the Upstate in June. Here’s a look at some other June events to look forward to in the days and weeks ahead.
Recurring June Events
Thru June 11
Spoleto Festival USA
Founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti as an American counterpart to the annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, Charleston’s Spoleto fills the city’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with 17 days of opera, theater, dance, and musical performances. This year’s program runs from South African choreographer Dada Masilo’s interpretation of the Stravinski masterpiece The Rite of Spring to Samuel Barber’s Pulitzer Prize-winning opera, Vanessa.
Various venues in Charleston. Performance times & prices vary. 843.579.3100, spoletousa.org
June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 (Thursdays in June)
Music by the Lake
What better way to wind down the week than an evening of music at Furman University? Pack a picnic and chill by the lake at Furman Amphitheater with this free alfresco concert series, which kicks off with the Carolina Youth Symphony (June 1). The series continues through the summer with genres from jazz and big band music to the traditional orchestral stylings of Furman’s own Lakeside Concert Band.
Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville. Thursdays in June & July, 7:30pm. Free. furman.edu/academics/music/camps-conferences/music-by-the-lake
June 1–4, & 13–18
Greenville Drive
It’s that time of year again. Spring ushers in one of America’s favorite pastimes: going to a baseball game. Pack up the family, purchase your peanuts and popcorn, and root, root, root for the home team at Greenville’s beloved Fluor Field, as the Drive continues its six-game series against the Hickory Crawdads (June 1–4). Later in the month, the team takes on the Greensboro Grasshoppers (June 13–18).
Fluor Field in the West End, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. June 1–4, & 13–18, Tues.–Sat., 7:05pm; Sun., 3:05pm. Tickets start at $9. 864.240.4528, milb.com/greenville
June 3, 10 & 21
Greenville Triumph Soccer
Itching to catch United Soccer League (USL) action on their new home field this summer? Reserve your tickets and head out to Furman University to watch the Triumph kick off June with the Fiesta de Futbol against the South Georgia Tormenta (June 3). In other June home games, the Triumph challenges Union Omaha (June 17) and the Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club (June 21).
Paladin Stadium, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville. June 3, 10 & 21, Sat., 7pm; Wed., 7:30pm. Tickets start at $15. 864.203.0565, greenvilletriumph.com
June 3, 10, 17 & 24 (Fridays in June)
Beachin’ Fridays
Dust off your shaggin’ shoes and pack up the lawn chairs for a month of Beachin’ Fridays in June. Held outside at the Mauldin Cultural Center, this free concert series will liven up your summer nights. Food trucks, beer, and wine (wristband required, $1) will be available for purchase. June’s roster includes The Shag Doctorz, The Holiday Band, Split Shot, and Rhythm City Band.
Mauldin Cultural Center, 1010 E. Butler Rd., Mauldin. June & July, Fri., 7–10pm. Free. cityofmauldin.org/event/beachin-fridays
June 2–25
Shrek: The Musical
Treat the whole family to a delightful musical this summer. After all, everyone will cheer for the beloved green ogre, Shrek, as he tries to save his swamp from the evil Lord Farquaad and rescue lovely Princess Fiona in the process. All your favorite fairy-tale characters will join in the fun, not to mention Shrek’s hilarious and irreverent sidekick, Donkey.
Greenville Theatre, 444 College St., Greenville. June 2–25, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. $40. 864.233.6238, greenvilletheatre.org
June Events
June 3
Greenville Jazz Fest
Jazz fans, take note. From big bands to steel pans, the sounds of jazz will be ringing out on Main Street. The inaugural Greenville Jazz Fest will bring national acts such as the Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans, and the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, whose music melds electric bass, drums, and steel pans. Look for local jazz groups too, from The Tish Oney Jazz Orchestra to the Illiana Rose Cuban Jazz Band.
Main St., from Broad St. to Falls Park Dr., June 3, Sat., 4–10pm. Free. greenvillesc.gov/2114/Greenville-Jazz-Fest
June 8–11
BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD Synnex
The only golf tournament on the Korn Ferry Tour that pairs amateurs with celebrities in a three-day better-ball competition, the 2023 BMW Pro-Am welcomes an impressive celebrity lineup. Among the notable newcomers are country music artist Chris Lane, actor D.B. Sweeney, and Super Bowl champion Bradley Pinion. Since 2001, the tournament has raised more than $15 million for charities in the Upstate—part of the $3 billion that the PGA TOUR has raised for charity overall.
Thornblade Club, 1275 Thornblade Blvd., Greer, Thurs.-Sun.; and Carolina Country Club, 2355 Carolina Country Club Rd., Spartanburg, Thurs.–Fri., times vary. Tickets start at $20 for one day at one course. bmwcharitygolf.com
June 8–11
South Carolina Festival of Flowers
Mark your calendar for the second weekend in June, when the South Carolina Festival of Flowers bursts into full color. Over the weekend, you can admire 49 whimsical topiaries that decorate uptown Greenwood, shop at the juried arts and crafts show, attend a garden symposium, run in the Flower Power 5K, and take the little ones to enjoy family-friendly entertainment at Kidfest. They’re not kidding when they say it’s a “blooming good time.”
Various locations in Greenwood. June 8–11, Thurs.–Sun., times of individual events vary. Free. 864.233.8431, scfestivalofflowers.org
June 9–July 2
Cinderella Enchanted
Everybody loves a princess, and Cinderella is no exception. Based on the classic rags-to-riches story, Cinderella Enchanted is a fresh take on the timeless classic, inspired by the 1997 teleplay starring Whitney Houston and Brandy. With the music of Rodgers & Hammerstein breathing charm into the beloved tale, the whole family is bound to enjoy this show—after all, if the slipper fits…
Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy., Flat Rock, NC. June 9–July 2, Wed.–Sun., times vary. $52-$72. 828.693.0731, flatrockplayhouse.org
June 9–25
God of Carnage
Acclaimed as “90 minutes of sustained mayhem” by The New Yorker, God of Carnage is a comedy of manners—without the manners. Civility prevails at first when two sets of parents come together to resolve a school playground altercation between their two 11-year-old sons. But as the meeting progresses and alcohol flows, niceties are left by the wayside.
Warehouse Theatre, 37 Augusta St., Greenville. June 9–25, Thurs.–Sat., 8pm; Sun., 3pm. General admission, $35; reserved seating, $40. 864.235.6948, warehousetheatre.com
June 9–18
Chautauqua History Comes Alive Festival
Travel back in time to learn the secrets of luminaries including Apple founder Steve Jobs, 19th-century English novelist Mary Shelley, and Revolutionary War double agent James Armistead Lafayette in this year’s 10-day Chautauqua Festival. These notables and others will be portrayed by nationally acclaimed historical interpreters—in period dress, of course.
Upstate locations and times vary. Free. 864.244.1499, historycomesalive.org
June 10
Greenville Summer Wine Festival
Head over to Fluor Field to celebrate the fruit of the vine at Greenville’s inaugural Summer Wine Festival. There’ll be plenty to choose from: more than 50 different wines will be on tap for you to sample. Live music, a DJ, and food available for purchase rounds out the afternoon. You must be 21 or older to attend.
Fluor Field at the West End, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. June 10, Sat., 1–5pm. $50 in advance; $60 day of event. greenvillewinefestivals.com.
June 11
Greenville Fun Fest
Interested in discovering a new food trend? Want to explore the health benefits of being vegan? Then this family- and pet-friendly event is your opportunity to check out all the food and fun. Sample vegan dishes and vegan beer while you listen to live music and hear educational speakers espouse the advantages of a plant-based diet.
Main St., from E. Broad St. to Falls Park, Greenville. June 11, Sun., 11am–5pm. Free ($5 donation encouraged). 984.900.6800, greenvillefunfest.com
June 13–18
1776
Think our contemporary legislators have a hard time reaching a consensus? Well, they aren’t the only ones. Focusing on events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 deals with John Adams’s efforts to convince 24 strong-minded individuals to settle their differences and vote for America’s independence. This Tony Award-winner for Best Musical (1969) has taken on a modern twist with a cast that reflects diverse races, genders, and ethnicities.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. June 13–18, Tues.–Sun., times vary. $35-$110. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
June 14
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 and pick their own bouquet to take home (bring your own clippers and mason jar).
Sassafrass Flower Farm, 225 Alex Dr., Easley. June 14, Wed., 10am–noon. $25 (ticket includes one adult and 2 children). sassafrassflowerfarm.com
June 15
Lunch & Lit with Fiona Davis
New York Times best-selling author Fiona Davis returns to Greenville to talk about her new book, The Spectacular. Set amid the glitz of Radio City Music Hall in its 1950s heyday, this thriller deals with one woman’s love and sacrifice in pursuit of her dreams. After a delicious lunch at Soby’s, you’ll have an opportunity to meet Davis and have her sign a copy of her book for you.
Soby’s, 207 S. Main St., Greenville. June 15, Thurs., noon–1:30pm. $50. 864.603.2412, mjudsonbooks.com
June 17
Juneteenth GVL Mega Fest
Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union general Gordon Granger read the order freeing all previously enslaved people in Texas. Greenville will be celebrating unity in a big way at the second annual event in Falls Park, with live bands, African drummers and dancers, plenty of food, arts and crafts exhibits, seminars, a kids’ zone, and games the whole family can play.
Falls Park on the Reedy, 601 S. Main St., Greenville. June 17, Sat., 11am–8pm. Free admission. juneteenthgvl.com
June 24
Freedom Blast
Founded in 2009 by the City of Greer to celebrate our freedom and the men and women who make it possible, Freedom Blast fills Greer City Park with live music, crafts, food vendors, and entertainment galore on the Saturday before the 4th of July. As it does every year, the evening ends with a big bang at 10pm with one of the largest fireworks displays in the Upstate.
Greer City Park, 301 E. Poinsett St., Greer. June 24, Sat., 6–10:30pm. Free. 864.968.7008, freedomblast.org
June 24
Salsa at Sunset
Hot, hot, hot. There’ll be a whole lotta shakin’ going on downtown on Camperdown Plaza as the sun sets during this family-friendly event sponsored by Upstate International. Move your hips to the Latin salsa beat as Atlanta’s C.O.T. and other live bands crank out sizzling rhythms. Feeling timid because you don’t know the salsa steps? No worries—Pura Alegría Dance Company will be giving free lessons on-site.
Camperdown Plaza, 20 E. Broad St., Greenville. June 16, Fri., 6–10pm. Free. 864.631.2188, upstateinternational.org
