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The Upstate has grown tremendously over the past few years, to the point that looking at an events calendar for the area can become a bit overwhelming. While there’s something going on almost every day in our bustling city, narrowing down exactly what you’re in the mood for is almost a challenge in itself. We’re here to help you shuffle through the excess with our umbrella guide to your summer.

For the foodie:

With countless food trucks roaming our town, there’s never a shortage of new and exciting cuisines to try. Check out our schedule to see who’s rolling around in your neck of the woods, or our dining guide for a stationary choice. If you prefer a curated experience, the Foothill Foodie offers reasonable tours Wednesday through Saturday, or the option for custom tours during a time that suits the schedule of you and your group.

For the drinker:

-For the boozy sightseer, Dark Corner Distillery offers tastings, tours, and specialty goods Monday-Saturday on South Main in downtown. From their selection of flavored and barrel aged whiskeys, rums, and lighter spirits, there’s something for everyone.

-For those who prefer beer, Eighth State Brewing on Augusta has nearly twenty on tap, most of which are brewed in house, or in collaboration with other breweries. Eighth State has set the standard for supporting local businesses in the area, with their taps, bottles, cans, wines, cocktails, and nitro cold brew often sourcing from fellow Greenvillians. Offering flights, merchandise, a full menu, weekly live music, and daily hours, Eighth State is one of the most crowd-pleasing spots in our emerging beer scene.

See our brewery and taproom map for more beer near you!

For the music fan:

Greenville is no stranger to the corner café offering live entertainment alongside your evening meal, but there are venues in town dedicated strictly to musical performances. Downtown Alive kicks the weekend off early, hosting a new artist for free every Thursday at NOMA Square on Main, and our Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers headliners from Sir Paul McCartney to Disturbed. For lesser known bands, smaller south-eastern tours, or to find your next favorite local musician, look no further than Radio Room. With between 15 and 20 shows a month, Radio aims to please with genres ranging from comedy to hardcore rock, and cover charges starting at little more than a beer or two. The new location on Poinsett has seen guests such as global superstars Modern English and Atlanta heroes Baby Baby!, and hosted sold out shows for both rap group Nappy Roots and Charleston’s indie rockers SUSTO. There’s at least a show a week right up everyone’s ally, and if the schedule alone doesn’t keep you coming back, the best bartenders in Greenville will.

For the performer:

Those of you scouring our calendars for open mics and karaoke nights are in luck; here’s our rundown of the best spots to get your spotlight fix:

-Monday: Open Mic at Smiley’s Acoustic Cafe with rotating hosts (free)

-Tuesday: Open Mic at Craft & Barrel hosted by My Girl My Whiskey and Me (free)

-Wednesday: Live Band Karaoke with the Sound Committee at Smiley’s (free)

-Thursday: Comedy Open Mic at The Comedy Zone ($10)

For the active mind:

-Competitive group games are a rising trend in the area, with the newest being music bingo. Patrons are given a card with artist names, song titles, or both, and have about 15 seconds to mark their spots. Numerous bars around and in downtown have started hosting it Sundays through Thursdays. Most venues promise drink specials, prizes, and hours of music in addition to traditional bingo and trivia nights.

-For those of you looking for a definitive title win, Alchemy Comedy Theatre at Coffee Underground has begun hosting competitive improv on Thursdays. Unlike “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” the points at Alchemy do matter, and the head-to-head tournament crowns a winner weekly.

For the bougie outdoorsman:

–Topside Pool Club is a members only swimming pool atop a Main Street skyscraper across from our beautiful Falls Park. Get your tan on beside their full-service bar, have your next party catered by Table 301, or relax and attend one of their daily events such as networking get-togethers, tap takeovers, live music, yoga, trivia, karaoke, and Sunday Brunch!

-Explore our area waterfallls. With nearly 70 waterfalls within an easy drive of downtown Greenville, the Upstate offers a great opportunity to view some incredible natural features. Our Upstate Waterfall Map makes it easy to find area waterfalls and offers details for each.

-The new Cancer Survivor’s Park on Cleveland Street offers a Pilates class every Friday morning at 10am. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes, but mats and equipment are provided. The class is for each level from beginner to pro and aims to increase flexibility and balance while increasing strength and muscle tone. See the park’s calendar to find out about other classes, and to RSVP.

For the crafter:

-The TD Saturday Market offers a selection of the finest produce and crafts from over 70 local vendors and artisans. Starting at 8am until the end of October, two blocks of Main Street come alive with youth and non-profit booths, featuring food that must be grown or produced within 100 miles of the city, and craft goods that are locally sourced. They regularly offer children’s activities, live music, demonstrations, and rotating programs to add a new bit of flair to the market every week.

–Thirteen Stripes Brewery has a rotating craft night here and there, with their current ads being for beer stein making and macramé plant hangers. In addition, Crafts & Drafts hosts a monthly get together at various breweries around town. Their current postings include glass etching at The Mountain Goat, and splatter painting at Quest.

For the bookworm:

Joe’s Place Bookstore on Williams Street offers a cozy get-away for the air conditioning enthusiast. The shop offers two floors overflowing with new, used, and antique books, and a special room packed with children’s books for the little ones. Their calendar is filled with book clubs, kid’s programs, workshops, and wine tastings, and their menu full of local coffee, finger foods, and homemade pastries. The space is available to rent for events and is open regular hours Monday through Saturday for those who prefer a quiet space over the typical hustle and bustle of downtown.

For the kids:

–Kidding Around Greenville is a site that is bursting at the seams with kid-friendly events. From swimming holes to indoor trampoline parks, there’s no shortage of fun activities for kids of all ages. Whether your little one prefers escape rooms or finger painting, there’s no better comprehensive guide with options to suit all budgets.

-Don’t forget the programs accessible through your city and local libraries! The city of Greer offers a free Moonlight Movie night, and their Smallfoot Series is hosted every Thursday through August. Inflatables, crafts, games, and dancing begin at 6pm, with the movie starting at sundown. Greenville County Libraries offer activities ranging from food tastings to wildlife showings, and bilingual story time to game days and concerts. Their schedule offers an unbelievable selection of free,educational, and fun events almost every day.

For the busy:

If nothing on the list has grabbed you, or you want to take a more in-depth look at our calendar, feel free to visit the link, and search through all of the happenings using our keyword or date finder at the top!

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