Pack your bags for an unforgettable summer. | Photos provided by VisitGreenvilleSC
Ready to make the most of summer? Grab your shades and sense of adventure, because Greenville, South Carolina’s summer scene is packed with excitement. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or just looking to relax and cool off, Greenville offers a variety of summer events, outdoor activities, and refreshing spots to enjoy.
With so much happening in Greenville this summer, we’ve put together some can’t-miss experiences to give you a sneak peek at what’s in store.
Sizzle into the season with hot events
Greenville comes alive in the summer with a lineup of free events celebrating art, music, and local culture. From Artisphere to JazzFest, immerse yourself in world-class art and live performances. Plus, you won’t want to miss the weekly Music in the Park concert series, where beautiful mountain views create the perfect backdrop for singing and dancing along.
Beat the heat with water adventures
Don’t let the Upstate heat keep you from exploring Greenville’s natural beauty. Paddle your way around scenic lakes or let the area’s rushing waterfalls cool you off. These water-centric escapes make spending time outdoors feel like a summer retreat.
Cool off with cold beverages
As temperatures start to rise, it’s time to raise a glass and cool down. Sample local brews or wines during a tasting, learn the art of mixology during a cocktail class, or unwind at one of Greenville’s rooftop patios.
Places to stay
Find your ideal accommodation so you can rest, recharge, and get ready for another day of fun. Stay in the heart of downtown to be close to the action, or unwind at a campground or cabin where the soothing sounds of nature lull you to sleep. If you’re craving luxury, treat yourself to Greenville’s finest and take your trip to the next level.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Hickory Crawdads | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | Head to Segra Park and enjoy $2 Miller Lites, hot dogs, popcorn, and fountain sodas.*
Wednesday, April 30
Forest Acres Farmers Market | 2-6 p.m. | Gills Creek Memorial Park | Price of purchase | Snow White will be on hand for photos + autographs.
Thursday, May 1
First Thursday on Main Celebrates Caribbean Festival | 5 p.m. | Main Street District | Free | Stroll along the vibrant 1400 block of Main Street and discover handcrafted treasures, live music, drinks, yoga, and more.
Monte Carlo Casino Night | 6:30-10 p.m. | 122 Precipice Rd., Camden | $75 | Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo, enjoy delectable bites, and roll the dice benefiting United Way of Kershaw County.
Friday, May 2
15th Annual Blythewood Championship SPRING Rodeo | 5:30-10 p.m. | Blythewood Stadium, Blythewood | $12 | Watch two nights of the nation’s best cowgirls and cowboys compete in eight exciting events.
Gamecocks Baseball vs. Florida Gators| Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | Founders Park | $23+ | Root for the home team as the Gamecocks host the Florida Gators at home.
The City of Columbia will unveil a statue of USC basketball coach Dawn Staley on Wednesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. at Senate and Lincoln streets, next to the Pastides Alumni Center. The statue celebrates her championship legacy and joins the nearby A’ja Wilson monument. (WLTX)
Outdoors
West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles shared a video update on riverwalk repairs after Hurricane Helene, focusing on fixing sinkholes and washed-out concrete. Looking for more outdoor options? Explore other trails in our hiking guide.
Civic
Columbia is exploring an ordinance to move more overhead utility lines underground to restore the tree canopy and reduce power outages. Officials discussed funding hurdles — one corridor alone could cost up to $100 million — and highlighted how undergrounding could help reverse tree loss. (The Post and Courier)
Concert
The SC Philharmonic’s 2025-26 season, “Your Brain On Art,” explores how music boosts creativity and connection. Highlights include: Rick Steves’ European journey, a Studio Ghibli symphonic tribute, and a two-weekend Andy Armstrong Festival.
Try This
Ready to clean up your weekend plans? West Columbia’s City-Wide Litter Pick-Up Day is Saturday, May 3. Volunteers meet at City Hall at 9 a.m. — just be sure to sign up in advance.
Listen
The Panthers focused on getting an edge rusher on Day Two of the NFL Draft. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Eat
Satisfy your weekend brunch cravings with this easy chicken and waffles recipe. Hint: It transforms the classic combination into a deliciously satisfying one-pan casserole, which pairs perfectly with a drizzle of hot honey. Get cooking.*
Seasonal
Give the gift of comfort this Mother’s Day with a Pride Lift Chair from Hawthorne Medical Equipment. Enjoy special discounts and free local delivery during their Mother’s Day Sale. Shop at one of their three DME (Durable Medical Equipment) locations — Taylor St., Sunset Blvd., or Lugoff.*
You’re awesome — thank you so much for taking a moment to participate in our asked module survey we ran on April 10. We’re excited to announce our winner. Drumroll please. Congrats to Karen W. Keep an eye out for future opportunities to share your thoughts and enter for a chance to win.
Category
Arts
🌻 Creativity in bloom
The topiary work pictured here was created by Columbia’s Mike “Gibby Siz” Gibson. | Photo via COLAtoday
If you’re headed to ArtFields — the community arts festival + competition celebrating Southern art in Lake City — make your first stop at Moore Farms Botanical Garden. Founded in 2002 by Darla Moore, the namesake of USC’s school of business, the garden promotes horticulture research and education.
The botanical garden is only open to the public a few times a year, making ArtFields a rare chance to explore 65 acres of blooming landscapes, a land art collection, and nationally accredited plants — all for free. Pro tip: Some plants are available for purchase.
After visiting the gardens, head five miles into downtown Lake City, where more than 50 venues will display up to 400 pieces of art, including artwork from 23 Midlands artists.
What’s on the line? Over $100,000 in cash prizes, including the People’s Choice Awards. Be sure to register online before you go to vote via text.
The Buy
The car tech upgrades you need ahead of summer road trips for better, safer driving:
🗺️ No more phone in your cup holder — keep navigation instructions in your eyeline with a suction cup phone mount equipped with one-button release.
🔊 Skip plugging in your phone to activate CarPlay and use this wireless CarPlay adapter for a faster, more reliable bluetooth connection.
🚙 A front and rear dash cam can make all the difference in a fender bender — this one captures crystal-clear footage even at night.
📲 Everyone gets to charge their devices at once with a four-port car charger that’s here to end road trip squabbles.
🌸 Looking for an air freshener upgrade? This No. 1 best-selling wood air freshener looks chic on your sun visor.
I had a wonderful night at the Soul of the South Gullah Roots Dinner during the Columbia Food and Wine Festival. Missed it? You can still savor Chef Chris Williams’ cooking at Roy’s Grill in Irmo or grab Chef Kevin Mitchell’s book “Taste the State” at All Good Books.
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