Best Parks, Beaches, & Summertime Fun in Greenville SC

June has so many reasons to be outside.  And if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Greenville, you can enjoy them all!  From well-manicured city parks with tennis and pickleball courts to the South Carolina Botanical Gardens, shaded waterfall hikes and the Swamp Rabbit Trail, restaurants offering rooftop or patio seating, and lake & river areas for swimming, snorkeling, and water tours. Now you just need to decide which to do first.

While the city of Greenville is known for the Reedy River Falls that run through downtown the county park system has so much more to offer, like mini-golf at McPherson Park, birdwatching on any of the 13 miles of trails through three diverse habitats at Conestee Nature Preserve, enjoy beautiful views at Jones Gap State Park, or look into the haunted history of Herdklotz Park before playing a little tennis.

The flowers and gardens are alive and welcoming as well.  You can tour the S.C. Botanical Gardens in Clemson along with two historic homes, the Bob Campbell Geology Museum, and the art museum (when it gets a little too hot outside).  Furman University has four separate gardens for you to visit.  Denver Downs has their annual Sunflower Festival over the summer.  Enjoy live music, tasty foods, cold beer & wine, as well as a variety of sunflowers to take home.  Looking for more variety in a laidback atmosphere?  Then Sassafrass Flower Farm has beautiful blooms and helpful staff looking forward to getting you the flower bunch you’re looking for.

Of course, if a little water activity is what you need, we’ve got you covered as well. Lake Jocassee and Pinnacle Lake both have sandy beaches that fill up fast on hot summer days.  If you want more than just laying in the sun, try one of the Jocassee Lake tours to enjoy a day on the pontoon with viewing and swimming in the waterfalls and coves.  Swimming in Riley Moore Falls is your prize for taking the one-mile hike to get there. Now I will tell you my personal favorite, but don’t you dare steal my spot in the water!  Chau Ram County Park has plenty of space to explore, relax, and wade in.  With picnic tables, trails to explore, and a waterfall right at the entrance, it’s a beautiful way to while away the hours. For our more adventurous guests you can call Oxbow River Snorkeling to make a reservation for this all-inclusive guided river snorkeling tour.

All this summer fun is making me HUNGRY!  I can think of two great ways to handle this: outdoor dining and picnics.  The list of restaurants with outdoor seating is fortunately a long one. Some of our favorites are Ink & Ivy, Up on the Roof, Passerelle, Pomegranate, Sassafras, and all the fun to be had at GatherGVL.   If you’re already heading to one of these great parks or outdoor adventures, then you should pack a picnic.  Greenville has some wonderful sandwich shops, delis, and specialty restaurants that you can grab what you want to take with you.  However, if you are making the day extra special, call Wild Willow Company to plan a picnic worth remembering; all you have to do is show up and enjoy.

This list could truly go on and on!  Be sure to check with our friends at Upcountry South Carolina for even more activities in the area.

We have listed some of our favorite events coming up this month, but be sure to check out VisitGreenvilleSC to see an even bigger list of activities.

Recurring Events:

Thursday nights from 5:30 – 8:30 NOMA Square – Piedmont Natural Gas’ Downtown Alive Join the Metropolitan Arts Council down on Main Street as they help kick off the weekend every Thursday night with this free community event.  Click above to see which bands are in the lineup each week.

Friday nights from 5:30 – 9:30 NOMA Square – Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays – wind up the work week listening and dancing to the best in musical entertainment at this free community event happening every Friday night in NOMA Square.  

Saturday mornings from 8:00 – 12:00 – TD Saturday Market – On Saturday mornings from the beginning of May until the end of October, two blocks of downtown Greenville’s Main Street are transformed into a bustling farmers’ market. The market features over 75 vendors selling the season’s freshest produce and the area’s most original and high quality crafts.  Each week thousands of people flock to the TD Saturday Market for locally-sourced products where all food must be grown or produced within 100 miles of Greenville and crafters are highly-encouraged to use locally-sourced supplies.

Ongoing Events:

June 7, 2025 – January 18, 2026 – Upcountry History Museum – Avengers: Endgame – The Exhibition – The first exhibition of its kind in the United States, the project invites visitors of all ages to traverse the Marvel Universe. This once-in-a lifetime experience will explore the fourth installment in the Avengers saga and is the culmination of 22 interconnected Marvel films and the climax of a journey. The exhibit’s design and messaging will emulate Avengers: Endgame’s principles of friendship, teamwork, and setting aside differences to overcome impossible obstacles.

March 15, 2025 – September 7, 2025 – Upcountry History Museum – Beautification: The Environmental Legacy of Lady Bird Johnson will guide visitors through a comprehensive story of Mrs. Johnson’s life, from childhood through her post-White House years. Visitors will be immersed in the life and legacy of Lady Bird Johnson, including her friendship with Ted Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss. Assets, on loan from the LBJ Presidential Library and the Johnsons daughters Lynda Bird Johnson Robb and Luci Baines Johnson include items from Whistle Stop campaign tours, gowns from White House galas, and mementos from beautification projects along with letters, photographs, oral histories, home movies, and artifacts – the majority of which have never been shared with the public.

May 24, 2025 – September 21, 2025 – Upcountry History Museum – Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice – Crossing the threshold of this special exhibition means traveling back in time to explore the Age of the Dinosaurs.  As visitors move through the exhibit they encounter unfamiliar landscapes, touchable dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes, and opportunities to investigate clues about what the dinosaurs left behind.  The exhibit builds on the popular fascination with dinosaurs and includes science, history, and literacy based activities to challenge all ages.  Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice, is the first child-centered exhibit dedicated to expanding the understanding of dinosaur habitat and range. The bilingual (Spanish and English) exhibit features three distinct sections that build on a child’s innate curiosity about dinosaurs: Land of Fire (a warm dinosaur habitat), Land of Ice (a cold dinosaur habitat), and a Field Research Station (complete with a Big Dig experience).

Week by Week Daily Events:

June 1 – 8

May 31 and June 1 – Peace Concert Hall – International Ballet presents Don Quixote – ballet’s original romantic comedy! International Ballet pre-professional company will be joined by acclaimed principal guest artists for a tour de force production. The spicy Ludwig Minkus score, performed by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, is led by Maestro Edvard Tchivzhel. Based on Miguel de Cervantes’ classic novel, the ballet is a high-energy, sunny romp through the Spanish countryside featuring choreography by legendary Marius Petipa. The story follows the chivalrous Don Quixote and his loyal squire Sancho Panza, in addition to a blossoming romance between Kitri and the handsome Basilio. Audiences will be immersed in an adventure that includes toreadors, castanets, fiery flamenco and a sword battle with a windmill. Don Quixote is can’t-miss-entertainment for the whole family.

June 1 – Warehouse Theatre – Enemy of the People – A small-town doctor considers himself a proud, upstanding member of his close-knit community.  When he discovers a catastrophe that risks the lives and well-being of everyone in town, he raises the alarm.  But he is shaken to his core when those in power, including the mayor, who happens to be his own sister, not only try to silence him – they try to destroy him.

June 4 – Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Chris Stapleton’s All American Road Show with special guest Nikki Lane

June 5 – 8 – The Greenville Theatre – Sister Act – Based on the hit comedy film starring Whoopi Goldberg, this divine new musical Sister Act is sure to “Raise Your Voice” and let everyone’s heart sing. When disco singer Deloris has to go undercover as a nun in a convent, the two worlds combine to create what can only be described as a miracle. With original music from Beauty and the Beast’s Alan Menken, this story celebrates the power of friendship, music, and Sisterhood.

June 5 – 8 – Warehouse Theatre – Enemy of the People – A small-town doctor considers himself a proud, upstanding member of his close-knit community.  When he discovers a catastrophe that risks the lives and well-being of everyone in town, he raises the alarm.  But he is shaken to his core when those in power, including the mayor, who happens to be his own sister, not only try to silence him – they try to destroy him.

June 6 – 15 – Various locations- Chautauqua History Comes Alive Festival – American Celebrity Plan to join us this summer as Chautauqua explores the nature and scope of celebrity in 20th century America. We have all heard of those who are only “famous for being famous,” but the Americans we will meet legitimately achieved their celebrity status through the creativity and excellence of their work.

• From the blackboards of science: Albert Einstein portrayed by Larry Bounds.
• From the early days of television: Lucille Ball portrayed by Leslie Goddard.
• From the spotlights of the Paris stage: Josephine Baker portrayed by Becky Stone.
• From the cheering crowds of baseball diamonds: Babe Ruth portrayed by Kevin Treu.
• From the pages of America’s newspapers: Erma Bombeck portrayed by Susan Marie Frontczak.

June 6 – First Fridays – Greenville Area Gallery Crawl – First Fridays invites you to navigate Greenville’s visual arts scene each month as galleries and venues are open to the public from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Follow the link here for a number of resources to help you plan your route. You can visit maps to find the main areas where the galleries are located. Our gallery directory contains contact information and directions through Google Maps to each location.

June 7 – Come cheer on Greenville’s own Men’s Soccer team, The Greenville Triumph, as they take on FC Naples at Furman Stadium

June 9 – 15

June 6 – 15 – Various locations- Chautauqua History Comes Alive Festival – American Celebrity Plan to join us this summer as Chautauqua explores the nature and scope of celebrity in 20th century America. We have all heard of those who are only “famous for being famous,” but the Americans we will meet legitimately achieved their celebrity status through the creativity and excellence of their work.

• From the blackboards of science: Albert Einstein portrayed by Larry Bounds.
• From the early days of television: Lucille Ball portrayed by Leslie Goddard.
• From the spotlights of the Paris stage: Josephine Baker portrayed by Becky Stone.
• From the cheering crowds of baseball diamonds: Babe Ruth portrayed by Kevin Treu.
• From the pages of America’s newspapers: Erma Bombeck portrayed by Susan Marie Frontczak.

June 10 – 15 – Peace Concert Hall – Some Like It Hot – Set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, SOME LIKE IT HOT is the “glorious, big, high-kicking” (Associated Press) story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime.

June 12 – 15 – The Greenville Theatre – Sister Act – Based on the hit comedy film starring Whoopi Goldberg, this divine new musical Sister Act is sure to “Raise Your Voice” and let everyone’s heart sing. When disco singer Deloris has to go undercover as a nun in a convent, the two worlds combine to create what can only be described as a miracle. With original music from Beauty and the Beast’s Alan Menken, this story celebrates the power of friendship, music, and Sisterhood.

June 12 – 15 – Warehouse Theatre – Enemy of the People – A small-town doctor considers himself a proud, upstanding member of his close-knit community.  When he discovers a catastrophe that risks the lives and well-being of everyone in town, he raises the alarm.  But he is shaken to his core when those in power, including the mayor, who happens to be his own sister, not only try to silence him – they try to destroy him

June 13-Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium -An Evening with Vince Gill One of the most popular artists in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit.

June 14- Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton  GRAMMY® Award-winning vocal powerhouse, Fantasia Barrino, is coming. with special guest Anthony Hamilton. Fans will get the opportunity to experience an unforgettable night as the platinum-selling artists perform their chart-topping hits.

June 16 – 22

June 18 – Peace Centre – Wynonna Judd – The Greatest Hits Tour 

With the release of her 1992 self-titled solo debut, Wynonna emerged as a singular force in American music. Beyond the five Grammy Awards, the multi-platinum albums and sold-out tours, the country/soul vocalist built on the Appalachian traditionalism that defined The Judds to create a world where Top 5 dance/club hits were as possible as being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

June 19 –  9:30 AM – Noon – Juneteenth at Unity Park – We are honored to host our 4th annual Juneteenth at Unity Park in partnership with Urban League of the Upstate, The Greenville County Section of National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

June 19 – Downtown Greenville NOMA Square – Arts After Dark 5:30 – 8:30 PM

This dynamic art market will feature a diverse mix of talented local artists and makers showcasing and selling their work every month. Immerse yourself in Greenville’s thriving art scene while enjoying the energetic atmosphere of PNG Downtown Alive presented by Spectrum. Every purchase made supports the Metropolitan Arts Council’s mission to elevate the arts and art appreciation in our community! Arts After Dark occurs on the third Thursday of every month at NOMA Square in downtown Greenville 

June 19 – 22 – The Greenville Theatre – Sister Act – Based on the hit comedy film starring Whoopi Goldberg, this divine new musical Sister Act is sure to “Raise Your Voice” and let everyone’s heart sing. When disco singer Deloris has to go undercover as a nun in a convent, the two worlds combine to create what can only be described as a miracle. With original music from Beauty and the Beast’s Alan Menken, this story celebrates the power of friendship, music, and Sisterhood

June 19 – 22 – Peace Concert Hall – Dixie’s Tupperware Party – Dixie Longate is the fast-talking, gum chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing your grandma’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. Audiences howl with laughter as Dixie demonstrates the many alternative uses for the iconic plastic kitchen staple. Filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, audience participation and a little bit of empowerment and homespun wisdom, Dixie’s Tupperware Party leaves your heart a little bigger and your food a little fresher.

June 20 – 22 – Centrestage Theatre – Murder, Plain and Simple – He did it. But will he get away with it…it’s a new take on a whodunnit with hilarious consequences! 

Eleanor is old, very old. Not to mention rich, very rich. When she plans to make revisions to her will, her devious nephew, Robert, has other deadlier and poisonous plans! After the deed is done (or so he thinks!), Robert tries to avoid suspicion as he plots his next move. Unfortunately for Robert, a conniving niece, a noble lawyer, an uncouth doctor, and a scheming gangster all threaten to rob him of his inheritance! Will he be able to outwit them and get away with murder AND the old ladies’ fortune? Full of witty banter, zany characters, and hilarious twists and complications, this murder mystery farce will keep you guessing and laughing at every turn!

June 21 – A Mid-Summer’s Fairy Fest – New Realm Brewing Company – Calling all Fae Folk to join us for a mid-summer Fairy Fest Fairies, Elves, Vendors, Henna/Face Painting, Tea Parties, Live Music, Performers, Food, Drinks, Treats, Questing, Hands-on activities, Actors, Dance and so much more!

June 23 – 30

June 25 – Peace Concert Hall – Ledisi Love You Too Tour with special guest Marsha Ambrosia – Ledisi, a Grammy Award-winning artist hailed as one of the most captivating vocalists of her generation, is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Over the course of her career, Ledisi has continually pushed boundaries and redefined the soul and R&B genres with her electrifying performances and powerful storytelling.She’s sold millions of records worldwide, performed for stage and screen, and is considered one of the greatest vocalists of our time.

Former Floetry frontwoman Marsha Ambrosius joins her for this tour, a longtime legend whose work has been sampled by Michael Jackson, Nas, Busta Rhymes, and Drake. Her recent collaboration with Dr. Dre resulted in the genre-bending masterwork, CASABLANCO.

June 26 – 29 – The Greenville Theatre – Sister Act – Based on the hit comedy film starring Whoopi Goldberg, this divine new musical Sister Act is sure to “Raise Your Voice” and let everyone’s heart sing. When disco singer Deloris has to go undercover as a nun in a convent, the two worlds combine to create what can only be described as a miracle. With original music from Beauty and the Beast’s Alan Menken, this story celebrates the power of friendship, music, and Sisterhood

June 26 – 29 – Centrestage Theatre – Murder, Plain and Simple – He did it. But will he get away with it…it’s a new take on a whodunnit with hilarious consequences! 

Eleanor is old, very old. Not to mention rich, very rich. When she plans to make revisions to her will, her devious nephew, Robert, has other deadlier and poisonous plans! After the deed is done (or so he thinks!), Robert tries to avoid suspicion as he plots his next move. Unfortunately for Robert, a conniving niece, a noble lawyer, an uncouth doctor, and a scheming gangster all threaten to rob him of his inheritance! Will he be able to outwit them and get away with murder AND the old ladies’ fortune? Full of witty banter, zany characters, and hilarious twists and complications, this murder mystery farce will keep you guessing and laughing at every turn!

June 27 – Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium – Travis Tritt -This multi Grammy winner known for his musical style defined by mainstream country and southern rock has charted more than 40 times on the Hot Country Songs charts.

Summertime is full of activites inside and out, we would love to help you plan an unforgettable trip.  Call us or click below!