iHome News: Things to do in Greenville in May 2023

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Duck Derby, Artisphere, and The Greenville Scottish Games are just some of the events taking place in the Upstate in May. Here’s a look at some other May events to look forward to in the days and weeks ahead.

Recurring May events

Thru Sept 29

Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays

Follow the music on Friday nights to NOMA Square, where the first Friday in May rocks with the Latin, jazz, and pop tunes of Jazzsmith. Get up and dance as the spirit moves you, or buy a beer, stake out a seat (feel free to bring a tailgating chair) on the square, and sit and listen.

NOMA Square, 220 N. Main St., Greenville. May 5, 19 & 26, Fri., 5:30–9:30pm. Free. 864.232.2273, greenvillesc.gov/1322/Greenville-Heritage-Main-Street-Fridays

Thru Aug 31

Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive

Get an early start on your weekend every Thursday at NOMA Square. May’s music kicks off on the 4th with the indie pop sounds of the Abbey Elmore Band, and winds up the month on the 25th with new age group Vera Soul, who debuted their first album last year.

NOMA Square, 220 N. Main St., Greenville. May 4, 11, 18 & 25, Thurs., 5:30–8:30pm. Free. events.greenvillesc.gov/1321/PNG-Downtown-Alive

Thru May 25

Springtime at Biltmore

The adage that April showers bring May flowers is certainly evident at Biltmore. This month, the estate’s gardens and grounds are abloom with a spring spectacle of tulips, daffodils, azaleas, and cherry blossoms. And after you take in the splendor of the handiwork of America’s foremost landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, leave time for a tour of the Biltmore House and a complimentary tasting at the Winery.

Biltmore, One Lodge St., Asheville, NC. Thru May 25, daily, times vary. Gardens & grounds only, $65-$85; grounds & Biltmore House admission starts at $89. 800.411.3812, biltmore.com

Thru May 13

Harry Clarke

Ever wonder what it would be like to live a double life? This play by David Cale answers that question through the story of a shy midwestern man who feels more comfortable adopting the cocky persona of Englishman Harry Clarke. He moves to New York, where he passes himself off as a Londoner and ends up charming his way into the family of a man he meets at a bar. Things turn dicey when Harry gets involved in sexual dalliances with several members of the family.

Warehouse Theatre, 37 Augusta St., Greenville. Thru May 13, Fri.–Sun., times vary. General admission, $35; reserved seats, $40. 864.235.6948, warehousetheatre.com

May 5–7, 12–14 & 19–21

Indie Craft Parade Spring Pop-up Shop

Looking for that one-of-a-kind hand-crafted gift for mom on Mother’s Day? Head over to the Makers Collective to browse the work of more than 40 artisans, from soaps and lotions to jewelry, everlasting felt flowers, and artwork. To make it extra special, each Saturday of the three weekends, the market will host several makers in-store, so you can meet and chat with the artisans.

2909 Old Buncombe Rd., Greenville. Fri.–Sun., 11am–5pm. makerscollective.org

May 6–Sept 16

Travelers Rest Farmers Market

On May 6, the TR Farmers Market celebrates its 15th anniversary with visits from the mayor and other special guests. In addition to more than 70 farmers and artisans, there will be a raffle, giveaways, and vintage market merchandise. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the TR Market aims to improve the lives of the residents in its community by offering free classes, educational activities for kids, market yoga, and live music.

Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest. May 6, 13, 20 & 27, Sat., 8:30am–noon. 864.610.0965, travelersrestfarmersmarket.com

May 6–Oct 28

TD Saturday Market

It’s baaack! If you’ve been craving tender baby carrots and turnips, lettuces and greens, fresh herbs, sweet strawberries, and other spring delights, set your alarm so you can hurry down to Main Street early on Saturday morning to get the best pick. Stop and chat with the farmers and makers while you shop for everything from hand-carved cutting boards to homemade pasta sauce.

Main St. at McBee Ave., Greenville. May 6, 13, 20 & 27, Sat., 8am–noon. 864.467.4494, saturdaymarketlive.com

May 9–15, 16–21 & 30–31

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 Fluor Field. This month, snag tickets to one of the Drive’s three home series, starting with a six-game run on May 9 against Winston-Salem.

Fluor Field in the West End, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. May 9–15, May 16–21, and May 30–31, Tues.–Sun., times vary. Tickets start at $9. 864.240.4528, milb.com/greenville

May 12, 16 & 30

Greenville Liberty Soccer

Sister team to the men’s Greenville Triumph USL League One soccer club, the Liberty is a women’s pre-professional team that debuted last year. You can catch all the home-field action on at Furman University this month, starting on May 12, when the Liberty goes up against the Football Club Cinncinati. Other home games will be held on May 16 and 30.

Paladin Stadium, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville. May 12, Fri., 7pm; May 16, Tues., 7pm; May 30, Tues., 7:30pm. Tickets start at $11. 864.203.0565, greenvilleliberty.com

May 25–July 30

Upstate Shakespeare Festival

A highlight of summer in Greenville, the alfresco Upstate Shakespeare Festival kicks off its 27th season with The Merry Wives of Windsor (through June 18). The plot revolves around a scheme hatched by Sir John Falstaff to augment his waning finances by courting two wealthy married women, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page. Meanwhile, three suitors are vying for the hand of Page’s daughter, Anne. Will all be well that ends well? Bring a blanket and watch the fun.

Falls Park on the Reedy, downtown Greenville. May 25–July 30, Thurs.–Sun., 7pm. Free. 864.235.6948, warehousetheatre.com/shows/upstate-shakespeare-festival

May events

May 5

White Claw Concerts: Yacht Rock Revue

If you’re missing the smooth sounds of rock from the 1970 and ’80s, you’re going to want to snag tickets to this event. The first of two White Claw concerts at the Peace Center in May (the second is sold out) brings the seven-piece band Yacht Rock Revue to the stage. From their humble beginnings in Indiana—admittedly the “least yachtiest” of states—the group now headlines their own shows around the country.

Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. May 5, Fri., 7:30pm. $40-$60. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org

May 6

Kentucky Derby Viewing Party

“Frivolity, fun, and fundraising” is how sponsor First Tee describes this event. Frivolity refers to eye-catching hats and outfits; the fun is watching the Run for the Roses on the largest screen in Greer while enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar with mint juleps—the official drink of the Derby. Fundraising means live and silent auctions that raise money for First Tee, an organization that empowers teens and kids through the game of golf.

BMW Zentrum, 1400 Hwy. 101 S., Greer. May 6, Sat., 5–7:30pm. General admission, $75.

May 6

Reedy River Duck Derby

Yes, Virginia, those are thousands of yellow rubber duckies floating down the Reedy River. And you can both get in on the action and support local charities by purchasing your own ducks to race in the Rotary Club of the Reedy River Greenville’s 19th annual Duck Derby. Come join the fun and listen to live music, play yard games, and nosh on fare from area food trucks.

Falls Park on the Reedy, downtown Greenville. May 6, Sat., 11am–4pm (race starts at 2:30pm). Single duck, $10; Super Quack Pack of 5 ducks, $30. duckrace.com/greenville

May 11–13

Spring Skunk Music Fest

The three-day acoustic music festival, complete with on-site campgrounds, is a spring highlight for lovers of folk, roots, and bluegrass music. Plan to camp out and make a weekend of it: food vendors offer selections from barbecue to burritos, craft artisans provide shopping diversions, and the 18 bands range from the bluegrass tunes of Fireside Collective and the Southern soul of Rissi Palmer to the country stylings of Miko Marks and the Resurrectors.

The Skunk Farm, 4067 Jordan Rd., Greer. May 11–13, Thurs.–Sat., concert times vary; gates open at 10am. Three-day pass, $190; two-day pass (Fri.–Sat.), $135; single-day pass, $65-$75. 864.416.4515, albinoskunk.com

May 12–14

Artisphere

Hailed as one of the top fine art festivals in the country, Artisphere spans South Main Street from Broad Street down to Wardlaw Street. The main attraction, Artists Row, lays out the curated work of 143 artists—the highest number to date—in 17 different mediums. Outdoor stages will host live music and dance performances, while activities at the Kidsphere area foster creativity in young aspiring artists.

Main St., downtown Greenville. May 12–14, Fri.–Sun., times vary. Free. artisphere.org

May 13

Born to Run 5Kf

A fundraiser for the Piedmont Women’s Center, this 5K maps out a route around the campus of Bob Jones University. Brings the family and lace up those running shoes to support women’s health. Children of all ages are welcome to participate: older kids can walk/run the course with you or do the Kids Fun Run. Strollers are welcome, too, but you’ll need to leave your furry friends at home.

Bob Jones University, 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville. May 13, Sat., 8am. 5K, $20; Kids Fun Run, $10. piedmontwomenscenter.org/5k

May 15

Kenny Loggins: This Is It! His Final Tour 2023

Face it, we all have to call it quits at some point. So, if you’ve been wanting to see Kenny Loggins perform live on stage, scoop up those tickets now—this is his last tour, and he only be in Greenville for one night. Expect the two-time Grammy winner to trace his musical history through chart toppers such as “Footloose,” “Danger Zone,” and “I’m Alright.”

Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. May 15, Mon., 7:30pm. Tickets start at $85. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org

May 19–21

Greek Festival

For the 37th year running, the community of Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral offers everyone the opportunity to be “Greek for a Day.” And this year, all the best gyros, moussaka, keftedes, and Greek pastries in town will be available for both pickup and on-site dining. Stay a while and enjoy live Greek music and traditional dancing, which will be featured throughout the weekend. Opa!

Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 406 N. Academy St., Greenville. May 19–21, Fri. & Sat., 11am–8pm; Sun., 11am–5pm. 864.233.8531, greekforaday.com

May 24

Travelers Rest Farmers Market Farm to Table Dinner

Want to taste the bounty of the TR Farmers Market prepared by a James Beard Award nominee? Here’s your chance, as Chef Adam Cooke of Topsoil whips up a mouthwatering five-course tasting menu, using ingredients sourced from the market’s farmers. Tickets include a welcome cocktail; a wine pairing is available for an additional $30.

Topsoil Restaurant, 13 S. Main St., Travelers Rest. May 24, Wed., 6:30–9pm. $130. 478.955.7225, travelersrestfarmersmarket.com/farm2table/farm2tabledinner

May 25

Homes of Hope Gala

Celebrating 25 years of community impact in Greenville, Homes of Hope has built more than 600 energy-efficient houses in the area. The nonprofit not only provides affordable homes, but it also helps men restore their lives through sobriety and construction training. Cocktail hour begins at 5:30pm, with dinner and an auction to follow. Be sure to stick around for the ’90s-themed after-party.

Hyatt Regency, 220 N. Main St., Greenville. May 25, Thurs., 6:30pm. Tickets start at $100. homesofhope.org/gala

May 26–June 11

Spoleto, Charleston

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

May 26–27

Gallabrae–The Greenville Scottish Games

Don your clan tartan and fire up your Celtic spirit on Memorial Day weekend for two days of Scottish-themed fun. The festivities begin on Friday evening with the Great Scot Parade in downtown Greenville and move to the grounds of Furman University on Saturday for bagpipe and drum competitions, Scottish games (caber toss, anyone?) border collie sheepherding demonstrations, a British classic car show, and Celtic food and music.

Parade, downtown Greenville. May 26, Fri., 6pm. Free. Scottish Games, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville. May 27, Sat., event times vary. Adults, $20; children (5-12), $10. gallabrae.com

This list was originally published on TownCarolina.com. Add community events here and see more.