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.
“Grey’s Anatomy” Trivia Night | 7 p.m. | M.L.Rose Craft Beer & Burgers Sylvan Park | Free+ | Put your Grey’s knowledge to the test, and win a gift card if your team comes out on top.
Lucy Dacus | Tuesday, April 29-Wednesday, April 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $31+ | Dacus is touring in support of her latest album, “Forever is a Feeling.”
Wednesday, April 30
Author Event: Melissa Radke | 6 p.m. | Parnassus Books | Free | The author will discuss her “insightful and laugh-out-loud funny” tribute to the strong Southern women who helped raise her.
Thursday, May 1
“Sorry We’re Cyrus” Live | 4-6 p.m. | Harriet’s Nashville | $100 | Mother-daughter duo Tish and Brandi Cyrus grab the mics to share stories in front of a live audience.
Harding Art Show | Thursday, May 1-Saturday, May 3 | Times vary | Harding Academy | Free+ | Now in its 50th year, the event showcases work from more than 75 artists.
The Plaza at Five Oaks in Lebanon is a go. The ~54,000-sqft project will include restaurants, retail shops, and a hotel. It will also feature greenspaces and a stage for entertainment. No word yet on a start date for the 16.5-acre project. (The Tennessean)
Eat
Order up. Bobbakoo’s Burritos is planning a third location in Tennessee, this time in the Watkins Park neighborhood. It will be part of a “digital food court” project, where restaurants will only allow for pickup and delivery. (Nashville Post)
Biz
Still hungry? A California-based taco and burrito joint is setting up shop in Nashville. Gordo Taqueria has gotten approval to continue construction on its building at 519 Merritt Ave. This is the first location out of state for the restaurant chain. (Nashville Post)
Announced
Country superstar Gretchen Wilson is the latest big name to join the new CBS show “The Road.” Keith Urban and Blake Shelton will travel across the country looking for the next big thing, and Wilson will serve as “tour manager,” providing guidance to the emerging musicians. “The Road” premieres this fall.
Last week, we slid head first into the history of Sulphur Dell + tested your knowledge about the park, asking just how much over capacity Opening Day 1932 was for the park. It was a home run for 11% of our readers — there were 6,500+ more people than seats.
Civic
The Davidson County grocery tax will remain at 2.75% for now — Mayor Freddie O’Connell says state law is written prevents the city from making certain decisions by itself and changes are unlikely until next year. (The Tennessean)
You’re awesome — thank you so much for taking a moment to participate in our asked module survey we ran on 4.10. 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
Travel
Dreaming of Japan
Kamakura is located 30 miles southwest of Tokyo. | Photo by @hanatsuzukinosakura
What do Nashville + Kamakura, Japan have in common? The two might seem completely unrelated, but they are actuallysister cities — an officially recognized and longterm economic and cultural partnership between cities in two countries.
Kamakura became one of our sister cities in September 2014, and the two locations have a lot in common. We have breathtaking attractions, are both tourist cities, and have great opportunities for exchange programs.
Just an hour by train from Tokyo, Kamakura is a seaside city home to lots of beaches and hiking trails, dozens of temples, museums, and botanical gardens. Don’t miss the Amida Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple.
Nashville is home to 8,000+ Japanese citizens, 300 Japanese businesses and one of 17 Consulate General of Japan offices in the US.
Explore our other sister cities:
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Caen, France
Edmonton, Canada
Magdeburg, Germany
Mendoza, Argentina
Tamworth, Australia
Taiyuan + Chengdu, China
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.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.