Welcome to May in Greenville, SC! Spring is in full swing, and the Upstate buzzes with festivals, live music, and family fun. This guide covers Greenville and its nearby towns (Travelers Rest, Greer, Simpsonville), highlighting major events, weekly happenings, family-friendly outings, and nightlife. We’ve organized everything into easy sections – from big Festivals to Family Fun, Music & Nightlife, Arts & Culture, and Recurring Events – so you can plan a memorable May. (Psst: we’ve included insider tips on parking, what to bring, and even snippets of local reviews to give you the true Carolina flavor!)
Festivals & Special Events
Artisphere (May 9–11, 2025) – Greenville’s signature arts festival transforms downtown into an open-air art market and performance venuevisitgreenvillesc.com. Over 140 visual artists (glass, jewelry, painting, etc.) line Main Street, and you can meet the makers and watch live demosvisitgreenvillesc.com. There’s live music and local food galore, plus a Kidsphere craft area to keep little ones happyvisitgreenvillesc.com. Dates/Times: Fri May 9 (12–8pm), Sat May 10 (10am–8pm), Sun May 11 (11am–6pm)artisphere.org. Location: Downtown Greenville (Main Street from Court St. to Wardlaw St.)visitgreenvillesc.com – you can’t miss the tents! Price: Free entry (food/art for purchase). Parking: Many downtown garages; insider tip: Park at the Spring Street Garage or Riverplace Garage for a short walk. Remember, parking is free in the Richardson Street Garage on weekends (Fri 6pm – Sun midnight)tripadvisor.com. One event-goer called Artisphere “the best festival Greenville hosts – amazing art and exhibits with great food choices”tripadvisor.com, so don’t miss it!
Greenville Greek Festival (May 16–18, 2025) – OPA! Come enjoy a weekend of authentic Greek culture at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in downtown Greenvillegreekforaday.com. You’ll find delicious Greek cuisine (from souvlaki to baklava), traditional dancing, live Greek music, and cultural exhibitsfacebook.com. This is the 39th annual festival and a beloved local traditiongreekforaday.com. Dates/Hours: Fri & Sat (May 16–17) 11am–9pm, Sun (May 18) 11am–6pminstagram.com. Admission: $3 per person (proceeds support a local girls’ empowerment charity)instagram.com; kids under 12 often free. Venue: St. George’s Cathedral grounds (406 N. Academy St). Parking: Free parking is usually available in the church lot and nearby streets; go early for a spot. Local tip: Try the loukoumades (honey puffs) and Greek coffee for a sweet pick-me-up. One local reviewer loved the “lively music and beautiful costumes”, saying it “makes me wish I knew some Greek dancing!”kiddingaroundgreenville.com. Families are welcome, and there’s even a kids’ zone – ya’sou! (that’s “cheers” in Greek).
South Carolina Baroque Music Festival (May 16–18, 2025) – For classical music lovers, the S.C. Bach Society is hosting the state’s first Baroque music festivalscbach.org. Over this weekend, enjoy evening concerts featuring Bach and Baroque-era compositions played on period instruments. Dates: May 16–18 (Fri–Sun, check website for specific concert times). Venues: Various intimate venues in Greenville (likely churches or concert halls). Tickets: ~$20–$30 per concert (festival passes available). This festival promises an elegant, inspiring experience celebrating 18th-century musicscbach.org. (Tip: If you attend, dressy-casual attire is fine, and arrive early for best seating since these are general admission events.)
Gallabrae – Greenville Scottish Games & Parade (May 23–24, 2025) – Break out your tartan! Memorial Day weekend in Greenville means it’s time for Gallabrae, our celebration of Scottish heritage. Festivities kick off Friday May 23 with the Great Scot! Parade down Main Street at 6:00pmgallabrae.com – picture pipers, drummers, and even Scottish clans marching (some in kilts with Southern flair!). On Saturday May 24, the Greenville Scottish Games take place at Furman University (gates typically 8:30am–9:00pm)clanforsyth.com. What to expect: Highland games competitions (caber toss, anyone?), live Celtic music, dancing, border collie demos, Scottish food (try a meat pie or haggis!), plus kid-friendly activities. Tickets: Around $15–$20 (youth discounts; kids under 5 free). Parking: Free parking at Furman with shuttles to the field. Tip: Bring sunscreen and a folding chair or blanket for watching events. The evening often ends with a mass bands performance and fireworks – a truly unique Upstate experience blending Scottish tradition with Southern hospitality.
Greenville Jazz Fest (May 30–31, 2025) – The Greenville Jazz Fest is a free two-day jazz festival in Downtown Greenville https://www.greenvillejazzfest.com/. Music Lineup: An eclectic mix – from New Orleans jazz (headlined by the famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band) to swing, funk, Latin, big band and morevisitgreenvillesc.com. You’ll groove to live jazz on multiple stages Friday evening May 30 (4–10pm) and all-day Saturday May 31 (11am–9pm)visitgreenvillesc.com. Expect food trucks and drink tents throughout the festival to keep you fueledvisitgreenvillesc.com. Price: Free entry; bring cash/card for vendors. Location: Main Street in downtown (exact street closure TBA – likely around NOMA Square and Piazza Bergamo). Parking: Use city garages or the free trolley to avoid traffic. Many attendees bring chairs or picnic blankets to relax and listen. Greenville’s jazz scene is on the rise – this festival is family-friendly and perfect for a warm May night out. (Insider nod: local jazz enthusiasts are thrilled to see downtown “swing” – don’t be surprised if spontaneous dancing breaks out!)
Family-Friendly & Community Fun
TD Saturday Market (Every Saturday, May–Oct) – Saturday mornings in downtown Greenville mean farmers market time! From May 4 onward, Main Street bustles with the TD Saturday Market featuring 75+ local vendors of fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisan productsagriculture.sc.gov. Hours: 8:00am – Noon every Saturday (May through October)agriculture.sc.gov, centered at Main St. and McBee Ave. It’s free to stroll. Kids will love sampling local peaches or honey and watching street performers. Pro tip: Arrive early (by 9am) for best selection (the tomatoes and pastries sell fast!). Parking: Richardson Street Garage is conveniently adjacent and free on Saturday mornings. One TripAdvisor review calls it an “orderly market [on] Main St between Washington and Court”tripadvisor.com – an easy, fun start to your weekend.
Moonlight Movies in Greer (Thursdays, June (Sneak Peek) & beyond) – Note: Though the series mainly runs in June, mark your calendar for free outdoor family movies at Greer City Park Amphitheater starting the first Thursday in Junecityofgreer.org. (June 5: Tangled, June 19: Moana 2, movies start ~7:00pmcityofgreer.org). These “Movies under the Stars” nights are a short drive from Greenville and worth it for an easy family outing. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and a picnic; concessions are sold on-site. Parking: Free at Greer City Park and surrounding lots. (We mention it here so you can plan ahead for early June family fun!)
Travelers Rest Farmers Market Opening Day (May 4, 2025) – The small town of Travelers Rest (just 15 min north of Greenville) kicks off its farmers market season in May. Starting April 26 and running Saturdays 8:30am–12pm through Septtravelersrestfarmersmarket.com, the TR Farmers Market at Trailblazer Park is a community hub – farm stands, local crafts, live music, and often food trucks for breakfast bites. Opening Day Tip: There may be special kids’ activities (in past years, pony rides or face painting). Parking: Free at Trailblazer Park (235 Trailblazer Dr). After shopping, let the kids enjoy the adjacent playground or hop on the Swamp Rabbit Trail for a stroll. It’s a wholesome Saturday outing that showcases the friendly, small-town vibe TR is known for.
Greer Family Fest – Greer Goes Global (April 26, 2025) – Just before May, Greer hosted its annual family festival with an international twistfacebook.com. If you missed it, don’t worry – Greer has more fun coming in May/June (see Greer Alive and Freedom Blast below). Greer’s community events are always family-friendly with great local turnout, so keep an eye on their calendar!
Memorial Day Observances (May 26, 2025) – On Memorial Day, communities honor our military. Greenville typically holds a Memorial Day Ceremony at Cleveland Park or a local veteran’s memorial around 10–11am (free, somber, and open to all). Simpsonville often has a Memorial Day Concert or ceremony at Heritage Park in the evening. While not “festive” events, they are meaningful if you wish to pay respects. Tip: Wear sunscreen and arrive early to find seating (bring a lawn chair). Parking is usually ample and free at these parks.
Live Music & Nightlife
Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive (Thursdays) – Every Thursday evening after work, NOMA Square in downtown Greenville comes alive with free live musicnomasquare.com! Downtown Alive runs from early spring through August, including all of May. Time: 5:30–8:30pm, with bands taking the stage around 5:50pm for the first set and again at 7:20pminstagram.com. Expect a mix of local and regional bands (rock, blues, beach music, etc.), plus vendors selling beer, wine, and snacks. Cost: Free entry (bring $ for drinks/food; wristbands ~$1 if you plan to buy alcohol, proceeds go to local charity). Vibe: It’s a big outdoor block party – office folks, friends, and families all mingling. Kids and dogs are welcome (there’s often a small kids’ activity area). Insider Tip: Bring your ID if 21+ (they card for wristbands). Parking is easiest at the Poinsett Garage or Richardson Garage. Locals say Downtown Alive is the perfect start to the weekend, and with Greenville’s lovely May weather, the atmosphere is hard to beatnomasquare.com.
Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays (Fridays) – Kick off your weekend at Main Street Fridays, a free concert series each Friday in May at NOMA Squaregreenvillesc.gov. Hours: 5:30–9:30pm; bands play two sets (typically 5:50pm and 7:40pm)greenvillesc.gov. Each week features a different band – from beachy Carolina shag music to classic rock covers and Motown. There’s a Kid’s Zone with inflatables, making it great for families, while adults enjoy beverages from on-site vendors. Cost: Free (like Downtown Alive, buy a $1 wristband if drinking alcohol). Feel free to bring a lawn chair, though many people just dance or mingle. Parking: Street parking fills up fast – use nearby garages and consider walking from one of the further lots to avoid post-concert traffic. Review highlight: “Live music, local vendors, drinks and more along Main Street…through September 26, 2025”greenville360.com – this weekly event runs all summer, but May is an ideal time before it gets too hot.
Brew in the Zoo (Fri May 16, 2025) – Craft beer at the zoo? Yes, please! Brew in the Zoo is a 21+ evening where adults take over the Greenville Zoo for a fun fundraisergreenvillezoo.comgreenvillesc.gov. Stroll past the animals after-hours while sampling beers and wines from numerous breweries. There’s also live music and food vendors. Time: 6:00–10:00pmgreenvillesc.gov. Tickets: ~$50 (includes drink samples; typically proceeds benefit zoo programs). This event often sells out, so get tickets in advance. Parking: Free at zoo lot/Cleveland Park, but consider a ride-share if you’ll be drinking. Tip: They give you a small tasting glass – pace yourself and enjoy the carousel area where there’s often a band playing. It’s a wild way to spend a Friday night – literally!
Live Concerts & Shows – May brings some big-name music to the Upstate:
Check out the CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park (Simpsonville) for outdoor concerts. While many summer shows are later, keep an eye on their schedule – they occasionally have May dates. (For instance, Dierks Bentley played recently and one attendee praised that venue as “easy to park and easy to get out. The layout…made it easy to get from one side [to the other]”tripadvisor.com.) The amphitheatre is beloved for its spacious lawn seating – bring a blanket and enjoy music under the stars.
Peace Center Concert Hall (Greenville) – Our premier indoor venue hosts world-class performances. In May 2025, highlights include “Back to the Future: The Musical” (Broadway tour) running May 13–18tourstoyou.org, and concerts like possibly Wynonna Judd (country icon) on June 18peacecenter.org (see June guide for more on that). The Peace Center is top-rated for acoustics (4.8/5 Google rating with 3,500+ reviews)mindtrip.ai, and visitors love its “comfortable seating” and riverfront setting. Tip: If attending a show, downtown restaurants fill up – reserve a table for pre-show dinner, and use the Porte Cochere garage next door for convenience.
Local Music Venues – For a more intimate scene, try The Radio Room (indie/rock shows; e.g., on Tue May 20 they have Smile Empty Soul & Tantric) or The Firmament (DJ and electronic nights). Many breweries also host live music on weekends – check out places like Quest Brewing’s Friday night concerts or Smiley’s Acoustic Café for nightly tunes.
Trivia Nights, Pubs & More – Greenville’s nightlife isn’t all music – it’s also about fun and games:
Group Therapy Pub & Playground (downtown) hosts Trivia Tuesdays 7–9pmvisitgreenvillesc.com – grab a team, a signature cocktail, and test your knowledge in this adult playground (they have mini-golf and axe throwing too!). It’s free to play, and prizes go to top teams.
Many breweries and bars have weekly trivia or bingo: e.g., 810 Billiards & Bowling does Tuesday triviavisitgreenvillesc.com, and Growler Haus in Fountain Inn has Music Bingo Wednesdays. These are great low-key ways to mingle with locals. Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early to snag a table; trivia nights are popular year-round.
Dueling Piano & Dance Bars: For a lively late-night, Jack n’ Diane’s dueling piano bar downtown is legendary for sing-alongs, and clubs like Downtown Piano Bar or Blu Nightclub keep the party going with dancing into the wee hours. Dress is casual, but bring ID (most downtown bars are 21+ after 9pm).
Arts & Culture Highlights
Upstate Shakespeare Festival – King Lear (May 22 – June 15, 2025) – Enjoy free outdoor theater in the park, a true Greenville tradition for 29 yearswarehousetheatre.com! The Warehouse Theatre presents Shakespeare in Falls Park – this May/June they’re staging “King Lear” under the starswarehousetheatre.com. Shows run Thursdays through Sundays at 7:00pm (no performances May 30–31)warehousetheatre.comwarehousetheatre.com. Location: Falls Park on the Reedy (look for the stage near the waterfall area). Price: Free – no ticket required! Just show up early (people start laying out blankets by 6pm or earlier)warehousetheatre.com. You can bring chairs, blankets, and even a picnic (wine and snacks are common, but no alcohol sales on site). Local tip: This is a fantastic relaxed atmosphere – even teens and non-theater folks get drawn in by the live swordfights and drama. If you’re new to Shakespeare, don’t worry – a summary is provided in the program, and seeing it live makes it easy to follow. Parking: Street parking in West End or use the Poinsett Garage and walk. This free festival truly “make Shakespeare fun, educational, and accessible”, bringing hundreds out on warm eveningswarehousetheatre.com.
Centre Stage’s “Waitress” (Through May 25, 2025) – Greenville’s own Centre Stage Theater is running the hit Broadway musical Waitress (music by Sara Bareilles) through late Maycentrestage.org. Showtimes: Thurs–Sun each week (evening shows ~7-8pm, Sunday matinees). Tickets: ~$35. This heartwarming show about a pie-baking waitress finding her path has charmed audiences. Venue: Centre Stage (downtown, 501 River St.) – a smaller theater noted for intimate seating and talented local casts. Why go: It’s a great date night or girls’ night event – and you can even order themed cocktails or desserts in the lobby (pie, of course!). Parking: Free lot beside the theater. (Fun fact: The run was extended due to popular demandcentrestage.org, so locals are loving it. Snag tickets while you can!)
History Comes Alive: Chautauqua Festival (June (Preview) 6–15, 2025) – A quick look ahead: Greenville’s annual Chautauqua Festival starts in early June. This FREE interactive theatre festival brings historical figures to lifegreenvillearts.com. This year’s theme is “American Celebrities” with live performances of figures like Babe Ruth, Lucille Ball, Josephine Baker, Albert Einstein and moregreenvillearts.com. Each show is performed by a scholar-actor who becomes that character – and the audience can ask questions! Shows run June 6–15 at various venues (libraries, parks)greenvillearts.com. It’s family-friendly and very engaging (kids might especially enjoy Babe Ruth or Lucille Ball). Keep an eye on the schedule via Greenville Chautauqua’s sitegreenvillearts.com – and bring a lawn chair for outdoor performances. If you’re in town in early June, this is a unique cultural treat.
Gallery Openings & Art Tours – The First Fridays Art Crawl happens May 2 and June 6, when dozens of Greenville art galleries and studios open 6–9pm with free entrygreenvillearts.com. Stroll through venues in downtown and the Village of West Greenville, meet artists, and enjoy light refreshments. Maps are available via the Metropolitan Arts Councilgreenvillearts.com. It’s a relaxed way to discover the local art scene – and it’s completely free. Wear comfortable shoes and make an evening of it. Many studios in the hip West Greenville arts district (around Pendleton Street) will have live music or demos. Tip: Start at the MAC gallery on Main St. for a directory of participating studios. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for something different to do, First Fridays are a beloved monthly event for a reason.
Improv Comedy Nights – Need a laugh? Alchemy Comedy Theater performs improv and sketch shows every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night downtown (Coffee Underground venue)facebook.comvisitgreenvillesc.com. Tickets are very affordable ($10 on Thu, $15 Fri/Sat)visitgreenvillesc.com. Each show is unique – think “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” made local. The 7:30pm shows are often family-appropriate, while the later 9:00pm shows might be a bit edgier (18+ recommended). This is a great option if you want nighttime entertainment beyond the bar scene. Plus, the café upstairs serves delicious desserts and coffee if you make a full evening of it.
Recurring Events & Southern Tips
(These ongoing happenings run through May and beyond – be sure to experience a few for true local flavor!)
“Music in the Park” Summer Concerts – Travelers Rest – Starting in June, Travelers Rest hosts free Music in the Park concerts every Saturday evening at Trailblazer Park. For example, in June 2025 the lineup includes bands like The High Tides (June 7), Amanda Platt & The Honeycutters (June 14), and moretravelersrestsc.com. Time: Food trucks roll in at 6:00pmfacebook.com, live music around 7pm. It’s a perfect small-town summer night – bring chairs, enjoy mountain views and great tunes. We mention it now so you can plan ahead for June weekends!
Greer Alive (Fri May 23, 2025) – One-night community festival in Greer City Park with live music, food trucks, and family funinstagram.com. Time: 5:00–8:00pmblueridgecountry.com. Price: Free. This spring edition of Greer Alive will feature Angela and the Beguilers performing roots musicashevilledailyplanet.com, among other acts. Expect a laid-back crowd, lawn games, and kids dancing on the grass. Greer Alive is all about that close-knit community vibe – if you’re nearby on 5/23, it’s worth stopping by to eat, mingle, and maybe even join a round of the Cupid Shuffle if the band strikes it up!
Greenville Drive Baseball Games – All summer long (April–Sept), catch the Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox affiliate) at Fluor Field in the West End. Home games in May are plentiful (check the Drive’s schedule – they often have home stands each week). A night at Fluor Field is classic Americana: hot dogs, kids with gloves hoping for a foul ball, and between-inning fun. Tickets: very affordable ( ~$10–15 general admission). Why go: The ballpark is a mini replica of Fenway Park (complete with its own “Green Monster” wall) and beloved by fans (“no bad seat in the place,” one fan ravedticketmaster.com). Promos: Look out for $1 drink nights on Thursdays or Friday fireworks. Parking: Street parking or paid lots around South Main; or park free at County Square and take the trolley. It’s a family-friendly outing and a great way to spend a warm May evening in Greenville’s vibrant West End.
Juneteenth Celebration (Thu June 19, 2025) – Looking ahead: Greenville will hold its annual Juneteenth event at Unity Park on June 19thunityparkgreenville.comgreenvillesc.gov. There’s a morning parade at 9 AM (from Falls Park to Unity Park)instagram.comgreenvillesc.gov, followed by a program of history, poetry, music, and community speakers from 9:30am–12pm. This celebration of Black history and freedom is educational and uplifting – all are welcome. If you’re in town mid-June, consider attending to experience Greenville’s diverse culture. (And don’t worry – Unity Park has plenty of parking and even a splash pad for kids to cool off after the event!)
Freedom Blast (Sat June 28, 2025) – Greer’s patriotic festival returns the last Saturday in June as a pre-Fourth of July blowoutfreedomblast.org. Time: 6:00–10:30pmblueridgecountry.com at Greer City Park. Expect live music, food vendors, a military tribute, and a big fireworks finale. It’s free to attend and draws families from all over the Upstate. (We’ll cover it more in the June guide, but if you want to plan ahead, mark your calendar – one of the best fireworks shows around!)
Black Pride Week & Festival (Late June) – Upstate Pride SC is hosting a Black Pride Festival on Saturday June 28 in downtown Greenville (11am–6pm)greenvillesc.gov, as part of Pride Month. The festival includes a march, entertainment, vendors, and community resources. Leading up to it are events like a Pride Bar Crawl (June 21) and other gatheringsupstatepridesc.org. If you value inclusivity and celebration, this is a wonderful way to support and enjoy the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions in Greenville. (Details will be on Upstate Pride SC’s website and social media as June approaches.)
May in the Greenville area truly has something for everyone – from art lovers and foodies to families, music fans, and night owls. Embrace that famous Southern hospitality: strike up a conversation at a festival, sip a local craft beer at a concert, and don’t hesitate to ask a local for their favorite BBQ joint or parking trick. We hope this guide helps you fill your May days and nights with memorable experiences. Happy adventuring in Greenville and beyond – y’all enjoy!
