Inside: A list of Fall Festivals near Spartanburg, SC
Another thing to look forward to during the close of summer is festivals, and we have the best fall festivals near Spartanburg, SC! Leaves crunching underfoot, the smell of pumpkin spice wafting from a coffee cup, and all things apple-related usher in the fall season. There are no shortages of celebrations in Hub City, so let’s get to planning the fun you and your family can have this fall!
Sunflowers at Thompson Family Farms
*We are currently updating the list for 2025*
This list is provided for informational purposes, and events may change or be canceled at the last minute. Therefore, please be sure to confirm the status of an event before heading out.
Ready to shop for Back-to-School, and perhaps save some money too? Tax-free weekend in South Carolina is coming up and we have all the details! Check out these tips and take full advantage of the tax-free weekend!
Tax-free weekend in South Carolina for 2025 starts at midnight on Friday, August 1st, and continues to 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 3rd. It’s a great opportunity to knock out the school supplies list plus stock up on other items like clothing, footwear, bedding, and even computers.
A tax-free weekend means that hundreds of items are exempt from the state’s 6% sales tax. So, doing the math, say you spend $200 on school supplies, books, uniforms, and shoes. Minus the 6% sales tax, you pay $188 instead of $200. The more you spend, the more you save, which is why we’ve come up with 6 tips to save 6% this tax-free weekend.
10 tips for tax-free weekend
Make a list of what is required by the school
Greenville County schools have ready-made lists for parents to download and print out of what their children will need to bring. This can be stressful (seriously, I was that parent freaking out last year in Walmart because I couldn’t find the primary notebook).
You can look up your child’s Greenville County school location and then look for the school supply list for their grade. Print that out and take it with you to the store as a checklist.
Make another list of items you would like to get
This is a separate list from the school supplies. There are a lot of things exempt on the tax-free weekends that would be great to purchase and avoid paying the sales tax on, like: pajamas, bed sheets, pillows, shower curtains, towels, printers, those boots you’ve been eyeing for a month, and computers.
Think about what you would really like to have over the next few months (hey, Christmas is only five months away) and make a list of that stuff.
Be sure to do your homework ahead of time so you know a good deal when you see one and not just a retail markup for the sale.
Bring entertainment for the kids
If you have to shop with the kids, bring snacks and something to entertain them. It can take a while to find everything on the school supply list. Snacks may be a bit harder in the stores, so consider saving those for the car ride between stores.
Shop Online
This is one you can start now–load up your shopping cart ahead of time and then hit “purchase” when the tax-free weekend rolls around. Big retailers like Walmart, Target, Kohls, and Amazon are honoring tax-free weekends online.
Bonus: You can shop after the kids go to bed and you have a minute to think and you can avoid crowded stores.
Know what is exempt and what isn’t
We’ve made a handy infographic to help with this one.
Take advantage of sales on tax-exempt items. It’s even better if you can match up sales with coupons. You can search for coupons online or in newspaper circulars. Use store apps, and check coupon apps like Ibotta! Don’t forget to check those clearance racks and shelves.
Did you know there are a number of community events giving away free school supplies in Upstate, SC? Do you know of a family who needs help purchasing school supplies this year? A new school year is almost upon us. For most families a trip to the store for new supplies is imminent. These events will distribute free back-to-school supplies, so you have one less thing to worry about this school year!
A recent study revealed that most families of school-age children in the US spend between $500-700 on new school supplies. This amounts to a whopping estimated 80.7 billion dollars! That’s a lot of composition notebooks! This list is currently being updated for 2025 as we receive information.
Some Upstate families struggle to make ends meet, and the added burden of school supply lists is often more than they can afford. Typically when families can’t afford to send the proper tools to school, heroic teachers wind up closing the gap with their own money. For this reason, communities have begun stepping up to the plate and offering families necessities at these free school supply drives.
These are often given away at fun events so that children don’t feel stigmatized. Some events also giveaway a cook-out-style lunch, have live music, and even things like bounce houses. One of the easiest ways to get free school supplies for your kids is to look for these events in your area. Many are held at human service departments or local churches. Below you will free school supply events in Upstate, SC counties. Once you get your supplies, you will be able to look at what your child’s school requires and make a few marks on your checklist.
2025 FREE School Supplies Events Near Greenville, SC
We’ve compiled a list of local groups holding these types of events and will continue to update the list as more are announced.
Easley, SC- Getty’s Middle School Sunshine Gantt Ministries and Caring And Nurturing July 19, 2025, 10 am to 1 pm The event is FREE and includes a first-come-first-served backpack giveaway, filled with school supplies. There will also be free bounce houses, food, music, and more. Back to School Book Bag Give-a-way
Carolina High School, 2725 Anderson Road, Greenville August 2, 2025, 9 am to 2 pm This free school supply giveaway will include free school supplies and backpacks given to students, information on assistance programs and free and low-cost after-school activities, free food, and music. United Way School Tools Day
Back to School Giveaway
Capstone Church – 601 Fairview St Fountain Inn, SC July 26, 2025 at 11 am – 1 pm Free school supplies, backpacks, games, and food. Back to School Giveaway
Back to School Supply Drive
Mauldin Cultural Center, 101 E Butler Rd, Mauldin July 27th, 2025 from 2 pm to 5 pm Free school supplies, games, refreshments, and prizes. Back to School Supply
Free Backpack Giveaway at TCC Verizon Stores
8 TCC Verizon locations across the Upstate Sunday, July 27th, 2025, 1 pm While supplies last Free Backpack Giveaway
Children in need of school supplies can pop into any one of 8 Upstate TCC Verizon Stores for a backpack and school supplies. One backpack is available per child while supplies last. The participating locations are:
Woodruff Road Christian Church, 20 Bell Road, Greenville August 2nd, 2025, 11 am – 2 pm Pack Your Bags Picnic with free school supplies, a free picnic, and more. Students must have adults in attendance.
Back to School & Community Resource Bash
Greenville Elks Lodge, 7700 Pelham Road, Greenville August 16, 2025, 10 am – 3 pm Free back to school items, food, games. Open to the public. BTS & Community Resource Giveaway
Greenville’s Noble Market Back to School Drive
Noble Dog Hotel, Hampton Station, Greenville Sunday, August 17th, from 11 AM to 1 PM In addition to their monthly market, this market will feature a back-to-school drive with school supplies for children in need. Supplies are limited, so go early if you are in need.
More School Supply Events in Greenville County: From our calendar
Current Month
Mauldin Cultural Center / Outdoor Amphitheater101 E Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC 29662
2025 Free School Supplies Events Near Spartanburg, SC
First Choice by Select Health “Jump Start” Back to School
Spartanburg, SC Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 9 am – 12 pm Free school supplies, including backpacks, for students in the community in grades K – 12. There will also be back-to-school information and community resource information available First Choice South Carolina Facebook
More Spartanburg School Supply Events: From our calendar
Current Month
September
No Events
October
No Events
2025 Free School Supplies Events in Anderson County
Current Month
No Events
More events coming soon!
We hope this info helps every child in the Upstate to get off to a wonderful new school year!
Getting ready for “Back to School” in Upstate, South Carolina? We have all the information you need about school start dates, and education options, plus places where you can find free school supplies in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and Pickens, and back-to-school celebrations for that last bit of summer fun.
Greenville County Schools begins classes Monday, August 11, 2025 Spartanburg Districts 1 – 7 begin classes Monday, August 11, 2025 Anderson Districts 1 – 5 begin classes Tuesday, August 5, 2025 School District of Pickens County begins classes Friday, August 1, 2025
Educational Options in the Upstate: If you have questions about your schooling options, this is the place to start. Find summaries and resources for all the public school, private school, virtual school, and homeschool options the Upstate.
Greenville County School District
The Greenville County School District’s first day of school is Monday, August 11, 2025. The 2025-2026 School Calendar is available on the greenville.k12.sc.us website.
Everything You Need to Know About Back-to-School: Greenville County Schools
For more information about public schools in Greenville County, check out our Guide to Greenville County Public Schools! We have school calendars, menus, registration information, a tutorial for GCS Backpack, and lots more! You’ll want to bookmark this guide.
If you or someone you know needs help purchasing school supplies for this year, don’t miss this list of Events with Free School Supplies. And if you’re not sure what supplies your child needs, check with your child’s school website for a detailed list.
Spartanburg County School Districts 1 – 7
Spartanburg County Schools operate as seven separate districts. Each district starts the 2025-2026 academic year on Monday, August 11, 2025 You can find registration requirements, bus information, and more on each district’s website, which is listed below.
Need help with school supplies? Here’s a list of events where kids can getfree school supplies in Spartanburg. If you need to find your child’s school supply list, visit their school’s website.
Anderson County School Districts 1 – 5
Anderson County Schools operate by 5 separate districts. Classes will start on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, for all districts for the 2025-2026 academic year. Information about each district’s schedules, bus information, registration, and more can be found on their individual websites.
Need help finding school supplies in Anderson, SC? Check out our list of free school supply events in the Upstate. You can find a detailed list of school supplies need for your child on their school’s website.
School District of Pickens County
The School District of Pickens County begins classes on Friday, August 1, 2025. The 2025-2026 academic calendar can be found on the School District of Pickens County website, with additional information about registration, bus schedules, specific schools, and much more.
Planning to enroll in a charter school? Pickens County offers several charter schools that can be an alternative to your child’s education.
Events to Celebrate Back to School: Greenville, SC & The Upstate
Countdown to Kindergarten
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate 130 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg 29306 Friday, August 1, 2025 from 5 – 7 pm This FREE event prepares children and families for an exciting kindergarten year. Geared toward families with children entering 3K, 4K, and Kindergarten, this event gives families an opportunity to connect with an array of community partners focused on student success and childhood development. Please RSVP (Free Event) Countdown to Kindergarten
United Way School Tools
Carolina High School | 2725 Anderson Road, Greenville, SC 9 AM – 2 PM Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 Free school supplies, along with backpacks, binders, notebooks, and more. You’ll also receive information on free or low-cost community resources, free food, family fun, and more. United Way School Tools Day
Town of Duncan 121 South Spencer Street, Duncan Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, 5 pm – 8 pm Back-to-school supplies, Duncan’s Police, Fire, Mayor, Council, and more! National Night Out
Back to School & Community Resource BASH
Elks Lodge, 7700 Pelham Road, Greenville Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10 am Free school supply giveaway, food, and games. There will also be touch-a-truck! Elks Lodge Back to School Bash
Back to School Bash
4 Points Church, 2355 S Highway 101, Greer TBD for 2025 In partnership with the Middle Tiger Community Center, there will be lots of fun and goodies. Back to School Bash at 4 Points Church
Back to School Bash at projectROCK Easley
projectROCK Easley TBD for 2025 The Back to School Bash will have live music, food trucks, shaved ice, and an opportunity to check out both sides of the facility. projectROCK Easley Back-to-school Bash
Grill & Chill End of the Summer Party
Group Therapy Pub & Playground TBD for 2025 Live music, burgers and hotdogs, drink specials, and Big Air outdoor games. The event is free and family friendly. Group Therapy End of Summer Party
Back to School Splash
Morningside Baptist Church TBD for 2025 Fun inflatables, games, popsicles. Please bring a towel! Back to School Splash!
Back to School Bash at TCMU Greenville
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate- Greenville TBD for 2025 Along with access to the museum, there will be a pool noodle obstacle course, dino dig sensory bin, exploding chaulk, pies in the face, and much more! TCMU Back to School Bash Greenville
Searching for the best fireworks shows near me or planning the perfect 4th of July Greenville, SC celebration? You’re in the right place! From family-friendly festivals to dazzling nighttime displays of fireworks, Greenville, SC and the Upstate are packed with unforgettable ways to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you’re looking to picnic in the park, watch an epic fireworks finale, or enjoy live music with the kids, we’ve got it all covered in one easy guide.
What Not to Miss: 🍉 Duncan Watermelon Festival – June 28th 🎉 Greer Freedom Blast – June 28th ⚾ Greenville Drive + Fireworks – July 3rd 🎇 Downtown Greenville Unity Park Fireworks – July 3rd 🌊 Saluda Lake Float-a-Palooza – July 4th – 6th ✨ And so many more! Scroll down for more 4th of July fun!
Join the Greenville Drive for its annual Independence Day Celebration on July 3rd, 2025! The Drive will take on Asheville at 6:45, and there will be a fantastic pregame party on the District from 4 pm to 6 pm. There will also be a Special Forces Jump Team performance, a flyover at the National Anthem, special recognitions and moments, and more throughout the night, concluding with a spectacular fireworks show!
🚨 Please double-check the event before you go. Plans may change last minute due to weather, and while we do our best to keep this list updated, we cannot guarantee the event information. Events are listed in date order.
This list is curated for your information and does not imply an endorsement. Please check original sources for current information and weather updates. *Copyright Kidding Around Media 2025
2025 Community Fireworks and 4th of July: Greenville, SC
June 26th, 2025 at Furman Music by the Lake series on June 26th will include a lakeside concert with the Greenville Chorale followed by fireworks. The event is free; bring your own lawn chairs.
June 28th, 2025 in Travelers Rest Food trucks at 6 pm, live music at 7 pm, and a patriotic drone show after the music. Freedom Trails takes place at Trailblazer Park.
July 3rd, 2025 in Fountain Inn Starting at 6 pm at the intersection of Main and Depot Streets, this Fireworks Spectacular includes food trucks, kids entertainment, and fireworks at dusk.
July 3rd, 2025 in Simpsonville Simpsonville Simply Freedom Fest will begin at 6 pm with a free concert from the Eli Young Band and conclude with fireworks. The event is held annually at Heritage Park.
July 3rd, 2025 in Laurens Laurens’ Freedom Fest will start at 5 pm and will include music, street performers, interactive games from Big Air, kids activities, and fireworks at 10 pm. Greenwood native Freddie McClendon, a rising Americana/Country artist, will be on the main stage.
July 3rd, 2025 from 6 pm to 10 pm Greenville’s If you’re looking for huge firework displays for the 4th of July, Greenville, SC has one of the biggest at Unity Park with Fireworks. It is recommended that families bring a picnic and enjoy time in the park. Fireworks go off at 9:30 pm.
July 3rd, 2025 at Fluor Field Join the Greenville Drive for their Military Night and Independence Day Celebration on July 3rd, 2025. Celebrate and honor our local heroes as we salute our military on this Independence Day celebration! Special pregame street party on District 356 from 4 PM – 6 PM including family fun, food & drinks, our annual hot dog eating contest, and so much more.
Enter the stadium and see the pregame show come to life with a Special Forces Jump Team performance, a flyover at the National Anthem, special recognitions and moments, and more.
Stick around for a special Independence Day fireworks display following the last out!
July 4-6th, 2025 at Saluda Lake Landing Enjoy food, live music, and souvenir floats from Noon-7 pm July 4th-6th at Saluda Lake Landing. Prices range from $15-$50/person. Address is 605 Motor Boat Club Road, Greenville.
July 4th, 2025 at Vaughn’s Food Hall Face painting, food, and live music at Vaughn’s Food Hall. Event is from 11:30 am – 11 pm and face painting is from 3-5 pm. Live music 7-10 pm.
July 5th, 2025 at BridgeWay Station in Simpsonville The party continues July 5th at BridgeWay Station from 2-10 pm. Family-friendly event with live music, food, and drinks.
July 5th, 2025 in Travelers Rest Dress up the bikes and the kids in their most festive red, white, and blue for the Kids’ Bike Parade at the Travelers Rest Farmers Market. The event is at Trailblazer Park and starts at 9:30 am. Cash prizes will be awarded to Most Creative and Most Patriotic!
July 4th, 2025 at O’Neal Church of God The annual event will take place at O’Neal Church of God at 3723 Highway 101 in Greer on July 4th at 7 pm and will include a watermelon eating contest, water balloon toss, and fireworks. Donations appreciated.
July 12th, 2025 at Renfrew Church in Travelers Rest Community Fireworks Celebration kicks off at 6 pm with food trucks and vendors and fireworks are at dark.
Greer Freedom Blast
Firework Shows Near Me: Celebrate the 4th of July Near Spartanburg, SC
June 27th, 2025 at 6-9pm at Mill Street Pavilion Inman’s Music on Mill happens 6pm-9pm every Friday in June, featuring music from different bands at Mill Street Pavilion (26 Mill St). On Friday, June 27th, Jim Quick and Coastline will be performing with a special fireworks show to follow. There is no charge to attend.
June 27th, 2025 at 7pm at Fifth Third Park Fifth Third Firework Friday is a regular feature for Friday night home games with the Hub City Spartanburgers. Buy tickets to watch your favorite team play ball, and then hang out afterwards for a fantastic fireworks show!
June 27th, 2025 from 7-9 pm at McKinney Park McKinney Park Concert Series in Woodruff, SC will be featuring Parris Island Marine Band followed by fireworks. Food trucks and drinks will be available for purchase.
June 28th, 2025 at 4-10pm at StoneLedge Park Duncan’s Watermelon Festival & Parade will have free kids’ rides, watermelon-eating contest, seed-spitting contest, food trucks, vendors, live music, and fireworks starting at 9:30pm. This will be a large firework display in conjunction with Shipwreck Cove Waterpark’s Star-Spangled Splash Bash ($10/ticket for waterpark access), so plan accordingly.
June 28th, 2025 at 7-10pm at Shipwreck Cove Star-Spangled Splash at Shipwreck Cove starts at 7pm in conjunction with the Duncan Watermelon Festival starting earlier at 4pm. Enjoy swimming and having fun at this popular waterpark for just $10/ticket. Children under 2 years old are free! Finish the night with a fireworks display starting at 9:30pm.
June 29th, 2025 at 6pm at Morning Star Baptist Church Faith & Freedom at Morning Star in Pacolet, SC will feature burgers and hotdogs, games, and fireworks for the whole family! Join them for the fun starting at 6pm and look forward to fireworks at dark!
June 29th, 2025 at 6pm at Jackson Baptist Church Freedom Celebration at Jackson Baptist in Wellford, SC will have bluegrass music, a free cookout, popcorn and snowcones, and fireworks at dark. Family and friends are welcome, and remember to bring your lawn chair!
June 29th, 2025 at 7pm at Philadelphia Baptist Church 4th of July Celebration at Philadelphia Baptist in Pauline, SC will offer hotdogs, games, and a children’s parade. Bring your lawn chairs and look forward to fireworks at dark!
June 29th, 2025 at 7:30-10pm at Lake Bowen Baptist Church Independence Fireworks at Lake Bowen in Inman, SC is one you’re bound to remember! They’ll have free homemade ice cream and one of the best and biggest fireworks displays in the area!
June 29th, 2025 at 7:30pm at Tate Memorial Baptist Church Gospel and Fireworks at Tate Memorial in Pacolet, SC will provide an evening full of Gospel singing, patriotism, homemade ice cream, and fireworks at dark! Bring a lawn chair and some friends!
July 3rd, 2025 at 7pm at View Church Fireworks at View in Boiling Springs, SC will be a family-friendly event with fireworks and music. Previous years have included access to the church playgrounds and bounce house. Bring picnic blankets and tailgating chairs for the whole family!
July 3rd, 2025 at 7pm at Crossroads Baptist Church Fireworks at Crossroads at 130 Conway Black Road in Spartanburg will be a great event for families, featuring live music, food trucks, bounce houses, a trackless train, and more! The celebration will conclude with a special fireworks show in honor of Independence Day.
July 3rd, 2025 at 7:30pm at First Baptist North Spartanburg Fireworks at First will offer fireworks, inflatables, and food vendors will all be at this family-friendly event starting at 7:30pm at First Baptist North Spartanburg.
July 4th, 2025 at 5pm at 121 Coffee 4th of July Celebration at 121 Coffee in Spartanburg, located behind WestGate Mall, will start at 5pm with a petting zoo, face painting, live music, food, and more! Closer to dark and once the animals are safely away from the area, 121 Coffee will also be putting on a fireworks show over their two private ponds for customers to enjoy.
July 4th, 2025 at 5:30pm at Enchanted Homes 4th of July Celebration at Enchanted Homes in Campobello will start at 5:30pm and have free hot dogs, chips, and soda for guests. Fireworks begin at dark!
July 4th, 2025 at 7pm Cross Roads Baptist Church (Greer) Cross Roads Baptist Celebration is confirmed to be happening again this year, and details have finally been released! They’ll have boiled peanuts, lemonade, ice cream, inflatables, and more. Festivities start at 7pm and fireworks begin at dark.
July 4th, 2025 at 9:15pm at Fifth Third Park City of Spartanburg’s Red, White, and Boom will take place for the very first time this year at the new Fifth Third Park on July 4th following the Spartanburgers home game. Game attendees will have early access to the field, but gates will open for the general public after the game concludes. The post-game fireworks show will be free to attend, and fireworks are expected to start at 9:15pm.
July 5th, 2025 at 6:30pm at Fifth Third Park Party Don’t Stop at Fifth Third Park will be a fantastic continuation of the weekend’s celebrations! Catch the Spartanburgers play at home starting at 6:30pm, enjoy holiday-themed celebrations for Independence Day, and a BONUS fireworks show after the game wraps up!
July 6th, 2025 at 8pm at Love Springs Baptist Church Fireworks at Love Springs in Cowpens, SC will be a great late-night event with Kona Ice Trucks onsite and fireworks on the ball field! Bring your own lawn chair, and get in on the food and fellowship!
July 4th, 2025 at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley Celebrate America will start at 5 pm with a BBQ dinner (tickets are $5 and must be purchased ahead of time). From 6-8 pm are games; music starts at 7 pm; ice cream is at 8 pm; fireworks and devotion are at dusk.
July 3rd-4th, 2025 in Easley The annual festival will include two days of fun and end with fireworks on July 4th, which will start at 9:45 pm after the Joe Nichols concert. You can see the fireworks within one mile of downtown Easley.
July 4th, 2025 in Mountain Rest No fireworks but this annual tradition of Hillbilly Day is quite famous in the area and happens on July 4th from 9 am – 3 pm. There is great music, fun games, and delicious food. It’s free but donations are accepted. Bring your own chairs.
July 5th, 2025 at Pickens Amphitheatre The annual Independence Day Spectacular in Pickens starts at 5 pm until 9:30 pm, concluding with fireworks. There will be live music, a free kids zone and games, and more.
July 4th, 2025 in Salem, SC Gates open at the Eagle Ridge Ball Field at 8 pm and fireworks go off at 9:30 pm. The public is welcome to bring chairs and blankets. No pets.
July 4th, 2025 at Chattooga Belle Farm Join the farm for fireworks at dark. The farm store, distillery, and bistro will be open throughout the day. The farm also offers u-pick fruits.
An all day event in Williamston, SC with kids activities, food, a golf cart parade, concert, and fireworks. The event takes place at Mineral Spring Park/Williamston Municipal Center Area and starts at 10 am. Fireworks will happen around 9:30 pm.
June 28, 2025 in Starr, SC The party happens at the Big Water Marina and starts at 10 am and concludes with fireworks after dark. The celebration is over Lake Hartwell and includes live music, food trucks, and other entertainment. Parking is $5/general and $15/VIP. They will be running shuttles.
June 29th, 2025 in Iva, SC Free event in downtown Iva with inflatables, face painting, a concert, and food vendors. Event starts at 6:30 with fireworks at dusk.
July 1st, 2025 at Veterans Park in Pendleton Free event with paid on-site parking ($20-$25) or take the free shuttle. The event is a fundraiser for the local volunteer firefighters who are in desperate need of equipment and building repairs. Free concert and fireworks. The event starts at 6:30 pm.
July 4th, 2025 at Trinity Wesleyan Church Join Trinity Wesleyan Church in Central, SC for fireworks and family fun – bounce houses, and ice cream. The celebration starts at 7 pm and fireworks go off at dark. Bring your own chairs.
TBA at Whitefield Baptist Church in Belton Food trucks, live music, an antique car cruise-in, door prizes, inflatables, a cake baking contest. Fireworks start at dusk and the celebration kicks off at 6:30 pm.
Where to See Fireworks and Celebrate Independence Day in Oconee
July 4th, 2025 in Seneca The 4th of July Celebration in Seneca at Gignilliat Field will open the gates at 5 pm with live music. No pets or coolers are allowed; food and beverage are available for purchase. Fireworks start at dusk (around 9 pm)
July 3rd, 2025: Downtown Walhalla Midway rides, free live music, kids bike parade, food trucks, shopping, and more on Main Street in Walhalla for Independence Fest. Live music starts at 6 pm and fireworks start at dusk.
Fireworks and July 4th Near Western North Carolina
The town of Rutherfordton, NC will be celebrating big this year with fireworks at Kiwanis Park near historic downtown! Join them for a 4th of July celebration with food vendors, a live DJ, and fireworks show at 9:30pm. Bring your picnic blankets, appetite, and patriotism!
4th of July parade in Hendersonville, NC 10:30 am to 11 am Live Music and fireworks from 5 pm to 9 pm: Located about an hour north of Greenville, Hendersonville celebrates the 4th with music, bounce houses, kids’ games and activities, food trucks, and more. The event begins at 5 pm and fireworks start at dusk (around 9 pm). The fireworks can be viewed from downtown Hendersonville and the south side of town near the intersection of Hwy. 225 South and Hwy. 176.
July 4th, 2025 at the Sapphire Valley Resort The resort is celebrating July 4th with a big party, good food, music, and lots of games and kid-friendly activities.
July 4th, 2025 in Brevard, NC Lots of family fun in Brevard, NC. The event is held Main Street. There will be live music, fun, dancing in the street, and food trucks. Fireworks will be launched from the Brevard College campus at dusk (around 9:30)
TBA in Arden, NC About an hour and 15 minutes north of Greenville, Arden’s Lake Julian welcomes visitors for a day that includes fireworks and fun. Lake Julian Park also has disc golf, cornhole, sand volleyball, playgrounds, fitness courses, horseshoes, and a boat launch. The day will be capped off with fireworks at dusk (around 9 pm). Visitors should arrive no later than 7:45 p.m. to find the park and enter the park. The park is closed to vehicles, but shuttles are available from Estes Elementary School. Be sure to check the Lake Julian Park event website for parking and fee information before you go.
Alternative Ways to Spend the Patriotic Holiday
Revolutionary War Battlefields Near Upstate, SC
For a history lesson pertaining to the holiday, there are a couple of nearby Revolutionary War Battlefields you can visit with your family. These locations offer hiking, and an opportunity to walk through battlefields with signage describing the battle that occurred.
Also, check out the Revolutionary War battlefield at King’s Mountain. There you can hike through the battlefield of a Patriot victory and a turning point for the Southern campaign.
King’s Mountain Battlefield
Where to Buy Fireworks: Greenville, SC
A responsibly executed private fireworks display can be a great alternative to the large crowds of a public event.
Are you ready for the ultimate celebration! Celebrate the 4th of July at one of these Upstate celebrations, where you can listen to live music, enjoy great food, and see some incredible firework displays!
Are you ready for 4th of July Greenville, SC? We are!
If you are planning an epic 4th of July with family and fireworks, then this Heritage Park 4th of July celebration is where to go! The city hosts its annual Simpsonville Simply Freedom Fest at Heritage Park for their 4th of July celebration on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025!
Again this year the city of Simpsonville will be hosting a free concert with performances by Eli Young Band, Corey Smith, and DJ Slim McGraw in celebration of the 4th of July in addition to the spectacular fireworks! Simpsonville, SC looking forward to celebrating Independence Day with you!
Heritage Park 4th of July Celebration (Fireworks: Simpsonville, SC)
If you love a spectacular display of fireworks, Simpsonville, SC, has you covered! The Independence Day Celebration is being held at the CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park. The event proceeds 4th of July on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 at 6 pm (gates open at 5:30 pm). Included in the festivities is a spectacular concert. There will also be post-concert fireworks. Entrance to the event and parking are FREE.
Looking for family-friendly celebrations and events for Memorial Day in Greenville, SC? There are several that honor and celebrate the military members in our family and community who have passed. Most people also have a long weekend to enjoy and will be looking for things to do near Greenville, SC this Memorial Day. Our list includes ceremonies and salutes, plus fairs, family events, and fun things to do.
Are you looking for VBS near Greenville, SC? There are dozens of Vacation Bible Schools to choose from in Greenville and Spartanburg. Maybe you’re looking for the VBS closest to home, or maybe you’re looking to visit a VBS that fits your vacation schedule! Either way, we’ve got the list of the 2025 VBS Greenville, SC, and Spartanburg, SC programs from June through August. All of these have a link to the church so you can get all their contact information, directions, and details!
NOTE: This list is currently being updated for 2025, so check back regularly for the latest updates!
For accuracy and to ensure that the programs were open to the public, we only listed VBS programs that were publicly listed online or submitted by the coordinator of the event. If you would like your church’s VBS program added or modified, please email erin@kiddingaroundgreenville.com.
While we try our best to provide accurate information, we always encourage our readers to check original sources before making plans. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement.
Are you planning to celebrate the berry season with one of the many berry festivals near Greenville, SC? The Strawberry Festival in South Carolina is always a hit! Plus, we have berry festivals in North Carolina, and Georgia that are worth a visit. What better item to celebrate with a festival than juicy, sweet berries?
Strawberries, Blueberries, and Blackberries are celebrated nationwide; luckily, we have a handful of festivals that are accessible to the Upstate! If you’re a huge fan of these vitamin-packed gems, you can plan your summer vacation to include part of a festival a little further from home!
The Greek Festival in Greenville, SC is one of the most popular festivals and is coming soon – which means awesome food, lively entertainment, and vendors with beautiful, traditional Greek items. The 2025 Greek Festival is happening at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Greenville, SC on May 16-18th, 2025.
I look forward to the Greek Festival every year and count down the days until I get my baklava and gyro fix. The spring festival is during the perfect time of year, usually having good weather and lots of lively entertainment.
The St. George Greek Orthodox Church hosts three days worth of music, food, and authentic Greek vendors that sell clothes, jewelry, and other fun goods. I love strolling through the vendors and have purchased jewelry and headbands in the past, plus lots of good food. Did I mention their baklava is amazing?
Everything to Know about Greenville’s Greek Festival
Entertainment
You can expect lots of live music and entertainment at the Greenville Greek Festival. You can typically see the full schedule of entertainment on the Greek Festival website. And it’s always jam-packed. There is a big, grassy seating area above the stage where you can hang out and watch the entertainment and there are also covered tables for dining.
The music is always so lively and fun. It makes me wish I had any knowledge whatsoever of Greek dancing. The costumes are beautiful as well with lots of bright colors and jingly things on the ends. Again, showing my lack of knowledge of traditional Greek outfits (apologies).
The festival takes place at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church and they will be offering tours of the inside plus have an iconography exhibit available.
Lots of fantastic vendors are also at the festival. You can get authentic Greek dress, jewelry, olive oil, and wine.
Greek Food is Delicious
Food available on the festival grounds outdoors are their traditional Gyros, Athenian Chicken, Pastichio, and Moussakawe. They also have Greek Pizza, Lamb Burgers, Greek Fries, Souvlaki, Greek-Style Ribs, Baklava Sundaes, Greek Donuts (Loukoumades), Greek Coffee, Lemonade, and Beer. They will have a Taverna with Greek beer, wine, and “mezedes”, which is a traditional Greek appetizer.
If you haven’t had Greek pastries before, you need to try them. They will have many for sale including baklava, koulourakia, kourambiedes, or a combination assortment. Get the baklava. It’s a layered pastry of thin philo dough with honey and nuts. Oh my gosh, I’m so hungry.
You Can Still Order Drive Thru
If you’re not able to attend the festival but still want the great food available, you can order drive-thru. They will be offering Athenian Chicken, Pastichio, or Moussaka plus my personal favorite, Gyros. And you can still get baklava at the drive-thru, which is on Elford Street (you’ll enter off Academy Street). The drive-thru closes 2 hours earlier each evening. An updated menu will be available here.
Church Tours
If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of St. George Greek Orthodox Church looks like, you can go on a church tour, which happens regularly throughout each date. You will also get a chance to see the Iconography exhibit.
I loved learning about the history of the Church and what the different icons and art meant. It was really cool and I definitely recommend it.
Dates & Hours
The 2025 Greek Festival will take place at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Greenville on May 16-18, 2025 (Friday-Sunday).
