What’s Happening for Free: Family Events in the Upstate
Looking for fun and free events happening in and around Greenville? You’re in the right place! This list is updated almost daily with local events where your family can play, explore, and make memories — without opening your wallet. From outdoor concerts and storytimes to seasonal festivals and community celebrations, these events are easy to enjoy and perfect for all ages.
Bookmark this list and check back often — we’re always adding new ways to have fun for free!
Free Events
Join us for crafts, activities, and games about Berea’s White Squirrels. Meet a white squirrel ambassador from Wildlife Rehab of SC.
The Greenville Symphony Orchestra’s Annual Children’s Concerts are free to all public school classes, home school families and Co-Ops. Please know that no paper tickets will be issued; once you fill out the sign-up form, you have reserved your seats! Peace Center ushers will check you off the sign-up list and seat groups together as they arrive.
“Obey The Crave Presents Cars and Coffee at BridgeWay Station” and “Cars & Coffee of the Upstate” are happy to announce their 2026 schedule of events. For 2026, there will two locations. Keep an eye on Cars & Coffee of the Upstate Facebook page for all current information. Be sure to check out our review of Cars & Coffee
Bring your littles to the front steps of M. Judson for our twice-weekly story time! Enjoy some wonderful picture books read aloud to the crowd by our very own booksellers, and children will even get a sweet treat to go. If you catch them on a rainy day or cold day, storytime is held inside in the children’s section toward the back of the store. Keep up with changes to the schedule here> Book Store & Coffee Shop in Downtown Greenville Check out our Review of Storytime on the Steps at M. Judson Booksellers!
Downtown Asheville’s 80th annual Holiday Parade is back! This year’s theme is A Vintage Holiday.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: Downtown Asheville, Asheville, NC
More Details
Electric Kids is a hands-on kids’ program at the Anderson County Museum.
Work on a character, a scene, or start a new project during National Novel Writing Month. For teens ages 12-18 or grades 7-12 only.
Travel to ancient Egypt to see how science was used to tell time, make a workable calendar, and align huge buildings. You’ll learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phenomena and see some of the most spectacular temples and tombs of the ancient world recreated in their original splendor. Produced by E&S Digital Theater. Doors close promptly at 11:00 a.m. If you need to leave for any reason, you are welcome to do so, but you will not be able to reenter the theater until the show is finished. Food and drinks are not allowed. Electronic devices should be set to silent. Target audience 9-adult. Loud sounds and bright, flashing lights may affect some audience members. Registration opens two weeks before the show and is required for this free show. The entire presentation runs 45-50 minutes. Closed captioning will be provided for this show. Registration may be required.
Fly to the skies and create the next page of your “Legendary Creature Field Guide.” This program is best suited for ages 6-12.
Enjoy hot chocolate and play a variety of board games like Werewords, Hues and Clues, and Sorry. For teens ages 12-18 or grades 7-12 only.
Play both classic and different patterns of bingo to win prizes. Program presented by Bella, our Teen Intern. For teens ages 12-18 or in grades 7-12 only.
Bring your littles to the front steps of M. Judson for our twice-weekly story time! Enjoy some wonderful picture books read aloud to the crowd by our very own booksellers, and children will even get a sweet treat to go. If you catch them on a rainy day or cold day, storytime is held inside in the children’s section toward the back of the store. Keep up with changes to the schedule here> Book Store & Coffee Shop in Downtown Greenville Check out our Review of Storytime on the Steps at M. Judson Booksellers!
Bring your littles to the front steps of M. Judson for our twice-weekly story time! Enjoy some wonderful picture books read aloud to the crowd by our very own booksellers, and children will even get a sweet treat to go. If you catch them on a rainy day or cold day, storytime is held inside in the children’s section toward the back of the store. Keep up with changes to the schedule here> Book Store & Coffee Shop in Downtown Greenville Check out our Review of Storytime on the Steps at M. Judson Booksellers!
Let’s stick together and build as a family with LEGOs, DUPLOs, and more. All families welcome. This activity is best suited to the 6-12 age group.
Listen to K-Pop music while you personalize a journal filled with your favorite groups, lyrics, and moments. Supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own fan items too. Open to the first 18 teens ages 12-18 or in grades 7-12 only.
Join in on the fun as we paint and learn fun facts about this month’s planet: Uranus. Nothing could be better than relaxing and letting your creativity flow into this instructor-led acrylic painting class. Learn about Uranus and all its wonders including its freezing temperatures, sideways tilt, and even more. Patrons are encouraged to bring clothes they can ruin/get messy. Materials and paint supplies included. This program is recommended for ages 10 and up. Please enter on time, if you’re more than 10 minutes late, we may have trouble catching you up. Registration may be required.
The City of Seneca Christmas Parade has the theme “The Magic of Christmas” this year.
Gather in downtown Seneca for The Magic of Christmas Parade, with festive floats, music and holiday cheer.
All aboard for a magical Polar Express experience, including ornament making, cocoa, and photos with Santa. Materials available to the first 200 children under 12.
Storytime is for children ages 2-5. STEM Storytime will be on the first and third Wednesday of the month in 2026. Updates will be on the Spartanburg Science Center’s Facebook or website.
https://www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org/stem-storytime/
Bring your littles to the front steps of M. Judson for our twice-weekly story time! Enjoy some wonderful picture books read aloud to the crowd by our very own booksellers, and children will even get a sweet treat to go. If you catch them on a rainy day or cold day, storytime is held inside in the children’s section toward the back of the store. Keep up with changes to the schedule here> Book Store & Coffee Shop in Downtown Greenville Check out our Review of Storytime on the Steps at M. Judson Booksellers!
In partnership with the Spartanburg Philharmonic, SCPL is proud to present Music Sandwiched In featuring Arbor Wind Trio. Bring your own lunch or there will be a limited number of boxed lunches available for purchase from Jason’s Deli. Doors to the Barrett Room will open at 11:45 a.m., 30 minutes before the program starts at 12:15 p.m. Tables and chairs are first come, first served. Please refrain from bringing heating equipment or hot liquids for lunch when attending.
Line Main Street in Fountain Inn for the town’s Christmas parade.
Celebrate the season at the Mauldin Outdoor Amphitheater with a holiday market, pictures with Santa, train rides, food trucks, live performances at 6 pm and the annual tree lighting at 7 pm. Parking and entry are free; leashed dogs are welcome.
The City of Clemson’s 33rd annual Christmas parade happens rain or shine, and there is no rain date this year.
Did you love this list? There’s a lot more to explore.
- Free Things to Do in the Upstate: a list of great things to do that are free or very cheap
- Find more family-friendly events on our Kidding Around Greenville Calendar