Inside: A list of events happening soon that are perfect for family night in Greenville, SC, and across the Upstate.
As my kids grow and begin heading off to college, one of the things I am most thankful for—and honestly wish we had done even more of—is simple, low-key time spent out having fun together. We did it frequently when they were little, but somewhere in the busyness of life, those easy family outings slowly gave way to long homework nights, teen jobs, and plans with their own friends.
Here in the Upstate, we are so lucky to have incredible, accessible options right in our backyard—from free outdoor movies at Unity Park and live music on the lawn in Greer or Simpsonville, to vibrant, family-friendly theater downtown. I created this guide to help you grab those sweet, simple moments while you can, slow down the clock, and enjoy a memorable Family Night Out with the people who matter most.
These Events Are Perfect for Family Night
Drop-in event for families. Supplies are limited.
We’re hosting a night of Line & Swing Dancing at Gather GVL on October 22nd! Whether you’re a pro or have two left feet, we’ve got you covered—we’ll have instructors teaching both styles every hour from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. (No Cover Charge)
Family night just got better! Kids eat free after 5pm with participating vendors and a kid’s movie on the big screen starting at 6pm. Showing tonight is The Haunted Mansion.
Explore Science Event | Friday, Oct. 23 | 4–6 p.m.
Bring the family for a free, fun-filled afternoon of discovery hosted by Clemson’s Science Outreach Center! Try hands-on activities, meet fascinating specimens, explore the night sky, and see science in action. Free snow cones will be served.
Make elephant toothpaste foam, reveal secret messages with disappearing ink, create rainbow tornadoes, and discover the science of flight with paper airplanes and a trebuchet. You can also explore genetics through tiger stripes, twist a Möbius band, solve math and logic puzzles, watch a Rubik’s Cube demonstration, and more. Planetarium shows and Museum of Natural History specimens round out the adventure.
Location: 230 Parkway Dr, Clemson, SC 29634
Register here: Sign up for Explore Science
The countdown has begun…Ballet Greenville’s “Madame TuTu’s Nightmare at the Museum” is just one week away at the Peace Center’s Gunter Theatre, October 23-24! Get ready for an exciting evening of ballet with a very UNIQUE twist! From the iconic beat of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to the rockin’ sounds of Guns-N-Roses, the music will keep you moving from beginning to end. So come tour the museum with Annabelle, a cell phone obsessed teenager, to view Poison Ivy, Riddler, the Adams family and many more of your favorite classic villains! BEWARE! The museum COMES ALIVE as the museum closes and the doors lock. It’s a show you won’t want to miss! And don’t let the name fool you…Nightmare is totally kid-friendly!
Family Fun Night Oct. 26
Free balloon art from Joy Set Entertainment, a Halloween craft and a treat for every kid, and a reason to wear the costume one more time
BOILING SPRINGS, S.C., Oct. 14, 2026 – Blaze Pizza Boiling Springs, owned and run by local father-son team Stewart and Will Coates, will host its first Family Fun Night on Monday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is free. Five days before Halloween, kids are invited to come in costume for free balloon art from local favorite Joy Set Entertainment, and every child will take home a Halloween craft and a treat, while supplies last.
Event Details
What: Family Fun Night at Blaze Pizza Boiling Springs
When: Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: 861 Double Bridge Road, Unit B, Boiling Springs, S.C. 29316 (in the Target parking lot, beside the Boiling Springs Library)
Cost: Free. No tickets or RSVP required.
Welcome to everyone!
There will be dance presentations, food, and a community ofrenda to participate in.
Please bring something special for the ofrenda or a dish to share with everyone if you would like!
Date: October 9th, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Location: 7 Shannon Drive, Greenville, SC (side entrance)
Mosaic is a Greenville 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps K–12 students whose second language is English grow through after-school academic support, dance and arts classes, a youth leadership academy, and a summer arts camp, through cultural celebration and belonging. Mosaic also offers resources for the whole family.
Family night just got better! Kids eat free after 5pm with participating vendors and a kid’s movie on the big screen starting at 6pm. Showing tonight is Hocus Pocus.
Family night just got better! Kids eat free after 5pm with participating vendors and a kid’s movie on the big screen starting at 6pm. Showing tonight is Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Join in this fall for three fun evenings under the stars at Doodle Park Pavilion:
October 29 — Hocus Pocus
November 12 — Moana 2
December 10 — The Grinch
Bring your chairs, blankets, family, and friends for a great night at the movies in downtown Pickens. Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase.
Carolina Shag Club presents:
Fun for the entire family!
Line & Shag Dance
October 30th
Free Jr Shag lessons at 6:30pm
$5 line lessons at 7:15pm
Dancing // Music // Fun
Social dance at 8pm
Sparetime Entertainment Center
822 Congaree Rd, Greenville, SC 29607
🎃 Trunk or Treat at PetSuites Greenville! 🐾
Bring the whole family—and your pups!—to PetSuites Greenville on Saturday, October 31 from 4:00–6:00 PM for a spooktacular Trunk or Treat celebration!
Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume and enjoy an afternoon of tricks, treats, festive fun, and plenty of puppy-friendly Halloween spirit! 🐶👻🎃 Whether you’re bringing your four-legged best friend or the whole family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
📅 October 31 | ⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 PetSuites Greenville
🎃 Costumes encouraged!
🐾 Family & pup-friendly!
Come celebrate Halloween with us—we can’t wait to see all those adorable costumes! 🧡🐕🦺👻
Join in this fall for fun evenings under the stars at Doodle Park Pavilion:
November 12 — Moana 2
December 10 — The Grinch
Bring your chairs, blankets, family, and friends for a great night at the movies in downtown Pickens. Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase.
★ FeaturedGet ready to dance! DJ Raphi brings his high-energy Hype Tour USA 2.0 to The Underground in Charlotte for an all-ages dance party packed with crowd-pleasing beats. It’s a general admission, standing-room-only show, so wear comfy shoes and come ready to move.
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., show starts at 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Underground, Charlotte, NC
Ages: All ages welcome
GIVEAWAY: Enter to win tickets here
Tickets: General admission only, with a limit of 8 tickets per order. Prices go up on the day of the show, so buy early. Service fees apply at all points of purchase.
Accessibility: Guests needing accessible accommodations should purchase a general admission ticket and will be accommodated at the venue.
Dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.
Join in this fall for fun evenings under the stars at Doodle Park Pavilion:
December 10 — The Grinch
Bring your chairs, blankets, family, and friends for a great night at the movies in downtown Pickens. Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase.
Want more fun events?
Check out our Kidding Around Events Calendar, full of all the fun things happening in the Upstate.
