Events in Spartanburg, SC

The community returns to Milliken Arboretum for the Upstate Strut for Childhood Cancer, a cross-country fun run and 5K that brings together competitive runners, casual joggers, and walkers to support local children facing cancer and the families who stand beside them. Last year, participants helped raise more than $65,000 to benefit Upstate children through Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, and the event continues that mission of critical support throughout treatment. Registration includes a race shirt, with sizes guaranteed for those who meet the stated deadline and limited availability afterward. Teams are welcome, whether formed by friends, families, co-workers, or neighbors, and creative names with matching outfits are encouraged. After the race, trophies will recognize the most spirited team, the largest team, and the top fundraising team.

Undercover Jazz brings a smooth mix of standards and reimagined favorites to Fretwell Spartanburg. The upstate South Carolina group, formed in 2019, performs in duo and trio formats and focuses on classic jazz alongside jazz-infused versions of RnB, hip hop, rock, and pop. The lineup features Zachary Pruitt on guitar, Corey McDaniels on bass, and Brandon Edwards on drums, with vocals by Walter Farr. Presented on the Fretwell Lawn as part of Off the Clock Friday, this free, family friendly show offers an easygoing setting to relax with friends or take a break from time on the nearby rail trail. Food and drinks are available from the Little River Cafe. Fretwell’s outdoor space sits just off the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail and is designed to welcome community and cultural gatherings for all ages.

Taste of the Carolinas Fest returns to Drayton Mills with a free celebration of local food and drink, highlighting standout flavors from across the Carolinas. Expect a community-focused gathering centered on regional tastes and makers. Vendor applications are free, with limited spots available in every category.

Porchfest brings the community together for a full day of complimentary live performances and shared celebration. One of the acts from the very first year is back for this edition.

A ticketed release party celebrates Threshing Day with a friendly countdown filled with activities such as a friendship bracelet station, trivia, coloring sheets, giveaways, and book specials. Light snacks are included with the ticket, and the event is BYOB. Bookish pottery from Hearts of Clay will be available for purchase, and painting includes a $10 event fee; pottery purchases are not included in the ticket. Attendance is capped at 20 and a ticket is required, which is included with a preorder of the book or can be obtained through the website. Preordered copies will be handed out to attendees during the event. An initial order has been placed with the publisher and books are expected to arrive on schedule; if there is a delay, attendees will be notified and may receive a refund or have the book shipped or set aside for in-store pickup once available. Threshing Day is a new story in the world of Rebecca Yarros and is not book 4 of the empyrean series.

Converse Symphony Orchestra launches its 2026-2027 season with Crosswinds at Twichell Auditorium. The program features Antonio Vivaldi’s Piccolo Concerto in C major, the Rondo Allegro movement from Carl Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2, and Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 in D major, London. Admission is free and the performance is open to the public. A livestream will be available.

Led by Drs. Daniel and Richelle Knowles, this NetworkSpinal Transform Care learning experience explores the Season of Transform and how it relates to the Lower and Upper Mental Energetic aspects of Innate Intelligence. The program focuses on advancing the central nervous system’s capacity to self-organize through the self-regulation of spinal sensory motor distortions, targeted vertebral oscillation, and the distinctive Network reorganizational healing wave, encouraging stress relief and greater personal empowerment in healing. Building on prior Discover Care Learning Experiences, the curriculum covers Early, Middle, and Late Transform Care while integrating material from Discover Care to further develop spinal and neural strategies. Eligibility is limited to chiropractors and chiropractic students who, since 2018, have completed either at least one Discover Care Experience plus one Discover Care Practicum or two Discover Care Experiences. Students enrolled in an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic program who are in their fourth quarter or third trimester or above may attend NetworkSpinal Experiences and Practicums. Up to 20 continuing education hours may be available in select U.S. states and parts of Canada. California CE credit is not offered. For approvals and details, contact the EpiEnergetics office at +1 (303) 678-8086. Hosted at the Spartanburg Marriott, the format includes check-in, evening and daytime sessions, and a scheduled lunch break.

Spartanburg Philharmonic opens the 26-27 Espresso concert series with a one-hour program focused on the Age of Enlightenment, featuring well-known 18th-century chamber music alongside English and Scottish folk tunes. A pre-concert reception is included with admission and is held before the performance.

Moore Junction brings classic rock favorites to Rigsby's Classic Rock Cafe, a setting where food and music blend for a relaxed, feel good evening. Enjoy familiar songs in a friendly atmosphere with food from the cafe.

This event takes place at Fr8Yard.

Fretwell Market brings together seasonal food and drinks, fresh produce, artisan crafts, handmade goods, and local gifts, offering an easy way to discover unique finds while supporting local vendors. Enjoy delicious treats and a friendly community gathering on the Fretwell lawn, a short walk from the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Furry friends are welcome, with pet-themed fun adding to the experience. For online safety, messages about the market and vendor spots are shared only by Fretwell or Fretwell Market.

On the first Saturday of each month, Hearts Of Clay offers an open clay handbuilding day where participants can shape and personalize their own pieces with access to the studio’s clay tools. Pricing is by the pound with two finishing options. At $35 per pound, the package includes tool use, painting, and two kiln firings. After the initial build, the piece dries and receives a first firing, which takes about three to four weeks to ensure it is fully dry and safe. When that stage is complete, the studio will call so painting can be done. After painting, the piece is fired a second time and is typically ready for pickup in about one week, and no call is made after that final firing. At $30 per pound, tool use is included and painting happens the same day, followed by a single firing after a similar three to four week drying period. The studio will call when that single-fired piece is ready for pickup.

Hailing from South Carolina, Shelly Belly delivers high-energy, outspoken comedy with an unfiltered, real-life edge. She became a fan favorite on Season 3 of Netflix’s The Circle, thanks to quick wit and unmistakable Southern charm. This performance at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium showcases her bold voice and straight-shooting style. Presented by Big Spring Entertainment.

Inside the Historic Montgomery Building, this pop-up art market showcases up to 14 local artists and makers, with a fresh mix of mediums each time. The October edition leans into a spooky theme. Explore the booths and find unique work from local creatives.

The Fall Market at Drayton features local vendors with handmade crafts and unique goods, fall-inspired foods and drinks, and a cozy autumn atmosphere for all ages. Browse one-of-a-kind finds and support local vendors while enjoying family friendly fun. The market takes place at Drayton Mills Marketplace in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and offers free admission and free parking.

Treat pottery as your canvas in a hands-on workshop led by Katie that focuses on vintage stamping. Explore techniques to layer textures and patterns using provided stamps and props, then choose a pottery piece to paint and personalize. The reservation is $25, which includes a $10 nonrefundable event fee and a $15 pottery deposit. The $15 deposit is applied to your pottery purchase at the end of the class, and final pricing depends on the piece you select. Space is limited. Create, unwind, and craft a one-of-a-kind design inspired by timeless motifs.

Enjoy a multi county fair in Spartanburg, South Carolina, offering fun for all ages. Look forward to midway rides, a variety of fair food, and classic amusements, with Silver Travis featured among the attractions.

Experience a bustling fall market that celebrates the charm of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. More than 150 vendors are spread across multiple buildings, with an additional building added for 2026 to create even more to explore. Browse handmade work by Nova Scotian artisans and makers, including pottery, woodworking, glass art, textiles, home decor, jewelry, and other unique pieces. Savor local flavors with baked goods, fudge, nuts, specialty foods, and beverages, along with local wines. Food trucks are on site both days. Live music sets the atmosphere and outdoor tents extend the experience outdoors. Admission includes a weekend wristband for convenient return visits. Only service dogs may enter buildings. Cash is recommended. For more information, email Sabcreationkey50@gmail.com.

Rigsby’s Classic Rock Cafe sets the stage for a high-octane night as Seth McKay & The Moonshine Rivals roll in with Southern grit and arena-level energy. Their live set blends Southern rock soul with hard-driving rock and roll, delivering electrifying riffs, raw vocals, and a commanding presence that fills the room. Whether you have followed the band for years or are seeing them for the first time, expect a loud, full throttle experience.

America’s Top Psychic Medium and New York Times bestselling author Matt Fraser brings his mediumship to the stage at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. This 90 minute live experience invites the audience into real time connections as he moves through the room to deliver readings, sharing specific names, memories, dates, and details linked to loved ones in spirit. As messages unfold, many watch outlooks change and emotions surface, with moments of laughter, tears, comfort, and healing. Whether a message comes to you directly or through someone nearby, it often resonates in meaningful ways. The experience reaches the whole room, and each event is unique, guided by the audience and the energy in the moment. Tickets are limited and the event is expected to sell out.

Explore home improvement ideas and senior living resources at the Spartanburg Home & Garden Show. This free showcase fills Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium with vendors, products, and inspiration for everything from whole-home renovations and kitchen updates to fresh landscaping. Parking and admission are free. Guests can also enter hourly drawings for door prizes while they browse, ask questions, and compare options for their next project.

Build confidence to help your four-legged adventure buddy with a hands-on dog first aid course presented in partnership with The Chaser Initiative and Paisley Paws. Training covers how to recognize common injuries, provide basic care, and respond calmly while coordinating with a veterinarian. It is suited for trail outings as well as everyday care at home, helping you be prepared when it counts. Participants earn a two-year certification upon completion, plus some extras. The course fee is $90, and a minimum of five participants is required.

Over the Edge Upstate offers a unique challenge with a purpose, inviting participants to rappel 192 feet down the side of the Denny’s building while raising vital support for the Cancer Association. Since its start in 2018, this signature fundraiser has generated $709,690 to help local individuals and families facing cancer, and the goal for 2026 is to raise $100,000 to keep essential services in place. This year is the finale for the event, creating a meaningful last chance to be part of its legacy and make a lasting difference in the community. Participation is earned through fundraising. The first 92 people who meet a minimum of $1,000 secure a rappel spot, turning each descent into both an unforgettable experience and a tangible contribution. Interested participants can register, set up a personal fundraising page, and work toward the minimum to take their turn on the ropes down the Denny’s facade. No prior experience is required, there is no age limit, and participants must weigh between 100 and 300 pounds. The impact grows through sponsor support, which helps bring the event to life and extend its reach across the community.

Explore ideas for home improvement and senior living at a free showcase taking place at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. Across two days, discover solutions for whole-home renovations, kitchen refreshes, and outdoor landscapes while meeting providers and comparing options. Entry and parking are free, and there will be hourly drawings for door prizes.

Fretwell Market brings a lively mix of seasonal bites and drinks, locally made gifts, handcrafted goods and artisan creations to the Fretwell lawn in Spartanburg, South Carolina, steps from the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail. Shoppers can browse fresh produce, unique finds and delicious treats from local vendors, and there is pet themed fun so furry friends can be part of the day. Communications about vendor opportunities originate from Fretwell or Fretwell Market only, with a reminder to stay alert for online scams.

Once a month on the first Saturday, drop in to handbuild a clay piece from start to finish. Two pricing options are available for clay handbuilding. For $35 per pound, the price includes use of all clay tools, paint, and two firings. After you create your piece, it is fired once after about three to four weeks so it can dry completely and avoid exploding. You will get a call to return and paint it, then it is fired a second time and will be ready for pickup in about one week. No calls are made after the second firing. For $30 per pound, the price includes use of all clay tools, you paint the same day, and the piece is fired once after about three to four weeks to ensure it is fully dry and safe. You will receive a call when it is ready to pick up.

At Hearts Of Clay, this hands-on workshop focuses on painting ceramic Christmas trees. A $60 seat reservation includes a nonrefundable $10 event fee and a $50 deposit applied to the purchase of a ceramic tree or light-up piece. Tree prices start at $65 and vary by style or size. Each participant needs an individual reservation to paint, and seating is limited and tends to fill quickly. Projects are completed the same night, then fired in the kiln, with finished pieces typically ready for pickup in about three weeks. Snacks and beverages are included.

A holiday edition of the monthly Artists' Pop-Up Market takes place in the Historic Montgomery Building, featuring up to 14 local creatives and makers. The mix of art mediums changes each month, offering a fresh selection at every market. Vendors interested in future markets can email Pharmacy@LittleRiverRoasting.com with a business name and details to be added to the outreach list.

Jeff Edwards brings an acoustic set to The Beerded Cork, blending alternative grit with a stripped-down approach rooted in the Appalachian foothills. The show leans into classic and 90s rock, featuring songs by Tom Petty, Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, the Cure, and more. With more than ten years of Upstate stage time, including appearances at Spartanburg Music on Main, the City of Abbeville Spring Festival, and Greenville’s Artisphere, he delivers propulsive rhythms, powerful vocals, memorable hooks, and guitar-forward energy.

Celebrate independent makers and neighborhood shops at this Small Business Saturday gathering. Browse one of a kind gifts, handcrafted goods, and delicious bites while enjoying a welcoming community atmosphere. Expect a lively mix of artisans and vendors alongside specialty food and drink options. The setting is family friendly. Admission and parking are free.

A lively open-air market sets up on the Fretwell lawn, a short stroll from the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Visitors can explore a wide range of local offerings, including seasonal bites and beverages, creative gifts, handcrafted goods, artisan pieces, produce, and sweet treats. Four-legged companions are welcome, with playful, pet-themed touches adding to the fun. Designed to spotlight area makers and small businesses, the market creates an easy way to discover unique finds and connect with the community. This recurring monthly gathering also shares a friendly reminder to watch for scammers online, as messages about vendor opportunities come only from Fretwell or Fretwell Market.