This weekend, numerous events are happening in the Upstate to cater to people of all ages.
There’s something for everyone, from music festivals and car shows to thrilling cycling events. Don’t miss out on book launches, live performances, a vendor fair, a special Chick-fil-A superhero event, a Halloween contest, and a fall carnival.
MercyMe to perform at Bon Secours
Christian rock band MercyMe is bringing its fall 2024 “Together Again…Again Tour,” featuring Crowder and Cochren & Co., to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville at 7 p.m. Saturday, October 19.
Tickets range from $25-$77.
MercyMe recently released a new single, the title track from their latest best-selling project, “Always Only Jesus.” Gaining momentum each week, the song follows “To Not Worship You,” which hit No. 1 on four different Billboard and Mediabase charts, and “Then Christ Came,” which also hit No.1 and was Dove Award-nominated for Song of the Year, according to a post on the Bon Secours website.
The band has several career highlights, including:
–Billboard’s Top Christian Artist of the 2010 decade
–In 2020, they received their eighth American Music Award nomination
–A major motion picture based on the life of frontman Bart Millard, who wrote the song “I Can Only Imagine” after the loss of his father, opened at a remarkable No. 3 at the box office on Mar. 16, 2018
–In 2018 MercyMe named Top Christian Artist at the Billboard Music Awards
–Since their debut in 2001, the band has sold more than 9 million units in CD, single and DVD sales, garnered more than 49 No. 1 multi-format radio singles, and had four consecutive mainstream radio hits.
Source: Bon Secours Wellness Arena
‘& Juliet’ at Peace Center
The Broadway musical ‘& Juliet’ was created by an Emmy-winning writer from the popular TV series “Schitt’s Creek.” It has weekend shows Friday through Sunday at the Peace Center in Greenville.
The premise is that Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo and gets a second chance at life and love.
The musical includes several recognizable pop songs, including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life‚” “That’s The Way It Is,“ and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”
“& Juliet” is recommended for ages eight and older and contains adult language, flashing and strobe lights, loud noises, confetti cannons, and pyrotechnics.
Go to www.peacecenter.org for ticket information and show times. Or call 864-467-3030.
‘Long Island Medium’ Theresa Caputo
Theresa Caputo, known as the “Long Island Medium,” and star of the new Lifetime series “Raising Spirits,” is bringing “Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience” to the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium at 3 p.m. Sunday.
The show’s description on the auditorium’s website says “through personal stories, candid humor and intimate details about her gift to communicate with those who have passed, the beloved television personality and best-selling author delivers healing messages to her audience, reassuring them with the revelation that their deceased loves ones are still with them — just in a different way.”
Go to crowdpleaser.com for ticket information.
Greenville Country Music Festival
The fifth annual Greenville Country Music Festival returns to the Upstate for three days of musical entertainment. Concerts are Friday, October 18, Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, October 20. Featured headliners include Jon Pardi, Whiskey Myers, and Megan Moroney. Other notable names on the lineup include the Red Clay Strays, Charley Crockett, Chase Rice, Parmalee, Dylan Marlowe, and more.
The festival will be at CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park, 861 SE Main Street in Simpsonville. Concerts are scheduled from 3-11 p.m. each day.
Go to the CCNB website for tickets and more information.
Here is a list of prices for the event
- 3-Day general admission is $192.05
- 3-Day VIP is $243.68
- 3-Day Super VIP is $455.34
- 3-Day RV Camping is $311.34
Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs Orlando Solar Bears
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits kick off their 15th annual opening night vs. the Orlando Solar Bears at Bon Secours Wellness Arena at 650 N Academy St. on Friday, October 18. The game starts at 7:05 p.m.
Opening night also features a pregame party on Furman Plaza, highlighted by live music, interactive games, and an orange carpet walk-in featuring the entire Swamp Rabbits roster. There will also be a special rally towel giveaway as fans enter Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Click here to purchase tickets to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits’ opening night game vs. the Orlando Solar Bears.
Gran Fondo Hincapie 2024
If you enjoy cycling, consider checking out the Gran Fondo Hincapie event. It’s a multi-day cycling celebration featuring scenic rides, live music, and a family festival with food, and drinks. Participants will join thousands of cycling pros, celebrities, weekend warriors, and first-time riders in the excitement of the Gran Fondo Hincapie hosted by George Hincapie and the family.
Participants will choose between a short Piccolo, a mid-length Medio, or a longer Gran ride on one of the scenic routes mapped and tested by George Hincapie. The event is a chance to connect with other cycling enthusiasts and indulge in your passion for cycling, regardless of your skill level.
Gran Fondo Hincapie will take place at Hotel Domestique, 10 Road of Vines, Travelers Rest. It is an all-day event. General Admission is $95 plus.
The goal is to raise $1 million for the Polk County Community Foundation.
Pro racing cyclists Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins and Jan Ullrich will be there.
‘North of Main’ book signing
Join the Hub City Writers Project on Tuesday, October 22, at the Chapman Cultural Center to celebrate the book launch of “North of Main, Spartanburg’s Historic Black Neighborhoods of North Dean Street, Gas Bottom, and Back of the College.”
“North of Main” is “the most in-depth Spartanburg Black history book ever produced, particularly for the years post-emancipation.” This 250-page hardcover book also includes over 150 historic photographs and maps. Books will be for sale, and neighborhood representatives and authors will sign them. Dr. Glory Boozer will moderate the panel of authors for the history program portion of the evening.
RSVP at and if you can’t make it, you can purchase a copy at Hub City Bookshop or order online at hubcity.org/northofmain.
Get Out the Vote Concert
A Get Out the Vote Concert hosted by SIREN will take place 6-10 p.m.Saturday, October 19, at Harvest Park in Spartanburg. Adia Victoria, Moody Black, and Remedy58 will perform.
Adia Victoria, a native of Spartanburg, will perform an intimate set in her hometown for the first time and support Get Out the Vote efforts.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://adiavictoria.eventbrite.com.
Cars and Cigars Food and Toy Drive
The Town of Duncan, South Carolina, and Carolina Truck Shop are hosting a food and toy drive on West Main Street on Saturday, 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event will feature classic cars, premium cigars, delicious food, and giving back to the community.
Residents can enjoy various activities while supporting Breaking Bread for Jesus, the Duncan Police, and the Duncan Fire Department in providing for children in need during Christmas.
Visitors are welcome to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate and help spread holiday cheer to children in need. They can also indulge in tasty food from local vendors and browse through a stunning display of vintage cars.
Flatwood Custom & Hot Rod Shop, Carolina Truck Shop, and Lofted Cigars sponsor this event. If you have questions, email christiegregory38@yahoo.com.
Fall Craft and Vendor Fair
On Saturday, October 19, New Beginnings UMC in Boiling Springs is hosting a Fall Craft Vendor and Fair at 210 Rainbow Lake Road from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Consider stopping by for holiday shopping or to purchase delicious baked goods and lunch.
Superhero night at Chick-fil-A-Spartanburg
Saturday, October 19, is Superhero night at Chick-fil-A Boiling Springs in Spartanburg, located at 1790 Asheville Hwy. Visit Chick-fil-A with your favorite superheroes or princesses and dress like one. The first 100 children will get to make their own superhero mask and cape.
Big Air Halloween contest
The Big Air Anderson Halloween contest will take place on Saturday, October 19, at 3523 B Clemson Blvd in Anderson. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The 2nd annual Halloween Party at Big Air Anderson will feature special guests from Mystical Events and prizes for best costume, including a free VIP birthday party at Big Air Anderson.
Anderson Fall Carnival
Anderson Fall Carnival returns on Friday, October 18, and continues through Saturday, October 26. It will be held at the Anderson Mall, 3131 N. Main St., and will feature amusement rides, prize-filled games, and traditional carnival foods over nine days.
Orlando-based James E. Strates Shows is providing the midway at the Anderson Fall Carnival to the community for this event.
The family-friendly Anderson Fall Carnival will feature 18 state-of-the-art carnival rides, including kiddie rides designed especially for children, and midway favorites like the “Monkey Maze,” “Dream Wheel,” “The Rockstar,” and the enduring family favorite, the classic American carousel.
The mini-fair will showcase a variety of delicious foods, from mouth-watering funnel cakes sprinkled with powdered sugar to crispy French fries topped with vinegar.
Candy Corn Walk
The Cheddar Fire Department in Belton will host a Candy Corn Walk on Saturday, October 19, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will take place at 13715 Highway 20 in Belton and is kid-friendly and non-scary. Admission is $3 per trick-or-treater. Several vendors will be on-site, offering information on businesses and churches; some will sell items.
There is no fee to become a vendor. Simply bring plenty of candy to give out. If you are interested, please contact cheddarfd@yahoo.com.
The drop-off location is in front of Memorial Stadium, and the McCarter Family IPTAY Center at the corner of Avenue of Champions and Centennial Blvd will be open on Thursday and Friday before Tigerama. It will also be open in the morning before the noon kickoff for fans attending the football game on Saturday.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.
