Outdoor activities in Greenville SC
May in Greenville is just begging you to go outside and enjoy the sun and comfortable temperature. While you can walk to Main Street down tree-lined streets to plenty of shopping, theaters, and of course endless dining options, don’t think that’s the only fun to be had. At the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Upstate of South Carolina has mountain views, waterfalls, and native flora to capture your attention.
Best Parks
Most people coming to Greenville already know about Falls Park on the Reedy with our curved suspension bridge, The Liberty Bridge overlooking the Reedy River Falls, and beautiful gardens. Following the Swamp Rabbit Trail you can wander through 
The Cancer Survivors Park Zen garden all the way to Unity Park for a trip ten-stories up to the top of The Thomas and Vivian A. Wong Honor Tower for a 365 degree view of downtown all the way to the mountains. McPherson Park has free mini-golf, BYOC (bring your own clubs). Conestee Nature Preserve is a 600-acre wildlife sanctuary with over 13 miles of trails and boardwalks that wind through wetlands, forests, and meadows, offering visitors an up-close look at diverse habitats. If you’re a water lover like me, you can head to Devil’s Fork State Park to enjoy the clear waters of Lake Jocassee. Bring your kayak or paddleboard, wade out from the shore, or hop on a boat with Jocassee Lake Tours to see the waterfalls and natural beauty of the area.
We have plenty of hiking options as well, but let’s just talk about Paris Mountain State Park and Table Rock State Park for now. While both have swimming and small boat rentals as well as trails, they are different in other ways. Paris Mountain is only 15 minutes from downtown, with plenty of shaded gentler trails, Table Rock is 45 minutes away with more challenging hikes. Of course, those more difficult hikes come with better views! Now if you want your outdoor fun to come with a little history you could visit Stumphouse Park to see Isaqueena Falls and visit the pre-Civil War Stumphouse tunnel. While you’re in the area, you might as well visit the South Carolina Botanical Gardens with two hundred thirty acres of gardens featuring hiking and walking trails, butterfly and duck ponds, along with the Bob Campbell Geology Museum.
Depending on how you want to spend your day, we probably have a park for that!
Horseback Riding
If you want to enjoy the area from a little higher view, why not try horseback riding? Now your equine babies are not welcome here at Pettigru, we can certainly suggest a few places that offer trail rides. Right down the road in Travelers Rest is JMG Ranch offers spectacular trail side views for both new and experienced riders. For views of Table Rock, Caesar’s Head, and Paris Mountain you can enjoy riding on the well-worn logging trail with horses from Eden Farms. Offering rides that don’t stick to a set trail, Black Horse Run has woodlands, a shallow creek, and hills for a relaxed and varied visit for both horse and rider.
Ziplining and Mountain Views
But for a true bird’s-eye-view try ziplining! Closest to downtown, just one mile away, is Flying Rabbit Adventures. You can enjoy five award-winning ziplines and a high ropes course with 53 obstacles all located next to restaurants and a brewery for you to relax and recount your adventures.
Upstate Zipline is 45 minutes away in Sunset, South Carolina. This canopy tour will have you on ten ziplines running 2000 feet to give you a breathtaking mountain view. If you plan your trip right, you can try the Full Moon Zipline Tour on certain dates this summer. You can even finish off your night with s’mores and a campfire. The Gorge is where you’ll want to go for speed! America’s steepest zipline, you can reach speeds up to 50 MPH. Take in the beauty of Western North Carolina on over a mile of zipline, walking the skybridge, or rappelling down the Green River Gorge.
As always this is just a taste of the outdoor fun to be had in Greenville or nearby.
Weekly and Recurring Events
TD Saturday Market – On Saturday mornings from the beginning of May until the end of October, two blocks of downtown Greenville’s Main Street are transformed into a bustling farmers’ market. The market features over 75 vendors selling the season’s freshest produce and the area’s most original and high quality crafts. Each week thousands of people flock to the TD Saturday Market for locally-sourced products where all food must be grown or produced within 100 miles of Greenville and crafters are highly-encouraged to use locally-sourced supplies.
Downtown Alive – Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive presented by Spectrum, kicks off the weekend every Thursday night, from March to August, with music at NOMA Square on Main Street. Bring your lawn chair, and enjoy local bands, food trucks, and beverages. Downtown Alive opens at 5:30 pm and closes at 8:30pm. Bands play two sets at 5:50 pm and 7:20 pm.
Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays – Jazz, blues, soul, oldies, and more genres of music will make its way to NOMA Square for five months’ worth of weekly live performances from March until September. This weekly music series on Main Street at NOMA Square opens at 5:30 pm and closes at 9:30 pm, with bands playing two sets at 5:50 pm and 7:40 pm. NOMA Square chairs go fast, so bring a tailgating chair if you are not arriving early
Through May 24 – The Upcountry History Museum – The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons – an international traveling exhibition, includes 160 objects and film clips that invite visitors of all ages to explore the history of the legendary Warner Bros. animation studio. The exhibition includes original production artwork, including drawings, painting, and transparent celluloids used to create some of Warner Studios’ classic cartoon shorts from their 1930 debut through the early 1960s. Visitors will explore the elaborate process that went into the making of the classic Warner Bros. cartoons, considered to be among the finest, funniest, and most inventive animated shorts ever made.
May 1 – 3
May 1 – May 3 – The Greenville Theatre – Steel Magnolias – This classic story about small town southern living comes back to Greenville Theatre to give patrons a piece of “home” in Season 100. Set in a beauty salon, this gossipy group of Southern women will have audiences laughing, crying, and remembering the importance of community and love. Come meet these characters again, or for the first time, to enjoy the perfect Southern masterpiece, Steel Magnolias.
May 1 – Peace Concert Hall – Ben Folds and A Piano Tour – Ben Folds is an Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter who has created an expansive, genre-bending body of work that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo releases, a holiday album, and numerous collaborative records. He currently tours as a pop artist while also performing regularly with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras – a collaboration he has sustained for more than two decades.
May 1-2 – The Gunter Theatre at The Peace Center – Greenville’s International Ballet presents Coppelia – Coppélia is a lighthearted ballet that tells the story of Swanhilda, her fiancé Franz, and the quirky inventor Dr. Coppélius. When Franz becomes enchanted by Coppélia, a beautiful girl who sits motionless on Dr. Coppélius’ balcony, Swanhilda grows jealous and suspicious. Determined to uncover the truth, she sneaks into Dr. Coppélius’s workshop, only to discover that Coppélia is not a real girl but a mechanical creation. Cleverly disguising herself as the doll, Swanhilda teaches both Franz and the doctor a lesson, leading to a joyful conclusion that celebrates her reconciliation with Franz. Join Greenville’s own International Ballet for this delightful, full-length classic story ballet.
May 1 – 3 – Fluor Field – Come meet Reedy Rip’it, and cheer on the Drive as they take on The Hub City Spartan Burgers. The Greenville Drive, is Greenville’s Minor League baseball team serving as the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Games are played at Fluor Field in the West End, which was built to nearly replicate the dimensions of Fenway Park, including its own “Green Monster”, and “Pesky’s Pole” in right field.
May 2 – Bridgeway Station – Walt’s Waltz Renaissance Market from Noon – 6:00 PM
May 2 – Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Star Wars: Return of the Jedi: Live in Concert – Join us for an unforgettable night of epic music and cinematic magic as The Greenville Symphony Orchestra presents Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in concert. The concert will be led by conductor Thiago Tiberio on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
May 2 – Downtown Greenville, Falls Park – 22nd Annual Duck Derby – The Rotary Club of The Reedy River presents it’s annual duck derby as one of the community’s favorite fundraisers. Sponsor a nifty rubber duck, then come watch as they release an estimated 14,000 ducks down Reedy River Falls for the great race!
May 4 – 10
May 5 – The Lazy Goat – Lunch and Lit with Kristy Woodson Harvey Join M. Judson Booksellers to discuss Summer State of Mind, by NY Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey, a heartfelt escape to coastal Carolina. Your ticket includes entrance to the event, a three course meal from The Lazy Goat, and a signed copy of the book.
May 7 – Soby’s – Lunch and Lit with Nicola Harrison – Join M. Judson Booksellers to discuss an unputdownable novel of loves lost and found, shocking secrets—and the power of female friendship. If you love Kristy Woodson Harvey and Rowan Beaird, you do not want to miss Lunch & Lit with Nicola Harrison for The Island Club! Your ticket includes a three course meal at Soby’s and a signed copy of the book at the event.
May 7 – 10 – Centre Stage Theatre – A Few Good Men – Get ready for an electrifying courtroom drama in A Few Good Men, Aaron Sorkin’s gripping play that explores the complexities of honor, duty, and justice. When two U.S. Marines are accused of murder, young lawyer Daniel Kaffee is thrust into a high-stakes military trial where he must confront powerful forces, moral dilemmas, and shocking truths. As the tension builds, Kaffee faces off against Colonel Jessup, a man whose unwavering convictions threaten to unravel everything. With razor-sharp dialogue and intense drama, A Few Good Men delivers some of the most iconic lines in theatre, including the unforgettable “You can’t handle the truth!” Fans of the 1992 film starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore will recognize the thrilling legal battle that made its way from stage to screen.
May 7 – The Comedy Zone – Kelly Kellz – Kelly Kellz (Kelly Davis) is a dynamic comedian and actress whose infectious humor and grounded storytelling have made her a standout voice in modern stand-up. Kelly started her professional journey far from the comedy club — she was a certified K–12 teacher, shaping young minds before she ever picked up a mic. Her comedy career officially launched in 2009, and she quickly built a following with her relatable material, drawing on her real-life experiences juggling motherhood, marriage, and the everyday trials of Black womanhood.
May 8 – 10 – Main Street Downtown Greenville – 2026 Artisphere – It’s here again! Since it’s beginning in 2003, Artisphere, the Art Festival we look forward to every year, hosts 140 juried art vendors, and over 600 local visual and performing artists, and once again, promises to be an unforgettable weekend of art, music, and food. 
May 8 – 9 – The Comedy Zone – Pete Lee – Pete Lee was the first standup comedian to get a standing ovation on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and it resulted in him appearing on the show three times in the last year. Pete’s joyful humor comes from his Midwestern roots. Raised in Janesville, WI by divorced parents and a 19-inch television, he was destined to pursue a career in entertainment.
May 9 – Come help cheer on The Greenville Triumph, our men’s professional soccer club, playing its sixth season in USL League One. The club is a three-time finalist and 202 USL League One Champion. Tonight they take on the Richmond Kickers.
May 10 – The Foundry at Judson Mill – The Plain White T’s
May 11 – 17
May 12 – Peace Concert Hall – Herbie Hancock – Now in the seventh decade of his professional life, Herbie Hancock remains where he has always been: at the forefront of world culture, technology, business and music. Herbie Hancock has been an integral part of every popular music movement since the 1960’s. Hancock holds 14 Grammy awards, including Album of the Year, as well as an Academy Award for his film score to Round Midnight.
May 12 – 17 Come meet Reedy Rip’it, and cheer on the Drive as they take on The Bowling Green White Squirrels. The Greenville Drive, is Greenville’s Minor League baseball team serving as the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Games are played at Fluor Field in the West End, which was built to nearly replicate the dimensions of Fenway Park, including its own “Green Monster”, and “Pesky’s Pole” in right field.
May 13 – The Radio Room – Offsite Books over Drinks with Veronica Roth – Join M. Judson Booksellers at The Radio Room where your ticket includes entry to the event, a signature cocktail or mocktail, and a signed copy of Veronica Roth’s epic, romantic dystopian fantasy, Seek the Traitor’s Son.
May 14 – Come cheer on The Greenville Liberty, our new women’s pre-professional soccer team, and sister team to the Greenville Triumph, our Men’s professional team. The club began play in the USL W League in the spring of 2022, and features a roster of current and former collegiate stars as well as elite youth players. Tonight they take on One Knox.
May 14 – Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Alison Krauss & Union Station, featuring Jerry Douglas, with special guest Theo Lawrence. For nearly four decades, Alison Krauss & Union Station have upheld their legacy as one of the most influential and widely celebrated acts in bluegrass and roots music. Known for an immaculately crafted but endlessly surprising sound that transcends the boundaries of roots, country, rock & roll, and pop, Alison Krauss & Union Station released their highly anticipated new album, Arcadia, in 2025. They now continue the celebration of their new music with the Arcadia 2026 tour.
May 14 – 17 – Centre Stage Theatre – A Few Good Men – Get ready for an electrifying courtroom drama in A Few Good Men, Aaron Sorkin’s gripping play that explores the complexities of honor, duty, and justice. When two U.S. Marines are accused of murder, young lawyer Daniel Kaffee is thrust into a high-stakes military trial where he must confront powerful forces, moral dilemmas, and shocking truths. As the tension builds, Kaffee faces off against Colonel Jessup, a man whose unwavering convictions threaten to unravel everything. With razor-sharp dialogue and intense drama, A Few Good Men delivers some of the most iconic lines in theatre, including the unforgettable “You can’t handle the truth!” Fans of the 1992 film starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore will recognize the thrilling legal battle that made its way from stage to screen.
May 15, 16, & 17 – Greenville Greek Festival 40th Annual celebration of authentic Greek music, dancing, vendors, and most of all … Food! 
May 16 – Come cheer on The Greenville Liberty, our new women’s pre-professional soccer team, and sister team to the Greenville Triumph, our Men’s professional team. The club began play in the USL W League in the spring of 2022, and features a roster of current and former collegiate stars as well as elite youth players. Tonight they take on the Tennessee Soccer Club.
May 15 – 16 – The Mockingbird at The Peace Center – Song Sessions: Maia Sharp with Danny Myrick and Erin Enderlin – Song Sessions, your singer-songwriter concert series in The Mockingbird. Led my Nashville musician and Greenville fan favorite Maia Sharp, these intimate sessions of stories and songs feature a rotating lineup of guest songwriters each month. This is the place to be for anyone who deeply connects with music and enjoys tales about the musician’s life.
May 15 – 16 – The Comedy Zone – Craig Conant – Craig Conant was the standout “Unrepped New Face” at the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. He was born in Los Angeles to a Mexican mother and an angry white father growing up with a lot of baseball and illegal fireworks. Conant is now sober, (despite the look on his face), and recently appeared on MTV’s “Greatest Party Story Ever Told” where he received accolades for his unique comedic voice. He has a hugely successful podcast entitled “Community Service” and was also recently fired from Trader Joe’s, come find out why!
May 15 – The Radio Room – Tell Me Lies – A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
May 16 – The Radio Room – A Foreigners Journey to Boston – Experience the magic of three legendary bands – Foreigner, Journey, and Boston, brought to life by a powerhouse tribute group. Fronted by Brandon Miller, touring guitarist of the Artimus Pyle Band and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer of Lynard Skynard, A Foreigner’s Journey to Boston delivers the iconic hits that defined generations.
May 16 – 17 – Peace Concert Hall – Join The Greenville Symphony for their season finale with Porgy and Bess = Conclude the Greenville Symphony Orchestra’s “American Season” with a powerful concert performance of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. DeAndre Simmons and Laquita Mitchell take star turns as Porgy and Bess, with timeless classics like “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So.” American mezzo-soprano Kate Jackman is our soloist for Copeland’s poignant and delightful Old American Songs, alternating with a chorus of Greenville’s finest singers led by William Burgess.
May 18 – 24
May 20 – Come cheer on The Greenville Liberty, our new women’s pre-professional soccer team, and sister team to the Greenville Triumph, our Men’s professional team. The club began play in the USL W League in the spring of 2022, and features a roster of current and former collegiate stars as well as elite youth players. Tonight they take on the Chattanooga Red Wolves.
May 21 – 24 – Centre Stage Theatre – A Few Good Men – Get ready for an electrifying courtroom drama in A Few Good Men, Aaron Sorkin’s gripping play that explores the complexities of honor, duty, and justice. When two U.S. Marines are accused of murder, young lawyer Daniel Kaffee is thrust into a high-stakes military trial where he must confront powerful forces, moral dilemmas, and shocking truths. As the tension builds, Kaffee faces off against Colonel Jessup, a man whose unwavering convictions threaten to unravel everything. With razor-sharp dialogue and intense drama, A Few Good Men delivers some of the most iconic lines in theatre, including the unforgettable “You can’t handle the truth!” Fans of the 1992 film starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore will recognize the thrilling legal battle that made its way from stage to screen.
May 22 – Main Street Downtown – The Great Scot! Parade – 6PM The stunning parade to kick off Greenville’s annual Scottish Games, Gallabrae is back, this year boasting more pipe bands, marching clans, Scottish Chiefs, and a multitude of Scottish-themed entries; floats, Scottish Woods Faeries, Braveheart, Axe-throwers, Longbow Archers, Scottish military re-enactors, and more, more, more! The parade will begin on Main Street at The Peace Center, and travel up North Main to East North Street.
May 22 – Peace Concert Hall – Jason Mraz: Still Yours Tour – Jason Mraz is a two-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter and Songwriters Hall of Fame Honoree, most famously known by his hits “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up”. His nonprofit, the Jason Mraz Foundation supports programs focused on inclusive arts education and the advancement of equality. In 2023, Mraz released his eighth studio album, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, and placed second on Season 32 of Dancing With The Stars. He also performed the role of Dr. Pomatter in the hit Broadway musical Waitress.
May 23 – Gallabrae Scottish Games – Furman University Campus – The Greenville Scottish Games anchors Gallabrae, embodying the finest of Scottish traditions for a fun filled day of spectacle. The Scots brought a lot more to America than just the bagpipes; they brought independence, a fierce fighting spirit, a strong love of family and clan, a quirky sense of humor and enjoyment in their surroundings. These games capture all this and more with an overflowing series of activities bringing the best of Scotland and it’s reich Southern heritage together for your enjoyment. The action packed day includes heavy athletics, Piping and Drumming competitions, a British Car show, Celtic Jam, a Military Salute, and much more!
May 23 – Peace Concert Hall – Chicago Live in Concert – With 21 Top 10 singles, five consecutive No. 1 albums, and 25 platinum releases, Chicago remains a music powerhouse. The band – led by original members Lee Loughnane, Robert Lamm, and James Pankow – continues to tour the world, proudly carrying the name of their hometown into their 58th consecutive year on the road. Hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era“, the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago ranks as the highest-charting American band in Billboards Top 125 Artists of All Time. They are also the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades.
May 25 – 31
May 26 – 31 – Come meet Reedy Rip’it, and cheer on the Drive as they take on The Asheville Tourists. . The Greenville Drive, is Greenville’s Minor League baseball team serving as the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Games are played at Fluor Field in the West End, which was built to nearly replicate the dimensions of Fenway Park, including its own “Green Monster”, and “Pesky’s Pole” in right field.
May 28 – Landmark Hall in Taylors – City Dance – Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
May 29 – The Radio Room – Lovesong – the cure Tribute – “Friday I’m In Love”
May 30 – Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Weird Al Yankovic: Bigger and Weirder Tour – Weird Al brings his legendary full-production multimedia comedy rock show back to the concert stage with the BIGGER & WEIRDER 2026 Tour, playing his iconic hits as well as some never-performed-live-before fan favorites. Al’s long-time band is joined by four additional players to create a super-sized concert experience. With Special guest Puddles Pity Party.
With so many amazing festivals on top of perfect weather, May is peak time to visit Greenville and we would love to host you while you’re here.
