From music events to dining delights and outdoor activities, there’s plenty to look forward to this spring.
May:
- Spartanburg Criterium Cycling Race – Location: 226 S Spring St., Spartanburg, SC 29306. Date(s) & Times: May 1 (3 – 9 p.m.). The Crit is a world-class, multi-lap cycling race that draws elite cyclists and thousands of fans to Spartanburg for the ultimate night of speed and celebration. Tailgate, ring your cowbells, and create lifelong memories as professional cyclists race through downtown on a half-mile course.
- Fireforge’s Polish Fest – Location: 311 E Washington St, Greenville, SC, 29601. Date(s) & Times: May 1-3. Join Fireforge for its Annual Polish Fest, featuring polka, piwo (beer), and pierogi! The festivities will include live music performances and a Polish folk dance group. Remember to bring your IDs.
- Cribbs Burger Cookoff – Location: W Main St and Daniel Morgan Ave. Date(s) & Times: May 2 (starting at noon). Join us for the annual Cribbs Kitchen Burger Cook-Off! This sizzling showdown unites local chefs, grill masters, and food lovers in a friendly competition—all to support children battling cancer. Taste the creations, vote for the People’s Choice Award, and enjoy live music, games, face painting, and more.
- Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois, and United Tribes of South Carolina’s Annual Powwow – Location: Hagood Mill Historic Site, 138 Hagood Mill Rd, Pickens, SC. Date(s) & Times: May 2 (9:30 am—5:30 pm). This event brings together tribal members and the community to celebrate and learn Native American singing and dancing, storytelling, classes, and much more. There will be a variety of vendors and food trucks, along with activities and music.
- Artisphere – Location: Downtown Greenville, SC. Date(s) & Times: May 8-10 (times vary). With 143 visual artists working in 17 different mediums and 28 states represented, you will find something you love! Check out Demo Row, Art Lab, Kidsphere, food and beverage tents, live musical performances, and more!
- Stump Jump – Location: Croft State Park, 508 Gibson Rd, Spartanburg, SC. Date(s) & Times: May 16 (10 – 3 pm). USMTB-sanctioned mountain bike race on SAMBA-maintained trails at Croft State Park. Multiple categories for all ages and skill levels. Primitive camping available.
- DeTour de Skunk & Albino Skunk Music Festival – Location: 4067 Jordan Rd, Greer, SC 29651. Date(s) & Times: May 9 (starting at 9 am). DeTour de Skunk is a charity bicycle ride through the foothills of the Blue Ridge that begins and ends at the Spring Skunk Music Fest parking area. Riders get some swag, a wristband for entry into the Albino Skunk Music Festival afterward until 2 pm, and a complimentary beverage from the Community Tap. The Music Festival runs May 6 – 9.
- Greenville Greek Festival – Location: 406 North Academy St, Greenville, SC, 29601. Day(s) & Times: May 15-17. Don’t miss excellent Greek food, pastries, dancing, live music, and more at the Annual Greenville Greek Festival. Entry is $3/person, and the event will be rain or shine!
- Gallabrae-Greenville Scottish Games – Location: Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC. Days & Times: May 22 – 23. The Greenville Scottish Games began in 2006, and from its inception has consistently taken an innovative, fresh approach to celebrating Scottish heritage. Greenville is nestled in arguably the highest concentration of Scots-Irish descent in the country. Don’t miss the parade, the music and the REALLY heavy athletics!
Find more events in the area on our calendar.
By: Sarah (Moore) Gross, Contributing Author