From music events to dining delights and outdoor activities, there’s plenty to look forward to this year.
May:
- Spartanburg Criterium Cycling Race—Location: 226 S Spring St., Spartanburg, SC 29306. Date(s) & Times: May 2nd (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 2nd (5 -10 pm), May 3rd (12 -10 pm), and May 4th (12- 8 pm). Join Fireforge for its 3rd Annual Polish Fest, featuring polka, piwo (beer), and pierogi! The festivities will include live music performances from local favorites and the Atlanta Polish folk dance group Mazury Folk Dance Ensemble. Remember to bring your IDs and keep your pets at home.
- Cribbs Burger Cookoff – Location: W Main St and Daniel Morgan Ave. Date(s) & Times: May 3rd (starting at noon). Join us for the 10th annual Cribbs Kitchen Burger Cook-Off on May 3! 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 from Back9, games, face painting, and more.
- Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois, and United Tribes of South Carolina’s 4th Annual Powwow – Location: Hagood Mill Historic Site, 138 Hagood Mill Rd, Pickens, SC. Date(s) & Times: May 3rd (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.
- Tour of Destruction – Anderson Motor Speedway – Location: Anderson Motor Speedway, 313 Irby Rd, Williamston, SC 29697. Date(s) & Times: May 3rd (starting at 7 pm). School bus race, FWD demolition derby, trailer race, flag pole race, skidcar race & much more!
- Tacos ‘n Tequila Fiesta – Location: 704 Easley Bridge Rd, Greenville, SC 29611. Date(s) & Times: May 4th (2 – 5 pm). This is not just a party—it’s the tastiest, most vibrant event of the season, and you don’t want to miss it. Dive into an all-you-can-eat taco feast featuring mouthwatering creations from the area’s most talented chefs, with handcrafted Lunazul Tequila cocktails expertly crafted by Greenville’s top bartenders. It’s a culinary showdown as they compete for trophies, cash prizes, and ultimate bragging rights!
- Artisphere – Location: Downtown Greenville, SC. Date(s) & Times: May 9th – 11th (times vary). Artisphere, presented by TD Bank, is back for its 21st year in downtown Greenville! 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!
- DeTour de Skunk & Albino Skunk Music Festival – Location: 4067 Jordan Rd, Greer, SC 29651. Date(s) & Times: May 10th (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.
- Greenville Greek Festival – Location: 406 North Academy St, Greenville, SC, 29601. Day(s) & Times: May 16th (11 am – 9 pm), May 17th (11 am – 9 pm), and May 18th (11 am – 5 pm). Don’t miss excellent Greek food, pastries, dancing, live music, and more at the 39th Annual Greenville Greek Festival. Entry is $3/person, and the event will be rain or shine!
- Greenville Jazz Festival – Location: Main Street from Court Street to Augusta Street, Greenville, SC. Date(s) & Times: May 30-31st (times vary). The Greenville Jazz Fest will feature music and food to inspire festival visitors to learn and love jazz music. Join in on the Second Line (parade) at the start of each day to kick off the festivities!
Check out this other article on where to eat, explore, and play in Easley, SC, for the weekend.
By: Sarah (Moore) Gross, Contributing Author