The Upcountry is a fabulous place for food, family activities, and fantastic views of the mountains, rivers, and more. For the summer months of June and July, what can you do with your family and friends when you visit? We’ve helped by amassing a list of some of the biggest and best summer events from food-focused; music and art-centric events; fun for kids; outdoorsy adventures; along with history and more. These are listed in chronological order, so you, your family, and friends can pick the best time and events to make the most of your stay!

JUNE
- Chautauqua History Comes Alive Festival: Secrets Revealed! – Step back in time to interact with people who helped shape our world. Get ready to laugh, cry and flat-out have a great time at this family-friendly festival. Daily live shows are performed in costume by nationally acclaimed historical interpreters from June 9, 2023 – June 18, 2023. Performances will be held outdoors in the evenings and indoors during the day. Bring lawn seating for outdoor shows.
- Tunes In The Park – Tunes in the Park is a free outdoor concert series held every summer in the amphitheater in Greer City Park starting June 10th, 2023 (recurring). Admission is free, but you’ll want to bring your camping chairs or a picnic blanket. A few great food, beverage, and dessert vendors will be on-site, so come hungry and enjoy some live music. Outside food/beverages are prohibited.
- Juneteenth Soul Food Festival – The Juneteenth Soul Food Festival is a can’t-miss! Join in to celebrate Juneteenth on June 17th from 12-6 pm with tons of live music, performances, artisans, local businesses, and tons of Soul Food in Fountain Inn, SC.
- Freedom Blast – Join the City of Greer at the 15th Annual Freedom Blast on June 24 at Greer City Park. One of the largest fireworks shows in South Carolina, an evening of live entertainment, food vendors offering festival fare, military vehicles, and numerous activities for children. The fireworks show accompanied by patriotic music in City Park will begin at 10:00 pm.

JULY
- Fireworks and celebrations focused on Independence Day tops the list in July! Almost every city in the area hosts an event. Some happen before July 4th and some the day of and most include music and fireworks. We’d refer you to our calendar for all the details: upcountrysc.com/upcountry-events
- 2023 Upstate Shakespeare Festival: Macbeth – The 27th Annual Upstate Shakespeare Festival will feature Macbeth premiering on July 6th until July 30th, 2023. Shows go from 7 – 9 pm (arrive early to get a spot!) and run Thursday through Sunday each week. Patrons can bring lawn chairs, blankets, and even food for a picnic. Alcohol is allowed in clear, plastic cups with a valid ID and purchase of a wristband ($1, cash only). This program is funded in part by the Metropolitan Arts Council.
- Wine on the Terrace – Ready to check out The Red Horse Inn’s next wine and music event on July 15, 2023? Come relax, sip some wine, and check out Upstate’s local artists – The Synergy Twins. The music is from 7-9 pm. Tickets are limited to a total of 100 guests and must be purchased in advance. As with all events, this one is 21 and up. Cheese Platters are available for purchase and are first come, first serve. The Wine Bar will open at 4 pm with music starting at 6 pm and lasting until 8 pm. Seating is first come, first serve. Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be issued within 7 days of the event.
- Iron Caterer Throwdown 2023 (7th annual) – July 20, 2023, from 5 pm – 10 pm. The 7th Annual Iron Caterer Throwdown is back and better than ever! It’s the Biggest Cooking Competition in Greenville and YOU are the Judge! Judson Mills is the backdrop this year for an amazing evening of cooking, laughs, drinks, and fun! There are three mystery ingredients based on current popular event trends and we’re keeping them a secret until it’s time for our four chefs to throw them down. Everyone gets a seat at the table this year, and you get to try 12 different dishes (appetizer style). This event sells out fast, so make sure to get your tickets before they are gone!
Whether you love food-focused events, music, and art events, walking through a street festival, or enjoying the great outdoors, there is something for everyone during summers in the Upcountry! We hope this list has helped you pick some fantastic events for you and your family to travel to visit us. Don’t forget to check out some of our other great travel guides on www.Upcountrysc.com/explore for more.
By Sarah A. (Moore) Gross, Pimento & Prose Media
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