Breathe a deep sigh of relief – the weekend is here, and it is a great time to do a family debrief on the first week of school (Best thing? Worst thing? Hopeful thing?) and then take a break.
Here’s a taste of upcoming family fun, but don’t miss Upstate Parent’s full August calendar, along with plenty of encouragement and inspiration for this new school year. It’s all in print and online at Upstate Parent.
Build a Muscle Car with Your Mini-Mechanic on Aug. 20 at select Lowe’s stores. In this hands-on workshop, kids will construct a creative container to store their own little gems and trinkets. Register by Friday, Aug. 19. at lowes.com/events.
Starry Nights return on Aug. 19 and Aug. 26 at Roper Mountain Science Center. “Magic Treehouse” is at 4:30 and 6 p.m. “Tales of the Maya Skies” is at 7:30 p.m. Laser Days of Summer is at 9 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are required. For details, visit ropermountain.org.
Wind up the work week at Greenville Heritage FCU Main Street Fridays presented by Pepsi, listening and dancing to the best in musical entertainment. This weekly music series on Main Street at NOMA Square opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m., with bands playing two sets at 5:50 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. NOMA Square chairs go fast, so bring a tailgating chair if you are not arriving early. For details, visit https://greenvillesc.gov/1322/Greenville-Heritage-Main-Street-Fridays
Auditions for Mauldin Youth Theatre’s “Once on This Island JR.” are on Aug. 20 at Mauldin Cultural Center. For details, visit mauldinculturalcenter.org/events/theatre-season/auditions.
The 3rd Annual Travelers Restival will be held Saturday, August 20. The community festival will be at Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest, SC with live music, inflatables, games, market vendors, food trucks and a silent auction. All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the Travelers Rest Youth Association. All inquiries and questions can be directed to travelersrestival@gmail.com. More info at https://www.facebook.com/groups/699886317104691/
Downtown Greenville, South Carolina at the TD Stage & Wyche Pavillion at Peace Center, Saturday, August 20 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. This event will showcase the unique traditions, culture, and cuisines of modern day India, with a keen eye on its glorious heritage. Visitors will get an opportunity to experience a glimpse of India, right here in the Upstate. The objective of this event is to entertain and educate via interactive exhibits, artistic expression and performances, highlighting the diverse cultures of India. More info at https://myiag.org/indiaday.
Come experience one of the top-ranked farmers’ markets in South Carolina from 8:30 am – noon at Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest. More info at https://www.travelersrestfarmersmarket.com/
Beat the heat with an indoor walk from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Aug. 23 and Aug. 30 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The ¼-mile concourse will be open and admission is free. Visit bonsecoursarena.com/events/detail/well-walkers-7.
A Baby Play Date is at 10 a.m. on Aug. 23 at the Five Forks Library. Babies ages 0 – 18 months and their caregivers are invited to an open playtime. Visit greenvillelibrary.org.
Family Craft Night: Back to School is 5 – 7 p.m. (drop-in) on Aug. 25 at the Five Forks Branch Library. Visit greenvillelibrary.org.
Family Night: “The Story of Zippers and Buttons” by Leigh Ann Buckner and Mary McAlister is at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Anderson Main Library. Longtime Anderson educators have collaborated on a new picture book for children, “Zippers and Buttons.” This story of two very different cats is written by Leigh Ann Buckner and illustrated in watercolor by Mary McAlister. Learn about the book’s creation and purchase a copy of the book to be signed. For details, visit andersonlibrary.org.
Paris Mountain State Park School Program Volunteers – Learn to share the wonders of nature with grades 2 – 5 in the park’s Discover Carolina school programs. Training is 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Aug. 25. Registration is required. For registration and information, call 864-244-5565 or email ctaylor@scprt.com.
Miracle Hill’s Annual Kids Ninja Challenge is a family-friendly fundraising event for children ages 4 – 12. The event starts at 8 a.m. on Aug. 27 at the YMCA program Center in Simpsonville. It includes more than 10 obstacles on a .75-mile course, along with food trucks, inflatables and face painting. Register at runsignup.com/kidsninjachallenge.
Family Fun Day is 10 a.m. – noon on Aug. 27 at the Upcountry History Museum. Families can enjoy game and craft stations, group story time, and more. The program is included with admission. For details, visit upcountryhistory.org.
For Moms – A Women’s Kayak Retreat is Sept. 9 – 11 at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Join a group of women paddlers for a weekend of paddling, yoga, and companionship. Visit noc.com/courses/womens-kayak-retreat.
Art Classes with Cindy Roddey are offered for fall – at Wild Hare Gallery in Travelers Rest on Tuesdays for kids (3:45 p.m.) and teens and tweens (5:30 p.m.), and at 10 Central Avenue Studios in Greenville on Wednesdays and Thursdays for kids (3:45 p.m.) and teens and tweens (5:30 p.m.) and Mommy & Me at 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. For details, contact cindyroddeyarts@gmail.com or 864-376-5952.
Music Adventure Classes are at 10 a.m. Mondays at Swamp Rabbit Café. Classes are geared for pre-K – K but all ages are welcome. The cost is $15 per class ($5 for each additional sibling) and includes a coffee and pastry. For details and registration, visit @musicadventure on Instagram or email musicadventureforkids@gmail.com.