Annual Greek Festival Returns to Spartanburg
The annual Spartanburg Greek Festival will return Sept. 18-20 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 697 Asheville Highway.
The three-day festival will feature Greek food, live music, shopping and cultural activities. Festival-goers can enjoy favorites including souvlaki, dolmathes, grilled meats and baklava. The event also will include Greek dance performances and lessons, church tours and free parking with a shuttle service. For more information, visit the Spartanburg Greek Festival website.
Three District Five ensembles earn prestigious invitations to SCMEA Conference
Three District Five music ensembles are earning statewide recognition, after being selected to perform at the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA) Conference in February. The Abner Creek Middle School Chorus, Beech Springs Middle School Percussion Ensemble and Byrnes High School Wind Ensemble each earned a coveted spot at the annual conference, following a highly competitive and rigorous selection process.
The annual SCMEA Conference brings together music educators from across South Carolina for several days of professional learning, collaboration and performances.
OneSpartanburg to highlight work-based learning initiative
OneSpartanburg, Inc. will host a closer look at EDGE, its official work-based learning initiative, on Monday, Sept. 21, giving members of the community an opportunity to learn more about local workforce-development efforts.
The event will highlight the work of OneSpartanburg’s talent team and its role in connecting businesses, students and other community partners to strengthen the workforce pipeline in Spartanburg County. Attendees also will learn how the initiative supports the county’s broader business community and contributes to local economic development.
The event will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the Milliken Board Room at OneSpartanburg, Inc. Register online at https://web.onespartanburginc.com/atlas/events/10621/details.
Upstate Renaissance Faire returns at new Hollywild location
Step back in time when the Upstate Renaissance Faire opens its gates Sept. 18-20 at its new location, Hollywild Animal Preserve, located at 2325 Hampton Road in Wellford.
The three-day event will transport visitors to a medieval-inspired world featuring sword fighting, jousting, live entertainment, belly dancing and demonstrations by skilled craftspeople.
Attendees can browse a medieval artisan market, watch blacksmiths at work and explore craft demonstrations.
For tickets, schedules and additional information, visit https://www.upstaterenaissancefaire.com/.
Cowpens Fall Market set for September 19
The Cowpens Area Merchants Association will host its annual Fall Market Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cowpens Farmers Market.
More than 20 vendors will participate, offering a variety of unique crafts, antiques, baked and canned goods, jewelry, custom T-shirts and accessories. The event also will feature shopping at participating businesses throughout downtown Cowpens.
The market is expected to offer a variety of items for shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind finds while supporting local vendors and downtown businesses.
Hope Center Family Fun Run set for Wofford
The Hope Center for Children will host its third annual Family Fun Run 5K Saturday, Sept. 19, at Wofford College in Spartanburg in partnership with Kappa Delta’s Epsilon Sigma Chapter.
The event welcomes participants of all ages to run or walk the course. Following the 5K, families can enjoy treats from the Knowledge Perk food truck and children’s activities in Wofford’s Greek Village. Registration is available here.
Fall for Hatcher returns September 22
Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve will welcome fall with its annual Fall for Hatcher fundraiser Sept. 22 in Spartanburg.
The event will feature a tasting trail winding through the Children’s Garden and other areas of the preserve. Guests can sample food and beverages prepared by local Spartanburg chefs and breweries while enjoying the garden’s seasonal surroundings.
The evening also will include a silent auction and other activities, with proceeds supporting Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve. The event offers attendees an opportunity to enjoy local food and drink while celebrating the arrival of autumn and supporting the preservation of one of Spartanburg’s community gardens.
For more information visit https://www.hatchergarden.org/calendar/fall-for-hatcher.
Music on the Hill continues in Lyman
The Town of Lyman’s free Music on the Hill outdoor concert series continues in September at the Lyman Amphitheater, 140 Community St.
Two concerts remain in this year’s series. The Back 9 Band will perform Thursday, Sept. 17, followed by Trade Street Union on Thursday, Sept. 24. The concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. and are open to the public.
Secretary of State seeks nominations for 2026 Angel Awards
South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond is accepting nominations for the 2026 Angel Awards, which recognize charitable organizations that demonstrate strong commitment to serving their communities.
Each year, Hammond’s office selects several nonprofit organizations to receive the Angel designation. Eligible organizations generally must devote at least 80% of their contributions to charitable services, have operated for at least three years, make effective use of volunteers and not rely heavily on government grants or professional fundraisers. Organizations also must comply with the South Carolina Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act.
The nomination process is open to charitable organizations across the state, including those serving Spartanburg County. Nominations should include the organization’s name, location and contact information, along with an explanation of why the organization deserves recognition.
Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 30. They may be mailed to the Secretary of State’s Office, Division of Public Charities, 1205 Pendleton St., Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201, or submitted by email to charities@sos.sc.gov.
