Acoustic duo headlines Upstate Unplugged series September 25
ArtsUp SC will present the next edition of its Upstate Unplugged series at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, in the ArtsUp Gallery at 146-C East Main St. in downtown Spartanburg.
Acoustic duo Bob Fleming and Dawn Williams will perform an intimate set of working-class country and roots-driven rock. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Seating is general admission.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Spartanburg House candidates invited to Voice of Business Brunch
OneSpartanburg, Inc. will host a special Voice of Business Brunch on Monday, Oct. 19, featuring candidates for the South Carolina House of Representatives representing Spartanburg County.
The event, titled “Meet the S.C. House Candidates,” will give attendees an opportunity to hear from candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. All Spartanburg County House candidates have been invited to participate.
The brunch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Piedmont Club.
Registration is available through OneSpartanburg, Inc.
34th annual FestiFall returns to historic Walnut Grove
The Spartanburg County Historical Association will host its 34th annual FestiFall on Oct. 3-4 at historic Walnut Grove, 1200 Otts Shoals Road.
Visitors can experience homestead life during the American Revolutionary War with live battle reenactments, artillery demonstrations, cooking and weaving exhibits, archaeology tours, colonial children’s games, 18th-century music and more than 100 reenactors.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Comedian Ali Siddiq brings Custom Fit Tour to Spartanburg
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium will present stand-up comedian Ali Siddiq in The Custom Fit Tour on Friday, Oct. 9.
Siddiq, one of YouTube’s most-viewed comedians, is known for his storytelling style and was the first to release a four-part stand-up series, “The Domino Effect 1-4.”
Tickets can be purchased here.
Spartanburg’s Dining Around the World Challenge celebrates international cuisine
As part of Spartanburg’s annual International Festival celebration, the City of Spartanburg is hosting a new Dining Around the World Challenge throughout September. The program encourages residents and visitors to explore international flavors while supporting downtown restaurants.
Participants can pick up a passport and collect stickers by spending $15 or more on food or beverages at participating restaurants. Servers will provide one sticker per bill.Those who collect stickers from at least three participating restaurants will receive $20 in SpartanBucks. Participants who visit five or more restaurants will receive $20 in SpartanBucks and be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card.
Participating restaurants include Lucy Anne’s, Delaney’s Irish Pub, Burgär, Isla’s on the Square, Euphoria, TakoSushi, Elev8, Main Street Pub, Blue Moon Bodega, Bronco Mexican Main Street, Nu-Way Lounge & Restaurant, Ali Baba, Señor Bird’s Tacos & Tequila Bar, Sorella’s Brunch, Toro Latín Bar & Grill, The Flying Biscuit Café and Maharaja Indian Restaurant & Bar.
The challenge is intended to give participants an opportunity to discover restaurants and cuisines in downtown Spartanburg while taking part in the International Festival celebration.
The passport and restaurant map are available from the City of Spartanburg.
Upstate Talent Forum set for October 13-14
The 2026 Upstate Talent Forum will bring workforce, education and business leaders together Oct. 13-14 to discuss strategies for developing the region’s future workforce and expanding economic mobility.
The two-day forum will focus on collaboration among organizations working to strengthen talent development, align workforce strategies and address the changing needs of employers across the Upstate.
The forum is intended to provide an opportunity for business, education and workforce-development leaders to share ideas and explore approaches to preparing workers for current and future opportunities throughout the region.
More information about the 2026 Upstate Talent Forum, including event details and registration, is available at https://upstatetalentforum.com/
Jump Jam returns to Spartanburg Bike Park on October 10
Jump Jam, a community cycling event hosted by PAL, will return Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Subaru of Spartanburg Bike Park.
The afternoon will feature children’s races, jumping demonstrations and competitions, along with activities for families and riders of varying experience levels.
First-time riders can participate on the children’s track, while experienced cyclists will have opportunities to compete and demonstrate their skills on the park’s jump lines. Spectators are also welcome to attend and watch the riding.
Registration and additional information is available at www.palspartanburg.org/.
Upstate Strut for Childhood Cancer set for Sept. 26
The Spartanburg Breakfast Optimist Club will host the Upstate Strut for Childhood Cancer 5K and one-mile Fun Run on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Milliken’s arboretum.
The event will give participants an opportunity to run or walk through the arboretum while raising funds for Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas. According to organizers, 100% of race proceeds will support the organization’s efforts on behalf of children and families affected by childhood cancer.
To register, search for Upstate Strut for Childhood Cancer 5K at https://runsignup.com/
