Last year’s Juneteenth festival engaged 10,000+ people. | Photo by DKaptured
Juneteenth is coming up on Thursday, June 19, and in honor of the federal holiday, the Upstate is hosting various events to engage the community and commemorate the legacy of emancipation.
Some kick off today + this weekend:
Friday, June 13
Juneteenth GVL Royal Gala | 6-11:59 p.m. | Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center at Verdae | $125+ | This event honors the legacy of Juneteenth while celebrating Black leaders in our area.
Saturday, June 14
Juneteenth Run, Ride, and Recover for Veterans | Saturday, June 14-Sunday, June 15 | Times vary | Various locations | Partake in a bike ride, a cycle bar ride, a 5K run, and a line dancing party.
A Blu-Phi Freedom Celebration | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Rocky Creek Community Park, Simpsonville | Enjoy blue crab, crab legs, and a Lowcountry boil in honor of Juneteenth.
St. James Attic Sale | Friday, June 13-Saturday, June 14 | Times vary | St. James Episcopal Church | $0+ | Shop items like furniture, books, housewares, linens, toys, and sports equipment, all supporting local organizations.
Silent Disco | 5-9 p.m. | Camperdown Plaza | $13 | Rent headphones and dance under the stars at this downtown party.
“Some Like It Hot” | Friday, June 13-Sunday, June 15 | Times vary | Peace Center | $55+ | Winner of four Tony Awards, this show is described as a “super-sized, all-out song-and-dance spectacular.”
Saturday, June 14
Knotty-N-Natural Hair Fest 2025 | 2-8 p.m. | City of Greer Center for the Arts | Free entry | Enjoy a day of entertainment, shopping, education, and fun at this event embracing curls, coils, and culture.
Father’s Day Flyby | 3-6:30 p.m. | Hampton Station | Free entry | Enjoy a laid-back afternoon of family fun with mini golf, crafts, a bounce house, and the Spinx Cluk Truck.
Sunday, June 15
Shakespeare in a Bar | 7-9 p.m. | Other Lands Brewing | $15+ | Catch “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” produced with eight actors, no director, and just one rehearsal.
This port supports one in nine South Carolina jobs
Presented by South Carolina Ports
SC Ports ships products for manufacturers, car makers, retailers, farmers, hospitals, and businesses big and small. | Photo provided by South Carolina Ports
Did you know? South Carolina Ports moves more than just cargo — it also brings an $87 billion in economic impact for the state every year.
As one of the top 10 container ports in the US, SC Ports attracts businesses, drives investment, and supports one in nine jobs across South Carolina. Plus, these jobs pay about 23% more than the state average.
CEO Barbara Melvin sums it up well: “We’re a port for the entire state.”
Greenville High School wants to rezone a parcel on Ansel Street (across from the school) to build a parking lot to eliminate students parking on nearby streets. Some neighbors in the area oppose the idea, saying it will affect the character of their neighborhood. The Greenville City Council will make the final decision. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
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91%. That’s how many Greenville County residents say they’re concerned about the loss of green space + 93% support maintaining or increasing conservation funding, according to a new poll. Bonus: The Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust has already helped protect open space equivalent to 40 Unity Parks.
Remember when we introduced you to @homesofgvl, an account highlighting unique local real estate? Now the account is also documenting a home flip. It’s like HGTV, but while you scroll.
Travel
Would you stay at this Airbnb ~2 hours from Greenville with a private 60-ft waterfall you can tube down? Meet Kindling Falls, a five-bedroom property that sleeps 20 in Franklin, NC (12 miles from Highlands). If you’d rather book a staycation, check out our list of unique places to stay.
Shop
Local clothing brand Briton Court drops its summer line this Sunday, June 16. Pro tip: Sign up for its email list for a chance to shop early.
Pro Tip
Finally get results in the gym by hacking your recovery routine. Discover how peptide therapy can help you recover faster to train harder at Biltmore Restorative Medicine + Optimization Training Lab’s event on Thursday, June 19. Reserve a spot.*
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300+. That’s how many small businesses, manufacturers, and local companies have posted jobs on the GVLtoday Job Board. Try it for yourself. Post unlimited job listings for free + get connected with top local talent.
The SC Sunflower Festival takes over Denver Downs starting today. Pick a bouquet from the field of 75,000 flowers as you enjoy live music, sip on beer and wine, and snap all the Instagram-worthy photos. Get tickets.
🌸 Instantly update outfits for dinners out with friends when you add this flower purse for under $30.
🐚 Beach nights can’t handle this shell beaded bag with handstitched natural shell sequins.
💎 Choose your favorite color of Anthropologie’s Fiona beaded bag and watch the compliments flood in.
🥝 Madewell’s best-selling handwoven mini tote comes in bright summer colors like kiwi, apricot, and festival red.
👀 If you’re searching for something simple instead, this crochet tote bag is under $30 and will look adorable for walks, beach days, or running errands.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Sit, sip, and listen at this new venue. | Photo by GVLtoday
We recently took you inside Seratonic for a sneak peek of the new music and events venue, and we asked who you hope to see take the stage. Here’s what you said:
Nickel Creek
Bob Seger
Widespread Panic
Chris Botti
Of course, Marcus King also got a few shoutouts. Did you catch him when he was in town last week?
What do you want first, the good news or the bad news? Let’s get the bad news out of the way: Strawberry is no longer the featured flavor at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe. We won’t forget you, strawberry matcha.
The good news? Peach arrives today, which, for me, is the true sign that summer is here. Reminder: SC has the very best (and tastiest) peaches.
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