Can you spot me in this photo of Leadership Greenville Class 51? | Photo by the Greenville Chamber
If you look around our community, you’ll find the handprints of Leadership Greenville all around. From public art installations to bike access and community gardens, each class from the Greenville Chamber’s flagship leadership program splits into teams to complete projects (including fundraising $25,000) for local nonprofits. Danielle here. It was this week last year that I got the email: I’d been accepted into Leadership Greenville Class 51. The 10-month program gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at the most pressing issues in Greenville County — and it changed the way I see (and write about) my city.
Click the button below to see the two projects Class 51 completed, and if your organization could benefit from a project like these, submit a proposal by Monday, July 14.
Business & Brews | 5-7:30 p.m. | Hoppin’ | Free entry | Pour-your-own brew as you network with local professionals + hear President and CEO of the Greenville Chamber Carlos Phillips speak.
Greenville Drive vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers | 6:45 p.m. | Fluor Field | $8+ | Support Share the Magic, an annual fundraiser supporting Upstate youth facing life-threatening illnesses, abuse, neglect, or developmental delays.*
Wednesday, June 18
Lunchbox Learning | 12-1 p.m. | Upcountry History Museum | $10+ | Discover the daring true story of Robert Smalls — from enslaved sailor to Civil War hero and congressman — as author Marshall Evans unpacks his legacy and what it reveals about how we remember history.
Heart & Soul Dance Fitness | 6-7 p.m. | Camperdown Plaza | Free | Get your groove on with a high-energy dance workout — no experience needed.
Thursday, June 19
Master Gardener Takeover | 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | The Children’s Museum of the Upstate | Price of admission | Dig into soil science, build a worm garden, and plant seeds to take home during this hands-on workshop with the South Carolina Master Gardeners.
Friday, June 20
Summer Solstice Celebration | 5-8:30 p.m. | The Community Tap, Travelers Rest | Price of purchase | Celebrate the longest day of the year with sunny brews, handmade goods, and flower-powered vibes.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise | 8 p.m. | CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park, Simpsonville | $36+ | This alternative rock indie band brings its Thanks For Coming Tour to the Upstate.
Sunday, June 22
100 Years of the Westin Poinsett: Historical Lecture | 3-4:30 p.m. | Westin Poinsett | Free | Celebrate with Mayor Knox White and historian John Nolan as they explore the hotel’s glamorous past, dramatic comeback, and lasting legacy in Greenville’s history.
$32 million. That’s how much MetroConnects will spend on a wastewater project in Judson Mill Village to replace aging sewer lines — some over 100 years old. Backed by $2.5 million in state funding, the phased effort is part of the Clean Water Forward initiative to modernize infrastructure in historic mill communities.
Civic
Just in time for summer, the City of Greenville will cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Cleveland Park Courts (tennis, pickleball, and basketball) today. Upgrades include added court space, new lighting, and a trail connection.
Coming Soon
James Beard Award-winning Wade’s Restaurant is cooking up something new. Wade’s Jr., a to-go focused spinoff of the Spartanburg staple, will open in early 2026 on Reidville Road, serving Southern favorites via counter service and curbside pickup. The flagship location will remain open. (FOX Carolina)
Open
Club ’58 opens today at Green Valley Country Club. It will offer members seasonal lunch and dinner menus, craft cocktails, and an elevated private dining experience. The restaurant is part of a $4 million upgrade that blends Greenville’s restaurant scene with classic country club charm. (Greenville News)
Concert
Tony and Grammy winner Leslie Odom Jr. is bringing his Christmas Tour back to Greenville on Sunday, Nov. 30. Expect holiday classics, “Hamilton” hits, and soulful originals. The tour completely sold out last year, so grab tickets when they go on sale tomorrow, June 18, at 10 a.m.
Announced
Also coming to the Peace Center,MasterChef All-Stars Live! is bringing head-to-head battles, behind-the-scenes stories, and sizzling culinary action to the stage on Sept. 27. Expect big flavors, fierce competition, and your favorite chefs from the show live. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, June 18, at 10 a.m.
Eat
Why did the chicken cross the road? Because the Spinx Market & Eatery is now delivering. Order online and get your legendary chicken — plus snacks, sandwiches, and pizzas — straight to your door (or order for pick up).
Biz
Mornings just got a hole lot better. Parlor Doughnuts now opens an hour earlier — 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. on Sundays. If you aren’t sure what to order, I love the maple brown sugar latte + a honey glazed.
Festival
Find your flow at the Unity Yoga Festival on Saturday, June 21 at Other Lands. Enjoy free yoga classes all day, live music, vendors, and fundraising for Generations Group — all in celebration of International Day of Yoga.
Students and professionals are raving about Endeavor’s Study Hall Passes — and for good reason. Spend the afternoon working in inspiring spaces with high-speed internet, bottomless coffee, quiet zones, and gym access. Whether you’re tackling homework or to-do lists, you’ll have everything you need to focus. Reserve a pass ($10+).*
T-minus six days till slushies, and we’re getting our first look at the new City Tavern with sneak peeks of the interior, food items, and nods to its past on its Instagram.
The 20-year-old Main Street dive will reopen Monday, June 23, after it underwent a full renovation, including updating the formerly blue facade.
There’s also a new full-service menu, 11 TVs, and retractable doors + windows to create an open-air space. Plus, there’s more to come as plans for the building continue taking shape.
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.
Today’s lead story felt more like a journal entry, reflecting on a year of learning, growing, and seeing our community through different lenses. Leadership Greenville was one of the most insightful experiences I’ve had, and I’m especially grateful for the friendships it brought along the way.
If this sparked your interest, you’ll have to wait for applications for Class 53 to open. In the meantime, check out Opportunity Greenville — a five-week program covering similar themes like government, culture, and local impact. Registration is open now.
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