All three panelists said volunteers and local philanthropists make their festivals possible. | Photo by GVLtoday
“Every single one of us on this stage works together to make events possible. The collaboration that Greenville’s known for isn’t something that’s new. It truly is the root of Greenville, and it is the secret sauce that makes us who we are.”
That’s how Anna Catherine Miller, the City of Greenville’s tourism administrator, described the teamwork behind Greenville’s signature festivals at the Chamber’s Greenville Greats panel. She joined leaders from Artisphere and euphoria to discuss what it takes to make the city’s biggest weekends happen.
Collaboration is key, according to these local leaders. | Photos by GVLtoday, euphoria + Artisphere
“Every year, I always make a point to stand in the middle of Main Street and see all of the faces that are walking by. There is something so unique about Fall for Greenville in that you can see every single walk of life walking down the street.” — City of Greenville Tourism Administrator Anna Catherine Miller
“Somebody said to me years ago, ‘I can go have dinner with Thomas Keller at Deveraux’s and go sleep in my own bed...’ They can have this amazing experience from these amazing chefs that are visiting our community.” — Founder Carl Sobocinski
“As Greenville’s reputation grows as a great place to visit, so has its reputation as an arts-forward community. Artists want to go where people are buying artwork.” — President + CEO Kerry Murphy
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Whether your business is online, in-store, or both, there are financial tools to help. | Photo via Unsplash
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Keith Urban’s show tonight at Bon Secours Wellness Arena is canceled. According to Urban’s team, he is on complete vocal rest due to laryngitis. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster will automatically be refunded.
Civic
Greenville County residents pushed back against Duke Energy Carolinas’ proposed 9.5% rate hike during a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 14. If approved, the average residential bill would rise by about $10 a month starting in March 2026. Duke says the increase would fund grid upgrades and improvements in storm resiliency. (Greenville Journal)
Open
Pastavino is now serving scratch-made Italian dishes — and authentic Maryland crab cakes — at the corner of The Parkway and Batesville (near Publix). The new restaurant from cousins Niko and George Sakellis blends a downtown vibe with suburban convenience on the Eastside. (Upstate Business Journal)
Festival
Bear Shadow is coming out of hibernation. The Highlands music festival will return from May 29 to May 31 at its new home, Ferngrove — a scenic venue that embodies the event’s themes of “music, mountains, mindfulness, and community.” Headliners and ticket information will be announced later this year.
Plan Ahead
Calling all cookie architects and candy engineers — the 2025 Holiday Gingerbread Exhibit needs you. The downtown display at the Residence Inn/SpringHill Suites is seeking 50 bakers (pro, amateur, and junior bakers). Apply by Friday, Oct. 31 for a chance at the $350 grand prize.
Tech
Greenville County Schools has officially rolled out MagicSchool AI for middle and high school teachers. After pilot programs at Rudolph Gordon and Fountain Inn High, the district now allows teachers to use the platform to build quizzes, lessons, and AI tutoring tools. (Greenville Journal)
History
An antique horse-drawn hearse from a 1890s Simpsonville funeral home is getting new life. Conservator Sharon Penton cleaned and stabilized the piece for display in the new exhibit “Beyond Halloween Land: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” which opens this Saturday. The hearse will be on view Oct. 28–Nov. 9. (Greenville Journal)
Edu
What do flexible scheduling, in-person Charleston residencies, and leadership coaching have in common? They’re all built into this hybrid program for working professionals. Learn more and apply before Saturday, Nov. 1.*
Biz
Thanks to your nominations, the spotlight is on some truly amazing local businesses. We’re now gearing up for the voting phase of GVLtoday’s Best — sorting, organizing, and making sure everything’s ready to go. Mark your calendar: Voting opens Oct. 20.
Featured Job
Join AFL’s Quality team as a Supplier Quality Technician. In this role, you’ll inspect incoming materials, verify specifications, reject defects, and document results. Learn more + apply.*
Finance
Crush credit card debt with a balance transfer.This card offers nearly two years of 0% interest (into 2027) + cash back perks on additional purchases. Learn more and apply.*
Category
Plan Ahead
⭐ We’re seeing stars
All eyes are on chefs Joe Cash and Nico Abello in this new MICHELIN Guide era. | Photos by Table 301 during Chef Nico Abello’s Spotlight Dinner with Chef Joe Cash
We’re less than a month away from The MICHELIN Guide announcing which restaurants made it into the inaugural American South Guide.
While the festivities at the Peace Center on Monday, Nov. 3 are invitation-only — and highly exclusive — you can still celebrate with your fellow Greenvillians for what is likely the biggest night for our food scene in Greenville history.
VisitGreenvilleSC is partnering with New Realm for a viewing party open to all from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Entry is free, and a live stream of the main event will be on the big screen as you indulge in bites from local chefs and sip on beverage pairings.
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.
Last night was Meet the Team for the Swamp Rabbits at PKL Park, which got me in the hockey mood. I also got the scoop that Opening Night on Friday is on the brink of selling out — which means the crowd is going to be electric. I’ll be there. Will you? Get tickets.
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