Free Things to Do in Greenville

Zero Cost, All the Fun

You don’t have to have a big budget to have a great time in Greenville, SC! Here are some free things to do—and some low-cost bonus ideas—to make the most of your trip to the area. 

Join the crowd downtown on Main Street on Saturday mornings and stock up on local vegetables, fruit, eggs, cheese, meats and other home-grown fare from area farmers.

Free City Events

There are numerous free events happening all over Greenville all the time. In spring through early fall, Main Street at NOMA Square shuts down on both Thursday and Friday evenings for live music at Downtown Alive and Main Street Fridays. On Saturday mornings May-October (and once in December), Main Street is shut down for the TD Saturday Market. Make sure to check out our Events page to see all the local events going on during your visit.

Low-Cost Level-Up:

Greenville’s food trucks can be found serving up delicious street food at free city events, so be sure to grab a bite to eat from one of these mobile eateries while you are there.

Part of the Mice on Main scavenger hunt, see if you can find all nine of the small bronze mice hidden along Main Street.

Mice on Main Scavenger Hunt

Also part of the Art in Public Places initiative, the Mice on Main are 9 tiny bronze mice hidden along a section of Main Street for kids and kids-at-heart to discover. Inspired by the children's book Goodnight Moon, the mice were originally ideated as a local high-schooler's class project. Stop by the VisitGreenvilleSC Visitor Center in City Hall for your free copy of the Mice on Main clues or you can get them online.

Low-Cost Level-Up:

Pop into O.P. Taylor’s toy store and grab a copy of the book, Mice on Main, written by Linda Kelly and illustrated by mice sculptor, Zan Wells, as an adorable reminder of your experience.

People doing Yoga in NOMA Square

NOMA Square, ONE City Plaza & Camperdown Plaza

Three prominent gathering spaces Downtown, NOMA SquareONE City Plaza, and Camperdown Plaza are hubs of activity and offer free yoga classes, live music, salsa dancing nights, dog-friendly "yappy" hours, and more.

Low-Cost Level-Up:

If you're near NOMA Square, take home a foodie souvenir from Oil & Vinegar, or grab a seat at Roost Restaurant. Creatives can join a candle-making class at Greenville Soy Candle Company. Near ONE City Plaza, get an outdoor table at Sassafras Southern Bistro or Cantina 76. At Camperdown, dine at CAMP and grab dessert at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.

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Statue Bears at 3 Bears Linky Stone Park

City and County Parks and Gardens

Greenville County is home to numerous parks and green spaces that are free to enjoy. Kids often love visiting the Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park, a unique garden that features interactive displays for young ones.

Low-Cost Level-Up:

In the warmer months, make sure to pay a visit to one of the three Greenville County Waterparks. For dog-lovers, each year in the early fall, Discovery Island and Otter Creek waterparks both host Waggin’ at the Waterpark⁠—events just for pups!

Wagon from History Museum of Travelers Rest

History Museum of Travelers Rest

This historic grocery store-turned-museum houses artifacts and exhibits related to Travelers Rest and surrounding areas, highlighting the history of the town being a “resting place” for people traveling through the mountains to the coast and beyond.

Low-Cost Level-Up:

While in TR (as the locals call it), visit the downtown area and peruse the shops and dining in this quaint local town, like Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse or Upcountry Provisions Bakery and Bistro for freshly baked goods.

Mother and son standing on dock looking out at Lake Conestee

Conestee Nature Preserve

Designated an “Important Bird Area of Global Significance” by the National Audubon Society, Conestee Nature Preserve's 600 acres of natural habitat are a treat for any nature lover. You can also find deer, raccoon, beaver, fox, river otter, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Low-Cost Level-Up:

The preserve hosts learning-based Knee-High Naturalists events led by local educators, where kids can do activities like building fairy houses. Keep an eye out for these special events on our Events page.

Things to Do

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