Good afternoon, Greenville!

This weekend's pretty solid:

  • Weird Al at Bon Secours

  • Chili Cook-Off at Fluor Field with Brian Baumgartner

  • A refreshing weekend escape

  • And much more

RESTAURANT SCENE

The Little Secret

Price range: $12-$18

Chef and owner Conner Hinderks has brought his restless creativity to Greenville after spending years in New Orleans at the award-winning Maypop, and the results are dishes that feel genuinely unexpected on a plate.

Hinderks calls his approach "Chaos Cuisine" — a deliberate mashup of cultures, techniques, and flavors that shouldn't work but do.

Here's what people keep coming back for:

  • Tamarind Sticky Ribs — slow cooked, bright garlic, fresh herbs, a complete departure from traditional BBQ

  • Dumplings — dangerously good, the kind you'll order twice

  • Cocktails that match the food's creativity

COMMUNITY CORNER

Nine of Cups Opens Downtown with European Pastries

Owner Nate Warner opened the new European-style cafe at 131 E. McBee St., bringing in Bake Room alum Skyler Cook for daily pastries and treats.

Menu: Cook brings expertise in laminated dough and European pastry, with staples like focaccia, buttermilk biscuits, and chocolate chip cookies featured alongside fresh daily offerings.

Downtown Greenville: Located on McBee in the heart of downtown Greenville, the cafe joins the neighborhood's growing food and beverage scene with its focus on fresh, European-influenced baked goods.

Dog of the Week

Polite greeter with serious mid-air treat skills. Playful, athletic, and genuinely food-motivated—especially if cheese is involved. A quirky pup who brings real personality to playtime and adventure.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Weird Al Yankovic | Bon Secours
Saturday | 8 PM

The biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history returns with his full-production multimedia show.

  • 5-Time Grammy Winner: Best known for parodies of the biggest musical artists over the last four decades, from Madonna and Michael Jackson to Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga—all with their personal blessings.

  • Expanded Band Experience: Al's longtime band is joined by four additional players to create a super-sized concert with iconic hits and never-performed-live-before fan favorites.

Turkish Food Festival | Peace Center
Saturday | 11 AM

A vibrant celebration of Turkey's rich culinary heritage brings authentic flavors and warm hospitality to Greenville.

  • Authentic Turkish Cuisine: From Turkish döner and baklava to homemade pastries and traditional dishes, the festival showcases the depth and diversity of Turkish cooking in a family-friendly setting.

  • Community & Culture: More than just food, the event creates space for people from all walks of life to share meals, stories, and friendship while experiencing the hospitality central to Turkish traditions.

Chili Cook-Off | Flour Field
Sunday | 2 PM

The Greenville Drive transforms game day into a flavor-packed celebration of America's favorite comfort food with baseball and community competition.

  • Local Competition: Cooks bring classic recipes, secret family blends, spicy creations, and crowd-pleasing favorites to prove their chili belongs at the top of the lineup.

  • Celebrity Guest: Actor Brian Baumgartner from The Office hosts a special VIP meet-and-greet with fans throughout the event.

LAUGH A LITTLE

Ellen Skrmetti | The Comedy Zone
Thursday | 7 PM

Ellen Skrmetti, viral Instagram and TikTok star, delivers Southern charm and hilarious perspective. Her viral reels have reached millions of followers.

Tony Rock | The Comedy Zone
Friday | 7 & 9 PM
Saturday | 6 & 9 PM
Sunday | 6 PM

Comedian and actor Tony Rock, brother of Chris Rock, is known for his high-energy performances and work across comedy, television, and film.

🎤 LIVE MUSIC

Thursday

Smileys on the Roxx | Brandi Colt | 6:30 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Kenny George | 10 PM
Noma Square | Benji Merritt & The Blackwater Social | 5:30 PM
Blues Boulevard Jazz | Raybandz Saxz | 8 PM
The Mockingbird | Tommy Prime | 7:30 PM

Friday

Smileys on the Roxx | David Locke | 6:30 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Xperience Soul | 10 PM
Blues Boulevard Jazz | The Night Affair | 7:30 PM & 10 PM
Gather GVL | Watts McCormick | 6 PM
Noma Square | Tuxedo Junction | 5:30 PM
Swanson’s Warehouse | Battle of the Bands | 7:30 PM
Radio Room | Lovesong | 8 PM
The Mockingbird | Tommy Prime | 7:30 PM

Saturday

Blues Boulevard Jazz | Play That | 7:30 PM & 10 PM
Radio Room | Nirvani | 8 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Funknation | 6:30 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Soul Legit | 10 PM
Southernside Brewing | Second Hand News | 6 PM

Sunday

Smileys on the Roxx | Simple Syrup | 6:30 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Forrester | 10 PM

🏈 ⚾ Sports

Greenville Drive VS Asheville | Fluor Field
Monday - Sunday | Times vary

Greenville Insider Weekly Picks

🎵 Music on the Mountain: Dan Lane spans mid-sixties to modern with Americana, classic rock, and country at Eagle Mountain Winery. Saturday in Travelers Rest.
🏗️ Reshaping Greenville: Check out the active development projects currently transforming downtown and beyond across the city.
🛒 European Finds: Eurostor offers Eastern European groceries, specialty coffee, and more, located at 443 Congaree Rd in Greenville.
🍺 Sippin' in Simpsonville: Craft brews, local food, and live music await at Simpsonville's beer tasting downtown Friday.
💳 Sam's Club Deal: Snag a membership for $25 — 58% off through Groupon.
🎸 Led Zeppelin Lives: Jason Bonham delivers a powerful tribute with masterful musicianship and stunning visuals at Peace Center. Wednesday, June 3rd.
🍕 The Slice Happy Hour: Score $5 well spirits, $6 margaritas, and $5 bar bites M–Th, 3–6 PM at The Slice Simpsonville.
🏗️ Barndo Builders: Check out The Barndo Co. in Greenville for spacious, open-plan homes designed to look like barns.
💼 NEAT Goes Simpsonville: NEAT Bourbon Bar with four SC locations strong to add a downtown Simpsonville location in early 2027.
🚴 Spin Into Community: Join Greenville Spinners for weekly rides, training seminars, and 500+ cycling friends.
🎵 Amp'd Up Fridays Return: Live music every Friday at Mauldin Cultural Center starting 6:30 PM, plus food trucks.
🎵 Shakedown at Wild Yarrow: Live music and LAI Sushi Thursday at Wild Yarrow Brewing.

NEARBY ADVENTURES

Clayton, GA: Your next mountain escape

Rabun County has more waterfalls than any other county in Georgia, and Clayton sits in the heart of it all.

Clayton's dining surprises visitors—cozy coffeehouse, Cuban food, tacos, craft beer on a sprawling patio, and a national award-winning winery and much more. Most visitors come for the hikes and stay for the food. Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds.

Don't miss: Black Rock Mountain State Park's rim trail for unbeatable mountain vistas.

Best for: Hikers, photographers, food-focused travelers, and weekend escape couples.

Bring this: Sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to hike.

Good to know: Spring and fall offer the best weather. Most facilities open year-round.

REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE | 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2204 SQ FT | $499K

Corner lot home in a highly sought-after community in Simpsonville features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a versatile bonus room. Open-concept living showcases granite countertops, custom backsplash, and stainless appliances. Elegant crown molding, tiled master shower, and fireplace in the great room add warmth. Screened porch with fireplace perfect for entertaining. The main-level bedroom doubles as home office or guest space. A covered front porch invites relaxation. Move-in ready and immaculate.

LOCAL PROS

Vetted Pros in Greenville

These local professionals have earned strong reputations around town and come vetted straight from the GreenvillePros directory, featuring top service professionals, so you can skip the endless review-reading and get right to getting things done.

Be sure to tell them we sent you!

✔️ Kitchen Remodelers: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen has 71+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—local experts turning outdated kitchens and baths into spaces that make coming home the best part of your day.

✔️ Med Spa: Augusta Road Aesthetics has 467+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—personalized skincare programs designed to help you look healthier and more youthful, naturally.

✔️ Auto Repair: Killian Auto Pros has 1100+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—honest, upfront repairs where you're treated right and never taken advantage of, loaner cars included.

✔️ Family Dentistry: Greenville Family Dentistry has 766+ Google reviews and a 5.0-star rating—where the team takes time to calm your fears and make even anxious patients feel comfortable.

✔️House Painter: Renew Painting has 176+ Google reviews and a 5.0-star rating—they show up when they say they will and leave your home looking better than you imagined.

See you next Thursday,

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