What's happening in Greenville this weekend? (8/20-8/23)

Good afternoon, Greenville.

This week's got range — the Japanese Bon Dance Festival, New Orleans royalty George Porter Jr., and a getaway in Pisgah National Forest.

Let's get into it.

For over two decades, Lieu's Chinese Bistro has been a Greenville favorite for Chinese dining.

While the menu is extensive, the true signature here is a level of hospitality that makes every guest feel like family. Owner Ellen Lee is a constant, warm presence who personally oversees everything from kitchen quality to dining room atmosphere.

Whether guests are pulling up a stool at the newly updated, stylish bar or gathering around a table with family, Lieu's bridges the gap between comforting classics and refined, elevated techniques.

Local favorites include:

See menu HERE.

Good to Go is bringing its neighborhood market concept to Greenville’s Eastside this fall, opening its third Upstate location.

Third Location: Good to Go Eastside at 420 The Parkway joins the Midtown and Five Forks stores, offering chef-prepared meals, boutique wines, and curated retail products.

From Garage to Growth: Founder Kendrick started the business out of her garage in 2011, building it into a multi-location neighborhood market brand.

See menu HERE.

Meeting new people as an adult is hard. So we created the Dinner Club: six strangers, one table, matched by a quick quiz.

What makes it special:

Curated groups based on shared interests

🍽️ Next Dinner: Thursday, Sept 10 • 6:30 PM

👉 Get more details HERE.

🎵 George Porter Jr.: The Meters bassist and one of the funk era's most in-demand session players brings his Crescent City legacy to The Mockingbird. 7:30 PM.

🎭 Pippin: Stephen Schwartz's Tony-winning musical follows a young prince chasing glory, love, and power before finding meaning in the everyday, at Mauldin Cultural Center. Thursday-Sunday, times vary.

🎵 Parker McCollum: The Texas native brings emotionally driven songwriting and a sound that bridges Red Dirt authenticity with mainstream country appeal to Simpsonville at Heritage Park. 7:30 PM.

👨‍👩‍👧 Bon Dance Festival: Kimono-clad dancers take over McAlister Square for Bon Odori, backed by taiko drumming, martial arts demos, and food from Upstate vendors. 12 PM.

🎨 Sip & Paint at City Scape Winery: A self-led morning of wine and canvases in the vineyard tasting room — bring a friend, pour a glass, and paint at your own pace. 10 AM.

🥊 Cage Fighting Championships: Live cage fighting hits the Greenville Convention Center for a night of raw, nonstop action — GCC's premier fight night in the Upstate. 5:30 PM.

🍺 Hans & Franz's Ceremonial Keg Opening: The annual Weihenstephan Festbier keg gets tapped while the Steubenville Tootlers play Festbier music into the evening. 6 PM.

📍 Annual Folk Craft Day: Travelers Rest Farmers Market spotlights local heritage craft with live demos from master blacksmiths, potters, weavers, and woodworkers. 8:30 AM.

🎵 Music in the Galleries: Live sets bring hits from the Prohibition era through the 1930s into the Greenville County Museum of Art, big band sound filling the gallery walls. 2:00 PM.

George Wallace | The Comedy Zone
Friday & Saturday | Times vary

Comedy legend George Wallace brings decades of stand-up mastery to the stage — a Lifetime Achievement honoree at the Soul Train/Centric Comedy Awards and American Comedy Awards' Best Stand-Up winner.

Get the details HERE.

Smileys on the Roxx | Chris Hunt | 6:30 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Away Team | 10 PM
Blues Boulevard Jazz | Anreale | 8 PM
Noma Square | Randomonium | 5:30 PM
The Mockingbird | George Porter | 7:30 PM

Smileys on the Roxx | Marvin King Revue | 6:30 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | The Sound Committee | 10 PM
Blues Boulevard Jazz | Charles Page | 7:30 PM & 10 PM
Gather GVL | Melody Lane | 6 PM
Noma Square | SideCar | 5:30 PM
The Mockingbird | Song Sessions | 7:30 PM
Radio Room | Frankly Scarlet | 8 PM

Blues Boulevard Jazz | Yakou & The Urban Legends | 7:30 PM & 10 PM
Radio Room | Duran Duran Tribute | 8 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Echo | 6:30 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Flashpoint | 10 PM
Radio Room | The Reflex | 8 PM
The Mockingbird | Song Sessions | 7:30 PM
Wild Yarrow Brewing | Second Hand News | 6 PM

Smileys on the Roxx | Buckland | 6:30 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Broken Rekordd | 10 PM

🏈 ⚾ Sports

Greenville Drive vs Winston-Salem | Fluor Field
Thrusday-Sunday | Times vary

More details HERE.

About 1 hour, 20 minutes from Greenville

Pisgah National Forest has some of the best mountain biking terrain in the Southeast, and The Bike Farm puts riders right at its edge, with DuPont State Recreational Forest just a short ride away, too.

Expert guides lead private tours and coaching for riders at every level, from first-timers finding their balance to experienced mountain bikers chasing Pisgah's tougher terrain. No bike, no problem — the rental fleet is well-stocked and ready to go.

Even non-riders will find something here. The beautiful setting alone makes it worth the trip for anyone who just wants to spend a day outdoors.

Plan Your Visit HERE.

FOR SALE | 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1151 SQ FT | $400K

Charming updated bungalow with 3 beds, 2 baths. Fully renovated in 2021—new windows, roof, HVAC, siding, and plumbing/electrical. Fireplace with shiplap surround, granite kitchen, and primary suite with double vanity, walk-in shower, and closet.

See this home HERE.

This affectionate character starts with happy zoomies, then settles into a smart, well-mannered companion—already spinning for treats and always up for tug, fetch, or a happy walk.

Meet Elbert HERE.

Thanks for reading Greenville Insider. See you next Thursday.