Upstate 2026 calendar fills up: George Strait at Clemson, 'Dear Evan Hansen,' comedy and more
A stadium-sized country show, a Tony-winning musical and a slate of comedy and community programs headline the Upstate’s early 2026 entertainment lineup, with organizers in Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson mapping out a crowded calendar for spring and summer.
The season opens May 1 with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon at ZEN Greenville, an event that promotes women’s health awareness, celebrates survivors and supports cardiovascular research. One day later, George Strait brings his In-the-Round 2026 Stadium Show to Memorial Stadium on May 2 for a one-night performance in Death Valley, joined by Cody Johnson and Wyatt Flores.
On May 24, the Sigal Music Museum hosts Tom Strange: Miles Davis at 100 Years Young, a free lecture recognizing and celebrating the jazz legend’s legacy. June leans into theater and improv. The Warehouse Theatre stages Football, Football, Football, Football from June 5–21, a comedic look at America’s fixation with the gridiron and the media narratives around it.
From June 12–14, Clark Nesbitt’s No Dreams Deferred presents The Wiz at the Blackbox Theatre in Greenville. That same week, Alchemy Comedy Theatre’s Local Legends: Improv Comedy Inspired by True Stories on June 12 features performances with the Poets community.
Music venues are joining in as well: Seratonic plans three performances by The Wheel All Stars at one of downtown’s newly built listening rooms, pairing smooth tunes with a full brunch bar for morning and afternoon sets. Mid-summer brings national tours and stand-up.
Thomas Rhett’s The Soundtrack to Life Tour stops at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on July 11, with Kashus Culpepper and Emily Ann Roberts and songs from his latest album, About a Woman. Spartanburg Little Theatre mounts Heathers The Musical from July 17–26. Comedian Tommy Davidson appears at the new Comedy Zone location at Revel Event Center in Greenville’s North Main neighborhood July 23–26, with five shows expected over three nights.
August turns the spotlight to Centre Stage, which has scheduled Dear Evan Hansen from August 6–23. Beyond these highlights, the year’s offerings include familiar staples such as sampling restaurants’ cuisine during Fall for Greenville and browsing artists’ booths at Artisphere, as well as interactive theatre through the Greenville Chautauqua Society and even an opportunity to introduce school-age children to pickleball.
music, theater, comedy and sports, the Upstate’s 2026 season offers a dense calendar for date nights, families and culture seekers alike across Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson.