Enjoy a Diversity of Arts in Simpsonville

When most people think about the arts in Simpsonville, CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park almost always comes to mind. Over the years, the outdoor entertainment venue has drawn an impressive lineup of well-known recording artists like Wu-Tang Clan, Willie Nelson and renowned YouTube violinist and dancer Lindsey Stirling.

Accommodating 15,000 concertgoers on its tiered lawn, the amphitheater has become an Upstate destination for country, rock, hip hop and rap music as well as family-friendly community events, including the 10-day Fair at Heritage Park held in May, Movies in the Park, an Easter egg hunt, July Fourth’s Celebrate Simpsonville and Halloween and Christmas programs.

But Simpsonville’s arts scene extends far beyond the grounds of Heritage Park.

The Simpsonville Arts Foundation sponsors a number of arts-related events each year, including the Summer Music Series and Food Truck Rodeo at Hendricks Pavilion in City Park.

It also plays host to the annual Oktoberfest and Christmas concert at the Simpsonville Arts Center, housed in the historic school building on Academy Street.

Along with the Arts Center, the 1939 brick building serves as home to the Library and Museum of Revolutionary War History. Opened in 2013, it was created to tell the story of the Battle of Great Cane Brake, the only Revolutionary War battle to take place in Greenville County. In this skirmish, which took place Dec. 22, 1775 along a creek to the Reedy River, a force of South Carolinian Patriots routed a band of Tories, capturing 130 Loyalists.

The museum showcases artifacts from the war, from uniforms, arms and artillery to cooking utensils, flags and photographs. In addition, the museum offers programs throughout the year, including monthly presentations, the Old Colonial Faire, Tales Around the Campfire and Colonial Christmas.

Simpsonville also is home to a large movie complex, featuring 14 screens, an IMAX theater and stadium seating.