Savor the Sounds of Summer 🎶 (Without Spending a Fortune)

Easy nights, live music, and fresh-air fun—all just around the corner in Greenville

Hello, ENC Explorers!

Memorial Day may be behind us, but summer is just getting warmed up—and so is the local music scene. With warm evenings in the forecast and school days winding down, it's prime time to slow your pace, catch a breeze, and let the rhythm of Eastern NC guide your weekend. This week’s picks include one laid-back date idea and one family-friendly way to soak in the season—plus a few more events that prove you don’t need a big budget to live it up locally. Whether you're craving a soulful acoustic set or looking for room to let the kids run while the band plays on, we’ve got you.

🎧 Now Playing: The ENC Explorer Podcast

We’re on the mic! 🎙️ Each week, the ENC Explorer Podcast delivers quick, upbeat episodes filled with hidden gems, timely happenings, and budget-friendly ways to make the most of life in and around Greenville. Whether you're driving to work, sipping coffee, or out for a walk, it's the easiest way to plan your week—zero scrolling required. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Tune in, head out, and explore more!

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Your weekly audio guide to affordable fun in Greenville 🎧

🗺️ Local Flavor, Big Savings: The ENC Explorer Passport

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Craving more for less around Greenville? The ENC Explorer Passport hooks you up with exclusive discounts at your favorite hometown spots—no apps, no awkward coupon-cutting.

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Know a Local Legend? Let’s Celebrate Them!

Greenville is full of everyday heroes—quiet helpers, bold leaders, and community builders who make this town better in big and small ways. Now’s your chance to help us spotlight them.

🎯 Nominate someone who:
✔ Lifts others through service, outreach, or advocacy
✔ Runs a local biz or program with real impact
✔ Sparks pride, connection, or positive change

Whether they're organizing neighborhood cleanups, mentoring local youth, or just showing up with heart, we want to hear about them.

💫 Your nomination could help us share their story in an upcoming edition of ENC Explorer.

Let’s shine a light on the folks who make Greenville thrive. 🧡

ENC Adventures: Sunset Sounds, Sips & Summer Vibes

Memorial Day may be behind us, but the season’s just getting started—and Greenville is already buzzing with energy. This week, we're dialing into warm-weather rhythms with live music, local brews, and free outdoor fun. Whether you're easing into summer or sprinting into every plan possible, we’ve got just the right mix of outings to match your mood (and your budget).

Seasonal Tip: Where to Catch Live Music This Week (with a Drink in Hand)

Looking for a low-key night out that doesn’t drain your wallet? These local spots serve up great vibes, cold drinks, and a rotating schedule of live performances to kick off the summer soundtrack.

Craft brews, a relaxed crowd, and regular live music in the heart of Uptown.

Known for their Open Mic Tuesdays and live sets throughout the month.

Dinner, drinks, and live tunes every Friday night—right in the center of the action.

🎯 Pro Tip: Most venues post their schedules early in the week—perfect for spontaneous plans. Bring friends, show up early for a good seat, and order local while you listen.

Coming up next: a Sunday evening concert series that’s perfect for families (and free!), plus a cozy date idea for music lovers who prefer the indoors. Keep reading for the full scoop 👇

Date Idea: Pizza & Pints with Live Music

Where: Pitt Street Brewing Company & Luna Pizza Café, Greenville, NC
Cost: $25 per person

Set the tone for summer with a laid-back night of live music and local flavor. Start at Luna Pizza Café, just steps from Pitt Street Brewing Company, and grab a handcrafted pie to go. Then head next door, where you can enjoy your pizza alongside a cold craft beer while listening to a local acoustic set or band. With outdoor seating, string lights, and good company, this is casual date night done right.
👉 Tip: Check Pitt Street’s events calendar to sync up with a live show, and get your pizza early—Luna gets busy on weekends!

Family Outing Idea: Sunday in the Park with Food Trucks & Fresh Air

Where: Town Common, Greenville, NC
Cost: $15 per person (or less with a DIY picnic)

Cap off your weekend with Sunday in the Park, a free outdoor concert series at Town Common complete with live music, open green space, and plenty of room for the kids to run wild. You can grab dinner from rotating local food trucks, or keep it simple with a budget-friendly picnic. A stop at the grocery store deli for rotisserie chicken and sides makes an easy, crowd-pleasing middle ground.
👉 Tip: Bring your own chairs or blankets for max comfort.

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ENC Explorer City Guide serves up the best of Greenville and Eastern NC every week—think hidden gems, free events, and wallet-friendly adventures for families, couples, and curious locals.

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🥡 Locals Know: The ENC Explorer Passport Pays for Itself

Want to eat like a local and save like one? The ENC Explorer Passport unlocks exclusive deals at some of Greenville’s most-loved spots—think free apps, BOGO pizza, % off your total, and more at places like:

🍗 Nash Hot Chicken
🍣 Sushi Q
🍕 Jet’s Pizza
🥤 Smoothie King
🥯 Bagelman
🍽️ The Rickhouse

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🌞 ENC Adventures: Walk, Feast & Go Wild This May

From riverside concerts and sunset strolls to animal encounters and open-air eats, Eastern NC is alive with late-spring energy. Whether you’re chasing live music, sampling local flavors, or exploring something wild, there’s a budget-friendly adventure waiting for you right now.

🐢 Slow down, look around, and let May surprise you—in the best way.

🔎 Want more weekly picks, hidden gems, and low-cost fun across ENC? Head to ENCExplorer.com. Your next local adventure is just a few steps away! 🌿

🎶 What’s Happening: Fresh Air, Good Music & Local Vibes in ENC

  • When: May 28, 2025

  • Where: Wildwood Park, 3450 Blue Heron Dr, Greenville, NC
    Join fellow community members for a leisurely walk through the scenic trails of Wildwood Park. This event is a great opportunity to connect with others, enjoy nature, and engage in light physical activity. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.​

  • When: June 1, 15, & 29, 2025 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

  • Where: Town Common Park, Greenville, NC
    Settle in for a summer tradition: free live music at the riverfront amphitheater. Pack a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy good tunes, good company, and those golden-hour vibes. Perfect for families or low-key date nights.

  • When: Saturday, June 21, 2025

  • Where: Greenville Town Common
    Celebrate freedom and community with live music at the Greenville Toyota Amphitheater, a Black-owned vendor fair, food trucks, bounce houses, and a fireworks finale. Free guided trolley tours of the African American Cultural Trail will be available earlier in the day.

Your Voice Matters

Reader Spotlight: Wildwood Park

Looking for a spot with something for everyone? Barbara J recommends Wildwood Park—perfect for picnics, playtime, and peaceful views.

Barbara J loves Wildwood Park and for good reason! Whether you’re packing a picnic, bringing the kids to play, or looking to bike the trails, this spot has it all. Don’t miss the 1.5-mile loop around the lake or the dock where you can launch your boat—or rent one if you don’t have your own. A must-visit for your next outdoor adventure!

What’s your favorite type of budget-friendly activity in ENC?

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Share Your Thoughts

We want to hear from you! What’s your favorite spot in and around Greenville, NC? Whether it’s a hidden gem, a local eatery, or a scenic park, your input could be featured in an upcoming City Guide! Take a moment to share your pick in our one-question survey.

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Because adventures are better with good company—and there’s plenty of magic right here at home.

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Happy Exploring!
-The ENC Explorer Team