Stage, Screen, and smokin’ BBQ: Mauldin Cultural Center unveils jam-packed Fall season

As summer’s heat begins to cool, the city’s heart of arts and culture is gearing up for a bustling autumn. The Mauldin Cultural Center has officially rolled out its full fall programming lineup, featuring an ambitious mix of mainstage theatrical productions, free outdoor concerts, seasonal community festivals, and family movie nights under the stars.

From pitmaster competitions on the lawn to rock musicals on stage, the upcoming schedule offers something for residents and visitors of all ages across the Upstate.

Mainstage & Outdoor Theater

The Mauldin Theatre Company is anchoring the season with four distinct productions that span genres from classic drama to high-energy rock:

• Pippin (August 14–30, 2026)

  Opening the season, Stephen Schwartz’s iconic musical follows a young prince on a colorful, soul-searching journey to find extraordinary purpose in his life.

• Our Town (September 25–27, 2026)

  Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic takes the indoor stage to offer a timeless reflection on small-town community, life, and love.

• Rock of Ages (October 2–4, 2026)

  Part of the center’s Spotlight Series, this free, outdoor concert-style production takes over the Mauldin Amphitheater. Featuring live 80s rock anthems, food trucks, and market vendors, it transforms the lawn into an open-air rock experience.

• Little Women: The Musical (November 6–22, 2026)

  Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale of the March sisters comes to life in a warm, musical adaptation just in time for the holiday season.

Signature Festivals & Community Events

In addition to theater productions, the Cultural Center’s outdoor grounds will host several signature community gatherings:

• 16th Annual SOOIE! BBQ Cook-Off (September 11–12, 2026)

  Dozens of regional barbecue teams will descend on the outdoor amphitheater for a two-day competition. Friday night features the fan-favorite “Anything Butt” tasting competition, followed by Saturday’s main pulled-pork cook-off judged by the South Carolina Barbeque Association.

• Friday Night Flicks (Fridays in October)

  Community members are invited to pack lawn chairs and blankets for free outdoor movie screenings at dusk under the stars.

Plan Your Visit

All outdoor events are free to enter and open to the public, with local food vendors and craft beverages available on-site. Indoor theatrical performances take place inside the Mauldin Cultural Center auditorium at 101 East Butler Road.

Tickets for mainstage theater productions and full event details can be found online at MauldinCulturalCenter.org.