For more than a decade, the Mauldin Outdoor Amphitheater has been the site of festivals and performances attracting 20,000-plus visitors annually. Located on the grounds of the Mauldin Cultural Center, the venue hosts more than 25 events each year and serves as a catalyst for tourism in the city and region.
When a falling tree hit the amphitheater stage during Hurricane Helene in September 2024, it destroyed the original wooden cover and damaged the fascia, presenting a challenge along with an opportunity.
Gina McAtee, special projects manager for Mauldin, said city leaders recognized the importance of restoring the stage in preparation for the 2025 season.
“Because the city of Mauldin doesn’t have a traditional downtown area, the Cultural Center has long served as a gathering place for festivals, concerts and other events that bring people together and create a sense of community,” McAtee said. “It was important for us to rebuild the stage cover quickly and upgrade the design to elevate the experience for both performers and guests.”
From proposals submitted in January, the city chose Hogan Construction to build the new structure. The roof will be made of steel with a ceiling of stained wood, with fixtures to support stage lighting. The front columns will have spaces to hold speakers, and the open back will accommodate backdrops tailored to different productions.
Construction is underway on the new amphitheater cover.The design is expected to improve the sound quality of concerts and theatrical performances, making the venue appealing to a wider range of artists and enhancing audience enjoyment.
McAtee said the stage cover is on schedule to be completed by May 23, when Upstate band Randomonium will kick off the city’s Amp’d Up Fridays summer concert series.
Now in its 11th season, Amp’d Up Fridays runs through July 25, showcasing genres from rock and beach music to country and R & B. Swingin’ Medallions, James Radford Band, The Catalinas and others will perform this year.
Other upcoming events include the Chautauqua History Comes Alive Festival from 7:30-9 p.m. June 11-12, the second annual Juneteenth celebration from 5-9 p.m. June 21, and the 15th annual Sooie BBQ Festival in September. Entry to all events is free.
The Cultural Center grounds is also home to the city of Mauldin’s Public Art Trail, which features sculptures created by local artists. The newest sculpture, “Bonsai Clouds” by Carey Morton, was unveiled in April.
“The Public Art Trail adds to the vibrancy of the amphitheater and seeks to beautify the community while supporting South Carolina artists,” McAtee said.
Funding for the new stage cover was provided by the city of Mauldin, local grants and donor contributions. The Community Foundation of Greenville has supported the Mauldin Cultural Center in the past and gave $50,000 toward the repairs.
“We are proud to support this project in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene,” Gina Blohm, CFG director of development said, “plus we were excited to demonstrate our support of Mauldin and its arts programming.”
For the Mauldin Cultural Center’s full schedule of events, visit mauldinculturalcenter.org/events/festival-season.
Visit cfgreenville.org to learn more about the Community Foundation of Greenville.
