Events

March

Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic

State Fairgrounds in Columbia

803-734-4008

Call for dates and times.

Admission Charged

South Carolina’s largest and wildest hunting, fishing and outdoors show ever! Reach out and touch live critters, from snakes and amphibians to marine life, in several hands-on exhibits. Attend special seminars to learn about wildlife and natural resources, hunting, fishing and related outdoor equipment.

Children’s amusements abound. Let the kids try catch-and-release fishing in a free fishing pond or try their hand at shooting at the virtual ranges on the "Take One Make One" trailer.

April

Blues and Barbecue Fundraiser at the Big Apple

The Big Apple, 1000 Hampton Street, Columbia (behind the Richland County Library).   

803-253-5221

Call for date and time.

Admission Charged

The South Carolina Traditional Arts Network invites lovers of good music and good food to the Big Apple.  The organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and celebration of South Carolina’s folklore, folk life, and traditional arts.

Midland's Plant & Flower Festival Columbia State Farmers Market 1001 Bluff Road, Columbia, SC 29201 803- 737-4664

Call for dates and time of festival.

3 Rivers Music Festival

Call for dates and location

803-401-8990

Admission Charged

The 3 Rivers Music Festival is an outdoor, three-day musical escapade. From jazz to hip-hop, rock to inspirational, the festival has a wealth of music genres.

Columbia International Festival

South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Call for dates and hours of operation.

Admission Charged

See the artifacts, curios, costumes and souvenirs of more than 60 countries at the National Exhibits and International Bazaar.  Taste the culinary richness of dozens of nations -- from baklava to egg rolls, and from curry to hot dogs at the International Food Court.

South Carolina Oyster Festival Finlay Park, Columbia, SC

803-781-0243 or 803-788-6221

Call for date and time.

Admission Charged

Live entertainment all day long and oysters, food, and beverages are available.  

May

Sizzlin' Summer Concerts Series

Finlay Park, Columbia

Saturday nights Memorial Day-Labor Day

7-10pm

Admission Free

A variety of music entertains thousands and includes a selection of beach music, big band, Latin, jazz, blues, rock and roll, reggae, R&B, funk, pop, swing and more!  Food and beverages are available for sale by local vendors. A spectacular fireworks show is the grand finale of five of the concerts throughout the series. Picnics are welcomed; however, glass containers, pets, grills and radios are not permitted in the park during the concerts.

Providence Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler

Finlay Park

803-929-1996

Call for exact date and time.

South Carolina’s only all-female road race. This unique event is designed by women and for women and celebrates the power of a healthy lifestyle. Women can participate in a five-mile run, a 3- or 5-mile walk or a five-mile wheelchair race.  The course begins at Finlay Park and ends at Memorial Park.

Midlands intertribal Empowerment Group PowWow

SC State Fairgrounds, Columbia

803-255-4310.

Call for dates and hours of operation.

Admission Charged

Come join hundreds of Native Americans representing countless tribes across America. Soon you'll find yourself tapping your feet as you close your eyes, immersed by the mesmerizing drums beating their sacred songs. Stare in amazement at the rich and colorful regalia dancers don as they dance in the sacred circle of life. Smell the fry bread, Indian tacos, and buffalo burgers.

Raft-A-Rama

114 Riverchase Court, Lexington, SC

803-791-1727

Admission Charged

Call for date and time.

This fund raising event benefiting Canoeing For Kids is held on the Saluda River in Columbia, S.C. The seven mile paddle from CFK headquarters to the State Capitol is suitable for absolute novice paddlers. Rafts, gear and most importantly, a guide in each raft, are supplied. Trips will begin at 10am 1:00pm and 4:00pm

June/July

Carolina Celebration of Liberty

803-343-8558

Call for exact date and time. (Usually late June)

Call for Admission.

A salute to all branches of the military and veterans, including parades, color guards, patriotic music performed by the First Baptist Church Choir and Orchestra, thousand of American flags and bands.  

August

“A(ugusta) Baker’s Dozen-A Celebration of Stories”

Richland County Public Library

1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201

803-799-9084

Call for exact dates and admission 

RCPL’s annual storytelling festival, cosponsored by the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science, brings to life the world of storytelling and children’s literature.

September

SC Celebration of Blues & Jazz

South Carolina State Museum

803-898-4935

Admission Charged

Call for date and time of event

Enjoy a night of swingin’ jazz and soulful blues!

October

Dark Knight’s Terror Trail

520 Huger Street, on the Corner of Huger and Blossom in Columbia, SC

Admission Charged

Convention and Visitor’s Bureau:  803-545-0000 or 800-264-4884

Call for exact dates, hours of operation and location.

This is a very scary outdoor walking trail!   In the past four years, one person fainted, many who refused to go past the first scene, one husband who picked his wife up under his arm and ran out the exit, one who became sick from fright and refused to go further, three college coeds who literally ran through the fence on the way out, and two adults frightened into wetting themselves.  There are some who don't scare easily, and if you're one of those, we at least hope to entertain you.  We do not recommend this trail for those with heart conditions or medical problems, reactions to strobe lights, allergies to glycerin fog, or physical disabilities.  Special tours are provided for those who are too frightened to proceed, or for children.  Young people under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

South Carolina State Fair 1200 Rosewood Drive Columbia, SC 29201

803-799-3387

Call for dates and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Huge state fair with exhibits ranging from livestock to art to gardening!   

November

Governor’s Cup Road Race

Downtown Columbia

Call for race date and time

803-929-1996

Admission Charged

The Governor's Cup has an event for every level of fitness and every age! Typically, the events include a Half Marathon road race, an 8K road race, an 8K wheelchair race, an 8K charity fitness walk and youth fun runs. The scenic course begins in downtown Columbia and ends on the historic Horseshoe at the University of South Carolina. The course is best described as "rolling terrain" with gradual elevation changes spread throughout the course. Motivating entertainment is provided along the course.

A Christmas Carol

Koger Center for the Arts.

1051 Greene St Columbia, SC 29201

803-799-7605

Call for schedule

Admission Charged.

The Theater in the Park's musical version of Charles Dickens' Christmas classic.

Lights Before Christmas

Riverbanks Zoo

500 Wildlife Parkway

803-779-8717

Usually runs from end of November-December.

Call for dates and hours of operation.

Admission Charged

More than a million twinkling lights and unique displays make “Lights Before Christmas” at the Riverbanks Zoo a must-see for all ages. New sights every year make this holiday show one you will want to visit again and again.  Animated designs include scenes such as flowers that grow, monkeys that swing from the trees, elephants splashing showers of lights, and ice-skating penguins.  Be sure to bring your camera and holiday wish list because Santa is on hand each night to hear every child's wishes

December

Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade

Convention and Visitors Bureau

900 Assembly Street

803-545-0000

800-264-4884

Call for exact date and location

The Parade began before 1953 when Santa would visit Columbia before December. Local business owners in the downtown area of Columbia, South Carolina thought his visit deserved more attention and decided to create a formal parade to welcome him to our area. People from across the state of South Carolina come to Columbia to either be in or watch the parade.  Marching bands from high schools, colleges, universities, and the military are very popular and continue to be a very important part of the parade.  

Sports

Capital City Bombers, professional baseball team 

301 Assembly St., Columbia

803-256-4110

Spring and summer games.

9:00am-5:00pm (non-game days); 9:00am-10:00pm (on game days)

Admission Charged

The Capital City Bombers is a professional baseball team in Columbia, South Carolina that provides family fun and entertainment.  From the excitement of Minor League Baseball to the fun of fireworks, giveaways, and special promotions, Bomberball is a hit for fans of all ages!

Columbia Inferno, Professional ECHC Hockey Team 701 Assembly St.  Columbia, SC 29201 803-256-7825

Admission Charged

Call for dates and times.

Carolina Coliseum

Downtown Business District

701 Assembly St Columbia, SC 29201

803-777-5113

Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5pm

Admission Charged

Home to the Inferno, Columbia’s hockey team, and a variety of other events. For a list of upcoming events contact the automated information line at 803-251-6333.

Arts

Columbia City Ballet

Downtown Business District

Koger Center for the Arts

1051 Greene St Columbia, SC 29201

803-799-7605

Admission Charged

Call for schedule

The Columbia City Ballet provides four productions each year. The Koger Center for the Arts is USC’s and Columbia’s performing arts center.

Sandlapper Singers

Downtown Business District

803-255-0208

Admission Charged

Call for schedule

The Sandlapper Singers is a chamber chorus. They present 4 concerts annually at Shandon Presbyterian Church in Columbia and Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church in Lexington. The Sandlapper Singers sing American music in a uniquely entertaining and engaging style.

South Carolina Philharmonic

Downtown Business District

1237 Gadsden St. Suite 102 Columbia, SC 29072

803-254-7445

Box office hours M-F 9-5, Concert Saturdays 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Call for schedule

Admission Charged

The South Carolina Philharmonic (SCP) offers a wide range of music, including classical masterpieces and collaborations with ballets and operas.

University of South Carolina - School of Music

Downtown Business District

813 Assembly Street Columbia, SC 29208

803-777-4280

Most events are open to the public and are free of charge.

Call for calendar of events.

The School of Music presents over 200 performances annually by more than 500 students, facility, and guest artists.

Trustus Theatre

Downtown Business District

520 Lady Street Columbia, SC 29201

803-254-9732 Performances are Wed & Thurs, 7:30pm; Fri & Sat, 8pm; some Sun matinees at 3pm. Featuring late-night performances, Fridays at 11:15pm. Doors open at 10:45

Admission Charged

Call for schedule.

Trustus is the Midlands award-winning professional theatre, located in the historic Vista, and brings the newest, most thought provoking plays directly from Broadway & off-Broadway. Trustus’ intimate theatre, complete with swivel rocking chairs, complimentary popcorn and bar, makes for a comfortable audience environment. Trustus offers a year round season of Mainstage & Late Night offerings.

Workshop Theatre of South Carolina

Downtown Business District 1136 Bull St Columbia, SC 20201

803-799-6551

Box office is open 12:00 Noon to 5:00 starting four days before show opening and throughout run of show. Admission Charged Call for schedule.

Workshop Theatre produces 6-7 shows per year. Workshop Theatre's programming crosses all age groups and populations.  

Antiques and Shopping Malls

City Market Antiques Mall

Downtown Business District 705-709 Gervais St Columbia, SC 29201

803-252-1589

Mon-Sat: 10:00am-5:30pm; Sun: 1:30pm-5:30pm

Located in the Congaree Vista, City Market Antiques Mall features 75 dealers. Off-street parking available, porcelains, silver, crystal, European and American furniture, and other antiques and collectibles.

Old Mill Antique Mall

Cayce-West Columbia - Airport

310 State St West Columbia, SC 29169

Mon-Sat: 10:00am-5:30pm; Sun: 1:30pm-5:30pm

Old Mill Antique Mall is located in historic West Vista, just across the river from downtown Columbia. 75 dealers offer a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, and furniture.

Columbia Place

Columbia Northeast - Ft. Jackson 7201 Two Notch Rd Columbia, SC 29223

803-788-4676

Mon-Sat: 10:00am-9:00pm; Sun: 12:00pm-6:00pm

Columbia’s largest mall featuring more than 100 stores, a food court and a Cinema 8.

Columbiana Centre

Lexington - St. Andrews - Irmo

100 Columbiana Circle Columbia, SC 29212

803-732-6255 Mon-Sat: 10:00am-9:00pm; Sun: 1:30pm-6:00pm; Extended hours for Christmas Holidays

Columbiana features stores such as Sears, Dillards, Belk, and Parisians. It also offers a wide variety of specialty stores, two restaurants, specialty foods, a food court, and a full size carousel.

Dutch Square Center

Lexington - St. Andrews - Irmo

421 Bush River Rd Columbia, SC 29210

803-772-3864

Mon-Sat: 10:00am-9:00pm; Sun: 12:30pm-6:00pm

Dutch Square Center is the first enclosed mall built in the state of South Carolina and is centrally located at I-26, I-20, and I-126. Dutch Square was ranked to have the best theater according to readers of “The State” newspaper. Dutch Square currently has 51stores and continues to add more.

Richland Mall

Columbia Northeast - Ft. Jackson 3400 Forest Drive Suite 2048 Columbia, SC 29204

803-782-7575

Mon-Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 6:00pm

Galleries of all types await you in the historic Vista and West Vista districts. Located primarily along Gervais Street, both in downtown Columbia and just across the Congaree River in Cayce and West Columbia, this area has developed into an antiques, decorative arts, dining, and entertainment region. It has attracted some of the best area restaurants, an