Looking for something EXTREME or just to relax and enjoy a concert? Columbia is the place to find that and much more. Children’s activities or adult activities, you can find both right here in our great area.
Sundays – Sensory Sunday at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. On Sundays one hour before opening, the museum will be open for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and sensory processing difference’s to tour the museum and enjoy interactive, hands on activities. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/sensory-sunday/?for=04-17-2016.
Tuesdays – Toddler Tuesdays at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Bring your toddler for seasonal art activities, music, and our sand tray exploration in the Early Learning Classroom. For more information call (803) 779-3100 or visit http://www.edventure.org/calendar/calendar.aspx.
Tuesdays – Second Shift Twosdays at the South Carolina State Museum. The museum has extended hours with special after hours pricing. For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/events/second-shift-twosdays/.
First & Third Wednesdays – Kids Cook at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Children 6 – 10 years old will have a unique experience taking participants on an exciting journey of culinary arts partaking in food preparation and meal creation, while learning about nutrition. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/kids-cook-first-third-wednesdays/?for=04-20-2016.
First Thursdays – First Thursdays on Main Street at the 1200-1700 block of Main Street in downtown Columbia. The event lasts from 6 pm to 10 pm and is a collaboration of a number of vendors in the area. For more information call (803) 988-1065 or visit http://firstthursdaysonmain.com/.
Third Thursdays – Vista Nights offered by the Congaree Visit Guild in the Vista area of downtown Columbia. This event is a collaboration of vendors offering extended hours and events such as wine and beer tastings, art classes, and more. For more information call (803) 269-5946 or visit http://www.vistacolumbia.com/vistanights.aspx.
Fridays – Bluegrass and Acoustic Open Stage and Jam at Bill’s Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor on Meeting Street. Come out and participate or sit back and enjoy the music. For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/.
Saturdays – State House Tours. Come tour the most beautiful historic building in the area. For more information call (803) 734-2430 or visit http://www.scstatehouse.gov/visit.php.
Saturdays – Classic Country Music Jamboree and Dancing at Bills Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor on Meeting Street. Music will be performed by a band. For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/.
Through May 28 – “The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy” at the Town Theatre. Moving beyond the television show to a time when Wednesday Addams has fallen in love with a sweet, smart you man from a respectable family. For more information call (803) 799-2510 or visit http://towntheatre.com/the-addams-family/.
Through May – Solar Observing at the South Carolina State Museum. Weather permitting, take a look a close-up look at the sun through the solar telescope. For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/calendar/solar-observing-in-the-boeing-observatory/.
Through July 1, 2016 – “Time and Place: The Artwork of James Fowler Cooper” at the South Carolina State Museum. This artist/printmaker creates beautiful Lowcountry landscapes displaying farm labor and life growing up in rural South Carolina. For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/explore/exhibits/changing-exhibits/time-and-place-the-artwork-of-james-fowler-cooper/.
Through July 16, 2016 – “Heard at Every Turn: Traditional Music in South Carolina” at the McKissick Museum. Exhibit looks at the many cultural groups that brought music traditions to South Carolina over the years. For more information call (803) 777-7251 or visit www.artsandsciences.sc.edu/mckissickmuseum.
Through July 16, 2016 – 12-Cent Kids Day at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. For the Museums 12th Anniversary, kids get into the Museum for 12-cents on the 12th day of every month. In addition, if a membership is purchased on that day and get 12 Chick-fil-A Kids Meals for free. For more information call (803) 779-3100 or visit http://www.edventure.org/calendar/calendar.aspx.
Through September 30 – Blooming Butterflies at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Learn about the lifecycle of the butterfly and see a variety of beautiful butterflies in the butterfly house. For more information call (803) 799-3100 or visit http://www.edventure.org/exhibits/seasonal/blooming-butterflies/.
May 19 – Columbia Ukulele Band and Friends at the University of South Carolina Music Room 206 on 813 Assembly Street. This event will include local Jazz musicians and USC music students. For more information call (803) 777-4280 or visit http://www.colaukuleleband.com/.
May 19 – Evening of Hope at the Rivers Center at Saluda Shoals Park. This casual attire event will include local cuisine, refreshments, and entertainment by “The O’Kaysions Band.” For more information call (803) 957-1048 or visit http://www.cancerofmanycolors.com/an-evening-of-hope.html.
May 19, & 26 – Rhythm and Blooms at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. Enjoy live entertainment at the new Waterfall Junction at the Zoo. For more information call (803) 779-8717 or visit https://www.riverbanks.org/events/rhythm-and-blooms.shtml.
May 20 – BBQ Chicken Fundraiser at Platt Springs Methodist Church. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Cindy Roof Wilkerson Foundation which is working toward building a State of the Art Fitness Zone for the use of Springdale Elementary and locals to encourage better fitness and health in the community. For more information visit http://www.crwilkersonfoundation.org/#!-events/c3c3.
May 20 – “Jasmine and Jazz” at the Columbia Museum of Art. The Columbia Choral Society and Dick Goodwin’s band will present their 85th anniversary spring concert. For more information visit http://www.columbiachoralsociety.org/.
May 20 – Taste of Black Columbia at the South Carolina State Museum. Enjoy savory bites, voting for your favorite chef, and enjoying live entertainment by Demetria McKinney, Da’Rell Ravenell with Peace of Mind, and the 4 Tenors. For more information visit http://blackexposouth.com/columbia-taste/.
May 20 – June 4 – “The Flick” at the Trustus Theatre. Find yourself highly entertained by this Pulitzer Prize Winning play by Annie Baker. For more information call (803) 254-9732 ext. 2 or visit https://trustus.org/event/the-flick/.
May 21 – Cindy Roof Wilkerson Community 5K Walk/Run at Springdale Elementary School. Proceeds will benefit the Cindy Roof Wilkerson Foundation working to build a State of the Art Fitness Zone in the Springdale Community. For more information visit http://www.crwilkersonfoundation.org/#!blank/h66cs.
May 21 – CHAT Marti Gras Gala at 2301 Lorick Avenue in Columbia. Enjoy a day filled with lots of food, drinks, fun and adult fellowship. For more information call (803) 779-7060 or visit http://scchat.org/home.
May 21 – XtremeAIR 5K Race at Saluda Shoals Park. This is the first race of its kind in the area and will include an inflatable obstacle course that will challenge even the best racers. For more information call (561) 609-1692 or visit http://xtremeair5k.com/event/columbia-5k-races/.
May 21 – Columbia Black Expo at the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau. There will be celebrity guests, speakers, and performances, as well as vendors, shopping, and seminars. For more information call (803) 254-6404 or visit http://blackexposouth.com/columbia-black-expo/.
May 21 – Living the Word Ministries Vendor Day Fair at the Commercial Building at 7201 Parklane Road. The event will include local businesses, food, arts and crafts, vendor booths, lawn equipment repair, house maintenance tips, a bounce house, music, and more. For more information call (803) 397-9584.
May 21 – Mini Makers Faire at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. This family-friendly event celebrates those individuals who like to create, design, learn, invent, hack, think and play. For more information call (803) 673-2826 or visit http://www.makerfairecolumbiasc.com/.
May 21 – Columbia Black Rodeo at the Colonial Life Arena. You will see professional cowboys with phenomenal skills perform in categories such as bull riding, steer wrestling, bare back riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and team roping. For more information call (803) 576-9053 or visit https://www.coloniallifearena.com/2nd-annual-columbia-black-rodeo.php?eventid=115&showtimeid=181.
May 21 – South Carolina’s Tour de Cure at the Robert Mills House on Blanding Street. Route distances in this event will include 100M, 65M, 35M, 15M, 4M family ride, and a 2M family walk. For more information call (803) 799-4246 ext. 3291 or visit http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TourAdmin?pg=entry&fr_id=11033.
May 21 – Minecraft Hour of Code at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Embark on a Minecraft adventure using blocks of code to take a tour through the Minecraft world. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/minecraft-hour-of-code/?for=05-21-2016.
May 21 – South Carolina Cornbread Festival at the Spirit Communications Park on the old State Hospital Grounds. This event will provide you with an opportunity to try a variety of corn breads, participate in a corn hold tournament, participate in the cornbread cook-off, a Seniors area with dancing and music, and of course, lots of activities for the kids. For more information call (803) 786-7232 or visit http://www.sccornbread.com/.
May 21 – Midlands Farm Tour at a variety of farms in the Columbia/Lexington area. Visit an apiary, a goat farm, a winery, an heirloom tomato farm, and many more fabulous and exciting farms. For more information visit http://midlandsfarmtour.com/farm-tour/about-tour/.
May 21 – South Carolina Brewers Fest at Brick Works Park on Knox Abbott Drive. Celebrate brews with local brewers and brewers from around the State. For more information call (843) 410-8712 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/553971338109451/.
May 21 – Palmetto Patriots Ball at the Embassy Suites. This event in honor of South Carolinas military and veterans will include cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, entertainment and dancing. For more information call (803) 206-6088 or visit http://palmettopatriotsball.org/.
May 22 – Fifty Shades of Purple at the Eau Claire Print Building on Ensor Avenue. This is a benefit gala to benefit the Lupus Foundation and will include a dinner, cocktails, and live entertainment. For more information call (803) 271-0793 or visit http://www.lupuscsc.org/event/lupusbenefitgala/.
May 22 – Holistic Health Fair at Dawn of Your Wellness on Leaphart Road. The event will include energy healers and Bohemian crafts. For more information call (803) 210-8289 or visit http://dawnridge.massagetherapy.com/.
May 22 – 23 – Auditions for “Shrek: The Musical Jr.” at the Columbia Children’s Theatre at the Richland Fashion Mall. Open to all actors in 1st through 12th grade. For more information visit http://www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com/shrek-auditions/.
May 26 – Charters of Freedom Monument Dedication at the Richland County Administration Building on Hampton Street. This monument dedicated free of charge to the Citizens of South Carolina and the City of Columbia, includes the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. For more information visit http://www.chartersoffreedom.com/richland-county-south-carolina.html.
May 26 – Time for Art at the My Carolina Alumni Center on the University of South Carolina Campus. Start this event at the cocktail hour connecting with local non-profits and learn how you can use volunteer hours to win your favorite piece of art . . . . then starts the silent auction. For more information visit http://timeforartcola.com/.
May 28 – Jailbreak 5K at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. One of the top five races in South Carolina with proceeds benefiting law enforcement efforts in Lexington County. For more information call (803) 785-8230 or visit http://www.jailbreaklexington.com/jailbreak-5k.html.
May 30 – Memorial Day Solemn Commemoration at the Harriet Barber House in Hopkins. This event will provide The Moving Wall, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a Wreath Laying at the wall, a Vietnam Veterans Salute, entertainment, food trucks, and more. For more information call (803) 788-7185 or visit http://www.sercosc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Memorial-from-pdf.png.
May 30 – Military Appreciation Day at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. With an active and valid military ID, get free admission for you and your dependents. For more information call (803) 673-2826 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/military-appreciation-day/?for=04-23-2016.
June 3 – 4 – Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale along Highway 23 from Batesburg-Leesville to Modoc. This 44 mile yard sale will include not only your normal yard sale products, but include farmers and artisan markets, and will go through 7 beautiful rural towns with their own restaurants and shops. For more information call (803) 275-0010 or visit http://www.peachtree23.com/.
June 3 – 5 – Blythewood DOKO Rodeo at the Blythewood Community Park off of Exit 27 at I-77. This event will include all of your favorite rodeo events, to include bull riding, barrel racing and more with world class cowboys and cowgirls competing for big cash prizes. For more information send an email to info@blythewoodrodeo.com or visit http://www.blythewoodrodeo.com/home.html.
June 3 – 5 – “Gary Owen” at the Comedy House Theatre. Creator of the best-selling DVD, “True Story” will guarantee to keep you laughing. For more information call (803) 798-9898 or visit http://comedyhouse.us/gary-owen/.
June 4 – Carolina’s Caribbean Culture Festival at the Garners Ferry Sports Complex in Hopkins. The weekend event will include lots of entertainment, a parade, good food, and lots of fun! For more information call (803) 795-5270 or visit http://www.cccfestival.com/.
June 4 – H.E.R.O. Dance at the Township Auditorium. This wonderful event is in honor of our local veterans and is in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation that works to help our warriors to recover from the trauma they’ve encountered at war and help them return to our society successfully. For more information call (912) 980-7186 or visit http://www.herodancebenefit.com/.
June 4 – Run Red Bank 5/10K at the Lexington Family YMCA. At this family friendly event, feel free to run, jog, or walk and the kids can even participate in the Kids Fun Run. For more information call (803) 407-8007 or visit http://www.racesonline.com/events/run-red-bank-5k-10k.
June 4 – “Abbey Road Live! Beatles Tribute” at the Music Farm. This isn’t your typical Beatle look-a-like show, but is geared toward being as true to the actual recordings as possible. If you are a Beatles fan, this is a must see! For more information visit http://www.musicfarm.com/event/1155685-abbey-road-live-beatles-columbia/.
June 5 – Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra Koncert for Kids at the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. This is a fun family and kids concert. For more information call (803) 400-3540 or visit http://www.lmso.org/#!blank/lu8st.
June 6 – “Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show” at the Richland County Library Wheatley on Woodrow Street. This funny and touching multi-media concert of live songs, stories, and animation will be performed by award-winning illustrator/song writer Morgan Taylor. For more information call (803) 799-5873.
June 6 – 18 – “The Testament of Mary” at the Trustus Theatre. This beautiful and exhilarating piece is performed by the Museum of Art with Mary presenting in the first person narrative her sons final days. For more information call (803) 254-9732 ext. 2 or visit https://trustus.org/event/the-testament-of-mary/.
