In Columbia, there are many activities to entertain the entire family. Check out the fireworks, bubble run any of the many festivals.
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/.
Fourth Fridays – Friday Night Laser Lights at the South Carolina State Museum. Through the months of June, July, and August, the Museum will present a laser light show in the Planetarium with each show providing a variety of music. For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/events/upcoming-events/.
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 June 29 – Wild Wednesdays at Sesquicentennial State Park. Learn about the plants and animals of the park, with each week providing a different topic. For more information call (803) 788-8332 or visit http://southcarolinaparks.com/products/10003448.
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 July 29 – Summer Movie Series at Riverfront Park. End your week watching a movie under the stars! For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit http://columbiasc.net/.
Through July – Prime Time in the Parks at various parks around the City. This late night event for teens (13 – 17 years old) provides them with fun and engaging activities to do. For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit http://columbiasc.net/news/061220161828-prime-time-in-the-parks.
Through August 7 – “Daufuskie Memories” at the Columbia Museum of Art. Photographer Jeanna Moutousammy-Ashe captured African American life on this island, which until the early 1980’s was the last South Carolina sea island untouched by the outside world. For more information call (803) 799-2810 or visit https://www.columbiamuseum.org/exhibitions/daufuskie-memories.
Through August 12 – Twilight in the Gardens at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. End your evening with the Splash Zone, and then curl up on a blanket for a movie in the Gardens Amphitheatre. For more information call (803) 799-8717 or visit https://www.riverbanks.org/events/twilight-in-the-garden.shtml.
Through August 13 – Summer Concert Series at Finlay Park. The June 4th concert will feature “Second Nature” and “Ken Knox & Co.”. For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit http://columbiasc.net/press-releases/052320161415-free-summer-concert-series-returns-to-finlay-park-june-4.
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/.
June 29 – Showtime Carousel: “Cinderella” at the Crane Creek Gymnasium. This performance is put on by the Columbia Marionette Theatre and will surely entertain the children, if not the adults. For more information call (803) 741-7272 ext. 141 or 143, or visit http://richlandcountyrecreation.com/showtime-carousel/.
June 29 – “Matilda” at the Nickelodeon Theatre. This PG movie, about an exceptional girl and her family and life challenges, will provide you and the kids an afternoon of entertainment. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1545324315774240.
June 29 – “Chase Bryant”, “Locash”, and “Lauren Alaina” at the Music Farm. This is sure to be a fun and entertaining evening of great country music! For more information visit http://www.musicfarm.com/event/1195889-wcos-party-farm-columbia/.
June 29 – July 1 – “Dave Robbins: The Pace of Nature” at the Tapps Center for the Arts. This Columbia native has used his imagined and observed horticultural compositions that, in a utopian environment, can get the visitor to slow down and enjoy the natural surroundings. For more information call (803) 988-0013 or visit http://www.tappsartscenter.com/.
June 30 – “Magic Hour II” at the Nickelodeon Theatre. This will be an evening with much original variety and entertainment, from short theatre pieces to music videos, mixed with music, art, and more. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/events/magic-hour-2/.
July 1 – Summer Movie Series: “Minions” at Finlay Park. Bring the family out for a fun evening under the stars. For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit http://www.columbiasc.net/parks-recreation/programs-activities/special-events.
July 1 – Pool Party, part of the Prime Time in the Parks program, at the Greenview Pool. As part of this teen late night program, Greeview, Hyatt, and Lorick Parks have joined together to put this fun event on for the kids. For more information call (803) 254-3100 or visit http://columbiasc.net/news/061220161828-prime-time-in-the-parks.
July 1 – 30 – “Green Days American Idiot” at the Trustus Theatre. Based on Green Day’s Grammy award winning album “American Idiot”, this rendition of the Tony Award winning Broadway musical will be taken where it has never gone before! For more information call (803) 254-9732 or visit https://trustus.org/event/green-days-american-idiot/.
July 2 – “Jordan River and the Peach State Quartet” at the Gospel Singing Center on Martin Smith Road in Gilbert. Enjoy an evening of Gospel music, free refreshment, and good fellowship. For more information call (803) 719-1289 or visit http://www.midgsc.com/concerts.
July 2 – Summer Concert Series: “Glenn Jones” at Finlay Park. Come out for a fun and entertaining evening of R&B music under the stars. For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit http://columbiasc.net/press-releases/052320161415-free-summer-concert-series-returns-to-finlay-park-june-4.
July 2 – Super Star Spangled Day at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Celebrate the 240th birthday of the United States, each red, white, and blue cake, learn and sing patriotic songs, listen to Independence Day stories, learn the science behind fireworks, and participate in a parade around the museum led by Uncle Sam. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/star-spangled-day/?for=07-02-2016.
July 2 – Lake Murray Boat Parade and Fireworks at the Lake Murray Dam. Enjoy the boat parade with the theme of “Salute our Troops” from the Lake Murray Dam as well as the fabulous fireworks display to end the day. For more information call (803) 781-5940 or visit http://www.lakemurraycountry.com/things-to-do/events/columbia/Lake-Murray-Fireworks-Celebrations.
July 2 – 30 – “Peter Pans Space Adventure” at the Columbia Marionette Theater. Travel with Peter Pan to a galaxy far, far away, visit an alien planet, save the Princess Nebula, and confront the despicable Admiral Claw. For more information (803) 252-7366 or visit http://cmtpuppet.org/shows/peter-pan-the-space-adventure/.
July 3 – 4 – “True Grit” at the Nickelodeon Theatre. This classic western with the best western actor of all time, John Wayne, will provide an certain evening of good entertainment. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/true-grit/.
July 3 – No Limit Reunion Tour with “Master P” at the Township Auditorium. Also performing will be “Mystikal”, “Mia X”, Fiend” and “Silkk”. For more information call (803) 576-2350 or visit http://www.thetownship.org/events/.
July 3 – Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra’s “Star Stangled Salute” at Saluda Shoals Park. Celebrate your holiday with these amazing musicians as sun begins to set at this beautiful park. For more information call (803) 731-5208 or visit http://www.icrc.net/a-star-spangled-symphonic-salute-2016-07-03.
July 3 – March 4, 2017 – Sensory Sunday at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. One the first Sunday of each month, children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and sensory processing differences will have the opportunity to enjoy the museum in a safe and accepting environment and enjoy interactive, hands on activities. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/sensory-sunday/?for=07-03-2016.
July 4 – Lexington County Peach Festival at the Gilbert Community Park in Gilbert. Participate in the recipe contest or an art contest, watch the parade, enjoy entertainment on three different stages, enjoy peach products, and end the day with a fireworks display. For more information call (803) 892-5207 or visit http://www.lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com/.
July 4 – Military Appreciation Day at EdVenture at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. All active military personnel and their families get free admission into the museum. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/military-appreciation-day-july-4th/?for=07-04-2016.
July 6 – “Hook” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This classic film, starring Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, and Julia Roberts will provide you and the kids an afternoon of fun entertainment. For more information call (803) 2254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/hook/.
July 6 – Showtime Carousel: “Sarah Dippity’s Comedy/Magic/Ventriloquist Show” at the Crane Creek Gymnasium. This show will provide you and your children with laughter, amazement, and fun. For more information call (803) 741-7272 ext. 141 or 143, or visit http://richlandcountyrecreation.com/showtime-carousel/.
July 6 – August 10 – Tribal Fusion Belly Dancing at Tapp’s Center for the Arts. Learn about the areas belly dancing community and learn some key movements, learn new choreography, and create your own dances. For more information call (803) 988-0013 or visit http://www.tappsartscenter.com/event/tribal-fusion-belly-dancing/.
July 8 – CrownBEAT at Riverbluff High School in Lexington. This event will feature several of the Drum Corps top performance ensembles from across the Country. For more information visit https://get.crowntickets.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=553.
July 8 – Twilight in the Gardens :“Kung Fu Panda” at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. End your evening with the Splash Zone, and then curl up on a blanket for a movie in the Gardens Amphitheatre. For more information call (803) 799-8717 or visit https://www.riverbanks.org/events/twilight-in-the-garden.shtml.
July 8 – “The Smurfs” with the Summer Movie Series at Finlay Park. Spend you Friday unwinding in the park under the stars with your family. For more information call (803) 254-3100 or visit http://www.columbiasc.net/parks-recreation/programs-activities/special-events.
July 9 – Mixed Media Jewelry Workshop at the Columbia Arts Center. Use a variety of media, including polymer clay and beads, to make your own jewelry. For more information call (803) 545-3093 or visit http://www.columbiasc.net/depts/parks-recreation/july_2016_workshops.pdf.
July 9 – 10 – Valhalla Con at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. This Viking themed, multi-genre event will include artists, gaming, dealers, cosplay contests, a formal dance, and more. For more information call (803) 218-8896 or visit http://www.valhallaconsc.com/.
July 9 – 10 – Repticon at the Jamil Shrine Temple. For all your herpetologists out there, the event has again returned for you to search for that special herp you’ve been wanting. For more information call (803) 814-5018 or visit http://www.repticon.com/columbia.html.
July 10 – Harbison Trail Run at the Harbison State Forest. Participants can choose from a half marathon or a 5K that will take you along the trails of this beautiful State Forest. For more information call (803) 896-8890 or visit http://www.marathonmajic.com/XterraTrailRunCol-Harbison.html.
July 10 – 11 – “High Noon” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This 1952 Western classic, starring Gary Cooper, will provide you with that energizing suspense as to whether the bandits will kill the Sheriff. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/high-noon/.
July 11 – 15 – High School Horror Film Camp at the Nick at the Nickelodeon Theater. If your teenager (13 – 16 years old) is an aspiring auteur, this film and media camp may just be for them, providing them with the opportunity to script, shoot and edit a thriller that will then be presented to the public. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/events/summer-camps-at-the-nick/.
July 14 – Moonlight Cemetery and Secrets from the Grave Tours at the Elmwood Cemetery. Start the night before dark to discuss the different symbols located on the graves, and then grab your flashlight as you learn about the various individuals buried in the cemetery from the 19th and 20th Centuries. For more information call (803) 252-1770 ext. 23 or visit http://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/moonlight-cemetery-tours?date=07%2F14%2F2016.
July 15 – Badges and Parks Basketball Alliance Game and Skills Competition at Hyatt Park. Local teenagers will play against local police officers so come out and see who proves to bet the better basketball players! For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit www.columbiasc.net.
July 15 – “Shaun the Sheep” part of the Summer Movie Series at Finlay Park. Bring the family out and end your week with a movie under the stars in the areas favorite Park. For more information call (803) 254-3100 or visit http://www.columbiasc.net/parks-recreation/programs-activities/special-events.
July 15 – Showcase on the Runway in the Grand Hall of the 701 Contemporary Gallery. Have a cocktail while enjoying live artistry and fashion by some amazing designers, along with a line of musical performances. For more information send an email to limitlessdreams12@gmail.com.
July 16 – Bubble Run at Saluda Shoals Park. Run, walk, dance, or play along a 3 mile stretch of tremendous fun, with waves starting every 3-5 minutes, and then at every kilometer you will run through a foam bog that will color you from head to toe. For more information call (803) 772-1228 or visit http://www.bubblerun.com/upcoming-locations/columbia-sc/.
July 16 – High School Horror Camp Film at the Nickelodeon Theater. The film created by the teenagers at camp will present you with their chilling creation. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/events/summer-camps-at-the-nick/.
July 16 – Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival at City Roots Urban Farm in the Rosewood area of Columbia. Enjoy an heirloom tomato tasting, two stages of live music, local food, a craft beer garden, and local restaurants presenting tomato themed items. For more information visit http://tastytomatofestival.com/.
July 16 – Brunch and Munch Tour in the Vista area. Two Gals and a Fork Food Tours will take you on a 2.5 hour tour through the Vista sharing Columbia history while you savor and experience foods from 5 of the top restaurants in the Vista. For more information call (803) 360-0578, (803) 260-7992 or purchase tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2517408?ref=349591.
July 16 – “Terrance Young” in the Summer Concert Series at Finlay Park. Enjoy an evening of Jazz music under the stars! For more information call (803) 254-3100 or visit http://columbiasc.net/press-releases/052320161415-free-summer-concert-series-returns-to-finlay-park-june-4.
July 17 – “Once Upon a Time in the West” at the Nickelodeon Theatre. This classic western, starring Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson, will take you back in time, to when the railroads were being laid and the boomtowns began popping up all in search of new life in a new land filled with promises. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/once-upon-a-time-in-the-west/.
July 18 – Smokin’ and Jazz Farm to Table Dinner and Show at the Music Farm. The Executive Chefs from Rosso Trattoria and Bourbon will prepare a family style 4-course farm to table meal with featuring wine pairings, and a complimentary cocktail, while the Mark Rapp Jazz Band provide your entertainment. For more information visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smoke-n-jazz-dinner-and-a-show-with-special-guest-chef-rhett-elliot-from-warmouth-tickets-19589797612?utm_medium=867088.
July 18 – “Hillsong United with Lauren Daigle” at the Colonial Life Arena. This Australian-based worship group arose from the Youth Ministry Group at Hillsong Church in Sydney and has now set out to share their new music internationally. For more information call (803) 576-9053 or visit https://www.coloniallifearena.com/.
July 18 – Moonlight on the Murray leaving from Saluda Shoals Park. End your day with an enjoyable sunset and moonlight canoe or kayak trip on the Lake. For more information call (803) 213-2054 or visit http://www.icrc.net/canoekayak.
