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Overview | Attractions | Events | Facts | Kids | Last Minute Deals
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 antiques community, retail shops, and galleries with local artists at work in their studios.
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