Summer’s coming and Columbia is so ready. From live music and food-focused celebrations to Pride and local festivals, summer is when the Capital City comes alive.
Get ready to get outside with this guide featuring ~40 summer events — including ideas for the Fourth of July — happening between May and August.
Festivals
Rosewood Crawfish Festival | Saturday, May 4 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | SC State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia
Indulge in Louisiana’s finest flavors with thousands of pounds of fresh crawfish, live music on two stages, games, South Carolina’s artisan crafters, and more.
Main Street Jazz Fest | Saturday, May 11 | 2-9 p.m. | 1700 block of Main St., Columbia
Dive into a day filled with live music, food, and arts and craft vendors, showcasing both local talent and national jazz artists.
Drift Jam - Flotilla Music Festival 2024 | Saturday, June 1 | 11 a.m. | Spence Island, Lake Murray
Don’t miss out on the farewell edition of the World’s Largest Floating Music Festival that took place for 10 years.
Outfest Columbia| Saturday, June 1 | 12-8 p.m. | The Vista
Outfest Columbia celebrates the LGBTQ community in the Midlands with local talent, vendors, and businesses. Note: more dates for SC Pride will be announced soon.
The 8th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Fest | Saturday, June 15 | Times to-be-determined | 421 Bush River Rd. This yearly celebration highlights the importance of education, freedom, and the accomplishments of African Americans, as well as fosters initiatives that promote economic, social, educational, health, and community development.
SC Black Pride | Sunday, Aug. 18-Sunday, Aug. 25 | Earlwood Park, 1113 Recreation Dr., Columbia
This year’s theme, “Authentically Me,” invites everyone to embrace their true selves. Join SC Black Pride for a week filled with various events showcasing the Black LGBTQ+ community.
Main Street Latin Festival | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | 1300 & 1400 blocks of Main Street
Explore Latin culture through food, art, dance, and music in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Sports
Trash the Poop Dog Days of Summer | Wednesday, May 8, Wednesday, June 5, Wednesday, July 24, Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia
Treat your furry companion to the ultimate night out at Segra Park. Pro tip: Admission for your canine companion is free, but they must sit on the Lawn area.
WNBA Preseason Game: Las Vegas Aces vs Puerto Rico National Team | Saturday, May 11 | 1 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia
Don’t miss the WNBA preseason game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Puerto Rico National Team with Gamecock legend, A’ja Wilson
Rivals in Red: Manchester United vs Liverpool F.C. | Saturday, Aug. 3 | Williams-Brice Stadium, 1125 George Rogers Blvd., Columbia
Get ready for an epic showdown as two Premier League titans clash in the United States inside Williams-Brice Stadium
USC vs Old Dominion | Saturday, Aug. 31 | Time is to-be-determined | Williams-Brice Stadium, 1125 George Rogers Blvd., Columbia
Kickoff the 2024 college football season at Williams-Brice Stadium as the Gamecocks take on Old Dominion.
Fourth of July
Independence Day Celebration | Friday, June 28 | 7 p.m. | Lexington Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 W Main St., Lexington |
Enjoy a concert by the 246th Army Band at 7 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks show. Tune in to 93.1FM The Lake for patriotic tunes during the display.
4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray | Saturday, June 29 | ~9:30 p.m. | Spence Island & Dreher Island
View one of the state’s largest fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m. Pro tip: The fireworks show is synchronized to music when you turn your radio to B106.7. Note: The boat parade will not take place this year due to construction.
Independence Day Celebration at Fort Jackson | Thursday, July 4 | 4-9 p.m.
Enjoy amusement kiddie rides and browse through food trucks and local vendors starting at 4 p.m. The music festival kicks off at 6 p.m., and the evening ends with fireworks around 8 p.m.
Lexington County Peach Festival | Thursday, July 4 | 9 a.m.-9:15 p.m. | Gilbert
This yearly event offers a blend of festivities, including a lively parade, mouthwatering peaches, a fireworks display, and more.
Shows, concerts, and live music
Pete Davidson: Prehab Tour | Thursday, May 2 | 7 p.m. | The Senate, 1022 Senate St.
Known for his work as a comedian, creator, producer, writer, and actor, Davidson recently released his special “Pete Davidson: Turbo Fonzarelli” on Netflix.
Music of the Spheres - Sandlapper Singers Spring Concert | Thursday, May 9 | 6 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1501 Main St., Columbia
The Sandlapper Singers serenade you with a selection of celestial-themed pieces that will transport you to another realm. Additionally, enjoy the collaboration with Columbia, SC Poet Laureate Jennifer Bartell Boykin, among other local poets.
Chamber Crawl | Sunday, June 2 | 2 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce
Join the Chamber Crawl at Steel Hands Brewing to experience the perfect harmony of chamber music and craft beer in the heart of Cayce.
Justin Timberlake | Saturday, June 8 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia
Justin Timberlake takes the stage to showcase his chart-topping hits and dynamic stage presence.
Chappell Roan - The Midway Princess Tour | Thursday, June 13 | 8 p.m. | The Township Auditorium
Don’t miss Chappell Roan on “The Midway Princess” tour. Fun fact: $1 from each ticket will support For The Gworls’ mission to assist Black transgender individuals with rent, gender-affirming surgeries, medical expenses, and travel assistance.
Chamber Crawl | Tuesday, July 9 | 6 p.m. | Columbia Craft Brewing Company, 520 Greene St., Columbia
Join The Philharmonic and Columbia Craft for an evening of small ensemble music sponsored by Terry Schmoyer of Schmoyer and Company, LLC.
Hootie & the Blowfish | Thursday, Aug. 29-Friday, Aug. 30 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia
Get ready to groove with Hootie & the Blowfish on their “Summer Camp with Trucks” tour, featuring the band’s timeless hits and tunes from touring companions Collective Soul and Edwin McCain.
Soda City Comic Convention 2024 | Saturday, Aug. 24-Sunday, Aug. 25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia
Comic Con is back, showcasing the best in comics, toys, cosplay, gaming, and artists in the Midlands.
Food Focused
Big Nosh | Sunday, May 5 | 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Tree of Life Synagogue, 6719 N Trenholm Rd.
Savor the flavors of traditional Jewish cuisine with a spread of kosher delights, and feast on brisket, latkes, stuffed cabbage, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, kugel, and more.
South Carolina Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival | Saturday, May 18 | 12 a.m.-5 p.m. | South Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia
Get ready to grub on South Carolina’s top food trucks serving up delicious fan favorites, along with a wide selection of craft breweries from the region and beyond.
Taste of Black Expo Columbia | Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | South Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia
This event provides a platform for Black-owned businesses to showcase their products and services to the public.
8th Annual Taste on the River | Tuesday, June 11 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Stone River, 121 Alexander Rd., West Columbia
Indulge in delectable offerings from top-rated restaurants across the Midlands while supporting the beautification efforts of West Columbia.
Inaugural Southeastern BBQ Showdown | Friday, June 14-Saturday, June 15 | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia
Get ready to ignite your taste buds at the first-ever Southeastern BBQ Showdown, featuring a sizzling chicken wing competition, live music (including multi-award-winning ALABAMA), and watch as 25 elite barbecue teams from across the nation go head-to-head.
Shrimp and Grits Festival | Saturday, June 22 | 6-9 p.m. | Seawell’s, 1125 Rosewood Dr., Columbia
Local restaurants will battle it out for the coveted title of “Columbia’s Best Shrimp & Grits,” as determined by a panel of esteemed judges.
21 and older
Hop to Trot Beer Fest | Saturday, May 7 | 12-6 p.m. | Columbia Craft Brewing Company, 520 Green St., Columbia
Join fellow beer enthusiasts for a day of craft beer tasting, live music, and lively atmosphere.
13th Annual Lexington Wine Walk | Saturday, May 11 | 6 p.m. | Town of Lexington Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 W. Main St., Lexington
Sip and stroll through Lexington while enjoying live music, unlimited wine samples, and food and beer for purchase.
Drink Pink Rosé Festival | Sunday, May 19 | 12 p.m. | Hampton Preston Mansion and Gardens, 1005 Airport Blvd., Columbia
Indulge in tasting 100 different rosé wines, delectable food by Chef Kristian Niemi featuring three types of paella, and live music by Mark Rapp Jazz Band and Dave Britt with Adam Gould.
Brew at the Zoo | Friday, Aug. 2 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia
More details are coming soon, but mark your calendar for a leisurely stroll through the zoo while sampling a variety of specialty imported, domestic, and micro-brews.
Plants plants plants
VegFest 2024 | Saturday, May 5 | 12-4 p.m. | City Roots, 1005 Airport Blvd., Columbia
Discover the benefits of plant-based living while indulging in live music, food trucks, and family fun activities.
South East Rare Plant Market | Saturday, June 29-Sunday, June 30 | Times vary | State Fair Grounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr.
Don’t miss the ultimate plant lover’s paradise, where three Southeastern rare plant markets unite with national plant sellers for a weekend of greenery galore.
Arts
Melrose Heights Art in the Yard | Sunday, May 5 | 1-5 p.m. | 1601 Richland St., Columbia
Explore the Melrose Heights neighborhood and discover local artists and artisans showcasing their work in yards throughout the area.
Art On State | Friday, May 10 | 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. | 100 Block of State Street, West Columbia
Stroll through live mural art demonstrations by talented local artists while enjoying live music, local shopping, and creative fun.
Black Excellence In Opera | Wednesday, June 19 | 7 p.m. | Ascension Lutheran Church, 827 Wildwood Ave., Columbia
Don’t miss the celebration of Black Excellence In Opera, this event commemorates both Juneteenth and Black Music History Month.
