May PlanAhead: Your Columbia events calendar

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Happy (almost) May, Columbia. 🎉 If you’re anything like us, you’re looking forward to the warmer weather, melting ice cream, and green landscapes— and with all that excitement, you’re also looking for fun local events to attend. Read on for all the top events happening this month in the Soda City.

All month long

Sunday, May 1 – Sunday, May 8

Sunday, May 1

  • Open Streets Columbia | Sun., May 1 | 2-5 p.m. | Earlewood + Elmwood Neighborhoods | Free | City blocks will be transformed into a car-free open space for enjoying physical activity and community.
  • Flat Out Strangers and the Carolina Jazz Band | Sun., May 1 | 2:30-5 p.m. | UMC Activity Center, 2501 Heyward St. | $10 | Ages 16 and under can enjoy the show for free
  • Toro y Moi | Sun., May 1 | 7-11 p.m. | The Senate | $30 | Come see an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and graphic designer.
  • First Sunday | Sun., May 1 | 12-5 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $1 | Sponsored By Bluecross Blueshield Of South Carolina
  • The Playlist Concert Series Featuring The Company Band | Sun., May 1 | 7-11 p.m. | Main Course, 1624 Main St. | $20 | A live Concert Series Hosted by Terence Young
  • Art in the Garden Sunday | Sun., May 1 | 2-6 p.m. | Wales Garden | Free | Enjoy the works of neighborhood artists + stroll the tree-lined streets of Wales Garden.

Monday, May 2

  • Public Touch Tour | Mon., May 2 | 3-4:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | AN incredible opportunity for visitors who are blind.
  • Yoga in the Galleries | Mon., May 2 | 6-7 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $15 | Ages 13 and up are invited to this yin yoga flow in the exhibition “Anila Quayyum Agha: Let A Million Flowers Bloom.”
  • Trivia at Craft And Draft Devine | Mon., May 2 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Craft And Draft, 2706 Devine St. | Free | Host Dan Koch challenges you with picture rounds, music rounds, themed trivia + before & after questions.
  • S.L.A.P.P with YO MAMA | Mon., May 2 | 6-10 p.m. | My House Restaurant and Bar, 7205 Two Notch Rd. | $40+ | A portion of all sales from this Sip, Laugh, and Paint Party will be donated to Simpli Wisdom Inc.

Tuesday, May 3

Wednesday, May 4

Thursday, May 5

Friday, May 6

  • Gary Owen | Fri., May 6-Sat., May 7 | Times vary | The Comedy House | $40 | Laugh along with this stan-up comedian show.
  • Flower Pedals: A Botanical Bike Parade | Fri., May 6 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $40 | Bring your own bicycle or check one out from Blue Bike SC, then decorate your whip with provided floral craft supplies.
  • Art on State | Fri., May 6 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | 100 Block of State St. | Free | Live music and mural art + local food and beverages
  • Friday Night Live Featuring Javar Juarez | Fri., May 6 | 7-11 p.m. | Main Course, 1624 Main St. | $45 | Dinner at 7 p.m. + showtime at 8 p.m.
  • Planthouse Mother’s Day Workshops | Fri., May 6-Sun., May 8 | Times vary | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd | $30+ | Guests will select plants + decor to make a one-of-a-kind terrarium.
  • Live Music by Katera | Fri., May 6 | 6 -9 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St. | Free
  • Columbia Fireflies vs. Delmarva Shorebirds | Fri., May 6 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $5+

Saturday, May 7

  • 2nd Annual Mad Hatter’s Art Party | Sat., May 7 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1616 Blanding St. | Free | Activities will include live poetry, wandering minstrels, musicians, performers, costumed characters, jugglers, contests and more.
  • Rosewood Crawfish Festival | Sat., May 7 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | SC State Fairgrounds | $10+ | Enjoy 10,000 pounds of fresh Louisiana crawfish, kids rides, live music, art and food vendors and a large selection of craft beer.
  • Children’s Book Launch | Sat., May 7 | 2-4 pm | Rooted Yoga, 141 South Shandon St. | $20 | The party is a family-friendly fundraiser for Richland County First Steps.
  • Third Annual Cola Women’s Event | Sat., May 7 | 9a.m.-12 p.m. | MaxLiving Columbia, 1221 Bower Pkwy | $20 | This event brings ladies together for a morning of community, networking, food, drinks, giveaways, local vendors and women owned businesses in the Columbia area.
  • Lovely in Lavender Make + Take Workshop | Sat., May 7 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Gardeners Outpost, 1211 Franklin St. | $10 | Make a lavender sachet + flower petal infused gift tag for yourself or someone else.
  • T’Wine + Design | Sat., May 7 | 6-8 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $60 | Registration is required due to limited space.
  • Art Class: Botanical Illustration | Sat., May 7 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $60 | Use live botanicals to create your own scientific illustration.
  • The Doniac Schvice — The Ultimate Phish Tribute | Sat., May 7 | 8-11 p.m. | Main Course, 1624 Main St. | $20
  • Rockaway’s 5th Annual Hat Contest | Sat., May 7 | 6:15-7 p.m. | Rockaway Athletic Club, 2719 Rosewood Dr.| Free | Baseball hats are highly discouraged
  • Mother’s Day Celebration | Sat., May 7 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Wingard’s Market, 1403 N Lake Dr. | Free | Take a mother in your life to a celebration of festivities with local artists, food tastings + special deals.
  • Carolina Shout Festival | Sat., May 7 | 3 p.m. | Harbison Theater | $15 | Bring some lawn chairs + blankets to enjoy the music on the outdoor stage.
  • Simple Meal Prep Demonstration | Sat., May 7 | 2-3 p.m. | Corazon Holistic Health, 1631 Main St. | $25 | A ticket includes a meal prep container, a lunch bag, recipes + meal prepping information.
  • Book Launch for On Brighter Days | Sat., May 7 | 2-4 p.m. | Rooted Yoga, 141 South Shandon St. | Free | Admission is free, but a $20 ticket will get you a signed copy of the book, food and drinks + more.
  • COLAughs Comedy Show Headliner: Hilliary Begely | Sat., May 7 | 7:30-9 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St. | $15 | She made her film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy + on When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman on Prime.
  • Columbia Fireflies vs. Delmarva Shorebirds | Sat., May 7 | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $5+

Sunday, May 8

  • Violins of Hope | Sun., May 8 | 3:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $120+ | The performance will honor Jewish violinists who perished in the Holocaust and tell the little-known story of the rescue of 49,000 Jews by the citizens of Bulgaria.
  • Erykah Badu + Friends | Fri., May 6-Sat., May 7 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $53+ | Enjoy this concert with singer-songwriter who’s nfluenced by R&B, 1970s soul, and 1980s hip hop.
  • Columbia Fireflies vs. Delmarva Shorebirds | Sun., May 8 | 5:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $5+
  • Mother’s Day — Craft Axe Throwing — Free Throwing | Sun., May 8 - Wed., May 11 | 12-9 p.m. | 700 Gervais St. | Free | Instead of buying flowers and a card this year, how about taking your mom to experience axe throwing.
  • NOT Your Average Mother’s Day Brunch ‘N Munch | Sun., May 8 | 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | We’s on Meeting, 735 Meeting St. | $15 | Come hungry and ready for Bubblicious Waffle Truck + Hilliary Begley’s storytelling.

Monday, May 9 – Sunday, May 15

Monday, May 9

  • American Red Cross Adult + Pediatric First Aid | Mon., May 9 | 6 p.m. | Hampton Inn | $90 | A blended learning course equips students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants.

Tuesday, May 10

Wednesday, May 11

Thursday, May 12

  • Blue Man Group | Thurs., May 12 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $45+ | Featuring original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction + hilarious absurdity
  • Public Tour: Sculpture And Transformation In Rodin And Agha | Thurs., May 12 | 6-7 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free with admission | Enjoy a guided tour through two exhibitions that explore the nature of sculpture, from Auguste Rodin’s dynamic human forms to Anila Agha’s manipulation of light and space through metal.
  • Devine in Bloom Fashion Show |Thurs., May 12 | 6-10 p.m. | Riverside Community Church, 2925 Devine St. | $60+ | Start the evening off with an amazing Garden Party followed by the fashion show.

Friday, May 13

  • Darren Brand | Fri., May 13-Sat., May 14 | Times vary | The Comedy House | $20 | Two item minimum with ticket purchase required
  • Goin’ South | Fri.m May 13 | 7-10 p.m. | Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 Main St. | $25+ | Proceeds will benefit The Christopher Conner Foundation to provide educational scholarships and need-based financial aid for SC musicians + their families.
  • Kokedama Workshop | Fri., May 13 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Columbia, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $25 | The crew will share the history of kokedamas and instruct guests on how to create their very own.
  • The Babe or Bust Run: Secret Show | Fri., May 13 | 7 p.m. | femme x COLUMBIA | $12 | Music starts at 8:30 p.m.
  • Gamecock Baseball vs. Kentucky | Fri., May 13 | 7 p.m. | Founders Park | $9

Saturday, May 14

  • Succulent + Sangria Workshop | Sat., May 14 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Columbia, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $40
  • Are you ok Brother? (Mental Health Workshop) | Sat., May 14 | 12-2 p.m. | 2611 Grant St. | Free | A workshop ensuring mental health care + practicing mindfulness to help with anxiety and anger management.
  • Barking Lot Pawty | Sat., May 14 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Modern Companion, 508 B Lexington Ave. | Free | Dog friendly vendors, photo opportunities, giveaway baskets + more will all be available
  • “Yogi’s With Strings Attached” | Sat., May 14 | 7 a.m.-1 p.m. | Meadowlake Park, 600 Beckman Rd. | $45 | Presented by the Palmetto Children’s Shelter, this wellness event is open to yoga lovers of all abilities.
  • Hazywood | Sat., May 14 | All day | Hazelwood Brewing,711 East Main St. | Free | An all day festival with brewing collabs, guest taps, live music + a food truck.
  • Gamecock Baseball vs. Kentucky | Sat., May 14 | 12 p.m. | Founders Park | $12

Sunday, May 15

  • Dance Gavin Dance, Memphis May Fire, Volumes, Moontooth | Sun., May 15 | 7-11 p.m. | The Senate | $32 | Come check out these post-harcore or metalcore bands.
  • Dried Floral Bar | Sun., May 15 | 4:30-6 p.m. | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $45 | The PlantHouse crew will walk you through how to create a gorgeous floral arrangement featuring your choice of dried florals. 🪴
  • Paint Your Pet | Sun., May 15 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Studio Cellar | $47 | Paint your furry friend on a pre-drawn canvas while you enjoy beer, wine, mimosas + other beverages.
  • Drink Pink Rosé Festival | Sun., May 15 | 12-4 p.m. | Hampton Preston Mansion and Gardens, 1615 Blanding St. | $75+ | The Southeast’s largest Rosé Festival is in its seventh year, ft. 100+ Rosé wines, paella by chef Kristian Niemi of Bourbon and Black Rooster, live music, and local vendors. 🍷*
  • Gamecock Baseball vs. Kentucky | Sun., May 15 | 1:30 p.m. | Founders Park | $8

Monday, May 16 – Sunday, May 22

Monday, May 16

  • Yoga in the Galleries | Mon., May 16 | 6-7 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $15 | Ages 13 and up are invited to this yin yoga flow in the exhibition “Anila Quayyum Agha: Let A Million Flowers Bloom.”
  • Soul Circle - Full Moon in Scorpio | Mon., May 16 | 6-9 p.m. | femme x COLUMBIA | $20 | An event of mindfulness with journal prompts + personalized moonscopes.

Tuesday, May 17

Wednesday, May 18

Thursday, May 19

  • Vundabar + M.A.G.S. | Thurs., May 19 | 7 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern | $18 | Tickets are $18 before the show and $22 day-of.
  • Jellyfish Terrarium | Thurs., May 19 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $40 | Guests will learn how to create a unique, ocean-inspired terrarium. 🪴
  • Don Julio Tequila Dinner | Thurs., May 19 | 6-9 p.m. | 1621 Main St. | $100 | A four-course menu to accompany several varieties of tequila.
  • Hero’s Heartbeat Gala | Thurs., May 19 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Seawell’s Banquet + Reception Center | Daybreak Ministries presents a gala event to honor the heroes who support their mission, like donors, community members, + volunteers.
  • Hurrah for Women in Wine: A Spring Rosé Tasting | Thurs., May 19 | 6-8 p.m. | femme x COLUMBIA | $30 | An exciting selection of rosé just in time for the season.
  • Distractions feat. Bombardier | Thurs., May 19 | 8-10 p.m. | Uncle Festers, 522 Devine St. | $8 | Join two Capital city-based bands jam along a wide musical spectrum.
  • Carlisle Street Art Stroll | Thurs., May 19 | 4-7 p.m. | Carlile St. | Free | An event featuring local artists, vendors + refreshments.
  • Columbia Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | Thurs., May 19 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $5+ | Bring a blanket and enjoy the most relaxed setting in Segra Park if you decide to sit on the Outfield Berm.

Friday, May 20

  • Pick Your Project: Terrarium Workshop | Fri., May 20 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $25 | The PlantHouse crew will be there to guide you through the terrarium building process and give an overview of plant care.

Saturday, May 21

  • Britt + Gould at Tavern on 6 | Sat., May 23 | 7-10 p.m. | 2914 Dreher Shoals Rd. | Free
    Britt and Gould is an acoustic duo from Columbia.
  • Poppy — Never Find My Place Tour | Sat., May 21 | 7-11 p.m. | The Senate | $27+ | Embodying “alternative” in the truest sense of the word.
  • Columbia International Festival | Sat., May 21-Sun., May 22 | Times vary | State Fairgrounds | $7 | A showcase of the music, culture, food and performing arts of the various cultures, nationalities, races and language groups represented in South Carolina.
  • The Temptations + The Four Tops | Sat., May 21 | 8 p.m. | Township Auditorium | $55+ | Doors open at 7 p.m.
  • Succulent Dish Garden | Sat., May 21 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $35 | During this hands-on workshop, the PlantHouse crew will drop knowledge on succulent care and dish garden assembly. 🪴
  • Homeless No More Will Race for the Place | Sat., May 21 | 8 a.m. | St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3700 Devine St. | Free | Registration fees, sponsorships and donations support Homeless No More’s cause.
  • The Laugh Supper | Sat., May 21 | 8-11 p.m. | Main Course, 1624 Main St. | $35 | Ticket includes entry, dinner, comedy + live music
  • Chandon Garden Party | Sat., May 21 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Smoked, 1643 Main St. | $75 | Enjoy brunch in the courtyard along with all-you-can-drink champagne + Peak Drift beers.
  • May Madness 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament/Block Party | Sat., May 21 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | North Springs Park, 1320 Clemson Rd. | $5+
  • Outdoor Book Sale | Sat., May 21 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St. Andrews Rd. | Free | Sales will be by the book or by the bag.
  • Columbia Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | Sat., May 21 | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $5+

Sunday, May 22

Monday, May 23 – Sunday, May 29

Monday, May 23

Tuesday, May 24

Wednesday, May 25

  • Coptic Stitch Bookbinding Workshop | Wed., May 25 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St. | $65 | Create your very own journal / sketchbook while enjoying a glass of wine.
  • Abstract Airplant Workshop | Wed., May 25 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St. | $35 | A crafting workshop mounting airplants to locally sourced driftwood
  • Professional MBA Happy Hour | Wed., May 25 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia | Free | Program alumni, current students, and prospective students are invited to network and learn more about UofSC’s top-ranked PMBA program.*

Thursday, May 26

  • Eastminster Presbyterian Is Hosting a Soul Shop Workshop | Thurs., May. 26 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m, | 3200 Trenholm Rd. | Free | This is a one-day workshop designed to equip faith community leaders to minister to those impacted by suicide.
  • Succulent + Sangria Workshop | Thurs., May 26 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Columbia, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $40 | This hour and a half workshop includes an 8" glass bubble ball terrarium, drainage rock, soil, sand, and decorative rock, a variety of decor.
  • 165th Infantry Brigade’s Military Ball | Thurs., May 26 | 4-10:30 p.m. | Alumni Center, University of South Carolina, 900 Senate St. | $45+ | There will be a cash bar, photo booth, DJ, and dance floor.
  • Levvy EP Release | Thu., May 26 | 7-10 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St. | $12
  • Behind-the-Scenes Tour with Historic Columbia | Thurs., May 26 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Drake’s Duck-In, 1544 Main St. | $10 for members, $20 for future members | Tour the Main Street restaurant + experience a blast from the past while visiting the second story of Dr.’s Care.
  • It Housed History: The Candy Shop’s Importance in the Black LGBTQ Community | Thurs., May 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St. | Free | A discussion about the Candy Shop nightclub + the intersection of bias across race, gender expression and sexuality.

Friday, May 27

  • Katera | Fri., May 27 | 6 p.m. | Esther’s Soul Food + Kitchen | TBD
  • Boozy Bonsai | Fri., May 27 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Columbia, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $40 | Guests will pot a 4" juniper bonsai tree and have the opportunity to add decorative rocks to the completed product.

Saturday, May 28

  • Pick Your Project: Terrarium Workshop | Sat., May 28 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $25+ | The PlantHouse crew will be there to guide you through the terrarium building process and give an overview of plant care.
  • YMCA Race to Remember 5K | Sat., May 28 | 7 a.m. -10 p.m. | 1447 Hampton St. | $30 | Participants are encouraged to carry a flag or wear dog-tags to honor military personnel
  • Swiff Brunch Party | Sat., May 28 | 12-5 p.m. | Swiff Brand, 736 Harden St. | Free | A variety of brunch dishes, endless mimosas + a live DJ
  • Cottontown CrossFit MURPH 2022 | Sat., May 28 | 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Cottontown CrossFit, 2202 Sumter St. | $10 | Only three tickets left for this Memorial Day event honoring Lieutenant Michael Murphy + all those who have fought for our freedom.
  • Rex Darling, The Dog Apollo, outerego + Business School | Sat., May 28 | 7-11:30 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St. | $12+ | The Columbia-based indie pop-rock group runs the night along with other great local artists.

Sunday, May 29

  • Kids Adventure Terrarium | Sun., May 29 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $25 | create a unique terrarium complete with figurines like dinosaurs, butterflies, sea creatures and more.
  • Modern Architecture Tour | Sun., May 29 | 2 p.m. | Downtown Columbia | Free | A walking tour + discussion of midcentury architecture in the heart of downtown Columbia.
  • Memorial Day Eve Bash | Sun., May 29 | 8 p.m. | Tin Roof, 1022 Senate St. | Free | Live music by Cody Clark
  • Columbia Classical Ballet - LifeChance Gala to the Stars | Sun., May 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $15+ | This year’s gala is to support the people of Ukraine.

Monday, May 30 – Tuesday, May 31

Monday, May 30

Tuesday, May 31

Wednesday, June 1

  • Coffee + Canvas — Cherry Blossoms | Wed., June 1 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 275 Harbison Blvd. | $34 | All participants must be 15 years of age or older.
  • Simi Reserve Tasting | Wed., June 1 | 6 p.m. | Moltó Vino, 2822 Devine St. | $30 | During the tasting, Will Gravely will talk about the unique history of Simi.

Thursday, June 2

  • First Thursday on Main | Thurs., June 2 | 6-10 p.m. | Main Street District | Free | Enjoy a mix of local restaurants, events + entertainment open late with complimentary shuttle services.
  • FAAAC presents Modern Rhythms | Thurs., June 2 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $5 | Meet the CMA’s new curator, Michael Neumeister
  • Pick Your Project: Terrarium Workshop | Thurs., June 2 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $40 | The PlantHouse crew will be there to guide you through the terrarium building process and give an overview of plant care.

Friday, June 3

  • Stacks & Sips | Fri., June 3 | 6-8 p.m. | Blum Coffee, 2824 Devine St. | $40 | Create a stack of three bracelets + mingle with other women in the community.
  • Main Street Shop and Dine Night | Fri., June 3 | 4-9 p.m. | Downtown Newberry, 1207 Caldwell St. | Free | Visitors are invited to stroll, shop, and dine on the first Friday of each month.
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