City Editor Sam here. 👋 St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow and Columbia is celebrating all weekend. Attend the annual St. Pat’s Festival happening all day on Saturday in Five Points. Enjoy a parade, listen to live music, and you’re in luck — because we shared a full preview of the festival.

Friday, March 17

Food Truck Fridays | Friday, Mar. 17 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | 2300 Bull St., 2300 Bull St., Columbia | Price of purchase | Food Truck Fridays feature delicious food as a way to highlight various types of cuisines, which can be enjoyed in our city while connecting with each other over great food.
City of Columbia Popcorn & Lemonade Sale | Friday, Mar. 17 | 12-2 p.m. | Payment/Customer Care Center, 3000 Harden St., Columbia | Price of purchase | The City of Columbia is hosting a fundraiser for the upcoming Heart Walk that will take place at Segra Park on Saturday, March 25.
Oyster Roast on the River | Friday, Mar. 17 | 5-9 p.m. | Stone River, 121 Alexander Rd., West Columbia | $60 | All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the Big Red Barn Retreat’s programs and services for Veterans, Active-Duty service members, First Responders, and their families.

Saturday, March 18

St. Pat’s in Five Points Columbia | Saturday, Mar. 18 | 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Five Points on Saluda Avenue, 747 Saluda Ave., Columbia | $25-$30 | Whether you’re wanting to enjoy the parade, jam to live music, or get your kids in on the fun, there’s something for everyone at St. Pat’s in Five Points.
Columbia City Ballet’s Company Auditions | Saturday, Mar. 18 | 11 a.m. | Columbia City Ballet, 1545 Main St., Columbia | Free | Columbia City Ballet is looking for dancers of all skill levels.
Savage Craft St. Paddy’s Event | Saturday, Mar. 18 | 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia | Free | Enjoy live music, Irish food, and delicious beer with no cover charge.*

Sunday, March 19

2023 Spring Arts Crafts Market Extravaganza | Saturday, Mar. 18-Sunday, Mar. 19 | Times vary | South Carolina State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia | Free | Over 150 crafters and vendors from all over the Midlands will showcasg their talents and creations.
Free Sundays Presented by Still Hopes | Sunday, Mar. 19 | 1-4 p.m. | Robert Mills House & Gardens, 1616 Blanding St., Columbia | Free | Space is limited so guests will be registered on a first come first serve basis.
Freeman Sundays @3 | Sunday, Mar. 19 | 3 p.m. | USC School of Music Recital Hall, 813 Assembly St., Columbia | $5-$15 | The ticket sales raise money for student scholarships.

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EDITOR’S PICKS

Sports

USC Women’s Basketball team’s locker room got a facelift. Check out the renovations here and root for them as they take on Norfolk State tomorrow during Game 1 to begin their journey to win the NCAA National Championship. 🏀

Outdoors

If St. Pat’s Festival isn’t really your thing, try going to Leo’s Landing — an ADA-compliant park located inside Saluda Shoals Park. It features shelters, several playground areas, interactive activities, and more. Just pay $5 to enter the park if you aren’t a member. Get a peek into the park here. 🌳

Plan Ahead

During the Bassmasters Elite Series, happening April 20-23, don’t miss Kristian Bush of Sugarland’s concert. Sing along with multi-platinum-selling, two-time Grammy Award winner at her free concert that will take place at 1 p.m. on April 22. 🎟️

GREAT ESCAPES

Our guide to Helen, GA

Get a taste of Germany in a small town in Georgia. | Photo by 6AM City

Check out Helen, GA, an alpine village that’s known for its nature scenes, having one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the country, and transforming into a winter wonderland.

Act like a local

Food: Hofer’s of Helen Bakery & Café is a must-try. This café’s menu + ambiance makes you feel like you’re in Germany. The Schwarzwälder Kirsch (Black Forest Torte) is to die for.
Outdoors: Take a ride on the wild side, or the Georgia Mountain Coaster, no matter your age this activity is a blast. There are also plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, ziplining, tubing + kayaking (if it’s warm enough), and other outdoor activities to try out.

Where to stay

VRBO: Spectacular mountain chalet, short walk to downtown + activities ($270/night)

Helen is absolutely worth the planned trip. Trust me, you’ll make fall and winter memories that will last a lifetime.

MORE RECOMMENDATIONS HERE

Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Going offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*

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Tech

Looking for a new laptop that checks all the boxes without breaking the bank? Enter: the Acer Chromebook 311. This lightweight laptop is decked out with all the essential Google apps — like Google Chrome and Google Calendar — it’s quiet, and it has up to 10 hours of battery life.*

Traffic

What we’re buying for our cars: Dash cams. The REDTIGER Dual Dash Camera captures both the front and rear of your car and can be a lifesaver when it comes to contesting traffic violations and recording evidence of collisions. Plus, it connects to your mobile device.*

Travel

Summer travel is just around the corner. On our radar: this mid-century modern stay in Martha’s Vineyard. For something a little more tropical, our pick is this seaside cottage in St. John. If international travel is calling your name, this charming home along the French Riviera is for you.*

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