• Friends of the Irmo Library Book Sale | Friday, Apr. 28-Sunday, Apr. 30 | Times vary | Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St Andrews Rd., Columbia | Free | The used book sale by the Friends of the Irmo Branch Library supports library programming.
• The NoMa Flea | Friday, April 28-Friday, Dec. 15 | 6-9 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | The market features several anchor vendors and at least 10 rotating, pop-up vendors each week.
• Gamecock Baseball vs. Auburn Baseball | Friday, Apr. 28-Sunday, Apr. 30 | Times vary | Founders Park, 431 Williams St., Columbia | $20-$25 | Root root root for the Gamecocks as they play against the Auburn Tigers in Founders Park.

• Spring Valley West Community Yard Sale | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Spring Valley West subdivision, Olde Springs Rd., Columbia | Free | Find a treasure, new project, item to repurpose, or that one quirky thing to make your house feel more like home.
• Battle of Congaree Creek | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Cayce Tennis Center, 1120 Fort Congaree Trail, Cayce | Free | Learn through this free guided battlefield tour and visit the earthworks, where you’ll hear about strategies and tactics of both sides.
• 5th Annual Taco & Tequila Crawl | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 1-6 p.m. | Vista Bars, Columbia | $19.99 | Stroll through The Vista eating tacos, enjoying exclusive margaritas, tequila, and beer specials.

• 2023 Irmo International Festival | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 9 a.m.-10 p.m. | Irmo Community Park, 7507 Eastview Dr., Irmo | Free | Celebrate the rich variety of art, culture, food, and families of Irmo at the International Festival.
• Columbia Vegfest 2023 | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy live music, a family fun zone, vendors, food trucks, and lots of vegan food.
• South Carolina Cornbread Festival | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | NOMA Community Garden, 2714 River Dr., Columbia | $10 | Celebrate all things cornbread at the festival that features a cook-off, corn muffin playland, and a cornbread alley.
• Drink Pink Rosé Festival | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 12-5 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia | $75-$125 | Enjoy sipping an assortment of fabulous rosé wines while savoring the delicious food of chef Kristian Niemi from restaurants Bourbon and Black Rooster.

• We’re pleased to announce that the “6 April Haiku” by Chelsea B. is the winner of our 2023 poetry contest. This poem received the most votes from our audience. Read the winning poem here.

• Riverbanks Zoo and Garden announced the first two hatchlings from the blue-billed curassows. With a population between ~150-700, Riverbanks sees this as a major win for genetic diversity and awareness of this at-risk species. See the new hatchlings.

• Tomorrow is Arbor Day — a day to celebrate trees and folks are encouraged to plant some. We want to share how our readers can get involved. Know of any local ways to observe this holiday? Let us know here.

Act like a local

• Food: Seafood is a must, and you butter get some lobster — Ogunquit Beach Lobster House is always a great option.
• Explore: Walk along the Atlantic Ocean on Marginal Way, a 1.25-mile path with 39 benches and plenty of scenery.
• Drink: Start your morning like a local with coffee from Bread & Roses Bakery, or pick up a pastry to end the day with a delicious dessert.

Where to stay

• Vrbo: Bring the family to this Cottage Street home and stay at this 3 BD, 1 BA home in the heart of Ogunquit Center that’s a 12-minute walk to the beach. (~$399/night)*

• Itching to take a vacation? We’re always in support of time off + self care — so we’ve rounded up five drool-worthy vacation spots to help you plan. This romantic chateau in Nova Scotia is one of our favorites on the list. See the rest.

• Two words: free bowling. Sign up for Kids Bowl Free to connect with local bowling alleys where kids can receive two free games of bowling everyday this summer. Plus, grab a Family Pass + up to four adults can join in on the fun.

• An electric wine opener is one of those inexpensive kitchen gadgets that you don’t know how you lived without once you get one. We especially love this one for its sleek design and ergonomic grip. To upgrade your wine even further, this set includes an automatic wine aerator and reusable vacuum stopper.