Guest lineup

• Film and Television Stars: Sean Astin, known for his iconic role in “The Lord of the Rings,” leads the pack. He’s joined by Summer Glau, Vanessa Angel, Michael Biehn, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, Lex Luger, and the dynamic duo, Matt and Reby Hardy.
• Voice and Anime Talents: Brittney Karbowski, Luci Christian, Ian Sinclair, Justin Cook, and Monica Rial will be gracing the event. Their voices have brought to life some of the most beloved characters in the anime world.

Pro tips

• Tickets: While advanced tickets can be purchased online, attendees can also buy tickets, autographs, photos, and more on-site. Online tickets come with a QR code, which will be exchanged for wristbands at the venue. These wristbands allow multiple entries throughout the day or weekend.
• Security: It’s recommended to carry a clear bag or no bag and avoid items that might trigger metal detectors.

Additional highlights

• Event activities: Apart from celebrity interactions, attendees can enjoy cosplay contests, arcade and pinball tournaments, and shopping from a plethora of vendors.
• Panel talks explore topics like women in anime, pro wrestling, and more hosted by the Nerdy by Nature podcast.

• Blythewood Farmers Market | Wednesday, Aug. 9 | 4-7 p.m. | Doko Meadows Park, 171 Langford Rd., Blythewood | Price of purchase | This market has food, live music, and special promotional events throughout the year.
• Columbia Fireflies vs. Charleston RiverDogs | Wednesday, Aug. 9 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$7 | White Claw Wednesday ($5 16oz White Claws)*

• Village Idiot Cooking Class | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 6-8:30 p.m. | 1305 Assembly St., Columbia | $70 | Join Brian, co-owner of Village Idiot Pizza and learn how to make 2 10" pizzas with toppings.
• Gatsby Gala | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 7-11 p.m. | Robinson Room, 1614a Main St., Columbia | $185 | Your ticket includes a welcome champagne, two cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists, passed savory plates, a charcuterie board station, and a chocolate fondue station to satisfy your sweet tooth.

• Nashville Nights Concert Series | Friday, Aug. 11 | 6 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | Free | Nashville Nights feature talented singer/songwriters traveling from Nashville, TN for special live music performances on stage.
• Food Truck Friday | Friday, Aug. 11 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | 2300 Bull St., 2300 Bull St., Columbia | Price of purchase | Shake up your lunch routine and try one of the featured food trucks.

• Accessibility Morning | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 9-11 a.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | Free | Accessibility Mornings are designed for families of children, teenagers, and adults who would benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly, and disability-adapted experience.
• Big Tree Hike at Congaree National Park | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 1-4 p.m. | Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Rd., Hopkins | Free | Join Volunteer Park Naturalist John Cely for a guided hike to some of the park’s big trees.

• Free Times is hosting “Best of Columbia 2023: Popstars, Rockstars & Icons” on Saturday, Aug 26, 7-11 p.m. at The Columbia Museum of Art. The event will celebrate Cola’s best with music through the decades, featuring live performances and a DJ set. Attendees are encouraged to dress in themed attire. Secure your ticket.

• Fleischman & Associates PA is set to merge with The Hobbs Group on Aug. 21, creating a combined team of over 50 professionals. The Hobbs Group, founded in 1986, has offices in Columbia and Greenville. Fleischman & Associates, established in 1950, has served the Midlands for 75 years. (Soda City Biz Wire)

• NoMa Warehouse is set to host Solfest Rollfest on Saturday, Aug. 26, emphasizing sustainability and local talent. The festival, which began in 2021, features eco-friendly initiatives and a bicycle theme. This year’s Cola-centric lineup includes Danielle Howle, Dear Blanca, Monti-Rabbit, and headliners Homemade Haircuts. (Free Times)

• Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers — known for its burgers, hot dogs, fries, and frozen custard treats — is opening its new location at 1309 Charleston Hwy., West Columbia, on Tuesday, Aug. 15. Previously a title loan business site, this will be Freddy’s fifth Midlands location.

• Midlands schools in Richland and Lexington counties are ramping up security measures ahead of the academic school year. Students can expect increased metal detectors and school resource officers. The move aims to enhance safety. (The State)

• With only a few weeks left in the Fireflies baseball season, the team announced it’s added firework shows to the schedule this season. You can now enjoy post-game fireworks this Friday and Saturday night. Prepare for the season finale on Sunday, Sept. 3.

• Hot summer days can be dangerous for anyone — but if you have diabetes or heart disease, you may be even more prone to the effects of overheating during warmer temperatures. Find out why and see what you can do to stay safe.*

• MANSCAPED’s annual Summer Sale is back. Take advantage of 20% off + free shipping site-wide to save big on their best-selling electric trimmers, premium grooming kits, and UltraPremium formulations. Activate your discount here.*

• Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

• Catherine Barry: The senior standout led the team with 10 goals and seven assists last season.
• Shae O’Rourke: After an impressive debut season, the sophomore, who scored six goals and earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors, is poised to make an even bigger impact.
• Brinley Murphy: The newcomer has already made waves by being named the USA Today Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

• The latest Kindle model — the Kindle Paperwhite — boasts a glare-free display, warm light options for night, and is waterproof from the beach to the bath.

• The buzziest deodorant in the beauty scene: Lume whole body deodorant. Free of aluminum or baking soda, it offers odor protection anywhere and everywhere.

• The 2023 Etsy Design Award Winners are here. Check out extraordinary, imaginative items including cactus leather bags, whimsical dandelion lamps, and donut mugs.

• Want to give your pup a paw-sitive surprise? Spoil them with treats from Botanical Bones – guaranteed to fit any pup’s personality.