Arenas/Stadiums

• Description: Colonial Life Arena is a multi-purpose arena that serves as the home for Gamecock Basketball and hosts a variety of other events like concerts, Monster Trucks and Disney on Ice.

Concert Halls

• Capacity: 400
• Description: Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College offers programming that encourages dialogue, educates, entertains, and enriches the Midlands community.

Outdoor Settings

• Capacity: 900
• Description: Located in the heart of Lexington, the Ice House Amphitheater is a community gathering place that hosts a variety of events, including concerts, festivals, and movies. The venue offers a family-friendly atmosphere and is a cornerstone for local entertainment.

Intimate Spaces

• Description: Chayz Lounge is an intimate venue that offers an up-close experience with the finest local and national talents. The venue is designed for those who love jazz, soul, and R&B with events that consistently sell out.

Restaurants/Bars/Cafes

• Description: Art Bar is a 21+ bar that caters to Cola’s alternative crowd. The Vista establishment offers a variety of entertainment options throughout the week. From live music on Saturday nights to open mic comedy and karaoke, Art Bar provides an eclectic mix of activities for Soda Citizens.

• The Playlist Hosted by Terence Young Presents: Nahi Gruv | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 8-10:30 p.m. | The Venue |1626 Main St., Columbia | $15 | Join Terence Young as he welcomes back Nahi Gruv for a soulful jam session.
• Columbia Fireflies vs. Delmarva Shorebirds | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$7 | USC Night // Budweiser Thirsty Thursday ($1 fountain sodas, $2 domestic draft beers & $3 craft draft beers and cocktails)*

• Live Music with Paisley Marie | Friday, Sept. 1 | 6-9 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy live music amongst the plants at the Franklin Street location.

• The Market at Icehouse | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St., Lexington | Enjoy a farmer/grower and local artisan market that promotes, supports, and encourages local production, while educating citizens on the benefits of eating local, fresh produce.
• 12,000 Year History Park - Native American Lifeways | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 1120 Fort Congaree Trail, Cayce | Free | Native Americans played a strategic role in the economy and welfare of the Carolina Colony.
• Steel Hands Brewing Watch Party | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | Free | This free event will feature its new Sandstorm Gameday Lager on draft, food specials, themed cocktails, and (of course) the game.

• Live — Schools, neighborhoods, and unwritten rules of the city
• Work — Top industries, startups, and great spots to work outside
• Play — Parks, festivals, hikes, and date nights

• Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is set to open its first SC location in the Cardinal Crossing development in Forest Acres. The shop will offer 100+ flavors of ice cream, shakes, and sundaes. An official opening date has yet to be announced. (The State)

• Scout Motors has hired Jan Spies, a veteran from the Volkswagen Auto Group, as Chief Production Officer for the new EV manufacturing plant. The move is part of the Scout’s plan for its $2 billion plant in Blythewood, expected to employ 4,000 workers. (The Post and Courier)

• The Junior League of Columbia kicks off its centennial year with “100 Acts of Service Week,” Monday, Oct. 2 through Thursday, Oct. 12, recognized by a City of Columbia proclamation. The initiative involves community projects across the Midlands with further details being announced on Thursday, Sept. 7 at Central Energy.

• The Arts Center of Kershaw County announced the 2023 MAD Festival, a nine day event from Saturday, Sept. 30 to Sunday, Oct. 8, featuring music, art, drama, and dance. The festival culminates with the MAD Extravaganza featuring open house galleries and an all day concert.

• Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College unveiled its 2023-2024 lineup, featuring Grammy-nominated artists, international tribute bands, and comedy acts. Highlights include Jim Brickman, ARRIVAL from Sweden, and SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble. Tickets are available now.

• Columbia artist TiffanyJ is hosting an Album Release and Film Premiere for “Solbird Sessions Live” on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Spotlight Cinemas Capital 8. The event is part of Suicide Prevention Month and features live music and a film showcasing TiffanyJ’s journey with mental health.

• Did you know that the average person consumes two pounds of garlic each year? Or that it has big time health benefits? Here’s eight of them (plus a mouthwatering recipe for garlic parmesan wings).*

• Get ready to rock, Cola. The City of West Columbia is hosting the first-ever Meeting Street Music Fest on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 4-8 p.m. Bonus: It’s completely free to attend. See the lineup.*