How it works

• The lottery opens on Thursday, April 4, and closes on Wednesday, April 10. Winners will be notified on Tuesday, April 16.
• All applicants are charged a $1 fee upon lottery entry. Those selected will be charged the remaining $24 to secure their passes.
• Passes admit one passenger vehicle with up to two axles + eight passengers.
• Passes are non-transferable and valid only for the specified date.

What to expect

Follow these firefly rules

• Minimize flashlight use and use only red-mode lights or lights with a red filter.
• Avoid using cell phones for light or photography/video in the viewing area.
• Stay on the designated Firefly Trail while exploring.
• Refrain from catching or disturbing the fireflies.
• You can apply insect repellent before arriving at the park, but no repellent can be applied after entry.

• Yoga in the Galleries | Monday, March 11 | 6-7 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and holistic well-being with a unique class that seamlessly integrates yoga, movement, and sound healing.

• Smoked Oyster Series | Tuesday, March 12 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Smoked, 1643 Main St., Columbia | $60 | Learn to appreciate oysters like a fine wine by discovering the nuance of flavor by the climate of origin, taste, texture, and salinity.

• Columbia’s Irish History | Wednesday, March 13 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Free | Learn about the Irish history of Columbia.

• Gamecock Softball vs. Boston University Terriers | Thursday, March 14 | 5 p.m. | Carolina Softball Stadium At Beckham Field, 1318 Heyward St., Columbia | $7 | Root for the Gamecocks as they take on the Boston University Terriers.
• Concert in the Gardens | Thursday, March 14 | 6-8 p.m. | Museum of the Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home, 1705 Hampton St., Columbia | $20 | Bring your own blanket or chairs, and pack a picnic if you’d like.

• St. Pat’s in Five Points | Saturday, March 16 | 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Five Points, 728 Harden St., Columbia | $25+ | St. Pat’s in Five Points is back on Saturday, March 16 with a full day of festive events from a parade and playland to VIP experiences and a mocktail lounge + the most bands ever.*
• Savage St. Paddy’s Bash | Saturday, March 16 | 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia | Free | Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish beer + live music performances by Charleston’s Irish favorites, The Bograts, and the Steel City Rovers at Savage Craft in West Columbia.
• Snow White by South Carolina Ballet | Saturday, March 16, Saturday, March 16 | Times vary | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St, Columbia | $35-$60 | Columbia City Ballet, now South Carolina Ballet, is thrilled to invite audiences of all ages to witness the enchanting tale of Snow White come to life on the Koger Center’s stage.*

• They’ve done it again. The Gamecocks won the SEC women’s basketball championship over the weekend in Greenville after defeating LSU 79 to 72. This will be their second year in a row winning the tournament + have won eight out of the last 10. The Gamecocks will enter the women’s NCAA tournament undefeated.

• The Tent Coffee — a new coffee shop that sources its beans from local Lake Murray Coffee Roasters — opened for business last week in Lexington County. Located at 711 E Main St., by the Old Mill, it now serves coffees, smoothies, and light prepared food items.

• The Blended Bakery has permanently closed its doors at 5076 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington, as announced on Facebook. Despite initial plans for relocation, the owners decided to close.

• Villa Tronco announced that Carmella’s Famous Cheesecakes — a new venture by the long-time local Italian restaurant — will premiere at Soda City Market beginning on Saturday, April 13. Read how Villa Tronco came to be one of the oldest businesses in Columbia.

• The start of Ramadan, a month of reflection + fasting in Islam, depends on the sighting of the new moon. Observe and learn more by listening to this interview with a community outreach representative for the Islamic Center of Columbia, Mutahhir Sabree. (WIS TV + Al Jazeera)

• Get ready to shamrock and roll. The 42nd annual St. Pat’s in Five Points festival returns on Saturday, March 16 with a huge road race, parade, and the most bands ever. Snag tickets before the price increases.*

• Is this historic season for South Carolina’s Women’s Basketball Team not garnering enough attention? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

• This cozy men’s sweatshirt has been climbing the sales ranks and we can see why — the brushed fleece makes this everyday essential super comfortable.*

Final four

• City Limits BBQ and Railroad BBQ | Will you choose City Limits BBQ — known for its crafted BBQ over all wood burning pits or coals, or Railroad BBQ — who claims it’s “The Best Darn BBQ on Both Sides of the Tracks”?
• Midwood Smokehouse and Little Pigs BBQ | Do you choose Midwood Smokehouse — known for its traditional barbecuing techniques, or Little Pigs — known for its buffet-style BBQ and southern sides?