What began as a small party in the parking lot behind Yesterday’s restaurant in 1982 has evolved into one of Columbia’s signature events. With a mix of live music, a parade, and an annual 5K race, St. Pat’s in Five Points has grown into a must-attend celebration, drawing tens of thousands each year. Here’s a look at the festival’s history over the decades:
The timeline
1982: The unofficial start. Yesterday’s Restaurant in Five Points threw a St. Patrick’s Day party that drew a “ridiculously large” crowd, sparking the idea for a larger festival.
1983: The first official festival was held, organized by Yesterday’s owner Duncan MacRae. Drink Small performed, who is now depicted in the the Five Points postcard mural and the Gamecocks brand new mascot, Cocky, was also in attendance.
The fan-favorite Waiters’ Race challenged servers to navigate an obstacle course while balancing full trays, dodging barrels, tires, and swinging doors.
1991: Local favorite Hootie & the Blowfish performed three years before their breakout album “Cracked Rear View,” continuing the festival’s role in spotlighting local artists.
Historic Horseshoe History Tour | 12 p.m. | USC Horseshoe | Free | University Archivist Elizabeth West shares the history of Carolina and its traditions.
Gangstagrass | 7 p.m. | Newberry Opera House, Newberry | $15+ | This group brings a genre-bending fusion of banjos, beats, and bars.
Friday, March 14
Food Truck Friday | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | BullStreet District | Price of purchase | This week features food from Brown Bag Deli, Diamond’s Smokehouse BBQ, Fishers of Men, and Kurt’s Kitchen.
Music in the Garden | 6-9 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Grab a drink and relax among the Monsteras with live music from Paisley Marie.
Gamecock Baseball vs. Oklahoma Sooners | Friday, March 14-Sunday, March 16 | Times vary | Founders Park | $10+ | The Gamecocks look to extend their five game win streak.
“Mean Girls: The Musical” | Friday, March 14-Sunday, March 16 | Times vary | Village Square Theatre, Lexington | $15+ | High school’s a jungle — watch your back, Plastics rule.
Saturday, March 15
43rd Annual St. Pat’s in Five Points | 7 a.m. | Five Points | $25 | Run the 5K, catch A’ja Wilson in the parade, and then enjoy a full day of live music.
EdVenture Camps are perfect for kids ages 4-10. | Photo provided by EdVenture
Hey parents — summertime adventure awaits at EdVenture. Read: Camp registration is now open for kids ages 4-10 years old.
From Monday, June 2 to Friday, Aug. 1, campers will experience fun-filled days bursting with educational activities and play centered around new and exciting themes.
For kids ages 4-5: Robotastic Camp, Maker Magic, Planetary Pioneers, Tyrannosaurus Rocks, Brick by Brick, Young Musicians, Superpower Science, Exotic Ecosystems
For kids ages 6-7: Cooking Around the World, Master Brick Builders, Artist Adventure, Galactic Getaway, Animation Station, Dinosaur Uproar, Junior Chef, Trash to Treasure
For kids ages 8-10: Extraterrestrial Trailblazers, 3D Printing, Brick Builders HQ, Robot Engineering, Fossil Finders, Global Gourmet, Trash to Treasure, Biomechanics at Work
Camp takes place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with extended care available) + costs $269 per kid, per week. Psst... Museum members save $40.
Get ready to pop bottles — The Champagne Restaurant & Lounge, featuring modern American and global cuisine, will open this spring at 902 Gervais St. in the Vista. The restaurant fills the last vacant space in the historic Seaboard Railroad Station. (Colliers)
Transit
The COMET is considering microtransit, an on-demand rideshare-style service, to replace bus some routes and better serve rural areas. Services would begin in Lower Richland, with plans to expand across the metro area. (The Post and Courier)
Sports
It’s almost time. Selection Sunday for the NCAA Men’s + Women’s basketball tournaments is happening on March 16. Sports fans are invited to the official watch party at Colonial Life Arena at 6 p.m. Expect giveaways, food + drink options for purchase, and a Q+A with Dawn Staley.
Outdoors
Night owls, it’s your time to shine. Later this week, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across the US, illuminating the moon in a dusty red hue called a “blood worm moon.” Here in Cola, the total eclipse will begin tonight at 11:57 p.m. (NPR)
Plan Ahead
This will be your cup of tea. Columbia Museum of Art’s Tour of Tea will return Wednesday, May 7, 4-7 p.m., celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event observes tea’s cultural significance with plenty of samples from countries across Asia.
Comedy
Tom Cotter, the first comedian to reach the “America’s Got Talent” finals, brings his rapid-fire humor to Harbison Theatre on Friday, March 21. Expect quick wit, sharp punchlines, andzero time to catch your breath.
Sports
Clemson’s new transfers will make an immediate impact. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Welcoming a baby is a life-changing journey, and doulas at Lexington Medical Center are here to help. With compassionate care and expert guidance, these birth professionals have supported 1,800+ families through labor and delivery. Learn more.*
Finance
High interest rates are a major concern, and paying down debt is a top priority for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Festival
Save the date — Soiree on State is taking over Cayce’s State Street on Saturday, March 22, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Get ready for a fun-filled day featuring artists, bounce courses, face painting, tasty eats, live music, and so much more.See the full lineup.*
Travel
You deserve a vacation — and Going will notify you when flights leaving your airport are 40-90% off. Try for free and watch the deals roll in.*
Finance
Living in debt can be incredibly stressful. If you owe more than $10,000, Freedom Debt Relief could help lighten your load. See how it works.*
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Well, that’s a wrap for the Gamecock men’s basketball season. The team fought hard until the end but lost another close game, falling to Arkansas, 72-68 in the first round of the SEC Tournament. All eyes on the women’s program and fingers crossed for another parade down Main Street.
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