McKissick Museum is located on the Horseshoe in the center of the USC campus. | Photo by COLAtoday
What’s better than a day in Columbia? Free activities in Columbia. If you’re looking for something to do in the Soda City — but don’t want to open your wallet — we’ve got fun things to do that will suit every interest.
Free tours
Sally Salamander walking tour
Embark on a self-guided adventure through downtown Columbia with the Sally Salamander Walking Tour. Follow bronze statues of South Carolina’s state amphibian, the spotted salamander, to discover 20 notable landmarks and historic sites.
Family time
Lexington County Public Library
Explore free programs for all ages, from Preschool Explorers and Afternoon Art to LEGO Club and monthly Historically Speaking history talks.
Get outside
Self-guided public art tour | Columbia is full of murals, sculptures, and installations. Download a public art map from One Columbia and explore creative works scattered across downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
City of Columbia Food Truck Fridays | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | BullStreet District | Price of purchase | Grab lunch from a variety of local food trucks lined up at the REI Co-op parking lot.
Disney On Ice presents “Frozen” + “Encanto” | Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Colonial Life Arena | $20+ | Mickey and Minnie host this dual Disney ice show where Elsa and Mirabel glide through their stories.
Three Dog Night | Friday, April 4 | 7:30 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $50+ | Known for hits like “Joy to the World,” they deliver a set full of sing-along staples and classic rock nostalgia.
Saturday, April 5
Tartan Day South Festival | Through Sunday, April 6 | 9 a.m. | Columbia Speedway Entertainment Center, Cayce | $10+ | From axe throwing to bagpipes, this festival brings Celtic traditions to life.
Into The Woods Jr. - ICRC Children’s Theatre | Saturday, April 5, Saturday, April 5, Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Dutch Fork High School, Irmo | $10 | This play features Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch in this retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.
Sunday, April 6
Palladium Tour: A Century of Style | 1-6 p.m. | Forest Hills | $35+ | Learn about the history of Forest Hills through its architecture with a self-paced, self-guided community tour.
Lovin’ Life Music Fest | Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4 | 1-11 p.m. | Lovin’ Life Music Fest, Charlotte, NC | $345+ | Purchase your Lovin’ Life Music Fest single-day or 3-day tickets by April 7 at midnight to get your wristbands shipped to you and skip the Will Call lines.*
Experience Zeppelin like never before during this electrifyingly unique concert. | Photo provided by the South Carolina Philharmonic
Get ready for a fusion of rock and symphony with “The Music of Led Zeppelin.” This unique concert, happening Tuesday, April 8, will feature top-of-their-game musicians and vocalists bringing Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits to life.
The coolest part, though? The power of the music will be amplified with accompaniment by the South Carolina Philharmonic.
Picture it: “Stairway to Heaven,” “Kashmir,” and more classics made larger than life with lush symphonic arrangements. It’s a can’t-miss show for music lovers, whether or not you’re a die-hard Zeppelin fan.
Wild Birds Unlimited in Lexington is taking flight again with a grand re-opening this Saturday, April 5. Highlights include garden tips from Master Gardener Suzanne Corey and a visit from a rescued raptor via the Carolina Wildlife Center. (Cola Daily)
Eat
The Michelin Guide is heading south. A new American South edition will spotlight standout restaurants across six states, including SC. Anonymous inspectors are already dining out, using five key criteria like ingredient quality and chef personality.
Sports
Round two of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur is underway, and USC’s Eila Galitsky enters in red numbers after a 2-under 70 on day one. The top 30 golfers will move on to Saturday’s final round at Augusta National. (WLTX)
History
Lexington is marking the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington + Concord with a free celebration on Saturday, April 19, from 4:30–8 p.m. at Old Mill Pond Trail. Expect living history, cannon demos, lantern tours, and a toast to the “Shot Heard Round the World.”
Travel
GOGO Charters is hitting the road with daily bus service linking Columbia to Atlanta + Charlotte, stopping at Hilton Columbia Center. The route is part of a Southeast expansion launching in late 2025, with fares starting at $10.
Listen
Clemson freshmen phenoms will be on display for the Spring Game. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Arts
In case you missed it, the Columbia Museum of Art recently closed its galleries for a major renovation. Want an inside peek at the work being done, what museum visitors can expect when it’s finished, and how you can enjoy the museum in the meantime? Put on your hard hat.*
Giveaway
Hawthorne Pharmacy & Medical Equipment is giving away two early entry tickets to the Grand Tasting at the Columbia Food and Wine Festival. Enter for a chance to win — the winner will be announced on Monday, April 7. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy great food and wine before the crowds.*
Number
Could you save an extra $1,300 a year? A 2024 survey found that switching car insurance providers could save you that much money annually. What would you do with the extra cash? (We see a “White Lotus"-esque vacation in our future.) See if you could save.*
Travel
Weekend road trip, anyone? The Charleston Festival is in full swing now through Sunday, April 13, featuring house + garden tours, lectures, and a chance to explore the Holy City’s rich history, architecture, and culture. See the full lineup.*
Shop
Don’t waste time bouncing between dealerships when shopping for a car. With CarGurus, you can browse millions of cars + compare dealer ratings all in one place. Shop smarter.*
Number
$100. That’s how much you can save on the HP Smart Tank 7602 printer for a limited time. Plus, you’ll get free shipping + two years of ink. Order it now.*
Category
Outdoors
Catch Congaree’s fireflies glow
Enter the lottery to see synchronous fireflies light up Conagree National Park | Photo by National Park Services
The lottery for the 2025 Synchronous Firefly Viewing Event at Congaree National Park is now open. Enter by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, for a chance to witness thousands of fireflies blink in harmony during peak mating season — a natural light show unlike any other.
Applicants pay a $1 non-refundable fee to enter, with only one entry allowed per household. Winners will be contacted via email on Wednesday, April 16, and will be charged the remaining $19 vehicle pass fee.
This year’s viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, through Wednesday, May 21. If selected, your pass gets you access to one evening of this annual phenomenon, which draws visitors from across the country to the old-growth forest just outside Columbia.
May the odds be in your glowing favor.
The Buy
The Buy
A pair of 5” lined track shorts from lululemon. Designed for running, the shorts have a built-in liner for extra coverage and wick away sweat fast. Psst — these Soothfeel athletic shorts are a great workout option, too.
The Gamecocks women’s basketball team continues their march to the championship tonight at 7 p.m. against Texas. Want to watch with fellow fans? Steel Hands Vista and Gamecock Central are partnering to host a watch party featuring themed cocktails like the Golden Swish and Buzzer Beater.
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