Orangeburg County YMCA is well worth the drive. | Photo by: @columbiaymca
Are you feeling the heat, Soda City? We’ve got the solution: splash pools, water parks, and outdoor pools. Beat the heat with 10+ local water parks, pools, and splash pools in Columbia.
Water parks and splash pads
Palmetto Falls Water Park, 6511 Strom Thurmond Blvd., Fort Jackson
Slide down two water slides, swim under a splashdown pool, float down the lazy river, and swim in either the kiddie or family pool.
Saluda Splash Pad, 5605 Bush River Rd.
The Saluda Splash Pad + the Melvin Splash Pad, in Chapin, are both zero-depth water spray grounds for children. Pro tip: The Splash Pass ($55/15-visit) is valid at both Melvin + Saluda Splash Pads.
Virginia Hylton Park, 111 Maiden Ln., Lexington
The new park features an in-ground splash system for when it gets too hot.
Art History 101: Modern and Contemporary | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $20 | Explore modern and contemporary, European, Asian, and American art in a casual lecture series.
Wine Tasting: High-End, Exclusive, and Rare Varietals | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Sour & Salt Bakery | $25 | This event offers a relaxed, drop-in format with no formal start time, allowing you to savor these selections at your own pace.
Smoked Seafood Series | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Smoked | $85 | Grub on a five-course, chef-inspired dinner celebrating the bounty of the sea with expertly paired wines.
Wednesday, May 28
Drag Bingo at the CMA | 6-9 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $40 | Every dollar that O’Furniture collects on stage gets donated back to the community, including organizations like SC Pride and the CMA.
Astronomy on Tap at Columbia | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Bierkeller Brewing Company | Free | Learn from expert physicists and astrophysicists from USC while sipping on some German craft brews.
The NxTrek team will help you tackle “trails” both big and small, from quick hikes to custom expeditions. | Photo provided by NxTrek
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Need to stock up on summer clothes?Southern Tide, a coastal lifestyle and apparel brand, is now open on Devine Street in the former Mainstream Boutique location.
Sports
Pro golf is swinging into the Midlands. The Korn Ferry Tour’s Colonial Life Charity Classic will be played at Elgin’s Woodcreek Golf Club May 11–17, 2026. The five-year deal marks the Tour’s second SC stop, following Greer’s BMW Charity Pro-Am.
Eat
Do you like dining with a view? Free Times rounded up a list of Lake Murray waterfront restaurants. Think: margaritas at Na’Cho Margarita, live music at Rusty Anchor, or crab legs at Lakeside Seafood.
Listen
Dive into Lake Murray Country’s latest podcast previewing “Weekend With the Pros,” taking place Friday-Saturday, June 6-7, featuring pro wakeboarders, clinics, and community fun. Co-founder Chris Farr shares its 20-year story and why Lake Murray makes the perfect setting.
Sports
Which positions will the Carolina Panthers seek to address before training camp? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Community
On Wednesday, May 14, Garvin Design Group, Solid Structures, and the SC State Guard joined dignitaries + the community for the Olympia Armory’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. The recently completed comprehensive renovation project preserved the building’s surviving historic fabric, while adapting it to serve modern needs. Learn more.*
Weight loss isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why Noom has created millions of personalized plans — blending cutting-edge technology with expert coaching. Take a five-minute quiz and unlock your custom plan.*
The Buy
A great find in Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale. Markdowns as high as 60% are on the table — here’s what we’re eyeing:
🛍️ This cozy, ultra-soft cardigan is 30% off and perfect for relaxing in.
🛍️ Get 30% off petite wide-leg linen pants that are breezy and light for summer.
🛍️ Take 60% off this blue wrap dress that can take you straight from the office to drinks out.
🛍️ These Nordstrom brand men’s chinos come in tan, grey, or navy — all are up to 40% off.
🛍️ This Tory Burch tote was recently marked down by 30% — we’re only a little obsessed with the print.
In case you missed it, Dawn Staley was on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last week. She chatted with the late night host, and part-time SC resident, about her new book, “Uncommon Favor,” and her new statue in The Vista.
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