Tubers float beneath the historic Gervais Street Bridge on Columbia’s Z-G route — a summer favorite on the Saluda River. | Photo by Forrest Clonts
So you want to go tubing down the river in Columbia because it’s famously hot in summer, but don’t know where to start. No worries — we won’t leave you up the creek without a tube. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back float or a little splash of adventure, Columbia has a few great options for tubing the Saluda River.
We recommend the Riverbanks Zoo to Gervais Street Bridge route (aka, the Z-G route) for a more active float with gentle rapids. First things first: Check current water-quality reports at How’s My SC River, which shows real-time testing data for the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree rivers before heading out.
The Z-G route is a ~3-hour, 2.5-mile float that begins near Riverbanks Zoo and ends at the West Columbia Riverwalk. This section of the lower Saluda River includes Class I + Class II rapids — small but active stretches of water flowing over rocks — so children must be 10+ to participate.
Arts & Draughts | 6-10 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $15 | Party with art, live music, food trucks, hands-on activities, and late-night museum vibes.
Lexington County Blowfish vs. Florence Flamingos | 7:05 p.m. | Lexington County Baseball Stadium, Lexington | $8+ | The Blowfish become the Hooties for one night — expect neon, 1990s jams, and jerseys Darius Rucker would approve of.
Summer Nights at the Museum | 6 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $10 | Explore the museum after hours with exhibits, stargazing, and a screening of “National Treasure.”
Saturday, June 21
Shrimp and Grits Fest | 6-9 p.m. | Seawell’s | $50 | Sample your way through endless shrimp and grits while local restaurants battle for bragging rights — and your vote.
Valley Maker with Bizner | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Indah Coffee | $20 | Columbia-based songwriter Austin Crane returns for a hometown show on his summer tour.
Sunday, June 22
The Fairy Flea Market | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Flora and Fauna Marketplace, Lexington | Price of purchase | Celebrate International Fairy Day with 30+ vendors, food, music, and whimsical fun at this outdoor artisan market.
Mel’s Dairy Bar is now open in the former Zesto location that served Forest Acres for 75 years. The retro-style eatery from local restaurateur Mohammad Saadeddin offers burgers, gyros, and ice cream classics. (WIS10)
Sports
Gamecock men’s basketball will host eight 2025 NCAA Tournament teams at Colonial Life Arena this season, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. SEC play tips off Saturday, Jan. 3, with the Gamecocks also traveling to face Texas for the first time since 1982. (Gamecocks Online)
Festival
Historic Columbia’s Jubilee Festival returns Saturday, Sept. 20 with a tribute to Columbia’s own Angie Stone and headliner Lady Stout. The free event at the Mann-Simons Site will also feature local acts like Preach Jacobs + DJ Kelly Kel.
Environment
Cayce approved a 15-acre solar project to power the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant. The bright idea, led by the Central Midlands Council of Governments, is backed by an $8.7 million grant and could break ground in 2026. (WLTX)
Award
Time is running out to crown your faves — voting for Free Times’ Best of Columbia ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. From the top tacos to music and local media (hey, that’s us), now’s your time to vote.
Learn
While the CMA’s collection galleries are closed (temporarily), visitors are invited to explore their themes in Art History 101, a casual lecture series. Pro tip: You can sign up for the full series of four classes or one class at a time.*
Number
5. That’s how many minutes it takes to be ready for every trending topic at tonight’s dinner party, thanks to 1440’s unbiased, fact-based daily newsletters. Subscribe for free.*
Post of the Day
Keep your eyes peeled for Cromer’s hot new delivery van cruising SC streets. With flames and graffiti-style flair, it’s delivering craft-popped popcorn statewide. The fiery wrap was created by downtown business Image360, which specializes in professional graphics + signage.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Happy Friday, Cola. The temps are climbing, and that signature Soda City humidity is back — which means you’ve earned a sweet treat. Whether you’re craving a cone, milkshake, or one of Morelia’s paletas, here are 10 local dessert ideas to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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