The Palmetto Peanut Boil on Devine Street is fun for the whole family. | Photo by COLAtoday
August is just around the corner, and we’ve got all the best events to make sure it’s the best yet, from signature festivals and live music to local 5Ks and markets.
Festivals
Bierkeller Jubiläumsfest | Friday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Aug. 17 | Times vary | Bierkeller Columbia | Free | Celebrate the local brewery’s second anniversary with fresh beer releases, music, and family-friendly fun all weekend.
Main Street Latin Festival | Saturday, Aug. 23 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Main Street (Downtown Columbia) | Free | Celebrate Latin culture with live music, dancing, food, and family fun along Main Street.
Soda City Comic Convention | Saturday, Aug. 23 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | $5.50+ | Artists, cosplayers, and special guests gather for a full day of comics, collectibles, and pop culture fandom.
Concerts
Stevie Nicks | Wednesday, Aug. 27 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $172+ | The legendary singer-songwriter takes the stage for a night of rock magic, performing hits like “Edge of Seventeen,” “Landslide,” and “Stand Back.”
A clear crossbody bag to fit all your essentials for summer concerts + future sporting events. We love this option’s adjustable strap, smooth zipper, and chic hardware.
Columbia Children’s Theatre presents “Jack & the Beanstalk” | 10:30 a.m. | Richland Library Northeast | Free | Penned by CCT Artistic Director, Jerry Stevenson, this hilarious send-up of the famously fabled fairy tale incorporates music, audience participation, and one very hungry giant.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fredericksburg Nationals | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Budweiser Thirsty Thursday: Enjoy $3 Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and soft drinks at the ballpark.*
Friday, Aug. 1
Nashville Nights | 6 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, Cayce | Free | Two-step to country hits from Nashville singer-songwriters Kylie Sackley and Kenny Foster.
Brew at the Zoo | 7-9:30 p.m. | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden | $80+ | Enjoy an evening of craft and local beer, live music, and wildlife.
Saturday, Aug. 2
ReptiCon Columbia | Saturday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 3 | Times vary | Jamil Temple | $12 | See live animals from around the world, purchase pets and pet products direct from the experts.
Floatchella Lake Murray | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Fat Frogs Marina, Chapin | Free | Get your float on with live music on the lake.
Sunday, Aug. 3
803 Day Festival | 12-5 p.m. | Doko Meadows Park, Blythewood | $0+ | The second annual event will also feature a 5K and citywide scavenger hunt — bring nonperishable foods and school supplies for donation to local nonprofits.
A Vibe Called Yoga - SoulHaus | 1 p.m. | SoulHaus Gallery | $20 | This multi-sensory yoga experience is inclusive of all experience levels.
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The West Columbia Riverwalk has reopened from the Amphitheater to the Cayce connection after Hurricane Helene repairs. The Amphitheater lot and Moffatt Street entrance remain closed as restoration continues.
Coming Soon
Gather COLA is reelin’ in the flavorwith its latest addition. Big Easy Seafood — from the Spicy Voo-Doo food truck — will bring NOLA-style eats to the BullStreet District food hall, set to open this fall near Segra Park.
History
USC students unearthed remnants of campus history — ceramics, bones, and a possible kitchen site — during a spring archaeology class on the Horseshoe. The dig aims to uncover long-buried details of daily life on campus. (The State)
Job
The PLUGGED IN Music Industry Job Fair debuts Saturday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Richland Library Main. Presented by the Midlands Audio Institute, the free event connects students and professionals with companies such as Solid State Logic, ACS, and AES-Carolina.
Older Adults
The Shepherd’s Center of St. Andrews has launched a Speakers Bureau offering talks on everything from Cold War spies to 1950s pop music. The volunteer-run program for 50+ audiences is open to groups citywide.
Civic
Orangeburg will cut the ribbon on its new City Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. The 17,000-sqft building on Russell Street features expanded services, modern tech, and a focus on accessibility. Public tours and meet-and-greets follow. (The Times and Democrat)
Try This
Make the most of summer at the Meeting Street Artisan Market, happening every Thursday in July and August. From 4-8 p.m., swing by the Interactive Art Park to shop one-of-a-kind finds — from handmade goods and original art to fresh bakes and locally crafted jewelry. Browse all vendors.*
Featured Deal
Last chance to beat the heat and save. A recent study found 76% of Americans would rather face jury duty than exercise in extreme temps. Planet Fitness offers a cool, judgment-free zone for every fitness level. Join for just $1 down, $15 per month. Offer ends today, July 31. Snag the deal.*
Older Adults
Beyond bulk deals and clipping coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Eat
Tomato season is here — and this recipe makes the most of it. Garden-fresh tomatoes are stuffed with mozzarella, lemon zest, and basil, then grilled until golden and gooey. Serve warm as a savory starter or a summer side that steals the show. Get cooking.*
Job
Love checklists and analytics? We’re hiring an Advertising Coordinator to help us shine a spotlight on our partners. We offer an amazing benefits package, including competitive 401K matching and more. Apply now and help us make mornings smarter (and snappier).
Shop
Could your feet be comfier right now? We’ve got two summer shoe recommendations: these ultra-cushioned pillow slides and tried and true classic Crocs.*
Community
Community
📚 4 book club picks to add to your summer reading list
Presented by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
Whether you’re into historical fiction, family sagas, or real-life stories that stay with you, there’s something here worth bookmarking. | Photos provided by Still Hopes
The Bookendz Bookclub at Still Hopes just dropped their summer reading list — and these four picks are too good to gatekeep.
“Horse” | Perfect for fans of historical fiction and art. This novel explores nearly 200 years of history and art conservation through a layered, contemporary narrative. - Recommended by Cookie
“The Covenant of Water” | A moving, multi-generational story set in India. Ideal for readers who love rich storytelling, strong character development, and resilient women. - Recommended by Judy
“The Other Wes Moore”| A compelling memoir about two boys with the same name from Baltimore whose lives take drastically different turns. Thought-provoking and powerful. - Recommended by Gail
“The Correspondent” | Follows a newly retired woman as she reconnects with life and loved ones through a decade of letter writing. A reflective and joyful read. - Recommended by Mary Ann
At Still Hopes, lifelong learning and meaningful connection go hand-in-hand — Bookendz Bookclub is just one example.
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.
School is around the corner — and so is Tax Free Weekend. Starting tomorrow through Sunday, Aug. 4, you won’t pay state or local sales tax on eligible items like clothes, school supplies, and computers — in-store and online.
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