Spring is all about new beginnings, which feels especially important this year. Events that had to adapt, postpone or cancel last year are reemerging and ready for their comeback in the coming months. Mark your calendars and get ready to bask in the sun and the feeling of safely coming together at some of Columbia SC’s signature events once more.

Cola Concerts | Dates vary

Kick back in a socially distant cove at the Columbia Speedway for Cola Concerts show. The lineup this spring starts with four nights of Billy Strings followed by Blackberry Smoke, Wynonna Judd, Shovels & Rope and Mt. Joy throughout the rest of April and May. 

Concert in the Gardens Series | March 25, April 29, May 20, June 24

Historic Columbia and the SC Philharmonic are at it again, delivering lovely, music-filled evenings in the Hampton-Preston Mansion gardens. Bring a blanket or chairs, spread out a picnic or purchase some local food on site to round out the night. 

Drive-Thru South Carolina State Fair | April 6 – 11

Why wait another six months to get your funnel cake, Fiske Fries and other fair food favorites when you can pull right up for a second round of the drive-thru SC State Fair experience this spring? While the last event offered both food vendors and exhibit experiences, this one will focus solely on the food. And yes, there will be fried Oreos. 

Main Street Dinner | April 11

Book your seat at a selection of tables set up on the 1200 block of Main Street in front of Bourbon and settle in for a four-course family-style feast. As with any F2T Productions harvest dinner, expect only the freshest seasonal ingredients in each dish, plus a welcome cocktail and wine pairings. Views of the setting sun and South Carolina State House make for a magical backdrop to your dining experience. 

Artista Vista | April 16 – 18 

Now in its 29th year, Artista Vista is a celebration of the art and artists who have shaped the Vista district into the cultural hub it is today. This year, enjoy a full weekend featuring a virtual lantern parade, a gallery crawl, studio events, the highly anticipated return of Crafty Feast and a Live on Lincoln event in partnership with the Koger Center

Rosewood Crawfish Festival | May 1

Load up on these tasty red critters, plus all the other Cajun and Southern eats you can manage, all while enjoying live music and more within the sprawling South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Gervais Street Bridge Dinner | May 2

I mean, if there’s anywhere in town we can keep our distance for a seated meal, it’s on a 1,400-foot bridge. This springtime rendition of the Gervais Street Bridge Dinner will deliver all of the collaboration, scenery, entertainment and amazing eats we all love about the October event, with the added bonus of spring temps.  

Columbia Fireflies Baseball Games | Dates vary

PLEASE take us out to the ballgame! We are so ready to get back in our glow-in-the-dark gear, spread out in the stands and eat all of the ballpark snacks. Oh, and root for the home team too, of course.  

Lexington Wine Walk | May 13

Spring is wine-drinking weather. Get your sips and steps in with the return of the Lexington Wine Walk at Icehouse Amphitheater

Drink Pink Rosé Festival | May 16

I don’t know about you, but enjoying a cool glass of rosé in a beautiful garden is precisely the aesthetic I’m going for this spring. Which is why you’ll find me sitting in the shade of the Hampton-Preston Mansion gardens this May sampling a smattering of blush-hued beverages at F2T Productions’ annual Drink Pink Rosé Festival. 

Columbia Food and Wine Festival | May 20 – 23 

This annual celebration of the local culinary community highlights the incredible chef talent we’re fortunate to have in Columbia. The four-day festival is sure to leave your belly full and your spirits high. Tickets go on sale on March 22!