What February lacks in calendar days, it more than makes up for in celebrations and cultural observations. From feeling the love and letting the good times roll to scoring secondhand treasures and recognizing Black History Month, the weeks ahead are overflowing with connection and community in the Heart of SC.
Valentine’s on Main at Prohibition | Feb. 2 – 15
Cupid’s working overtime as the spirit of Valentine’s Day just can’t be contained to a mere 24 hours. Prohibition’s two-week pop-up features a lineup of swoon-worthy specials you’ll fall head over heels for.
Vintage Market Days Columbia at South Carolina State Fairgrounds | Feb. 6 – 8
This three-day shopping experience is more upscale and curated than a flea market, yet promises the same thrill of stumbling upon the perfect antique trinket, repurposed piece or handmade product that feels like it was meant specifically for you to find.
Savage Craft Five Year Anniversary Party at Savage Craft Ale Works | Feb. 7
Come reminisce on five years of rooftop hangs, nights by the firepit, sunny beer garden afternoons, special events and plenty of pints to accompany it all, then raise a glass to even more memories still to be made in the years ahead.
16th Annual Mardi Gras Columbia at City Roots | Feb. 14
Fully embrace New Orleans flavor and flair at these early Fat Tuesday festivities complete with a parade, food trucks, live music on three stages and taps flowing with Abita beer.
4th Annual Emo Prom at Bang Back Pinball Lounge | Feb. 14
Ditch the cards and candy hearts in favor of eyeliner and band tees and spend Valentine’s Day with the people who get you. Here’s your chance to give your former angsty teenage self the prom playlist it deserved.
A Taste of Carnival 2026 at Trini Lime Caribbean Café | Feb. 14
Discover a slice of island life right here in Cayce. Dig into authentic dishes, learn about Caribbean culture and dance the night away in the name of Carnival.
Bullseye Antique and Vintage at Freed and Boyce Streets | Feb. 15
The masterminds who brought us our beloved Soda City Market have cooked up a new recurring community shopping event, this time happening the third Sunday of each month in the BullStreet District and focused on vintage items, uncommon finds and one-of-a-kind curios worth doing a little digging for.
Bierkeller Fasching Party 2026 at Bierkeller Columbia | Feb. 20 – 21
If you didn’t know Germany has its own version of Mardi Gras, then please allow Bierkeller to introduce you to all things fun and Fasching. Beginning with a Ladies Night on Friday, the full-blown celebration continues on Saturday with food specials, vendors, live music and full, frothy beer steins. Costumes highly encouraged.
Shuckin’ on the Shoals at Saluda Shoals Park | Feb. 21
The ‘ber months may have a better ring to them than the ‘uary months do, but we’re not going to let them stake the sole claim on oysters too. Enjoy your fill of the saltwater shellfish accompanied by shrimp and vegetarian chili for a night that’s sure to be cozy and convivial.
12th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff at Icehouse Amphitheater | Feb. 22
If you’re still trying to thaw from January’s surprising snowstorm finale, then unlimited chili samples ought to do the trick. Warm your body and soul with the ultimate comfort food (and lots of it!).
Chicago: The Musical at Koger Center for the Arts | Feb. 24 – 26
From an inaugural jazz festival right into “All That Jazz,” Koger Center is our one-stop-swingin’-shop this month. Step back into the 1920s and let the merry murderesses of the Cook County Jail ensnare you in their dangerous song and dance.
SoulHaus Sessions with Preach Jacobs feat. Cecil J. Williams at Koger Center for the Arts | Feb. 27
Close out the month in conversation with famed Civil Rights activist and photographer Cecil J. Williams, who will share his firsthand accounts of the Civil Rights Movement, being Black in the South and the importance of documenting history on camera.
