The trees are in bloom, the temperatures are rising and the calendar is filling up with our favorite spring and summer events. Use our roundup below to plan ahead for a weekend away and we’ll see you soon to soak up the sun in the real Southern hot spot!
37th Annual St. Pat’s in Five Points | March 16
Grab your green gear and your green beer and unleash your inner Irish spirit. Oh, and did we mention that Dashboard Confessional is headlining?
Event details here.
Vista After Five at Tin Roof and The Senate | March 21 – April 11
Come celebrate Friday Jr. with the springtime rendition of this free outdoor concert series in the Vista.
Event details here.
5th Annual Soda City Suds Week | March 21 – 24
Raise a glass to Columbia’s craft beer industry with special events like a Kickoff Party at Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at the Curtiss-Wright Hangar, a Suds Week Edition of Arts & Draughts, a Block Party at Craft and Draft and a Sour Sunday Suds Week “Brunch” at The Whig.
Event details here.
Indie Grits Festival | March 28 – 31
Films, food, concerts, zines, special events and … puppets? That’s right, you can find all this and more at this edgy four-day festival that shines a spotlight on all things visionary and experimental.
Event details here.
2019 Rhythm on the River | April 6 – May 25
We sure do love our free outdoor concert series around here (who wouldn’t!?) and this one’s set up against the backdrop of the Congaree River and downtown Columbia skyline. Can you think of a better way to spend a Saturday night in the spring? We didn’t think so.
Event details here.
Columbia Open Studios | April 6 & 7
See how and where the magic happens during this weekend-long tour of local artists’ homes and studios.
Event details here.
International Festival | April 6 & 7
Immerse yourself in the customs, culture and cuisine of countries from all over the world.
Event details here.
World Famous Hip-Hop Family Day | April 13
Four days of programming lead up to a family-friendly hip-hop festival on Main Street, featuring a performance from this year’s headliner – Big Daddy Kane.
Event details here.
River Rocks Festival | April 13
Trust us when we say there’s nothing quite like kicking back on the banks of the Congaree River with some live tunes on deck and a cold drink in hand.
Event details here.
Columbia Food & Wine Festival | April 26 – 28
Now in its second year, the festival offers two days of satellite culinary experiences around town, leading up to the culminating showcase in Five Points that Sunday. Come hungry!
Event details here.
Rosewood Crawfish Festival | May 4
10,000 lbs of fresh Louisiana crawfish don’t stand a chance against us at this festival centered around live music and all things Creole and Cajun.
Event details here.
Drink Pink Rose Festival | May 19
Sip on all things light, crisp and blush-toned amidst the wildflowers and ambience of the Robert Mills House & Gardens. Plus all the cheese your heart desires.
Event details here.
Drift Jam | June 1
Wade into the waters of Lake Murray for the World’s Largest Floating Music Festival. Kicked back on a boat or fun floatie with your friends, we’re giving a whole new meaning to the phrase, “easy listening.”
Event details here.
Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Outfest | June 1
Spread the love and kick off National Pride Month with the 2nd annual Outfest street festival in the Vista.
Event details here.
Lexington County Peach Festival | July 4
Anyone else think of peaches when they think of summer? Lexington County sure does, hosting this annual festival celebrating the seasonal fruit for the 61st year in a row.
Event details here.
Reggaetronic | July 13
A reggae music festival that’s only accessible by boat? Uh yeah, we’ll definitely see you there.
Event details here.
Brew at the Zoo | August 2
Fact: samples from breweries from all over the country taste better when paired with cute zoo animals.
Event details here.
Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival | TBD
Celebrate more of summer’s bounty with the tomato in all its vine-ripened glory. Snack on small tomato-themed dishes whipped up by local chefs, hang out in the craft beer garden and even go bobbing for tomatoes. #tomato
Main Street Latin Festival | TBD
Main Street’s about to get muy caliente as the Latin Festival returns with food, music, dancing and fun filling the streets.
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