Enjoy an end-of-summer weekend full of live music, outdoor recreation, top-notch restaurants and attractions for all ages. Here’s your can’t-miss list for Labor Day fun in this year.
Events during Labor Day Weekend:
The Sandstorm returns with the Gamecock's first home game against Kent State on Saturday, September 5th at 12:45PM. Don your garnet and black, grab your tailgating food and drinks, and follow the locals to Williams Brice Stadium for a tailgate steeped in hometown pride. Go Gamecocks!
The heart of SC and the Gamecocks have long been intertwined, but our friends at Allen University are a vital part of our football scene. Their season home opener vs Florida Memorial University starts at 4PM on Saturday, September 5th.
Lace up your shoes and run run run in the annual Tunnels to Towers 5K. This annual race allows participants to run and walk alongside first responders and members of the military. The course is dotted with photographs commemorating the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty on the fateful date of September 11, 2021.
Soda City Market on Main Street from 9am-1pm Saturday offers food trucks as well as local vendors selling everything from arts and crafts to fruits and flowers. With over 200 vendors, you are sure to have a rollicking good time. And dogs are always welcome!
Take in the long weekend at the Main Street Mimosa Festival hosted at the Columbia Museum of Art. A day filled with live music, DJs and, of course, mimosas!
Restaurants to Try:
Follow the locals to Forest Acres for a cup of coffee where Lazy Daisy Coffee Company or The Honey Market are sure to give you a caffeine fix. From rotating seasonal and monthly specials to cold brew to hot artisan drinks, there is something for everyone. While in that part of town, make a pit stop at Morelia Gourmet Paletas. Paletas are more than normal ice pops. They are hand-made, artisanal, and natural ingredients. We're talking Strawberry to Colombian Coffee to Dubai chocolate to Belgian Chocolate infused with Baileys Irish Cream. To make it even better, you can choose from a variety of dips and toppings to make your sweet treat even sweeter.
Pro tip: all allergens for each flavor are clearly listed in the display case. If you are worried about cross contamination, the staff is willing to pull a new, paleta from the freezer that is will in the wrapper.
Coastal Crust Pizza is Columbia's newest pizza restaurant in the BullStreet District. Order up a handcrafted pizza with locally sourced ingredients and enjoy the bustling vibe of the city's up and coming district. (Pro Tip: they have house made gluten free dough too!). Looking to hang a bit longer? Take a few steps next door to GatherCOLA, the city's first open air food hall filled with local restaurants from Southern food to Tex-Mex to breweries. This popular gathering place is proof that there is something for everyone in the heart of SC.
City Limits Barbecue is a 2024 and 2025 James Beard finalist serving up pulled pork, brisket, and a host of “soulful southern sides.” Arrive early to claim you place in line on Saturdays to enjoy the full menu, or on Sundays for lunch with hot dogs, chili and slaw.
Get active outdoors
Grab your friends and family and spend the weekend outside. Reserve a tee time at one of our several golf courses or throw some discs during a round of disc golf at Earlewood, Owens Field or South East Park. Refuel at one of our several breweries in town, including Steel Hands, Savage Craft Ale Works or Hunter-Gatherer at the Hangar.
Speaking of beer, did you know Columbia is home to several wine bars as well? You would be remiss not to stop at the James Beard recognized, chic wine bar on Main Street called Lula Drake. This vintage establishment is inside a former hat shop that will make you feel like you are in an European cafe. Head over to the heart of SC's newest wine bar, Ikie Lu Record Club where they specialize in curated wine selections and elevated small plates in a comfortable living room setting. View a complete list of wine spots here.
Learn more about James Beard recognized restaurants in Columbia SC here or discover other gluten free eats here.