Spring is in bloom and so is the Columbia events calendar. With festival season in full swing, concerts and art taking center stage, culinary events showcasing the local flavor and so much more, be prepared to double and triple-book yourself, because you’re not going to want to miss a thing this month in the Heart of SC.
Broadway in Columbia Presents “Hamilton” at Koger Center for Arts | Feb. 27 – March 10
If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, there are 13 shows across 10 days remaining this month that you can still snag some for. Come fill the remaining seats at Koger Center and show that Columbia sings for more high profile shows like this one.
Neon Dreams: A Pop Art Affair at Columbia Museum of Art | March 2
Shed your cocoon of drab, dreary winterwear and show the world that both you and spring have arrived. Don your most luminescent duds, celebrate pop art icons and set the art museum aglow at The Contemporaries’ annual ball.
Bierkeller Bock and Roll Spring Fest at Bierkeller Columbia | March 9 – 10
Welcome spring with the release of Bierkeller’s bockbier, plus a second Weizenbock release, served up with a slate of rock bands throughout the day on Saturday. Get in on the ceremonial tapping for your chance to score one of 20 free half liters, then come back on Sunday for a Weisswurst brunch, a possible goat petting zoo and other family-friendly festivities.
5th Annual Doko Ribfest at Doko Meadows Park | March 9
Hear the sizzle, smell the smokers in action and taste all the sauced-up or dry-rubbed goodness at this annual Blythewood cookoff. Cast your vote for your favorite rib of the day and stick around, enjoying live music and other vendors in the meantime, to see who’s crowned champion.
Cottontown Art Crawl at Cottontown/Bellevue Historic District | March 10
More than 200 artists are set to line the streets of the Cottontown neighborhood for the sixth annual installment of the Cottontown Art Crawl. Front porches and lawns will be filled with wares from local makers, live music will fill the main stage on Sumter Street and food trucks will be on hand to fuel everyone’s shopping sprees.
Concert in the Gardens at Museum of the Reconstruction Era | March 14
Luxuriate in the warm spring night air, the lush historic garden setting and the light classical music performed by members of the SC Philharmonic. Pack a picnic, pop open a bottle of wine and spread out on a blanket as you ease into an early start to the weekend.
ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd: The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour at Colonial Life Arena | March 16
What do each of these bands have in common? They’ve both been around for more than 50 years, they’ve both been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and they both boast very impressive heads of hair. Join these classic rock legends for a night that’ll transport you back to the 70s and leave you hoarse from singing along to hit after hit.
Monet’s Table Dinner 2024 at City Roots | March 18
Feel like you’re inside a work of art, enjoying a dreamy harvest feast inspired by Monet’s Table: The Cooking Journals of Claude Monet amidst Boone Fox Farm’s flower fields at City Roots. The four-course family-style dinner includes a welcome cocktail and wine pairings, plus local artists will be on site to showcase their work during the reception and dinner.
Art Blossoms Weekend at Columbia Museum of Art | March 20 – 24
Now in its fourth year, see the art museum blooming with floral interpretations of art pieces in the collection, participate in demonstrations, try your hand at botanical-themed art classes and savor the ever-popular Roses and Rosé event and the Art Blossoms Sunday Teatime finale. We can’t think of a more fitting way to slip into spring than this.
Taste of Lake Murray 2024 at DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia | March 21
An evening indulging in gourmet bites from local chefs all in the name of making the annual 4th of July fireworks show possible? Having something to enjoy now and something to look forward to later sounds like one heck of a win-win to us.
Soiree on State at City of Cayce | March 23
Gather at this block party-style event celebrating the businesses, people and experiences that make the Cayce community so special. Eat, drink, shop and enjoy live music ‘til sundown.
Tasting Notes Tenth Anniversary at South Carolina State Museum | March 25
Sample more than 80 wines from all over the globe, fill up on dishes from more than 15 restaurants from all over the region, catch live jazz and dance performances and see what goodies await in the silent auction, all in support of the SC Philharmonic.
Hidden City Music Festival at Historic Columbia Speedway | March 30
Close out the month with Columbia’s first EDM festival. Performers include DJ Diesel (you *may* know him as Shaq), Acraze, Pickuplines, Name Unknown, Tre Burnett and Vyce Bloom, with additional artists still to be announced. Round out the experience with a visit to the silent disco cave and a big firework show finale.
St. Patrick’s Day Festivities | Dates vary
There are ample opportunities get in on the Celtic celebrations this month. Start the party early with a Dropkick Murphys show at Township Auditorium on March 1st or the 9th Annual Shamrock Parade in the Town of Lexington on March 9th. Mid-month, go big with the 5K, parade, concerts and festivities that make up St. Pat’s in Five Points on March 16th before enjoying a day of live music and local beer at Sham Rock Jam at Steel Hands Brewing on March 17th. Time to start stocking up on green outfits!
