Fake spring may have fooled us just a little in February, but have no fear – real spring is actually here this month and we’re making the most of it with festivals, parades, markets, block parties and outdoor concerts aplenty. Embrace the warmth of a new season and the feeling of a full schedule here in the Heart of SC.
Ramadan Night Market at Columbia Museum of Art | March 5
Whether you are a member of the Muslim community who observes the month-long Islamic custom focused on fasting, faith and fellowship or are simply curious to learn more, all are welcome to shop the bazaar, enjoy post-sunset food and beverage and partake in crafts on Boyd Plaza.
Finlay Fridays at Finlay Park | March 6, 13, 20, 27
This new concert series is here for the long haul. Running through October, you have eight months of sunsets and free live music ahead. Make this your weekend kickoff tradition and catch Opus & The Frequencies, St. Pat’s Pre-Party with Slim Pickens, Jazz in the Park with ColaJazz and DemBoyzGood on the stage this month.
8th Annual Cottontown Art Crawl at Cottontown/Bellevue Historic District | March 7
Come ready to shop and get your steps in, as this year’s celebration of local creatives is bigger than ever before with more than 215 artists participating and putting their passions out there for you to peruse.
Doko Ribfest at The Manor at Doko Meadows | March 7
Get your wet wipes ready – casting your vote for the top rib recipe of the day requires a well-informed decision with lots of hands-on research.
Bark to the Park at Saluda Shoals Park Soccer Complex | March 7
This annual festival isn’t just pet-friendly, it’s pet-forward. Put your four-legged friend at the forefront with a fun walk and After Pawty fit for the goodest boys and girls they are.
11th Annual Shamrock Parade at Town of Lexington | March 8
You don’t need the luck of the Irish to lure Lexington’s leprechauns out of hiding ahead of St. Patrick’s Day – one surefire way is with this annual procession through downtown that captures the spirit of the holiday.
44th Annual St. Pat’s in Five Points at Five Points | March 14
Everything’s coming up clovers at Columbia’s largest street festival. Follow the rainbow to this sea of green and stick around for the 5K, parade, live music on five stages and the Pot O’ Gold Playland for the kids.
2026 South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival at Saluda Shoals Park | March 14
Who’s ready for a second helping of the South’s signature snack served up every which way by restaurants and food trucks from all over the state, as well as home chefs who are certain their version has what it takes to be crowned South Carolina’s Best Pimento Cheese.
The Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 at Irmo Town Park | March 21
When cherry blossoms come alive, you know spring has arrived. Picnic on traditional and Japanese-influenced cuisine among the signature pink petals of the six Yoshino trees planted in Irmo Town Park, check out the Japanese import car show, join in the Kimono Stroll and shop artists’ wares while appreciating the preciousness of life.
Crafted in Carolina: A Celebration of South Carolina’s Brewers and Artisans at Segra Park | March 21
With more than 25 breweries represented from around the state, this tasting event puts the flavors and craftsmanship unique to South Carolina in the spotlight. Plus, baseball and beer-drinking go hand-in-hand, so it’s honestly so nice of Segra Park to give us this opportunity to get some practice in before the 2026 Fireflies season starts next month.
EarleJam at Earlewood Park | March 21
Rescheduled from the fall due to inclement weather, here’s hoping the date change will lead to sunny skies and springtime temperatures for a full afternoon of sprawling out at the Earlewood Amphitheatre and listening to an all-local musical lineup.
Soiree on State at City of Cayce | March 21
Welcome spring out on State Street in this block party-style affair celebrating the artists, businesses and residents who make Cayce a thriving destination in its own right.
Tartan Day South at Historic Columbia Speedway | March 26 – 29
Find a slice of Scotland right here in South Carolina with four days of Celtic culture on full display throughout the region. Concerts, traditions, Highland Games, herding dogs and birds of prey, a British car show, military presentations, a Colonial Village and marketplace and so much more invite you into the history and customs of the United Kingdom.
Read Freely Fest at Richland Library Main | March 27 – 29
This literary festival’s sequel event boasts a cast of characters to include authors Kennedy Ryan, Ashley Poston, Tiffany D. Jackson, Kirsten Miller, Sadeqa Johnson and many more participating in panels and book signings, plus additional activities and entertainment happening all throughout the three page-turning days.
Tasting Notes Wine and Food Celebration at South Carolina State Museum | March 30
Now you never really need to twist our arms into sampling our way through more than 80 wines and bites from 20 restaurants, but even less so when it also directly supports our arts community.
