Though the temps may indicate that summer has already been here for a while, we can now *officially* say that summer has arrived. Fill these long, sunny days with a full calendar of festivals, live music, holiday celebrations, sports and more. 

Juneteenth

Juneteenth marks when the last enslaved people in the United States were emancipated in 1865. Recognize this historic event through education, history and entertainment at the 5th Annual South Carolina Juneteenth Freedom Fest or SERCO’s Juneteenth 2021 Celebration at the Historic Harriet Barber House. Find more ideas on how to commemorate Juneteenth here

Summer Playlist

Live music is back in full force! Riff Raff is making an appearance at The Main Course, Jojo Siwa’s D.R.E.A.M. Tour and The End of Summer Jam are taking the stage at Colonial Life Arena and KC & The Sunshine Band are bringing the tunes to Township Auditorium. Or, take to the outdoors – ride your boat out on Lake Murray to catch Reggaetronic, party with your pod at Cola Concert’s summer lineup or head to Boyd Plaza as The Southeastern Piano Festival Presents the Concert Truck. 

Snack and Sip

Long days out in the sun or on the water sure work up an appetite. If it’s seafood you’re craving, load up your plate at Columbia’s 6thShrimp and Grits Fest and the Southeast Crab Feast. Or, channel some garden party vibes and delicately dine at the Picnic Pop Up SC June Picnic at The Lace House.

These summer temps can be scorching, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Cool off with refreshing libations at the return of Bourbon’s Tiki Week and Hoppy Hour at the Zoo in June, then Brew at the Zoo in August. 

Art Scene

Support the arts! Ditch the matching sweatsuit and get gussied up for Columbia Museum of Art’s Celebrate the Light Gala. Trustus Theatre is back with live performances, so fill the seats for the remaining nights of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, then check out Defining Measures in August.

Star-Spangled Celebrations

Get your fill of fireworks as we celebrate our nation’s independence at Fireworks with the Phil at Segra Park or the annual 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray

Athleticism on Display

Grab a hot dog and a beer and watch the players round the bases at Columbia Fireflies or Lexington County Blowfish baseball games all summer long. Head to Lake Murray to take wakeboarding lessons from the best in the biz, or enjoy riding exhibitions and boat demos during the 2021 Weekend with the Pros. Watch wrestlers do their thing at the WWE Live Supershow at Colonial Life Arena.