Summer is coming to a close, but we still have a whole month ahead to give it a proper sendoff. So let’s fill these long days with all the festivals, music, outdoor events and other fun things summer brings before we set our sights on fall in the Heart of SC.
Columbia Fireflies Baseball at Segra Park | August 8 – 13, 15 – 20, 29 – 31
It may almost be football season, but not quite yet – it’s still baseball’s time to shine. Pack out Segra Park for these final few weeks of hot dogs and home runs with the Fireflies.
Brew at the Zoo at Riverbanks Zoo | August 4
Join Riverbanks for their annual “suds sippin’ safari,” because the only thing that could make exploring the zoo after hours more fun is the addition of more than 80 craft brews and ciders available for sampling throughout the usually family-friendly attraction. Sorry kids, but this one’s for the 21+ crowd only.
Gatsby Gala at The Robinson Room | August 10
Let’s take it back to the Roaring Twenties for the grandest of opening celebrations. Having settled comfortably into its new location, The Robinson Room is ready to throw a fabulous fête befitting of the Jazz Age.
Y’all-Mart Mystery Market at Art Bar | August 13
Don’t bother coming to this shopping event with a list prepared, because there’s no telling what lies in store. You’re sure to find all kinds of treasures when you don’t even know what it is you’re looking for.
Friday Night Laster Lights at South Carolina State Museum | August 18
Catch the summer Friday Night Laser Lights finale featuring the hits from three legends who need no introduction: Queen, Prince and Michael Jackson.
Gamecock Central Kickoff Party at Steel Hands Brewing | August 19
Once the Nashville Nights concert series wraps with two last shows featuring Hannah Dasher and Johnny & Heidi Bulford earlier in the month, it’s time to turn our attention fully on the imminent arrival of Gamecock football. Featuring a live performance by Patrick Davis and His Midnight Choir, plus appearances from former USC players and other special guests, Gamecock Central and Steel Hands invite fans to come out and get hyped for the upcoming season. Grab your rally towel and cue “Sandstorm;” college football is officially back.
World Famous Hip-Hop Family Day at Koger Center for the Arts | August 19
After a several years-long hiatus, Love, Peace & Hip-Hop is back with World Famous Hip-Hop Family Day to commemorate 50 years of hip-hop. Sprawl out on the lawn in front of Koger Center for this free festival featuring headliner Kurtis Blow.
Soda City Comic Con at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | August 19 – 20
With headliners Sean Astin (The Goonies, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Rudy, etc.) and Vanessa Angel (Weird Science television series, Kingpin, Baywatch, etc.) bringing the star power and a myriad of other prominent voice and anime actors rounding out the rest of the guest lineup, this is shaping up to be another can’t-miss installment of the region’s premier pop culture celebration.
SolFest RollFest at NoMa Warehouse | August 26
After making its debut last year, this eco-friendly music festival is back for its encore presentation, this time at NoMa Warehouse. Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, scooter, skate or ride-share and bring their own reusable cups for drinks with the intent to produce as little waste as possible. So come on out for a good time with an even better mission.
For the Love of Hops Craft Beer Festival at Icehouse Amphitheater | August 26
August kicks off with one signature craft beer festival, so it’s just nice symmetry for it to end with one, too. Bring your trusty tasting glass to Lexington, where you can partake in more than 50 craft beer offerings from all over the Carolinas.
Drive-In Movie Night: The Super Mario Bros. at Saluda Shoals Park | August 26
Squeeze in one more family summer memory with a special screening of The Super Mario Bros. under a canopy of stars at Saluda Shoals Park.
