The final full month of summer 2025 is here, so fill your days with outdoor festivals, back-to-school shopping and cold craft brews before the first bit of fall begins to creep into the Heart of SC.
Brew at the Zoo at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden | August 1
On the first Friday in August, Riverbanks opens the gates after hours to breweries from all over the region and folks looking to fill their tasting cups with samples and check out the nighttime animal activity. And with this year’s event marking the 20th anniversary, there’s plenty to cheers to all night long.
Devine Street Summer Sidewalk Sale at Devine Street | August 1 – 2
Snag close-out summer steals or fresh looks for fall and reap the benefits of tax-free weekend, all while supporting local at restaurants and boutiques in the Devine Street district.
Floatchella Lake Murray at Fat Frogs Marina | August 2
As lake season begins to wind down, this inaugural music festival gets you out on the water to enjoy the waves, rays and live music for one last Lake Murray bash this side of fall and winter.
803 Day Festival at Doko Meadows Park | August 3
Back for a second year, 803 Day is all about uniting small businesses, local leaders and residents and displaying pride in our Columbia community. Participate in the 803 Day 5K Run/Walk, a citywide scavenger hunt and $8.03 specials at participating establishments around town throughout the weekend before the culminating festival experience in Blythewood.
Movie Mondays at Savage Craft Ale Works | August 4, 11, 18, 25
Mondays are no longer the worst day of the week if Savage Craft has anything to say about it. Enjoy a beer and a burger for $10, then stick around for a movie screening under the stars. This month, catch Scooby-Doo, Jumanji, The Devil Wears Prada and Mean Girls on the beer garden’s big screen.
Bierkeller Jubiläumsfest (2nd Anniversary) at Bierkeller | August 15 - 17
Come raise a stein to two years of authentic German brews, stunning riverfront scenery, brats, schnitzel and pretzels galore and memories made in the Biergarten.
South Carolina Native American Art Market and Gathering at Columbia Museum of Art | August 16
Indigenous culture, artistry and storytelling are front and center at this pop-up market on Boyd Plaza. Shop authentic woodworking creations, jewelry, pottery, cuisine and more while enjoying live performances and demonstrations with representation from various tribes.
Main Street Latin Festival at Main Street | August 23
Columbia is home to a diverse and ever-growing Latin American population and this annual street festival highlights the vibrancy of the culture through art, music, dancing and an abundance of food.
2025 Cultural Arts & Wellness Festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Park | August 23
Join South Carolina Black Pride for a community celebration of “identity, pride and possibility.” Featuring a Bold & Beautiful theme, the festival includes live performances from local and national acts, art installations, a wellness village, food trucks, holistic healing activities and a marketplace of Black and LGBTQ-owned businesses.
Soda City Comic Con at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | August 23 – 24
The Columbia region’s annual two-day celebration of pop culture is celebrating a major milestone this year as the event hits the 10-year mark. Do it up big with elaborate cosplay; celebrity guests to include Randy Quaid, Katee Sackhoff and Jon Heder, among others; panel discussions; shopping vendors; video game and pinball competitions and more.
Vintage Market Days – “It’s Fall Y’all” at South Carolina State Fairgrounds | August 29 – 31
It might not be fall quite yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go ahead and get into the mindset. Shop upscale autumnal home décor, jewelry, art, antiques, plants, furniture, food and beverage items and so much more to help you get a jumpstart on the season ahead.
Chapin Labor Day Weekend at Town of Chapin | August 30 – September 1
It’s the final long weekend of the summer and Chapin is here to make the most of every last bit of it. Start the party early on Saturday with a 5K, enjoy the Boots on Beaufort Country Concert Sunday night and finish the holiday off on Monday with a Classic Car Show and the Labor Day Parade and Festival. We can’t think of a sweeter send-off to the season.
