Bask in the sunshine, long days and extra free time that comes with the summer months. And do it all in Columbia SC! Keep reading for a roundup of seasonal festivals, shows, sports, markets, exhibits and more, then take a look at our calendar of events to see what else is going on in the real Southern hot spot all throughout July.
Celebrate Summer
Cool off by staying close to the water with Brookland Brunch, the Brookland Beach Bash and the Reggaetronic Lake Murray Music Festival. Speaking of Lake Murray, don’t miss out on the phenomenon of watching the Purple Martins roost at the world’s largest Purple Martin sanctuary with Purple Martin Boat Tours or a Purple Martin Sunset Dinner Cruise. Or, beat the heat by sipping on some ice-cold drinks at River Rat Brewery’s Sunday Funday and Tiki Party or at Four Years Slingin’ Beers at Craft and Draft. Enjoy all things peachy at the 60th Annual Lexington County Peach Festival. Treat yourself at the 2nd Annual Midlands Women’s Fair. And eat, drink, mix and mingle at First Thursday on Main.
Stage and Screen
From patriotic tunes and modern music to outdoor concerts and living legends, you can catch the Star Spangled Symphonic Salute, Imagine Dragons, Tony Bennett in Concert and the Steve Miller Band with Peter Frampton this month. There’s just something about watching a movie under the stars. Take the family to Twilight in the Garden – The Lion King at Riverbanks Zoo or the Summer Movie Series at Finlay Park. Settle in to a seat at the theatre for a production of Bring It! Live or “Memphis" at Trustus Theatre.
Taste of Summer
Stock up on the best of the season’s harvest at Soda City Market, City Roots Farmers Market or Richland Library Farmers Market.
Seasonal Sports
Fitness is fun this month with options like Paddle Boarding with Fit Columbia, Beer Yoga, Full Moon Yoga, or the XTERRA Harbison Half Marathon/ 5K. Kick back with a summertime Lexington County Blowfish or Columbia Fireflies baseball game.
Exhibits and Experiences
Hop on a tour this month! Might we suggest a South Carolina State House Tour, Historic USC Horseshoe Walking Tour or Moonlight Cemetery & Secrets from the Grave Tour? Or, discover something on your own and peruse exhibits like Fill in the Gap, South Carolina and Reconstruction, 1865 – 1876, Well Suited: The Costumes of Alonso V. Wilson for HBO’s Treme, Yvette Cummings: Uncovered Reception and Sharing the Chores: Works on Paper by Jonathan Green on display at our area’s museums and galleries.
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Looking for more fun things to do in Columbia SC? Check out our calendar of events.
