Outdoor entertainment, celebrations of independence, cultural appreciation, artistic inspiration, delicious food… all of this and more means summer is finally about to get started. Kick the season off right with events that incorporate all of the above and pay us a visit this month in the Heart of SC.
Much Ado About Nothing at Icehouse Amphitheater | June 1 – 3, June 8 – 10
It doesn’t get much better than a warm night out under the stars enjoying a live show. Oh wait… how about when it’s free? Make yourself comfortable with a blanket or chairs and a picnic as the South Carolina Shakespeare Company presents six nights of The Bard’s classic comedy.
Nashville Nights at Steel Hands | June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Steel Hands’ summertime concert series is back for its third year, ready to welcome Nashville-based singers and songwriters to the stage every Friday night. This month you can catch Channing Wilson, Chuck Cannon, Paul McDonald, Levi Lowrey and Ben Danaher.
Outfest Columbia 2023 at Park Street in the Vista | June 3
Though the state’s largest Pride celebration doesn’t happen until October, you can still celebrate Pride Month at Outfest. Kick things off with pageantry and flair, then welcome special guests to the stage all day long while supporting and mingling with Columbia’s LGBTQIA+ community.
Carolina’s Caribbean Culture Festival at varying locations | June 8 – 11
June is also Caribbean-American Heritage Month, and South Carolina Carnival is bringing us four jam-packed days of festivities including an International Night, a day party, the traditional J’ouvert kickoff, a block party, a culture parade, an all-white dance party and a cool down breakfast affair known as Punch’d.
7th Annual Taste on the River at Stone River | June 13
Enjoy a silent auction, live music and small plates from restaurants like Black Rooster, Di Vino Rosso, Blue Marlin, Brookland Conference Center, Always Original Bakery and more, all against unbeatable views of the Congaree River and downtown Columbia skyline.
Friday Night Laser Lights at South Carolina State Museum | June 16
Settle in and watch the lights dance along to the tunes of Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon, The Eagles and Jimi Hendrix.
7th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Segra Park | June 17
Come experience the Juneteenth Freedom Festival at its significant new location on Freed Street and commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans through food, live music, shopping and a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Reggaetronic Lake Murray Music Festival at Spence Island | June 17
It doesn't get much cooler than a music festival that's only accessible by boat. Come on out to Spence Island and bob along with the waves and the music with a full day of reggae, funk, rock and electric sets on the famous floating stage.
Black Eats Week 803 at varying locations | June 19 – 25
This inaugural event held the week of Juneteenth encourages us to explore and support Black-owned food establishments (from restaurants and food trucks to coffee shops, creameries and bakeries) all over the region as they offer seven days of exclusive deals and menu items.
2023 Columbia Fashion Week at varying locations | June 20 – 25
Columbia’s local week-long celebration of fashion returns with a full slate of events to include a magazine launch, a boutique crawl, a party announcing this year’s Fashion Icons, a hands-on artistic experience, an epic evening showcase of 10 designers’ creations and a stylish “brunchway” to cap it all off.
Dear Evan Hansen at Koger Center for the Arts | June 28 – July 2
Dear Evan Hansen fans,
You have eight chances across five days to see a performance of this heartfelt Broadway hit that is sure to stay with you long after you’ve left your seat.
Sincerely, Me
