Who has time to stop and smell the May flowers when the calendar is this packed with festivals, music, art, cultural engagement, tasting events and outdoor activities this month in the Heart of SC?
Rosewood Crawfish Festival at South Carolina State Fairgrounds | May 3
Get a taste of NOLA in Cola as 10,000 lbs. of fresh crawfish is brought in straight from the Pelican State.
Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume at South Carolina State Museum | May 3 – Oct. 26
No need to wish upon a star – the dream that we wished has already come true with a major and magical exhibition of more than 70 iconic character costumes from the Walt Disney Archives on display for almost six months starting now.
Tour of Tea: Every Sip Tells a Story at Columbia Museum of Art | May 7
Kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month on Boyd Plaza with an exploration of snacks, steeped sips, performances and demonstrations representing countries like Korea, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and India, among others.
Red, White and Brews 2025 at Irmo Town Park | May 8
This springtime sipping event is for both wine lovers and beer enthusiasts alike, so raise a glass to grapes and hops in all their fermented glory.
7th Annual Art on State at State Street in West Columbia | May 9
Art takes many forms and this block party-style gathering delivers it in droves. From live music and live muralists to artisans and culinary delights, you can find it all beneath the string lights on State Street.
Upper Deck Golf at Williams-Brice Stadium | May 9 – 10
Golf 🤝 Gridiron. Forego the course and see how your swing stacks up in a stadium setting.
The Grand Pour at Lexington’s Main Street | May 10
Uncork a magical evening on Lexington’s Main Street, popping into local shops and restaurants and sampling wine all the while before landing at Icehouse Amphitheater for the After Pour festivities.
ColaJazz Fest at Main Street | May 10 – 11
Whether you’re just dipping into the toe-tapping waters or consider yourself a bonafide big band buff, ColaJazz offers something for jazz fans of all stripes. Saturday’s free(!) festival features a strong slate of acclaimed musicians taking the stage on Main Street, while Sunday ticketholders can share in a more intimate experience witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime ensemble pairing.
2025 Columbia Black Expo at varying locations | May 15 – 17
Expanding to three days this year, the weekend begins with the Columbia Black Owned Wine + Spirits Lounge at Runway 728 at The Hangar Lofts on Thursday night, continues with the popular Taste of Black Columbia event at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds Friday night, then culminates in the main day of programming (also at the fairgrounds) featuring speaking engagements, cultural exhibitions and minority-owned business vendors.
10th Annual South Carolina Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival at South Carolina State Fairgrounds | May 17
Almost three dozen food trucks from around the state will congregate for an afternoon sure to satisfy any craving. Dig in, wet your whistle with a number of breweries and other beverage options onsite and shop around from vendors selling everything from soaps and spices to jewelry and candles.
CanalFest at Bierkeller | May 17 – 18
If you’ve ever marveled at the stunning scenery Bierkeller’s location lends, then you’ll be pleased to know this weekend is all about putting the Columbia Canal in the spotlight. Participate in historic walking tours and a Canal clean-up, then cool off with a refreshing and well-earned German-style brew.
10th Annual Drink Pink Rose Festival at Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens | May 18
Let’s give a little *clink clink* to a decade of drinking pink, piling our plates with cheese and paella and having an all-around darling time at this annual blush bash.
Lexington County Ag + Art Tour at varying locations | May 31
Bounce around to 11 different farms and businesses for the Lexington leg of the statewide tour. Artisans will be onsite at each stop so you can shop both locally grown and locally-made products all day long.
Lake Murray Palooza at Fat Frogs Marina | May 31 – June 1
The team behind Reggaetronic is going bigger and broader this year – stretching this brand-new lakefront live music lineup to two days and spanning multiple genres for wide appeal amidst the waves.
Spring Concert Series
Make the most of cooler evenings while we still have them at various weekly outdoor concert series held throughout different parts of the region. Enjoy live music and striking sunsets that fade into a star-dappled night sky at Irmo Town Limits at the Prisma Health Amphitheater at Moore Park, Rhythm on the River at the West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater, Sunset Sessions on Boyd Plaza in the Main Street District and Icehouse Live at Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington.
