The month of April brings with it beautiful weather and exciting events! Check out these five things to do in Columbia, SC this weekend, and be sure to browse our calendar of events for even more fun in The New Southern Hot Spot!

festivals 
Whether you want to spend the day celebrating different cultures or exploring the world of vintage comics, Columbia has a variety of festivals being held this weekend. Don't miss out!
Columbia Jewish Film Festival at ­­­­­Nickelodeon Theatre Thursday – Friday 2 – 8pm Prices vary
Tartan Day South at West Columbia Riverwalk (Thursday 7:30pm, Friday 6:30pm, Sunday 11am) and Historic Columbia Speedway (Saturday 9:00 am)
19th Annual Columbia International Festival at South Carolina State Fairgrounds – Cantey Building Saturday 10am – 7pm, Sunday 12 – 6pm $5 at the Gate, $4 Advance, $1 Ages 6-12, Children 5 and Under Free, Active Duty Military Personnel Free with ID card, Parking $2 per vehicle
3rd Annual "It's All About Herbs" Festival at Lexington County Museum Saturday 9am – 4pm Free admission
Columbia Antique Toy, Comic & Collectible Con at Jamil Shrine Center Saturday 10am – 4pm $3 admission
TOUCH A TRUCK, presented by the Junior League of Columbia at South Carolina State Farmers Market Saturday 10am – 2pm $6 per person (Children 2 under are free with a paying adult) or a family four pack of tickets for $20.

night out 
For a night out in Columbia, SC, try something to do with art, swing dancing or recycled fashion:
Time For Art at Stone River Thursday 6 – 9pm $25-$35 First Thursdays on Main Street Thursday 6 – 10pm Free admission
First Thursdays on Main Street Thursday 6 - 9pm Free
Japan & The Jazz Age Tour and Tasting at Columbia Museum of Art Thursday 6pm $65 / $55 for Members
Swingin' at the Big Apple at Big Apple Friday 7pm – 12am $5 for HC & PSDA Members | $8 for non-members
Runaway Runway 2014 - A Recycled Fashion Show Presented by the Columbia Design League at Township Auditorium Saturday 8 – 10pm $75 for floor seats / $20 for balcony

Sneak peak of what to expect at Baker & Baker's celebration of the best loved Opera Arias, via @WACHFox http://t.co/bEfT29ux7F | April 4th

— Columbia MuseumofArt (@ColaMuseum) March 28, 2014

music
The sounds of steel drums, jazz and opera descend on Columbia, SC this weekend! Music lovers certainly have their pick of events:
Swing Shift Big Band at USC School of Music Thursday 6pm
Palmetto Pans Steel Drum Band at USC School of Music Thursday 7:30pm
Baker & Baker Foundation's Art of Music Series: Best Loved Operas in the World at Columbia Museum of Art Friday Happy Hour 6pm, Concert 7pm $40 / $30 for members / $5 for students
SC Philharmonic 2013/2014 Masterworks Season: Gershwin, Gatsby, and All That Jazz at Koger Center for the Arts Saturday 7:30pm
Chamber Innovista Concert Series at USC School of Music Sunday 3pm General admission $15 or $5 for seniors and students 

tours
The South Carolina State House is open this weekend for its once-a-month Saturday tours. You can ride from farm to farm to learn more about the Columbia region's sustainable farms with the 2nd Annual Midlands Farm Tour. Plus, dozens of artists open their galleries for the annual Columbia Open Studios.  
South Carolina State House Tours at South Carolina State House Saturday 9am – 4:30pm Free admission
2nd Annual Midlands Farm Tour at 10 family farms in the Columbia area Saturday – Sunday 1 – 5pm $25 per vehicle 
701 CCA Presents: Columbia Open Studios at 701 Center for Contemporary Art Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 12 – 6pm Free admission

movies
Nickelodeon Theatre is gearing up for the annual Indie Grits Film Festival! Showing until Friday is the film Enemy, a Jake Gyllenhaal flick that sounds interesting, a little weird and delightfully indie. Want to learn more about Indie Grits? Read our film guide or our party and food guide to learn more about the festival. And watch Enemy this weekend too!
Enemy at Nickelodeon Theatre Thursday - Sunday Varying Times $8-$10