News Summary
Columbia, SC is buzzing with a variety of exciting community events this January and February. From free Fridays at the Riverbanks Zoo for local residents to the Vintage Market Days and a Special Olympics Torch Run, families can enjoy unique activities. Plus, the State Museum will showcase a magical Disney costume exhibit starting May 3. Mark your calendars and get ready for a memorable winter filled with fun and community spirit!
Exciting Local Events in Columbia, SC!
Hey there, Columbia! Are you ready for a fun-filled couple of months? There’s so much happening in our city that you won’t want to miss out on. From free zoo visits to costume contests and a vintage market, there’s something for everyone! Grab your calendar and let’s dive into the excitement.
Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo
Mark your calendars because every Friday in January and February, Riverbanks Zoo is offering free daytime admission for residents of Richland and Lexington counties. All you need is proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or a property tax statement. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while exploring fascinating animals. So, pack a picnic, grab the family, and make a day of it in one of Columbia’s most beloved spots!
Vintage Market Days Ticket Giveaway
Fans of all things vintage will be thrilled to hear about the upcoming Vintage Market Days event happening from January 31 to February 2 at the State Fairgrounds. This is a chance to shop for unique treasures, homemade goodies, and so much more! And here’s the best part: you can score free tickets! There are two family fun packs of five tickets each up for grabs. To throw your hat in the ring, just visit the contests tab on the ABC Columbia homepage and submit your email. Who knows, you might just be one of the lucky winners!
Special Olympics Torch Run
Help light up the community spirit at the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics South Carolina, set to take place on Sunday, February 16. Organized by the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, this event starts at the Beaver Den Polar Plunge at 2 p.m. Registration kicks off at that time, and there’s even a costume contest to add some flair to the day! Not only will you support a fantastic cause, but you’ll also have a chance to show off your creativity and maybe even snag a few prizes. All proceeds will go directly to benefiting athletes involved with Special Olympics South Carolina. What a wonderful way to get active and give back!
Disney Costume Exhibit
Get ready for a sprinkle of magic! Starting May 3, the State Museum will host the “Heroes and Villains Disney Costume” exhibit featuring over 70 stunning costumes from popular live-action characters. Whether you’re a fan of Cinderella’s elegant gown, fascinated by Maleficent’s dark and enchanting attire, or love the swashbuckling style of Jack Sparrow, this exhibit promises to delight audiences of all ages. Tickets are already on sale, so be sure to grab them soon to experience the enchanting world of Disney right in your backyard!
Wrap Up
With so many exciting happenings in Columbia, SC, there’s no denying that our community knows how to have a good time! Whether you want to explore nature, hunt for vintage treasures, support an important cause, or immerse yourself in the world of Disney, you’ll find something that piques your interest. So, gather your friends and family, and get ready to make some lasting memories this winter. It’s going to be a fantastic couple of months!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Free Drone Pilot Training Bootcamp in Columbia, S.C.
Governor McMaster Marks Distinct Milestone in His Address
Upcoming Concerts in Columbia That You Won’t Want to Miss
Two Arrested in Lexington, S.C. Drug Bust
Law Enforcement in South Carolina Raises Over $1.2 Million for Special Olympics
Advolve: Pioneering a New Era in Digital Marketing with AI Automation
Columbia: Tragic Sextortion Case Leads to Extradition
Goose Creek Expands Shipbuilding Capacity with HII Acquisition
Columbia Golf Tournament to Benefit Local Children
Nancy Mace Explores Gubernatorial Bid in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Free Fridays, Vintage Market Days, Torch Run for Special Olympics
- Google Search: Columbia SC events
- ABC Columbia: United Way of the Midlands 7th Annual Driving Down Main Golf Tournament
- Wikipedia: Special Olympics
- ABC Columbia: KCSO Hosting Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge
- Google News: Columbia SC torch run
- ABC Columbia: Wishful Shuckers Oyster Roast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia South Carolina
- ABC Columbia: Joe Gatto’s Let’s Get Into It Tour
- Google Scholar: Columbia SC events

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.


