News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina is set to host a variety of events this May, featuring art, aviation, culture, and food. Highlights include the Art on State event, the 20th Annual Wings and Wheels Festival, and the Columbia Black Expo. Families and residents can enjoy free admission to most festivities, creating vibrant community connections through diverse experiences, from food festivals to cultural exhibitions.
Columbia, South Carolina is gearing up for a series of exciting events throughout May, showcasing a vibrant mix of art, aviation, culture, and culinary delights. From local art installations to community expos and food festivals, there is something for everyone in this upcoming lineup of festivities.
Art on State Returns to West Columbia
The 7th annual Art on State event is set to return on Friday, May 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This event will take place in the 100 and 200 blocks of State Street in West Columbia. Attendees can look forward to live muralists creating art on-site, as well as various performances, food vendors, and local merchants showcasing their crafts. Admission to this popular event is free, along with parking options.
20th Annual Wings and Wheels Festival
On Saturday, May 10, the Wings and Wheels Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the Fairfield County Airport located on Runway Road in Winnsboro. Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the festival will feature exciting parachute demonstrations, airplane rides, and a classic car show among other aviation and automotive attractions. Admission to this event is also free, making it an accessible outing for families and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Columbia Black Expo and Taste of Black Columbia
The Columbia Black Expo will take place on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. This event highlights exhibitions from black-owned businesses and serves as a platform for economic empowerment in the community. Additionally, a special Taste of the Black Expo event will be held on Friday, May 16, offering opportunities for attendees to sample a variety of cuisines from local eateries.
10th Annual South Carolina Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival
Also taking place on Saturday, May 17, is the South Carolina Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival, running from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. This festival will host over 35 food trucks featuring a diverse range of culinary options, alongside craft beer selections. Attendees can enjoy lawn games and live music throughout the day, with a parking fee of $5 in place.
Additional Events in May
Columbia is not short on fun events this month. The Pickin’ & Piggin’ BBQ Cookoff is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., offering local BBQ enthusiasts a chance to showcase their skills. From Tuesday, May 6 to Tuesday, May 27, Tacos, Tequila + Tunes will feature music bingo with DJ Payne, adding a unique twist to the traditional taco night. On Saturday, May 10, participants can also check out The Underground Cookout, an event aimed at food lovers.
Conclusion
With an array of events scheduled throughout May, Columbia and its surrounding areas promise engaging experiences for residents and visitors. Whether one is interested in art, aviation, cultural exhibitions, or delicious food, the upcoming events provide plenty of opportunities to connect with the community and celebrate local talent.
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- Cola Today
- Maneater
- WLTX
- Columbia Daily Herald
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google Search: Columbia events May 2025
- Google Scholar: Columbia art exhibits
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google News: Columbia food festivals

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.


