News Summary
Memorial Day Weekend kicks off summer in Columbia, with Richland County public pools opening and new reservation systems at Lake Murray. The weekend will feature various activities, including the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, the Columbia BBQ & Brews Festival, and local community events. Safety protocols will be in place, with DNR patrols emphasizing lake safety. Families can enjoy concerts, exhibitions, and various celebrations, including a ceremony honoring fallen service members.
Columbia, S.C. – Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of summer in Columbia, and Richland County is gearing up for a host of outdoor activities and events. This weekend, public pools in the area are opening their doors, while popular sites like Lake Murray will implement a new reservation system to manage beach access.
Richland County public pools are set to open this weekend, with regular operations beginning on June 4. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the facilities, which offer a great way to cool off during the warmer months.
In addition to the public pools, Lake Murray’s beach area is now accessible by reservation only. Visitors can book a single-use, $5 day pass for Lake Murray up to three weeks in advance. It’s important to note that each pass allows for one-time admission only, meaning guests who wish to re-enter will need to secure a new pass. Reservations can conveniently be made online at www.dominionenergy.com.
Safety is a priority this weekend, as the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources along with law enforcement agencies will conduct patrols around the larger lakes. They will emphasize the importance of safety protocols and the requirement for adequate life jackets on boats.
The weekend also coincides with the opening week of the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, which features an array of performances and cultural events. Noteworthy highlights from the festival include the opera “Thais” by Jules Massenet, a performance by pianist Phillip Golub, and a concert by Corinne Bailey Rae at The Cistern on Friday.
In addition to the festival, several local events will also take place in Richland County. The Faces to Remember Project photography exhibition at Richland Library Main honors Filipino World War II veterans, showcasing their stories and contributions. Meanwhile, Women in Philanthropy will host a “Power of Purpose” event to celebrate local community service efforts.
For live entertainment enthusiasts, Icehouse Live Concert Series will kick off with a performance by “The Hitmen” on Saturday evening. Jazz lovers can enjoy “Jazz Party Thursdays” at The Aristocrat featuring the Amos Hoffman Trio. In addition, Workshop Theatre of SC will present the popular musical “Legally Blonde” at Cottingham Theatre. Town Theatre will also offer multiple showings of “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” and Trustus Theatre’s production “A Case for the Existence of God” runs from Thursday through Sunday.
Inviting families for a fun outing, Eastminster Presbyterian Church will host the Palmetto Mastersingers Spring Concert, while the Columbia Museum of Art will reopen its exhibition gallery featuring works by renowned printmaker Sam Gilliam. The museum will host a “Play on the Plaza” where families can enjoy oversized building blocks.
Food and beverage enthusiasts can look forward to the Columbia BBQ & Brews Festival at Segra Park, which promises delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live music throughout the weekend. Additionally, Steel Hands Brewing will celebrate local artists and music during its “Steel Hands Woodstock” event, and the “Desert Dreams: Runway & Summer Party” at Coble Plaza will include a fashion show along with live entertainment.
In honor of Memorial Day, Chapin Town Hall will hold a ceremony dedicated to fallen service members. The 282D Army Band will perform at the Fort Jackson Memorial Day Ceremony, which will include guest speakers and a wreath-laying ceremony to pay tribute to those who have served.
With a wide range of activities and events, residents and visitors in Columbia can look forward to an exciting and meaningful Memorial Day Weekend.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia SC Hosts NBA YoungBoy’s MASA Tour
Duke Energy Appoints New President for South Carolina Operations
James Agens Becomes Columbia SC Ambassador
Columbia Selects Design Firms for New Congaree River Park
Shooter Remains at Large Following Fatal Columbia Shooting
Columbia Prepares for 10th Annual Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Expansion of The Brook
Severe Weather Tragedy in Kentucky Amid Staffing Crisis
South Carolina Celebrates Local Business Support
Severe Weather Warnings Issued for Columbia Area
Additional Resources
- Gear Junkie: Columbia Memorial Day Sale
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- Travel + Leisure: Memorial Day Weekend Activities
- Google Search: Memorial Day weekend activities
- WLTX: Summer Season Activities in Columbia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memorial Day
- KMIZ: Columbia City Offices Closure for Memorial Day
- Google News: Columbia Memorial Day 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.
