News Summary
Columbia, SC is set for a weekend filled with diverse events including farmers markets, art exhibitions, children’s activities, and live music. Residents will have the chance to explore local produce at various farmers markets, enjoy art installations at local galleries, and participate in family-friendly programs. The SC State Museum will also feature a special Disney costume exhibition. With exciting activities for all ages, the weekend promises to be vibrant despite the summer heat. Attendees are encouraged to stay hydrated and safe while enjoying these community events.
Columbia, SC is gearing up for an exciting weekend filled with a variety of events, from art exhibits to special family activities, all while residents are advised to remain cautious of the hot and humid summer weather.
This weekend, area farmers markets will be operational in Columbia, Camden, Lexington, and Chapin. The SC State Farmers Market in West Columbia will feature local produce and handmade goods. For those looking for indoor respite from the heat, local libraries will be screening children’s movies and hosting engaging programs.
Art enthusiasts can look forward to a busy weekend as the Center for Contemporary Art, Columbia Museum of Art, and Stormwater Studios schedule artist talks and special exhibitions. One highlight is the Degenerate Arts Project, a new exhibition at Stormwater Studios that showcases works from over 20 Midlands artists. This exhibit, which opens on Wednesday and runs through Sunday, invites reflection on the current socio-political climate in the United States. Inspired by the infamous 1937 Entartete Kunst exhibit in Munich, the exhibition will close with live music, poetry, and a drum circle. The opening reception is set for Friday evening from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Additionally, starting this weekend, the SC State Museum hosts “Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume,” an exhibition featuring over 70 costumes representing beloved Disney characters. Families can revel in the fun with various Disney-themed princess events taking place, along with back-to-school bashes designed for kids.
Several community events are also planned for families. On Saturday, the Camden Back-to-School Party will be held at Bethel Worship Center from 9 a.m. to noon, providing free school supplies to students. The Forest Acres Farmers Market will operate from 2 to 6 p.m. at Gills Creek Memorial Park, while the Columbia Empowerment Zone will host an open house featuring refreshments and door prizes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This weekend’s schedule includes enriching activities for children. A Summer Lock-in for Teens at the Richland Library, packed with games and activities, will take place from 5:45 to 9 p.m. on Saturday. For younger children, a Splash Pad Storytime at Emily Douglas Park from 3 to 3:30 p.m. will provide an entertaining and cool storytelling session, while a kids’ Summer Movie Series at Nickelodeon Theater will screen “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.” Additionally, Tiaras & Tails: Princess Meet & Greets will occur at Town Theater at either 10 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.
For those in search of live music, Whiskey Tango Review will perform at Shandon United Methodist Church from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the Amos Hoffman Trio will provide tunes during the Jazz Party Thursdays at The Aristocrat from 7 to 10 p.m. Meanwhile, Gabe Lee will entertain guests starting at 6 p.m. at Steel Hands Brewery.
Additional highlights of the weekend include the VFW Car Show at American Legion Post 174, the City Market event in the Lincoln Street Tunnel, and performances of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and the musical “Aida” at local theaters.
As summer rolls on in Columbia, the community has a plethora of engaging activities to choose from. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to take advantage of these events while staying safe in the heat.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Things to Do in the Columbia Area This Weekend
- Wikipedia: Farmers Market
- Post and Courier: Things to Do This Week in Columbia
- Google Search: Columbia SC Art Events
- WIS TV: Columbia Art Center Opening Fall Enrollment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Contemporary Art
- ColaDaily: Art on State Takes Over West Columbia
- Google News: Columbia SC Community Events
- Post and Courier: Free Admission for SC Residents at Columbia Museum of Art
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.
