News Summary
Columbia, S.C. is gearing up for a fun-filled August with numerous events culminating in the second annual 803 Day celebration on August 3. This free community event will include local businesses, live music, and food trucks. Other highlights include a performance by NYC Ballet’s Sara Mearns, a comedy show by Nate Bargatze, and a comic con event. Various cultural and historical activities are also scheduled, along with opportunities for local engagement and entertainment, making August an exciting month for residents and visitors alike.
Columbia Gears Up for an Exciting August with Multiple Events, Including the Second Annual 803 Day Celebration
Columbia, S.C. is set to host a variety of engaging events in August 2025, culminating in the highly anticipated second annual 803 Day celebration on August 3. This community-focused event will feature local businesses, live music, and food trucks, and will be free for all attendees.
The 803 Day festivities will kick off at noon and run until 5 p.m., providing an opportunity for residents and visitors to explore Columbia’s vibrant local culture while supporting local entrepreneurs. This year’s celebration is designed to enhance community spirit and pride, with multiple interactive experiences expected to draw crowds.
In addition to 803 Day, Columbia will offer several other prominent events throughout August. On August 8, Township Auditorium will host a performance by New York City Ballet’s principal ballerina Sara Mearns, accompanied by the Soda City Brass Band, starting at 7 p.m. Ticket prices for this event begin at $26 before additional fees.
Following this performance, comedian Nate Bargatze will take the stage at Colonial Life Arena on August 14 at 7 p.m.; ticket prices for this show may vary. On August 16, a pop-up market showcasing Indigenous artists will occur in Boyd Plaza from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., also with free admission. Later that evening, the Cola Rep Dance Company will perform at Koger Center for the Arts, with tickets priced at $35.
The second annual Harvesting Heritage event at the South Carolina State Museum is scheduled for August 22, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This event will explore Black foodways and will offer tickets at $50 for the general public and $35 for museum members.
Columbia will also welcome its first-ever comic con event on August 23 and 24 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, offering a weekend of comic culture from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices for this two-day event range from $20 to $40.
On August 24, a historical tour of the Elmwood Park suburb will enable attendees to explore the area’s rich past. This tour will take place from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., with tickets priced at $10 for the public and $5 for members of the historical society. Closing out the month, Vintage Market Days will take place at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds from August 29 to 31, featuring vintage shopping opportunities. Tickets for this event will fall between $10 and $42.
The Columbia Fireflies baseball team will wrap up the month of July with a six-game series against the Fredericksburg Nationals at Segra Park, running until August 3. This series will include various promotional nights, such as Stand Up to Cancer Night and Harry Potter Night, offering another entertainment option for sports fans.
Overall, August 2025 promises to be an action-packed month in Columbia, with events showcasing a mix of cultural performances, community engagement, and historical exploration. Registration for activities related to the 803 Day celebration is currently open, inviting participants, volunteers, and sponsors to join in on the festivities. The city is eager to foster a sense of community identity as it presents these opportunities to connect and celebrate.
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Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: 803 Day Celebration
- WIS TV: 803 Day Celebration Dates
- Post and Courier: Columbia Culture Calendar
- Columbia Fireflies: Homestand Preview
- Cola Daily: Park(ing) Day Returns
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
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