Columbia, SC, August 15, 2025
News Summary
This weekend, Columbia is filled with new energy as students from various colleges and universities arrive for Move-In Weekend. Local institutions like Benedict College and Allen University commence their academic year shortly, and the University of South Carolina follows close behind. Residents are urged to remain patient amid increased traffic and shopping demands from incoming students. In addition, local events such as baseball games, art exhibits, and community markets add vibrancy to the city as residents and students come together.
Columbia is bustling this weekend as students from various colleges and universities move into their dormitories ahead of the start of the fall semester. Benedict College and Allen University kick off their academic year on Monday, August 18, while the University of South Carolina follows on Tuesday, August 19. Local residents are being urged to exercise patience as traffic and shopping demand surge due to the influx of new students.
The Columbia Fireflies, the local minor league baseball team, are also active this weekend, hosting home games every evening. Their match-ups present an opportunity for families and students alike to engage in some local sports entertainment.
In addition to the baseball games, a variety of exciting events and activities are set to energize the community. The SC State Museum is showcasing Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume, with over 70 costumes from beloved Disney characters on display. This exhibit features timed tickets available online, which are necessary due to limited capacity.
From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, the Columbia Museum of Art will host a Spritz Mix Happy Hour where attendees can enjoy a build-your-own-spritz bar alongside activities featuring local artists. Entry to this event is free, but a cash bar will be available.
Families looking for local craftsmanship may want to check out the Meeting Street Artisan Market, happening from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Interactive Art Park in West Columbia. Handmade arts, crafts, and baked goods will be available for purchase.
Comedian Nate Bargatze will perform as part of his 2025 Big Dumb Eyes World Tour at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Colonial Life Arena. Note that cashless concessions and a clear-bag policy will be enforced during the show.
Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy Jazz Party Thursdays at The Aristocrat from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring live music from the Amos Hoffman Trio. Additionally, guests can embark on a Purple Martin Cruise from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Spirit of Lake Murray, where food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Baseball fans can catch the Fireflies in action against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday. The game will feature themed nights, including Toy Story Night, with free t-shirts for the first 1,000 fans on Thursday.
The performing arts are represented with the show Take My Hand and Wave Goodbye, taking the stage at Trustus Theatre with performances on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. The play explores themes around the impact of gun violence.
For those interested in regional produce and crafts, the Kershaw County Farmers Market will operate from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, while the Soda City Market takes place on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, featuring local arts and food vendors. Also on Saturday is the South Carolina Native American Art Market & Gathering, showcasing jewelry, pottery, and indigenous food from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For evening entertainment on Saturday, guests can enjoy the Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Peanut Man Candy & Nuts, where attendees can enjoy an interactive dining experience. The Faith & Family Night at the Fireflies will feature post-game fireworks following the 7:05 p.m. game on Saturday.
Finally, the Koger Center for the Arts will host the Becoming Dance Performance at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, with a repeat performance at 3 p.m. on Sunday. This dance performance focuses on themes of resilience and growth. Additionally, visitors can explore the historic Mann-Simons site for free from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, delving into African American family heritage.
Community Response
The community is encouraged to support incoming students by offering assistance and guidance, particularly as they navigate traffic and shopping areas impacted by their arrival. Local businesses are prepared to welcome newcomers while ensuring that established residents experience minimal disruption.
Key Event Details
| Event | Date & Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heroes & Villains Exhibit | All Weekend | SC State Museum | Over 70 Disney costumes on display. |
| Spritz Mix Happy Hour | Friday, 4-7 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free entry with cash bar. |
| Meeting Street Artisan Market | Friday, 4-8 p.m. | Interactive Art Park | Local crafts and baked goods for sale. |
| Nate Bargatze: Comedy Show | Saturday, 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | Admission fees apply. |
| Jazz Party Thursdays | Recurring | The Aristocrat | Live music from 7-10 p.m. |
| Purple Martin Cruise | Saturday, 7-9:30 p.m. | Spirit of Lake Murray | Food and drinks available for purchase. |
| Take My Hand and Wave Goodbye | Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. | Trustus Theatre | Play about gun violence impact. |
| Kershaw County Farmers Market | Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon | 906 Broad St, Camden | Local produce and crafts. |
| Soda City Market | Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Main St, Columbia | Local vendors and arts available. |
| Dinner Detective Show | Saturday, 6-9 p.m. | The Peanut Man Candy & Nuts | Interactive dining event. |
| Faith & Family Night | Saturday, 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | Post-game fireworks. |
| Becoming Dance Performance | Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | Dance highlighting resilience. |
FAQ
What is Move-In Weekend?
Move-In Weekend is the time when new students arrive at colleges and universities to settle into their dorms before classes start.
What colleges are participating in Move-In Weekend?
Benedict College and Allen University start on Monday, August 18, while the University of South Carolina begins on Tuesday, August 19.
What events are happening during Move-In Weekend?
A variety of events, including art exhibits, farmer’s markets, comedy shows, and themed baseball games, are scheduled throughout the weekend.
How can residents help incoming students?
Residents are encouraged to be patient and supportive, possibly assisting students with directions and local information amidst the increased activity in shopping areas.
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Additional Resources
- Cola Today: Upcoming Events
- WIS TV: 803 Day Events
- WLTX: Events This Weekend
- WIS TV: Juneteenth Events
- Cola Today: Winter Events
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google Search: Columbia Events
- Google Scholar: Columbia South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia
- Google News: Columbia Event News
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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.
