News Summary
As Columbia gears up for the back-to-school season, families can enjoy a vibrant weekend filled with events including sports games, community festivals, and exhibitions. Highlights include the Fireflies baseball games, 803 Day festivities, and the Disney costume exhibition at the SC State Museum. Food markets and community services will also be available, making it the perfect opportunity for family fun before the school year begins.
Columbia, S.C. is gearing up for an exciting weekend filled with events just before the back-to-school rush. As families prepare for the new academic year, several activities and celebrations are scheduled from Friday through Sunday, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the final days of summer vacation.
The Fireflies baseball team will host a weekend home stand against the Fredericksburg Nationals, starting Friday evening. This includes a special Harry Potter Night on Saturday at 6:05 p.m., featuring themed festivities, post-game fireworks, and a jersey auction. Additionally, it will be Fan Appreciation Night on Friday, with fireworks following the game.
Meanwhile, the Lexington Blowfish will also have their last home game of the regular season against the Macon Bacon on Friday night, contributing to a lively atmosphere for local sports fans.
For young athletes, the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series will kick off on Thursday with tournament games running through August 9. A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday evening at Riverbluff High School.
This weekend is also a special time for community events, including 803 Day, running from Friday to Sunday, featuring activities such as a 5K Run/Walk, a city-wide scavenger hunt, and a free festival on Sunday to cap off the celebrations. Additionally, Columbia’s Tax-Free Weekend will allow families to shop for school supplies without paying sales tax, making it an ideal time to purchase essential items.
Families looking for something unique can explore the Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibition at the SC State Museum, featuring more than 70 character costumes. This exhibition runs throughout the weekend, offering a magical experience for Disney fans of all ages.
Food enthusiasts can visit the Forest Acres Farmers Market on Saturday from 2-6 p.m. at Gills Creek Memorial Park, while those in need of personal care can take advantage of Grind & Groom at Lugoff Elgin High School on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. where free haircuts and nail services will be available.
Other highlights for Friday include the Spritz Mix Happy Hour at the Columbia Museum of Art from 4-7 p.m., and the Meeting Street Artisan Market from 4-8 p.m. at Interactive Art Park. Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy a performance by the Amos Hoffman Trio at The Aristocrat from 7-10 p.m. as part of the regular Jazz Party Thursdays.
For those who enjoy waterways, a Purple Martin Cruise is scheduled on Friday from 7-9:30 p.m. on Lake Murray, providing a scenic experience for attendees. This is just a taste of the diverse array of events planned for the community.
Saturday will feature a Community Shred Day from 9 a.m. to noon at Irmo Community Park, as well as a P.A.R.K. Event at the Sumter County Civic Center, focusing on providing school supplies and resources for families. A Free Community Baby Shower Fair will take place at Eutawville Community Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., dedicated to expecting families.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the popular Floatchella event at Lake Murray from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. presents a fun outdoor activity, while the Ice Cream Youth Run and Hot Summer’s Night 5K Road Race will draw participants later that evening, both on Saturday.
The weekend will also conclude with a Sensory Sunday event designed for children with special needs, occurring from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, ensuring inclusive fun for all families. The local festivities continue with Sunday Funday, allowing kids to run the bases after the Fireflies game.
This weekend in Columbia showcases a vibrant mix of sports, family activities, and community events, making it an ideal way to end the summer season and prepare for the upcoming school year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
EF-1 Tornado Causes Damage in Chapin, South Carolina
Columbia, SC, Experiences Growth with New Developments
South Carolina Prepares for Thunderstorms Amid Summer Heat
Columbia, SC Faces Extreme Heat and Thunderstorms on Thursday
World War II Veteran Honored with Commemorative Medal
Columbia Hosts a Variety of Engaging Events
Columbia, SC Prepares for Scorching Heat and Thunderstorms
Riverfront Park North End Closure for Maintenance
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette Aims for Gubernatorial Run in SC
Columbia Streams Art Program Awards Micro-Grants to Local Artists
Additional Resources
- WSOC TV: Tax-Free Weekend in South Carolina
- WLTX: South Carolina Tax-Free Weekend 2025
- ABC Columbia: SC Tax-Free Weekend August 1-3
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tax-Free Weekend
- WIS TV: Richland County Back to School Bashes
- Google News: South Carolina Back to School 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.
