Events in Columbia today

The event features a 3.1-mile urban course with obstacles and CrossFit-inspired exercises, offering a full-body challenge suitable for people of any age and ability. It continues the work of the Jailbreak Race Series to create healthy, family-friendly activities for residents of the Midlands while supporting professional law enforcement services in Lexington County. Over the past 13 years, the series has raised more than $100,000 toward that mission.

Set at Saluda Riverwalk, this community walk begins with a short 10 to 15 minute health talk by the river, then continues along a paved trail. Parking and bathrooms are available. Walkers can move at a comfortable pace, bring a friend, and enjoy the natural surroundings. It is a simple way to start the weekend on the right foot. The Columbia chapter is co-sponsored by Dr. Melissa Boylan of Noreta Family Medicine and Dr. Andrea Pezzella of Southern Urogynecology.

The Town of Lexington Farmers Market brings together farmers, growers, and local artisans in a welcoming setting that champions locally grown and locally made goods. Visitors find fresh produce and handcrafted items, along with insights into why buying close to home and supporting area artists matters. The market also features information about the Certified SC program.

A free, family-friendly community day at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden brings together individuals and families affected by Huntington’s disease for learning, resources, and meaningful connection. The HDSA South Carolina community will be on hand as attendees meet others in the HD community, share experiences, and explore the zoo together in a supportive setting.

Join Chris Mathis, Historic Columbia’s Horticulture Manager, for a guided Tree Trek through the gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Robert Mills House. You’ll explore a variety of trees, including South Carolina natives and some more unusual species rarely seen in cultivation, with each walking tour focusing on a different seasonal selection. The tour includes standing outdoors and walking across grass, gravel paths, and paved surfaces.

At the Columbia Museum of Art, this two-part class explores digital imaging with a focus on color photography. Participants receive practical guidance on adjusting images and preparing prints, along with context that connects digital photography to contemporary art. Art educator Jess Peri leads the session. Ages 15 and up. Please bring a digital camera, and note that other equipment will be provided. A camera that offers manual control of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO is recommended, and questions about camera choice can be sent to dwitkoski@columbiamuseum.org. The fee is $160, with a $128 price for members. Peri earned a BFA from the University of North Texas and an MFA from the University of New Mexico. His work has been shown at institutions such as the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, the Albuquerque Museum, and the University of New Mexico Art Museum, and has been featured in Fraction Magazine, Glasstire, D Magazine, and LoosenArt. He lives and works in Columbia and is a professor of art at the University of South Carolina. For assistance with accessibility accommodations, contact 803-799-2810 or info@columbiamuseum.org.

Freddy's Family Fun Foam Day bubbles over with kid-friendly excitement and laid-back fun for adults. Children can dive into a mountain of foam while parents unwind, browse local vendors, enjoy tasty food, and take in the music. The foam zone is pay to play. Pre-sale tickets are $10 per child and include one 30-minute Foam Fun session, and tickets purchased at the event are $12 per child. Buying in advance saves money and pre-sale quantities are limited. Expect a giant foam party, bubble play, memorable photo opportunities, music, local shopping, and food that keeps the good vibes going. The foam solution is clean, safe, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable, and the play area is supervised so kids can laugh, dance, and splash with confidence. Wear clothing you do not mind getting wet and bring a towel. Vendor applications are being accepted and space is limited.

Beginner group rollerskating lessons at Three Fountains Skating Rink & Indoor Miniature Golf offer a welcoming path to learn core skating skills with guidance from experienced instructors. The course is organized as a six week series with one session each week and is designed for a mixed age group of youth and adults. Everyone who wants to learn is welcome, with particular support for participants who have sensory or social needs. Class size is limited to 10 to keep instruction personal. Advance enrollment is required and can be requested by emailing info@letsgetrollnsc.com with a preferred start and package choice. Options include Adult only at $75, Youth only at $50, and a Parent plus Child package at $75, with each additional child at $15. These rates cover instruction only. A $10 rink admission is paid each week at entry and allows students to remain for the general skating session afterward. A 50% deposit secures a spot, and day-of registration, when available, adds a $20 fee and must be completed on site. Drop in passes are not accepted during the series. Youth skaters must wear a helmet, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards for every class, with gear provided if needed. Adults are encouraged to wear protective gear, and wrist guards are available to use during instruction.

An annual celebration of house music brings people together at South Carolina’s State House, with rhythms rolling from day into night. The gathering features a back to school supply donation drive, and contributions of school supplies are welcome. Admission is free for the community. Small tents and lawn chairs are permitted. All attendees are required to follow State House grounds rules. The spirit of the day centers on music, community, and sharing the love.

Join us for the 7th Annual Caribbean Style Gospel Concert, an uplifting afternoon of Caribbean gospel music and praise featuring performers including Bridget Blucher, Minister Clavor, Rudy Vasciana, Anthony Cruz Diaz, Barrington, and Bishop Arison Fluitt & Praise Team. There will be a reception with vendors and food trucks, plus free parking for attendees. Proceeds support local poverty disruption.

Enjoy a luxury tea party focused on sisterhood, self-care, and embracing softness. Expect an elegant tea service along with wine, champagne, specialty teas, charcuterie, light hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and sweet treats. There will also be networking with inspiring women and entrepreneurs, raffles, interactive games and activities, themed photo opportunities, and surprises throughout the event. Dress in your finest tea party attire for an afternoon of meaningful conversations and connection for women ages 21+.

Enjoy an elegant evening celebrating Ghana’s Founders’ Day and the spirit of the diaspora at The Ghanaian Experience: The Golden Vision. Expect a grand entrance featuring Queen Mothers and Kings, live cultural performances, an inspiring awards ceremony honoring outstanding leaders, and an evening filled with authentic Ghanaian cuisine and heritage traditions. Dress for a black-tie celebration, and join community leaders, professionals, and distinguished guests for a night of Pan-African unity.

At Michael J and Mary Meech Mungo Park, this high tea event creates a refined space centered on women’s empowerment, personal wellness, and the bonds of sisterhood, presented with an elegant and polished touch.

Experience a Bob Ross inspired oil painting class at Artistic Aspirations. Certified instructor Sharon Funderburk guides participants through creating a classic Bob Ross style piece in a friendly, motivating setting. Designed for ages 11 and up. The cost is $75.

Transmission Arcade hosts a monthly IFPA sanctioned pinball tournament that counts for points. Presented in a competitive match play format, it welcomes beginners and seasoned players and is open to all ages. No advance registration is required; sign up on site with the bar staff and plan to arrive early for a smooth check-in. The structure includes a $10 entry fee with free play during competition, 2.5 hours of qualifying, the top eight advancing to semifinals, and the top four competing in the finals. All prize money comes from entry fees, with cash payouts awarded to the top four players.

Four comics take the stage for Season 2 of Everybody Stand-Up live at Luxe Life Events. It is an in-person stand-up show where the lineup brings big energy and no holds barred comedy.

At Segra Park, this Columbia Fireflies game doubles as a fundraiser for Palmetto Place. Each ticket purchased through the special offer provides a $5 donation to Palmetto Place. The Fireflies face the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and after the game kids can run the bases and players will be available for autographs in right field.

A weekly casual pub run at British Bulldog-Pub welcomes runners of every pace. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it comfortable for newcomers and seasoned runners alike. After the run, participants are encouraged to stay for some social time.

At Peaceful Pause Healing, this women-only restorative yoga session focuses on deep rest and caring for the nervous system. Across 60 unhurried minutes, participants ease into a few fully supported shapes with bolsters, blankets, and other props. There is no sequence to keep up with and no flexibility requirement. The approach meets each person exactly where they are. Led by Dr. Malai Roper, an experienced E-RYT 500 with advanced training in restorative, trauma-informed, and gentle practices, the class is kept intentionally small so every woman receives attentive support. Advance online registration is required.

Catch an evening of live jazz featuring the Lovett + Castillo + Hoffman Trio, with Gino Castillo on percussion and vocals, Jonathan Lovett on organ keyboard, and Amos Hoffman on guitar and oud. This is part of the ColaJazz Loft Sessions at their intimate listening room in downtown Columbia. The ticket package includes drink tickets and light bites, and the performance runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a 15-minute intermission at 8:00 PM.

Experience Magic: The Gathering in Pauper format, where deckbuilding centers on cards that have been printed at common rarity. Any card that has ever appeared as a common in a paper release or in Magic Online is allowed, and you may use any version of that card. Common promotional cards qualify only if the card has a common printing. Lands with a common set symbol and the L rarity code are included. Bring a main deck of at least 60 cards, with no maximum deck size. This format emphasizes accessibility and straightforward deck construction using widely available cards.

Dr. Factenstein hosts a weekly in-person trivia night at BOHO Pizza & Brew in Lexington, SC. The game lasts about an hour and a half, is free to play, and is open to the public. Questions span a variety of subjects and appeal to multiple generations, making it family friendly. Top teams receive prizes provided by BOHO.

Join WTS South Carolina for Transportation Trivia 2026, a fun in-person evening with a friendly competition and plenty of networking. Teams of 4 to 6 will go head-to-head across transportation-themed categories, from infrastructure to pop culture. There will be drinks and appetizers, plus prizes for the winners. You can form your own team or join one on arrival.

Chamber Crawl returns to where the series started, featuring a chamber ensemble at Craft and Draft in Irmo. The bar pours local and regional beers from 12 rotating taps and offers a selection of more than 300 beers on its shelves, with food by Chef Ros available. Due to limited capacity and strong interest, reservations are recommended. Tickets will be on sale soon.

Take part in a game of music bingo at Carolina Wings - Cayce, where listening and gameplay lead to a shot at victory.

Bang Back’s seasonal pinball league arrives with a Grateful Summer theme, welcoming players of any age and experience level with a focus on community, learning, and fun. Each league night features six rounds of group match play with 5-3-2-1 or 5-3-1 scoring and balanced pairings across the season. During weeks 1 through 4, competitors play two rounds of three games each. In weeks 5 through 8, play shifts to A and B divisions that will choose between one six-game round or two three-game rounds. Only your best six weeks count toward standings, with the two lowest results dropped. The season concludes with an end-of-season tournament and a banquet that includes a fun team competition. The cost is $30 for the season plus coin drop for games each week. Dues cover a league shirt, entry to the season-ending tournament, the banquet with food, trophies and awards, and payouts, with every participant receiving money back. Registration is handled in person with a bartender or manager at Bang Back, with payment accepted by cash or Square.

Explore grief through a gentle, guided art session that uses simple materials to help express and process loss. Whether coping with the death of a loved one or pet, a divorce, or another major life change, participants will create in a supportive setting with all materials provided and no prior art experience required. This workshop is expressive in nature and is not therapy.

A quilt retreat featuring open sewing, inviting participants to work on their own projects. It will be held at Gravatt Camp and Conference Center.

Stop by for a board game hangout with a mix of new and classic games. This program is geared toward students in grades K–5, and it’s a great chance to have fun while you play.

Settle into a calming Yin yoga class that uses extended, well-supported poses to ease tension and create spaciousness in the body. The slow, gentle pace encourages flexibility, quiet focus, and deep relaxation. Briauna, a seasoned practitioner and 200-hour certified yoga teacher, guides the practice with approachable instruction that welcomes all experience levels. Classes are intentionally small to ensure every woman receives attentive support. Advance registration through the website is required.

Join Strive Networking for a 21+ tech and business networking event in Columbia. It’s designed for both tenured professionals and newcomers, with a multi-vertical mix of attendees including consultants, analysts, bankers, software engineers, entrepreneurs, and more across areas like arts, finance, real estate, and healthcare. Bring your business cards, use the check-in space on arrival, and expect name tags plus a business-casual dress code (job fair attire welcome). The event runs as an open networking window between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, so you can arrive anytime during that timeframe to meet new connections.

Voodoo Brewing Co. - Lexington hosts a fast paced trivia night built around the classic Jeopardy! format. The game features Jeopardy, Double Jeopardy, and Final Jeopardy with a total of 61 questions that challenge both individuals and teams. All ages are welcome. Each of the three Daily Double winners receives a prize, and there are additional awards for the first and second place teams. Teams may include up to six adults to be eligible for prizes.

Explore the Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens with Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda on a free guided walk focused on the birds of Columbia, from familiar residents to seasonal migrants. Learn practical tips for identifying species by what you see, hear, and observe in their behavior. Registration is required, and attendance is limited to 20 participants. Meet at the gardens' front gate. Binoculars are recommended but not required. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and consider insect repellent during warmer months. The program will not proceed if it is raining or if winds exceed 25 mph, so please check the forecast before arriving.

Cousins Maine Lobster visits Columbiana Station in Columbia with a menu of lobster rolls, tacos, bisque, and more, prepared fresh from the truck. It is a convenient option for lunch or dinner with Maine favorites ready to go. Order ahead in the mobile app to skip the line. The app opens a couple of hours before each truck event, and you will need to wait until the current service ends before placing an order for the next one. If mobile ordering is limited or unavailable, you can always order directly at the truck. Earn points with every purchase. If you order at the truck, ask them to scan the QR code to redeem points on your account.

Set aside time to nurture yourself with guided movement, mindful breathing, affirmations, and quiet meditation. Drawing on Maya Angelou’s reminder that each person is their own best treasure, this gentle practice encourages you to honor and care for yourself with sweetness and intention. Instruction is led by Demetria, a 200 hour yoga teacher, and group sizes are kept small so each woman is seen and supported. Advance registration through the website is required.

This meeting typically includes a program, a brief business segment, and an auction. If you plan to list items for the auction, consider arriving a little early to take care of that. It takes place in the first building on the right after you turn in. First-time attendees are welcome at no cost.

An easygoing karaoke night where you can sing any song available on YouTube without competing with hundreds of others for a turn. If your pick does not have a karaoke version yet, send a request in advance to @beveradb so it can be lined up. The vibe is chill and judgment free, and admission is free.