Free events in Sumter, SC

Explore the Hampton-Preston gardens with Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda during a free guided walk focused on birding and the many resident and migratory species found in Columbia. Learn techniques for recognizing birds by sight, sound, and behavior, with time to practice along the garden paths. Registration is required and attendance is limited to 20 people. Binoculars are encouraged but not required. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and consider bug spray in warmer months. Meet at the front gate of the gardens at Hampton-Preston Mansion. This program will be canceled if it is raining or if winds exceed 25 mph, so check the forecast before arriving.

Enjoy a free outdoor concert on the Koger Center Plaza Stage, presented by the Koger Center as part of the Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series, featuring Molly Martin with an opening set from Homemade Haircuts. Molly Martin brings indie rock with a sly edge, drawing on early Smashing Pumpkins, Land of Talk, and the grit of the Pretenders. Her debut album, Mary, arrived in January 2023 and shines a light on life before and after quitting drinking, an eight track exploration of self discovery that moves between a buttoned up Mary and a buttoned down Molly. Homemade Haircuts, a four piece indie rock band from Columbia, South Carolina, began as a bedroom recording project and shaped an effervescent live sound through years of touring the Southeast. The group’s brash new chapter includes the single "Clown," which pivots from their usual melancholy to blend societal observations with flatulence jokes and circus themes. The music embraces bolder tones and crisper production influenced by producer Tommy Trautwein, turning "Clown" into both a reply to naysayers and a statement of the unorthodox confidence needed to chase one's dreams.

Readers meet at Piecewise Coffee for a welcoming book club conversation focused on James by Percival Everett. Participants can receive 10% off book club selections at All Good Books, and they connect on the Fable book club app to track progress and meet fellow members ahead of the next gathering. The club is free and open to the public, with no registration required. Future selections include The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas and The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.

This relaxed, judgment free karaoke night lets you sing nearly any song available on YouTube without a long wait for your turn. If your favorite track does not have a karaoke version, request it in advance through @beveradb. The setting is easygoing, and you can enjoy a beer with friends while taking the mic. Admission is free.

Free roller skating lessons at Finlay Park are tailored for true beginners and those returning to the activity, and they welcome participants of all ages. Instruction focuses on essential skills that are revisited during monthly sessions to build confidence and consistency. For a more progressive option, a separate 6-week Beginners Group course is available. For information on upcoming classes, pricing, and locations, email info@letsgetrollnsc.com or check the Events section of the organizer’s Facebook page. Expect a friendly, supportive environment that encourages getting active outdoors with guidance provided throughout.