Past Events

Join us for the 38th Annual Vista Lights presented by Prisma Health on Thursday, November 16, 2023! This is the neighborhood’s signature open house which has ushered in the holidays in Columbia for more than 30 years.    More than 60 galleries, shops, and restaurants open their doors to showcase their holiday treasures and delicious dishes. Make your plans and reservations now! COVID-19 protocols are …

Columbia, SC’s largest outdoor oyster roast featuring steamed oysters for sell by the bucket brought to you by Southern Way Catering. Also enjoy oyster shooters, fried oysters, and oyster gumbo for purchase once inside the festival. If oysters are not your thing, choose from several other food vendors and ice cold beer for sale. Bring your chairs, blankets, oyster knives, and …

The mission of the Jam Room Music Festival is to enhance the quality of life in the Midlands. By offering performance opportunities to local and regional talents and by bringing in nationally acclaimed acts, we strive to position Central South Carolina as a notable cultural destination. 2023 OFFICIAL LINEUP TORTOISE ADIA VICTORIA JARON MARSHALL & THE COLLECTIVE J. ROBBINS BAND …

Sample a wide variety of craft beers and wines. Enjoy live music from Flat Out Strangers. Food trucks will have food for purchase. Take home a commemorative tasting glass. Ages 21 and up $40/person advance $45/person day of event Live music by Flat Out Strangers

Pig on the Ridge is one of South Carolina’s most beloved festivals and is consistently ranked as the state’s top barbecue cook-off. Over this two-day event we host 2,000-4,000 people here in Ridgeway. As an official sponsor of the Annual Pig on the Ridge Festival, you and your organization can become an important part of this family-friendly event and gain …

Rosewood Art & Music Festival is a non-profit, one-day, free admittance, outdoor festival where thousands of visitors descend into the Rosewood Neighborhood to enjoy multiple stages of live entertainment, visual arts, poets, music, and more to celebrate southern arts and culture.

Now in its 16th year, the Palmetto Peanut Boil has grown from a small backyard affair to an annual outdoor festival drawing thousands of attendees from all over the Midlands. Highlighting the best of the best cooks and recipes in SC, the competition features teams vying for the honor of the championship trophy and bragging rights for another year. And …

The ColaJazz Fest kicks off with Saturday Night’s Gala features three intimate concerts inside the main lobby of the SC State Museum in downtown Columbia. Passed hors d’oeuvres and filling jazz-inspired food offerings by the locally and family-owned Dupre Catering & Events, full bar, seating, and phenomenal jazz concerts by celebrated, world-renown jazz artists. There is something amazing for everyone …

Lexington Medical Center’s Irmo Okra Strut Festival Join us Sept 29th & 30th, 2023 for the 49th Strut!! The Irmo Okra Strut Festival is free to the public thanks to our sponsors! Individual fees apply for rides, amusements and food/drink. Family fun, live music, and all the goodness that is Okra. Located at the Irmo Community Park, 7473 Church St. …

Come one, come all to Therapalooza: The Greatest Show in the Southeast benefiting The Therapy Place – a local center providing children with life-changing and innovative therapies, the Midlands only therapeutic preschool, and family support services. Presented by The City of Forest Acres Therapalooza is The Therapy Place’s largest fundraising gala and celebrated by more than 400+ guests annually. This year’s event will …

Spend an unforgettable weekend with your Carolina family enjoying fellowship, football and so much more! Family Weekend is open to all families as it is the perfect way to get to know the Carolina community better. While you’re in town, spend time learning all our thriving hometown — Columbia, South Carolina — has to offer, visit our historic USC campus and meet …

Columbia’s 36th Annual Greek Festival September 14-17, 2023 1931 Sumter Street Columbia SC 29201 803.461.0248 www.holytrinitysc.com Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral welcomes you and offers our hospitality for the annual Greek Festival. Come and enjoy the music, atmosphere, food and drink, and learn a little about Greece. This is your chance to be Greek for a week!

We will resume regular business hours July 5th, 2023.

Main Stage: 12-1 – Jordan Igoe Band 1:30-2:30 – Darby Wilcox 3:00 – 4:00 – Ryan Monroe and Josh Roberts 4:30 – 5:30 The Runout 6 a 7:30 The Ramblers Acoustic Stage: 12:45 (30) – Paul Britt 2:00 (30) – Mind At Large 3:15 (30) – JB Samson 4:30 (30) – Marshall Brown DJ Stage DJ Mark Britt Rhythm Mechanic …

Food Truck Festivals of America is bringing the 8th Annual South Carolina Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival back to Columbia on Saturday, May 27th from Noon to 5 PM (VIP hour 11 AM to Noon). This 2023 festival will be a weekend of craft beer, great food, lawn games, music, and fun for the whole family. Most importantly – …

Attendees will receive a souvenir wine glass, and enjoy great music from Going Commando. Advance tickets are $30.00 Week of Tickets are $40.00 Day of Tickets are $45.00

The Festival, in its 37th year , is held on the second weekend of May in Batesburg-Leesville, SC.  ​ Returning in 2023   The SCPF Beauty Pageant!! ​ Over 100,000 attendees and something for everyone to enjoy! Live music, rides, food, arts/crafts, road race, parade, and so much more! ​ Dress Code No strict dress code but please, keep it tasteful. …

Join us in beautiful Irmo Town Park for an evening of hand-selected wines, craft beer from KW Beverage, food from local restaurants, live music from Rhythm 54 and laser tag hosted by CNY Attractions! Tickets are $40 in advance and include a commemorative cup! Sponsorship Options: Signage Only-$150 (includes a sign in the park and 2 tickets to the event) …

Join us for the best outdoor charity event in Columbia! 64 teams of 4 playing bocce at Charles W. Johnson Stadium, Benedict College in support of Special Olympics South Carolina and the Columbia Rotary Foundation.

2023 Columbia Food and Wine Festival All Signature Event and Grand Tasting tickets now available! CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS All festival events are 21+ only. Must be of legal age to purchase or participate. Rain or shine. Ticket transfers must be completed by festival organizers! If you wish to transfer your purchased ticket, please reach out to events@free-times.com with your …

Newberry’s Pork in the Park is a Southern Barbecue Network sanctioned event, making the talent that much greater, and the judging that much tougher! This annual event will feature mouth-watering BBQ from across the southeast. We will be hosting live music for you to enjoy as you take a seat in Memorial Park to feast on the great food. Kids inflatables and …

Spend the evening enjoying the sounds of jazz and a touch of soul at our 4th Annual Jazz Fest. This outdoor concert offers a fun, vibrant street festival atmosphere, you’re sure to love. Performances by Jeanette Harris and Althea Rene, JJ Sansavarino, and Brittany Turnipseed. Backed by Rod Foster & Company.

The Carolina Cup is a South Carolina tradition that has achieved premier social event status in the state. This annual ‘rite of spring’ draws over 30,000 fans from across the world to enjoy the riveting sport of steeplechase horse racing. Mark your calendars and get to shopping, the Carolina Cup Races bring a flurry of bright, spring fashions and extravagant …

Join us for the 37th Annual Vista Lights presented by Prisma Health on Thursday, November 17, 2022! This is the neighborhood’s signature open house which has ushered in the holidays in Columbia for more than 30 years. 

Join Tokyo Joe on October 28, 2022 for their Second Annual Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser with their friends Going Commando and Prettier Than Matt. This event will serve as a Breast Cancer Fundraiser with the proceeds going to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This show will feature individual performances from Tokyo Joe, Going Commando, and Prettier Than Matt. Presenting Sponsor: …

Join us for a celebration of SOUTH CAROLINA craft beer at Junction 800 on October 15, 2022. During the “Best of SC Craft Beer Festival” presented by Lowes Foods and The Beer Den, you will enjoy unlimited tastings of South Carolina only craft beers from breweries across the state. There will be live music and delicious food from local favorites. …

Rosewood Art & Music Festival is a non-profit, one-day, free admittance, outdoor festival where thousands of visitors descend into the Rosewood Neighborhood to enjoy multiple stages of live entertainment, visual arts, poets, music, and more to celebrate southern arts and culture.

The Doctors are in… And their prescription of choice is a proverbial hair-of-the-dog, one-two punch. You know, treat the ailment with a dose of cure by the same name. “It’s simple. If you’re in a funk, well ya gotta go and get the funk. It’ll fix you straight up,” says Dr. Walter Hemingway, medical chief of staff for The Root …

Can’t Stop Us Now Summer Tour 2022 with very special guest Iggy Azalea.

Join Carolina Together for another great Sunday supper on the bridge. This years three course dinner will feature exciting entertainment, delicious cocktails, and scrumptious desserts! The Gervais Street Bridge Dinner will take place on October 9, 2022 from 4 pm to 8 pm. VIP guests will be able to enter at 3pm. The seated dinner will feature a three course meal served family style with cocktails, …

October 7 and 8 mark Resurrection – A Journey Tribute’s return to the Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington, SC. The demand for Resurrection’s “premier 80’s Journey concert experience” has sky rocketed after selling out two shows last year. This is one of the very few tour stops in South Carolina, the band will WOW you with not one but TWO concerts …

Big Red Barn Retreat Fundraiser Presented by Sonic at Segra Park featuring Chris Lane. Gates open at 5:00 PM. Chris Lane scheduled for approximately 8:30 PM with opening acts to begin the evening! Call 803-726-4487 for Club Seating and Suite Information.

October 7 and 8 mark Resurrection – A Journey Tribute’s return to the Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington, SC. The demand for Resurrection’s “premier 80’s Journey concert experience” has sky rocketed after selling out two shows last year. This is one of the very few tour stops in South Carolina, the band will WOW you with not one but TWO concerts …

Jazz on the River draws hundreds of Columbia residents to listen to live music, enjoy beverages and patron local food trucks and pop-up vendors. Our event strives to create a community on the River through great food, drinks, and music.

THE TAMS have been entertaining and thrilling audiences for over 50 years! Known for such hits as “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy”, “What Kind of Fool”, “I’ve Been Hurt” and “Untie Me #12 on the R&B Charts”, The Tams have had Several Gold Records, and 1 Platinum Single. “What Kind of Fool” hit #9 on the Billboard charts, and …

Free music festival in downtown Columbia, SC.

Saluda Shoals Park in partnership with KW Beverage is hosting the Lower Saluda Craft BeerFest! Taste more than 25 unique craft beers, enjoy live music, and take home a commemorative tasting glass. Local food trucks will have food available for purchase. Live music! Ages 21 + $30/per ticket through Sept. 29 $35/per ticket day of event

The Band of Oz was formed in 1967 as a part-time band playing fraternity parties and high school proms all over the South. In 1977 the band went on the road full time. Since that time the band has made an exceptional name for itself throughout the Southeast by playing the top clubs and corporate parties, and getting excellent reviews …

Jazz on the River draws hundreds of Columbia residents to listen to live music, enjoy beverages and patron local food trucks and pop-up vendors. Our event strives to create a community on the River through great food, drinks, and music.

We will have live musical performances, amusement rides, food and drinks. Ride-All-Night wristbands for $15 are back by popular demand. Ride all the rides you want for a price you cannot beat! Lastly we are excited to announce “Under The Canopy” will be back! Ready just in time for Friday at the Strut! Under the trees just beyond the stage …

he Hitmen bring the best live music to your corporate party, birthday party, or dance party & get everyone out on the dance floor having a great time. We can play everything from Rihanna, Robin Thicke, & Bruno Mars & other current hits to classic top 40. This is a free event, with no tickets required.

Benefiting The Therapy Place, a local center providing children with life-changing and innovative therapies, the midlands only therapeutic preschool, and family support services. Our silent and live auctions are always a huge hit at Therapalooza. Please help us reach our fundraising goal by donating an item(s) or service(s) to this year’s auction. Tickets Required

Jazz on the River draws hundreds of Columbia residents to listen to live music, enjoy beverages and patron local food trucks and pop-up vendors. Our event strives to create a community on the River through great food, drinks, and music.

Join us at the Icehouse Amphitheater as Tokyo Joe Productions presents Rocketman – A Tribute to Sir Elton John. Presented by Collins Computer Consulting, LLC Gates open at 6 p.m. and music will end at 10 p.m. and tickets are $29/each. Tickets go on sale June 10. There will be beer ?? + wine ?? + soft drinks + water …

Doors 6:30 pm Show 7:30 pm Tickets Required

Under the Sun is a five piece cover band from Columbia, South Carolina. As their name rightly suggests, Under the Sun plays a variety of genres such as country, pop, classic rock, and 90’s rock. Like they always say, “if you don’t like something you hear, just stick around”. To book us for your next event please email us. Be …

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral welcomes you and offers our hospitality for the annual Greek Festival. Come and enjoy the music, atmosphere, food and drink, and learn a little about Greece. This is your chance to be Greek for a week!

Jazz on the River draws hundreds of Columbia residents to listen to live music, enjoy beverages and patron local food trucks and pop-up vendors. Our event strives to create a community on the River through great food, drinks, and music.

Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries forward a legacy of courage and heroism. Built upon the mantra, “While we have time, LET US DO GOOD,” the Foundation supports our nation’s fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes, and their families.

The show will be headlined by  Glide: The Stone Temple Pilots Tribute  Additonal music by: Siamese Dream: The Smashing Pumpkins Tribute Band Nirvani: A Nirvana Tribute Experience Gates will open at 6, and there will be food and drink for sale.

Jazz on the River draws hundreds of Columbia residents to listen to live music, enjoy beverages and patron local food trucks and pop-up vendors. Our event strives to create a community on the River through great food, drinks, and music.

Join the Icehouse Amphitheater for Lexington Live Featuring the Embers. This is a free event with no tickets required.

A Legendary Evening in 2022 with Patti LaBelle featuring Terence Young Experience Doors 7:00pm Show 8:00pm Tickets Required

Opening Lexington Live is the Mighty Kicks! The Kicks! nonstop energy and choreographed dance steps insure guests are entertained and on the dance floor. Known as the hardest working band in show business, taking only one break in the four hours they perform, The Mighty Kicks never forget that it’s an honor to be chosen for your event. This is …

Bringing Latin Culture, Live Music, Authentic Food, & More to Columbia SC’s Main Street since 2003!

Gov’t Mule + Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue Doors 7:00pm Show 8:00pm Tickets Required

Sail away with Free Times as we celebrate the Best of Columbia on Saturday, August 27 from 7-11 p.m. at the Columbia Museum of Art – 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC. We’re cruising through another amazing year with all of our winners and nominees. Get ready to enjoy live music from Steel Toe Stiletto + DJ Kevin Snow along with all your favorite cruise activities, …

Gather with friends for an evening along the West Columbia Riverwalk with live music from Jim LeBlanc and Prettier Than Matt, fun activities, and an around-the-world culinary experience with wine and craft beer pairings. This year, guests will enjoy an expanded event experience starting an hour earlier and new activities promoting wellness, stress relief and community. Proceeds benefit Linda’s Love Fund at Lexington …

Join us for the 2022 Craft Beer Festival at the Icehouse Amphitheater. This is a 21 & up event and you must show photo ID. Food will be for purchase. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 the week of, & $45 the day of. Price includes unlimited samples of over 50 different craft beers from North and South Carolina, live music, …

A Live Tribute to His Father Doors 6:30pm Show 8:00pm Tickets Required

Join us for the coolest suds sippin’ safari in Columbia. Tickets Required

Little Mountain Reunion began in 1882 as a Newberry College Reunion. It was held every year until the beginning of World War II. The Reunion was started again in 1976. It is now held every year on the first Saturday of August. The Little Mountain Reunion serves as a community gathering where old friendships are renewed and new ones are …

On the first Thursday of each month, cultural institutions & businesses in downtown Columbia participate in First Thursday on Main by keeping their doors open late, offering a mix of events, entertainment, specials, and more!

On the first Thursday of each month, cultural institutions & businesses in downtown Columbia participate in First Thursday on Main by keeping their doors open late, offering a mix of events, entertainment, specials, and more!

Join us for our Lexington Live Concert Series: Whiskey Run. Presented by Nephron Pharmaceuticals. Whiskey Run is a country band based in Augusta, GA. They feature great energy and good times. This 4 piece country band is sure bring a great night at the Icehouse Amphitheater. The concert starts at 6:30pm & admission is free!

Tickets Required.

The 17th Annual Rosewood Crawfish Festival!

Join us for our Lexington Live Concert Series: Under the Sun. Presented by Nephron Pharmaceuticals. The Doctors are in… And their prescription of choice is a proverbial hair-of-the-dog, one-two punch. You know, treat the ailment with a dose of cure by the same name. “It’s simple. If you’re in a funk, well ya gotta go and get the funk. It’ll …

On the first Thursday of each month, cultural institutions & businesses in downtown Columbia participate in First Thursday on Main by keeping their doors open late, offering a mix of events, entertainment, specials, and more!

Tickets Required. On the Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute pulls it off as well as ANY great Tribute can, treating fans to an authentic concert experience while journeying through The Eagles songbook. The band covers every big hit, from ballads such as “Desperado” and “Lyin’ Eyes” to rockin’ hits such as “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Heartache Tonight” …

Tickets Required. Sip a variety of wines in one of the nation’s most beautiful and inspiring gardens.

With a youthful burst of energy lead by well-seasoned musicians, UNDER THE SUN provides a unique entertainment choice for your event! Armed with a fresh song list of today’s favorite dance hits, along with carefully selected best of the Oldies!

Enjoy live music from Pylon Reenactment Society, Cry Baby, Flippants, and the Villain of Vinyl himself, DJ Kingpin. Check out a live shadow puppet performance from Lyon Hill inspired by art in the galleries, take a Unique Perspective Tour with the hosts of The Hilltop Glove Podcast, live screen printing with Screened Out Printers of the official Arts & Draughts …

In their 30th year, Too Much Sylvia plays a wide variety of songs to entertain the young and old. Developing a loyal following of friends & fans sporting their RED SUNGLASSES and singing along to the band’s songs, 2MS draws a good crowd in the Carolina’s.  Their 2018 Cammy Award-winning CD, “THROW ME A ROPE” and 2014’s CD, “2MS”, continues …

The Mighty Kicks take the stage on April 14. The Mighty Kicks! began in 1986 when a group of friends from Orangeburg, S.C., started an air band, the rage at the time, and proceeded to win contests across the region. They were all musicians, and eventually started a “real” band, calling it the Kicks! The band began to earn name …

The Vinyl Junkies Band is fueled by their passion for making music, entertaining crowds and creating an experience that you will never forget. With a music list that spans 10 decades they tailor the music to fit the vibe of the audience. Through inventive arrangements, danceable grooves, and songs you have not heard other bands play, they will keep your audience involved and …

On the first Thursday of each month, cultural institutions & businesses in downtown Columbia participate in First Thursday on Main by keeping their doors open late, offering a mix of events, entertainment, specials, and more!

Tickets Required.

Tickets Required.

Tickets Required.

Tickets Required.

Tickets Required. David Nail is bringing his Bootheel Tour to the Icehouse Amphitheater on March 26, 2022 with opening act Maddie Rean. Hailing from Kennett, Missouri, David Nail is well-respected up and down Music Row. Some might even call him a “tour de force” as his songs pull no punches in evoking the demons with which he has wrestled through …

St. Pat’s in Five Points celebrates all things green and Gaelic, welcomes the arrival of spring, and promotes the businesses in the Five Points village. The Midlands’ largest annual street festival and the biggest one-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the Southeast!

Join the Icehouse Amphitheater as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the 7th Annual Shamrock Parade & Concert!  The parade starts at 2pm down Main Street in Downtown Lexington. Music at the Icehouse Amphitheater starts at 3:30pm featuring The Bograts – who are known as Charleston, SC’s ‘Top Irish Duo’ – followed by Jeff Pitts of Prettier than Matt and …

Tickets Required. The Rivalry returns to Segra Park! South Carolina Baseball battles Clemson Baseball on Saturday, March 5. First pitch is set for 4:00 pm and gates will open at 2:00 pm. Fan Fest presented by Discover South Carolina will take place in the BullStreet District beginning at 12:00 pm and will feature lives music, food trucks, games and more! …

Tickets Required. The 6th annual Irish Fest Camden. General admission $15, Children ages 2-12 $5. Proceeds benefit Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

On the first Thursday of each month, cultural institutions & businesses in downtown Columbia participate in First Thursday on Main by keeping their doors open late, offering a mix of events, entertainment, specials, and more!

Tickets Required. Join the Lexington County Blowfish, Old Mill Brew Pub & Town of Lexington for the 2022 Chili Cookoff! Admission includes unlimited chili samples. All proceeds from this event will benefit local non profits.

Street and Dance Party featuring Rolling Rock Green Beer

Get home safely in 2021. The first $10is free. Drop-off at your home or a hotel, valid for Richland and Lexington counties. Pick Up Zones: Five Points at the Five Points Fountain The Vista near Tin Roof.