COLUMBIA, S.C. — The weather may cooperate this weekend, so get out and enjoy one of the many activities planned in the Columbia area. Many events start on Friday and run through Sunday and cover a wide range of interests -- from gardening to Gamecock football.
Go green:
Midlands Plant and Flower Sale today through Sunday at SC State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Hwy, West Columbia. Admission is free to this annual plant and flower sale. Get deals to start your garden or check out seasonal produce and garden decor!
South Carolina Orchid Show and Sale through Sunday at Greater Columbia Garden Council Building, 1605 Park Circle. View the beautiful plants available from Marble Branch Farms in Walhalla, Seagrove Orchids in North Carolina, and Carter and Holmes Orchids in Newberry.
Get culture:
Artista Visita Friday through Sunday in Columbia’s Historic Vista District. Explore the galleries and shops in the area during Friday’s gallery crawl; Saturday features Art Day and a Light and Lantern Parade; Sunday’s Crafty Feast highlights a juried craft fair and arts and gifts for sale. The Live on Lincoln finale will be a live musical performance 5-8 p.m. Sunday at 1200 Lincoln St.
Harambee Festival 34: Friday and Saturday at Benedict College’s Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, 1920 Two Notch Rd., Columbia. One of the largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) sponsored events in the nation, Harambee features live R&B and gospel music, dancing, African drummers, bounce houses for children, a car and bike show, a women’s village and a veteran’s and ROTC village. Food trucks, arts and crafts, and other vendors will be on site. 6-11 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday
Jazz Fest 2023, sponsored by Richland County Recreation Foundation, 6-9 p.m. Saturday at North Springs Park, 1320 Clemson Rd. Live musical performances by Jeanette Harris and Althea Rene, JJ Sansavarino, and Brittany Turnipseed. Gates open at 5 p.m., blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged, and no coolers are allowed. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 Saturday
Saluda Shoals Spring Jazz Series featuring Mark Rapp’s Latin Jazz: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday at Saluda Shoals, 5605 Bush River Rd. Food, beer, and wine are available for purchase, and seating is provided. Tickets are $15 per person
Other stuff
Big Gamecock Weekend at various locations around the University of South Carolina. Check out the Garnet & Black Spring Game at 7 p.m. Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium, the Cocky Trot 5K and pregame festivities at Gamecock Village, and the unveiling of the 2023 Garnet on Gameday t-shirt.
South Carolina State Fair Spring Fair Food Drive-through beginning Saturday through April 22. Start out with the Walk-In Kickoff 3-9 p.m. Saturday, April 15. Fill up on your favorite fair food – corn dogs, Fiske fries, and more. The Drive-thru event begins Sunday, April 15. Free movie nights on April 21 (Disney’s Encanto) and 22 (Top Gun Maverick).
Soda City Student Pop-up, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Main at Laurel streets. The regular Soda City Market expands one block for participating college students to set up their homegrown businesses.
Kershaw County Farmers Market opening day, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at 906 Broad St., Camden. Arts and crafts, food, and fresh produce for sale.
Town of South Congaree motor vehicle auction, 6 p.m. Friday, viewing starts at 4:30 p.m. at 119 W Berry Rd., West Columbia. Make a bid to win a bike or vehicle or some miscellaneous items. Hosted by Byrsm Auctions, all sales are final, and cash or credit cards are accepted.