COLUMBIA, S.C. — It's mid-April, and the weather is generally conducive to getting outdoors and finding something fun to do. With that in mind, this weekend has a host of events perfect for socializing or exploring.
Here’s a partial list of events happening this weekend in the Midlands:
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Blythewood Spring Rodeo features nationally ranked cowboys and cowgirls competing in 8 rodeo events, along with arena entertainment. Tickets are available online and at the gate: $20/adult, $12/ages 6-12, and free/kids aged 5 and under. The venue is 10433 Wilson Blvd., Blythewood.
Artista Vista at various locations in Columbia. Friday starts with a free gallery crawl from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday features free Art Day with events at Stormwater Studios (butterfly release at 11 a.m.), Lewis+Clark, and One Eared Cow Glass from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1001 Huger St./413 Pendleton St. and a Live Art Mart with arts and crafts vendors at 1300 Park St. from 2 to 6 p.m. Wrap up the evening by crafting your own lantern (for free) and then walking in the Light and Lantern Parade, 8 to 9 p.m. Sunday’s Live on Lincoln has been re-scheduled for Sunday, April 28, due to forecasted inclement weather.
Pork in the Park, Memorial Park in Newberry. This Southern BBQ Network-sanctioned competition begins Friday, 4-8 p.m., with music and pre-cookoff events. Saturday is competition day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with BBQ from the 20 competing teams sold until it runs out. Beer and wine are available for sale.
Gamecock vs. Arkansas baseball starts a 3-game series at Founders Park, part of Big Gamecock Weekend. Stay after the 7 p.m. game for post-game fireworks. https://gamecocksonline.com/big-
SATURDAY
Record Store Day: Celebrate everything vinyl at area record stores Scratch N Spin at 513 12th St. in West Columbia and Papa Jazz Record Shop at 2014 Greene St., Columbia
The Cocky Trot 5K, part of Big Gamecock Weekend, is fun for the entire family. The walk/run starts at 8 a.m. at Gamecock Park and ends on the 50-yard line inside Williams-Brice Stadium. All participants get a special edition Cocky Trot t-shirt, and you can register up until race time
Kinetic Derby Day, Meeting Street and State Street in West Columbia. Watch the soapbox derby and kinetic sculpture parade on Meeting Street, and check out the iMAGINE STEAM Festival on State Street. Food trucks are available for purchases of snacks and drinks. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Harambee Festival, 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., will be held at Benedict College’s Charlie W Johnson Stadium, 1920 Two Notch Rd. It will celebrate African American culture through arts, presentations, music and food.
Orangeburg International Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at The Square on Russell Street, Orangeburg. International foods and entertainment by bands and dance groups. Parade of Nations begins at 10 a.m. at Kimbrell’s parking lot, 1159 Broughton St.
St. Matthews Purple Martin Festival. The parade starts at 10 a.m. along Bridge Street in St. Matthews, then head over to the festival and car show, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at Calhoun County Courthouse Grounds.
Allen University Spring Football Game, 3 p.m. Westwood High School, 180 Turkey Farm Rd., Blythewood. A first look at the Yellow Jackets under new head coach Cedric Pearl. Early events – including campus tours, auditions for AU’s Band of Gold, dance team and choir – begin at 9 a.m. at John Hurst Adams Gym at Allen University campus, 1516 Pine St., before moving to the game in Blythewood
Gamecocks vs. Arkansas baseball, game 2 in the series, 3 p.m. at Founders Park.
Garnet & Black Spring Game, 7 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium. Get a free look at the 2024 Gamecock football team.
John Mellencamp in concert, 8 p.m. Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St., Columbia
SUNDAY
Germany’s Great Bavarian Circus wraps up with two performances, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., at South Carolina State Fairgrounds. One of Europe’s oldest circus families in a traditional German circus show.
Y’all Mart Spring Shindig is from 1 to 5 p.m. at Art Bar, 1211 Park St., Columbia. Over 30 vendors will be selling oddities, art, vintage, and taxidermy. There may also be a drag show.
