COLUMBIA, S.C. — The rain should be pushing out of the area Friday afternoon, bringing sunny skies and cooler temperatures -- perfect weather for getting outside with friends and family on Mother's Day weekend.
THURSDAY, May 9
52 Windows, 6-9 p.m. at 701 Whaley. A fine arts auction and gala to benefit Mirci. Meet the artists that created 115 original works and bid on pieces at auction. Learn how Mirci provides mental health assistance and reduces homelessness in the Midlands. Tickets $100 single, $175 for two.
THURSDAY through SATURDAY, May 9-11
South Carolina Poultry Festival, Batesburg-Leesville, 101 Main St. Leesville. Celebrate everything having to do with chicken at this family-friendly event. Admission is free, tickets available for purchase of amusement rides and food will be available for purchase.
FRIDAY through MONDAY, May 10-13
2024 Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray. Rain delayed the start of this tournament until Friday morning. The fishing pros take off from Dreher Island State Park at 7 a.m. and return for weigh-in of their daily catch at 3 p.m. Family-friendly exhibits and live music, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Parking: $3 per adult, $1.50 for seniors (65 years and older), $ for children (ages 6-15)
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, May 10-11
Midlands Coin, Currency and Collectibles Show, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Coins, currency, tokens, medals, gold & silver, buying and selling. Hourly door prizes.
Art on State, FRIDAY 5:30-9:30 p.m. in the 100-200 blocks of State Street, West Columbia. Artists and crafters working live on the street with live music, food and drinks from local restaurants, and chalk art for the kids.
Steel Paws, 6-9 p.m. Friday, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce. Annual fundraiser for area law enforcement K9 units. Meet the newest K9 member at Cayce Police Department. Tickets are required for Friday’s Bowties & Bluejeans event, Saturday is free with live music, On Patrol deputies, and treats.
SATURDAY, May 11
Accessibility morning at SC State Museum with Pete the Cat, 9-11 a.m. 301 Gervais St. Columbia. Free access for families of those who would benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly and disability-adapted experience at the museum. Check out the Sensory Room, planetarium and 4D theater, and participate in storytime with Pete the Cat. An American Sign Language interpreter will be available. Free, but registration recommended.
Soda City Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1300-1700 blocks of Main Street, Columbia Check out the arts and crafts -- and foods sold every Saturday at Soda City.
Native Plant Festival, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Old Santee Canal Park, 950 Stony Landing Rd., Monks Corner. Celebrating South Carolina native plants, the festival features a huge plant sale, guided foraging walk and indigo presentation. Live music and food vendors on site. Tickets $5.
Low N Clean Car Show, 1-7 p.m. SC State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia. Check out the rides at this indoor car show. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door
WNBA Pre-Season: Las Vegas Aces vs Puerto Rico, 1 p.m. Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia. Women’s professional basketball comes to town featuring former USC Gamecock A’ja Wilson with the Aces.
Main Street Jazz, 2-9 p.m., 1700 block of Main Street, Columbia. Bring a lawn chair and get comfortable. Admission is free, arts and crafts and food vendors will be on site for purchases
Lexington Wine Walk, 6 p.m. Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St., Lexington. Enjoy an evening of wine and food at the Lexington Beautification Foundation annual fundraiser. Tickets, $45 per person, available online
Newberry's Got Talent, 6 p.m., Newberry Opera House. Check out local performers of all ages and backgrounds and vote for your favorites
Travis Tritt, 7:30 p.m., Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St. An evening of classic country music with Tritt and his full band and special guest Elvie Shane.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, May 11-12
Ag+Art Tour in Sumter and Lancaster counties. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday times may vary depending on the site. Ever wonder where your food comes from? Check out the Ag+Art Tour this week in Sumter and Lancaster counties and take a self-guided tour of farms offering a variety of fresh produce and food products, along with local artists and artisans. Bring a cooler for purchased goodies!
SUNDAY, May 12
Goodyear 400 NASCAR Race, 3 p.m. Darlington Raceway. It's the track too tough to tame -- and one of the first races of the season! Tickets still available.
Coming up
For planning and ticket purchases, here's a sneak peek at what's coming next weekend:
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, May 15 & 16
Squonk: Brouhaha, 6 p.m. Koger Center, 1051 Greene St. Squonk’s latest show, Brouhaha is an immersive outdoor spectacle with music, imagery, and audience participation.
THURSDAY through SUNDAY, May 15-19
Disney On Ice: Magic In The Stars, various times, Colonial Life Arena
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, May 17 & 18
Columbia Black Expo, features Taste of Black Columbia 7:30-11 p.m. at Columbia Museum of Art on Friday with Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Eric Roberson and cultural exhibits, talks and local vendors on Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cantey, Goodman & Rosewood buildings at SC State Fairgrounds, enter gate 6 on George Rogers Blvd.
SATURDAY, May 18
SC Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival at SC State Fairgrounds, noon-5 p.m. features dozens of regional food trucks, regional and national brews. Enter gate 6 on George Rogers Blvd. Tickets $5 in advance, $10 at the gate for general admission; $20 Foodie VIP (enter event at 11 a.m. + one free dessert from the VIP dessert truck); $32 Beer Lovers package (enter event at 11 a.m. + 3 craft drinks + FTFA Koozie bottled water); $50 Beer 6-Package (enter event at 11 a.m. + 6 craft drinks + FTFA Koozie bottled water)
