COLUMBIA, S.C. — Father's Day is Sunday, so if you're wanting to do something with dear old dad -- or leave dad alone and head out on your own -- here are some suggestions.
THURSDAY, June 13
Meeting Street Artisan Market, 4-8 p.m. 425 Meeting St., West Columbia. Cool off at the evening market featuring local handmade crafts, artwork, baked goods, jewelry and more.
FRIDAY, June 14
Southeastern Piano Festival: Arthur Fraser Piano Competition, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. live-streamed from USC School of Music’s recital hall. Participants compete for a chance to perform with the South Carolina Philharmonic in a Masterworks concert and more than $10,000 in cash prizes
Midlands Youth Queer Prom 7-10 p.m., Hampton-Preston Gardens at Historic Columbia, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia. Midlands Queer Prom provides a space where middle and high school attendees can express themselves authentically, free from judgment. Free to attend.
The Prom, 7 p.m., Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St.. Opening night of The Prom, a touching and hilarious Tony-nominated musical that tells the story of Emma, a high school student who wants to take her girlfriend to the prom. When the PTA cancels the dance rather than allow her to attend, a group of eccentric Broadway stars swoop in to champion her cause.
Steve Miller Band, 7:30 p.m. Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St. Trip back to the 1970s classic rock with hits such as "The Joker," "Fly Like an Eagle," and "Take the Money and Run."
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, June 14-15
2024 Southeastern BBQ Showdown, Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia. 30 BBQ teams from across compete and provide samples. 4-10 p.m. Friday features a wing competition and music by Band of Oz; Saturday features barbecue, fireworks, and music from legendary Country group Alabama. Saturday hours: gates open at 4 p.m., 4-7 p.m. BBQ tasting, 8-9:30 p.m. Alabama concert, 9:45 p.m. fireworks. Tickets available online.
SATURDAY, June 15
Free Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Etching Event, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., AAA Office, 929 Lake Murray Blvd., Irmo. AAA, Irmo Police and National Insurance Crime Bureau host this free event to help deter theft of catalytic converters. Pre-register for an etching here, walk-up appointments depend on availability.
Soda City Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Main Street Columbia features artisans, crafts and food to nourish your brain, body, and belly.
Juneteenth in Newberry, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. downtown Newberry. Enjoy live music performances, food, kids' play area, and an Afrocentric Fashion Show.
Juneteenth Freedomfest, noon-8 p.m. Dutch Square, 421 Bush River Rd. Part job fair, health fair and celebration with live music performances.
Reggaetronic Lake Murray Music Festival 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.. Spence’s Island, Lake Murray. This popular floating music festival can attract up to 1500 boats who tie up to enjoy a day of sun, fun, and music
Pagans in the Park, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Cayce Riverwalk Park, 201 Naples Ave. Free pop-up thirft shop, card readings, stories for all ages. Snacks, drinks and musical entertainment. Children 18 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult
Food Truck Festival and Car Show, noon-4 pm, Pinewood
SC Orchid Society’s Summer Auction, noon, 1605 Park Circle, Columbia. Over 100 items up for auction, including seedlings, blooming orchids and mature plants and supplies. Free to attend.
(Un)Settled opening celebration, 12:30-3 p.m. Columbia Museum of Art. Celebrate the opening of (Un)Settled: The Landscape of American Art with treats from Main Street Bakery and performance by Marlanda Dekine
Tiki-Fiesta, 6-9 p.m. City Roots Farm, 1005 Airport Blvd. A celebration of rum, tequila and mezcal featuring over 50 spirits and Tiki-inspired dishes from some of Columbia’s top chefs.
Southeastern Piano Festival: Winners’ Recital, 7:30 p.m., USC School of Music Recital Hall. The winners of the Arthur Fraser Piano Competition are featured.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, June 15-16
Ag+Art Tour, various locations in Lexington and Fairfield counties. Check out the participating locations and map out a route on this self-guided tour of local farms in Lexington and Fairfield counties. Get up close to the animals and see where your local food comes from. Don't forget to pack a cooler for purchases of fresh fruits, vegetables and meats.
SUNDAY, June 16, Father's Day
Free Sundays 1-4 p.m., Hampton-Preston Mansion, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia. On the third Sunday of each month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties can tour one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for free.
Fathers Day Dance & Potluck, 6-10 p.m. Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin Parlor, 710 Meeting St., West Columbia. Doors open at 6, DJ music from 6-7 p.m., live music 7-10 p.m. Bring a dish or dessert to share, $10 admission.
COMING MONDAY, June 17 through June 23
Black Eats Week 803, various locations, highlights Black-owned restaurants, eateries and establishments in the Midlands. Check out the participating restaurants and deals.