COLUMBIA, S.C. — The kids are returning to school. It's still hot outside. We need a break. Let's find some fun things to do in the Columbia area, shall we?
THURSDAY, August 1
First Thursday on Main, Main Street Columbia
Soccer Baller Scavenger Hunt, 6-9 p.m., 1431 Assembly St., Columbia. 20 soccer balls have been redesigned by local artists and distributed to 20 locations in the Main Street Business District for an epic scavenger hunt. If you find a ball, you get to take it home, limit one ball per household. Free event.
Meeting Street Artisan Market, 4-8 p.m., Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting St., West Columbia. Visit local artisans, crafters, bakers, and their unique creations.
Shepard Fairey, Facing the Giant: 3 Decades of Dissent, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. McKissick Museum, North Gallery, second floor. 30 silkscreen and mixed media pieces from renowned Charleston street artist Shepard Fairey. Exhibition opens August 1, closes October 31.
FRIDAY, August 2
Five Points Walking Tour, one-hour tours at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Join John Sherrer, director of Preservation for Historic Columbia, for a walking tour of Columbia’s Five Points district. Learn about the important role the area has played in the evolution of Columbia. $20 per person
River City Soccer Festival: 3v3 Tournament, 5-10 p.m., Publick House, 2307 Devine St. Kick off the weekend as Manchester United & Liverpool come to Williams Brice Stadium at the 3v3 Soccer Fest presented by River City Football Club!
Brew at the Zoo, 7-9:30 a.m. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Enjoy unlimited beer tastings and access to all entertainment and animal enrichment demonstrations. Tickets limited and should be purchased in advance: $75 general public, $65 Riverbanks members
SATURDAY, August 3
803 Day a series of events celebrating the 803 Midlands area
- 8 a.m. 803 Day 5K Run/Walk in Forest Acres
- 11:15 a.m. 803 Day Photo Op at the State House
- Noon-5 p.m. Robert Mills House & Gardens fete. Explore the gardens, play some games and immerse yourself in local history. Live music, food and plenty of activities. Free event, but registration necessary; VIP tickets available for tented seating area, cooling fan access and special refreshments for purchase.
- All day: Citywide scavenger hunt
Check out discounts and $8.03 specials at participating restaurants and retail shops t
Jailbreak Escape Urban Challenge Run. 8 a.m. Lexington County Courthouse, 541 Gibson Rd., Lexington. Take the 3.1 mile run – with obstacles and CrossFit-style exercises designed to challenge participants of all ages and fitness levels.
Gallery Talk: A Payneful Business, 11 a.m.-noon, Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Meet-and-greet with artist John Jones and author Margaret Seidler as they talk about the book A Payneful Business and walk through the gallery discussing the importance of the collection, family connections and Charleston's history during the slave trade era.
Hot Summer’s Night Run, 7:45 p.m. Ice Cream Youth Run (non-competitive) and 8 p.m. 5K road race. 2515 Devine St. Awards and cash prizes presented at 9 p.m. ceremony. Sponsored by Strictly Running.
Rivals in Red: Manchester United vs Liverpool FC, 7:30 p.m. Williams-Brice Stadium. One of the fiercest rivalries in the sport world comes to Columbia. The first-ever major international soccer match at Williams-Brice
SUNDAY, August 4
First Sunday at the State Museum, noon-5 p.m., South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St. $1 admission for all guests, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Planetarium and 4D theater shows at an additional price.
Purple Martin Cruise, 7-9:30 p.m. Spirit of Lake Murray. Observe the thousands of purple martins as they fill the sky over Bomb Island coming in to roost for the night. Dinner and drinks available for purchase.
Restaurant Summer Games, 5:30-8 p.m., Boyd Plaza, 1515 Main St. The ultimate foodie showdown: 7 local restaurants compete to raise money for local charities. Contests include a chef competition, cocktail competition and restaurant martini dash. Stick around for the medal ceremony.
