COLUMBIA, S.C. — Memorial Day is Monday, May 27. The end of May is also a time for high school graduations and marks the unofficial start of summer vacations.
With all of this in mind, here are some events happening in and around the Columbia area Wednesday, May 22, through Monday, May 27:
WEDNESDAY, May 22
Tour of Tea: Every Sip Tells A Story, 4-6 p.m. Five Points Fountain, 747 Saluda Ave. celebrates Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with a sampling of teas and snacks from six diverse nations. Tickets $15 per person
THURSDAY, May 23
Power of the Purse, 5:30-9 p.m. at 1208 Washington Place. Presented by Women in Philanthropy, this auction of one-of-a-kind items – including designer purses and vacation getaways – raises money for women and children’s causes in the Midlands
THURSDAY through SUNDAY, May 23-26
Iris Festival at Swan Lake in Sumter, South Carolina’s oldest continuous festival begins Thursday evening with a Taste at the Gardens opening ceremony, followed by three days of live music, arts & crafts, car shows, family activities and food from local restaurants.
Black Cowboy Festival, Greenfield Farm, 4585 Spencer Rd., Rembert. A full weekend of events kicks off with an educational day and fish fry on Thursday; cowboy trail ride, line dancing and Western dinner on Friday; rodeo horse shows, live music, food and Motown Jam Show Saturday; and Sunday worship service and brunch. Tickets range from $15-$30
FRIDAY, May 24
Plant a flag for Memorial Day, 3 p.m., Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd., Columbia. Volunteers are needed to place flowers on soldiers' graves at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. If you want to participate, just show up at the gravel parking lot on the left of the entry at 3 p.m., no registration necessary. More information available at 803-699-2246.
Spoleto USA and Piccolo Spoleto festivals open in Charleston. These 17-day festivals run through June 9 and feature arts and entertainment for adults and children at various venues throughout the Charleston area.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, May 24-25
Flopeye Fish Festival in Great Falls. For over 75 years, this festival is worth the drive if you like small town festivals. As an added bonus, Great Falls is a pretty good fishing spot along the Catawba River.
Coming up
May 31 & June 1: Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale: 2 days, 44 miles, 7 towns, lots of stuff. Make room in your car, truck, or SUV, pack some snacks -- and cash -- and head out on SC Highway 23, beginning in Batesburg-Leesville, through Monetta, Ridge Spring, Ward, Johnston, Edgefield and ending in Modoc.
June 1: Pride Month begins
