COLUMBIA, S.C. — It's the end of May, so graduation season is in full swing. News19 has put together a list of things to do this weekend, whether or not you don a cap and gown and march down the aisle.
Ongoing
Get outside and explore one of nature's rarities in downtown Columbia. The Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies (Hymenocallis coronaria) are in bloom in the Broad and Congaree rivers and Landsford Canal State Park (in Catawba). You can get up close to these beauties on a canoe or kayak—but look, don't touch, as picking the protected flowers is illegal.
Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto continue through June 9 at various locations in Charleston.
FRIDAY, May 31
Sunset on the Shoals, 6-8 p.m., Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd. Paddle down the Saluda River around sunset and then enjoy a wine tasting at Saluda Shoals. For ages 21+, tickets are $47 per person, including a commemorative wine glass. Meet at Saluda Shoals upper boat ramp.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, May 31 and June 1
Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale. Pack a snack, bring some cash and enjoy a community yard sale over 44 miles long through 7 towns along state Highway 23. Heading from Columbia, take -- in order -- Batesburg-Leesville, Monetta, Ridge Spring, Ward, Johnston, Edgefield, and Modoc. Pro tip: some towns are concentrating yard sale vendors in town squares, but be aware of short stops at individual sales along the route.
SATURDAY, June 1
U-Pick Blueberry Season opens at AA Farms, 5412 Bluff Rd., Columbia. Opening day begins at 8 a.m., with a portion of the day's proceeds going to Teen Challenge Southeast. Regular hours will be Friday & Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m.
USA BMX free registration event, 10-11:30 a.m., Red Bank Sports Complex, 1159 Nazareth Rd., Lexington. Come out and test out a BMX bike on the track and see if the sport is for you -- all ages.
Kickoff to Summer Party, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., EdVenture, 211 Gervais St. Be there for the naming and lighting of Eddie's Firefly at 10 a.m. and stay for a day of hands-on crafts and games, food, music and giveaways.
LRADAC Rock the Block, noon-4 p.m., Fairlawn Community Center, 9128 Wilson Blvd. Games, food, bounce house, health & safety resources.
Drift Jam: Flotilla Music Festival, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. off Spence Island at Lake Murray. Organizers say this will be the LAST Drift Jam. Arrive in time to tie up your boat and enjoy a day on the water listening to live music by A Thousand Horses, Prettier Than Matt, IMY2, Rut Spence and The Mixtress Madi Jo.
Famously Hot SC Pride OutFest Block Party, noon-8 p.m., 1200 block of Park Street, Columbia. OutFest marks the beginning of Pride Month with a day of celebration, support, food and drink... and drag. For more Pride Month events in South Carolina, see the story online at wltx.com
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, June 1 and June 2
Public pools in the City of Columbia and Richland County are open this Saturday and Sunday -- before the regular summer swim seasons begin (June 4 & 5)
Brick Fest Live, State Fairgrounds, sessions at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday. VIP and general admission level tickets are available online. General admission: $19.99 includes hands-on building, meeting TV stars from LEGO Masters, seeing life-size models, race cars and more; VIP tickets: $34.99 includes exclusive build, VIP badge and collectible pin, and everything included in the general admission ticket.
SUNDAY, June 2
Calm and Connect, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St. Take a journey of self-discovery and relaxation through a blend of yoga, mindfulness and other self-care activities, including wine tasting and flower arrangement. Tickets $60 available online
First Sunday at the South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St. Admission to the museum's four floors of gallery space and the Boeing Observatory is only $1. Planetarium and 4D theater movies are extra.
MONDAY, June 3
Take a look as planets align Monday night, weather permitting, 9-11 p.m. Melton Observatory at the University of South Carolina, 1429 Greene St. There's also a live stream on Melton's Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram pages if you can't make it downtown.
Columbia Fashion Week begins. This weeklong event kicks off with Lights, Camera, Fashion, 7-10 p.m. at The Nick, 1607 Main St., and the runway finale at the Cantey Building at the State Fairgrounds. A complete list of Fashion Week events can be found here.
COMING UP
Weekend with the Pros, June 7-8. World-class wakeboarders offer lessons and meet-and-greet with fans at this annual festival at Captain's Choice Marine in Leesville—family-friendly fun with food trucks and more.
GWAR performs at The Senate in Columbia on June 11
Taste on the River silent auction and dinner to benefit West Columbia Beautification Foundation at Stone River, West Columbia, June 11