ACTIVITIES IN THE COLUMBIA AREA for 7/13 – 8/2/16

In Columbia there is a fun activity for everyone.  Ranging from a lesson in the kitchen for the kids at Kids Cook, to an astonishing light show at Friday Night Laser Lights, Columbia is the place to be for unforgettable fun. 

Sundays – Sensory Sunday at the EdVenture Children’s Museum.  On Sundays one hour before opening, the museum will be open for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and sensory processing difference’s to tour the museum and enjoy interactive, hands on activities.  For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/sensory-sunday/?for=04-17-2016. 

First & Third Wednesdays – Kids Cook at the EdVenture Children’s Museum.  Children 6 – 10 years old will have a unique experience taking participants on an exciting journey of culinary arts partaking in food preparation and meal creation, while learning about nutrition.  For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/kids-cook-first-third-wednesdays/?for=04-20-2016. 

First Thursdays – First Thursdays on Main Street at the 1200-1700 block of Main Street in downtown Columbia.  The event lasts from 6 pm to 10 pm and is a collaboration of a number of vendors in the area.  For more information call (803) 988-1065 or visit http://firstthursdaysonmain.com/.

Third Thursdays – Vista Nights offered by the Congaree Visit Guild in the Vista area of downtown Columbia.  This event is a collaboration of vendors offering extended hours and events such as wine and beer tastings, art classes, and more.  For more information call (803) 269-5946 or visit http://www.vistacolumbia.com/vistanights.aspx. 

Thursday Nights – Young Adult Shag Dance at Bill’s Music Stop on Meeting Street.  Come early and learn how to shag and then dance the night away.  For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/calendar.html#. 

Fridays – Bluegrass and Acoustic Open Stage and Jam at Bill’s Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor on Meeting Street.  Come out and participate or sit back and enjoy the music.  For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/.

Fourth Fridays – Friday Night Laser Lights at the South Carolina State Museum.  Through the months of June, July, and August, the Museum will present a laser light show in the Planetarium with each show providing a variety of music.  For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/events/upcoming-events/.

Saturdays – Classic Country Music Jamboree and Dancing at Bills Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor on Meeting Street.  Come early and learn two step, country dancing, or couples dancing (no partner required) followed by live entertainment.  For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/.

Saturdays – Soda City Market on Main Street in downtown Columbia.  Shop for local and regional foods, crafts, hot coffee, cold fresh lemonade, and even cooked food.  For more information visit http://sodacitysc.com/.

Through July 15 – High School Horror Film Camp at the Nick at the Nickelodeon Theater.  If your teenager (13 – 16 years old) is an aspiring auteur, this film and media camp may just be for them, providing them with the opportunity to script, shoot and edit a thriller that will then be presented to the public.  For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/events/summer-camps-at-the-nick/.

Through July 16, 2016 – “Heard at Every Turn: Traditional Music in South Carolina” at the McKissick Museum.  Exhibit looks at the many cultural groups that brought music traditions to South Carolina over the years.  For more information call (803) 777-7251 or visit www.artsandsciences.sc.edu/mckissickmuseum. 

Through July 16, 2016 – 12-Cent Kids Day at the EdVenture Children’s Museum.  For the Museums 12th Anniversary, kids get into the Museum for 12-cents on the 12th day of every month.  In addition, if a membership is purchased on that day and get 12 Chick-fil-A Kids Meals for free.  For more information call (803) 779-3100 or visit http://www.edventure.org/calendar/calendar.aspx. 

Through July 29 – Summer Movie Series at Riverfront Park.  End your week watching a movie under the stars!  For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit http://columbiasc.net/.

Through July 30 – “Green Days American Idiot” at the Trustus Theatre.  Based on Green Day’s Grammy award winning album “American Idiot”, this rendition of the Tony Award winning Broadway musical will be taken where it has never gone before!  For more information call (803) 254-9732 or visit https://trustus.org/event/green-days-american-idiot/.

Through July 30 – “Peter Pans Space Adventure” at the Columbia Marionette Theater.  Travel with Peter Pan to a galaxy far, far away, visit an alien planet, save the Princess Nebula, and confront the despicable Admiral Claw.  For more information (803) 252-7366 or visit http://cmtpuppet.org/shows/peter-pan-the-space-adventure/.

Through August 7 – “Daufuskie Memories” at the Columbia Museum of Art.  Photographer Jeanna Moutousammy-Ashe captured African American life on this island, which until the early 1980’s was the last South Carolina sea island untouched by the outside world.  For more information call (803) 799-2810 or visit https://www.columbiamuseum.org/exhibitions/daufuskie-memories. 

Through March 4, 2017 – Sensory Sunday at the EdVenture Children’s Museum.  One the first Sunday of each month, children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and sensory processing differences will have the opportunity to enjoy the museum in a safe and accepting environment and enjoy interactive, hands on activities.  For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/sensory-sunday/?for=07-03-2016. 

July 13 – Vista Greenway Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Gadsden Street tunnel at Laurel Street in Finlay Park.  Following the ribbon cutting ceremony will be a family fun walk.  For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit http://columbiasc.net/calendar/2048. 

July 13 – Technology Training at the Cayce – West Columbia Branch Library.  Get personal assistance with your compute, tablet, or smart phone, such as navigation, setting up an email account, and more.  For more information call (803) 794-6791 ext.  4 or visit http://www.lex.lib.sc.us/calendar.asp#/?i=1. 

July 14 – Exercise Your Mind: Zentangle at the South Congaree – Pine Ridge Branch Library.  Enjoy this relaxing, fun, and creative way of exercising your mind.  For more information call (803) 785-3050 or visit http://www.lex.lib.sc.us/calendar.asp#/?i=1. 

July 14 – Moonlight Cemetery and Secrets from the Grave Tours at the Elmwood Cemetery.  Start the night before dark to discuss the different symbols located on the graves, and then grab your flashlight as you learn about the various individuals buried in the cemetery from the 19th and 20th Centuries.  For more information call (803) 252-1770 ext.  23 or visit http://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/moonlight-cemetery-tours?date=07%2F14%2F2016. 

July 15 – Food Truck Festival at Trinity United Methodist Church in Blythewood.  In addition to a variety of food trucks will be carnival games, balloon animals, bouncy houses, and more.  For more information call (803) 786-1637 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/153917405017477/.

July 15 – Badges and Parks Basketball Alliance Game and Skills Competition at Hyatt Park.  Local teenagers will play against local police officers so come out and see who proves to bet the better basketball players!  For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit www.columbiasc.net. 

July 15 – Showcase on the Runway in the Grand Hall of the 701 Contemporary Gallery.  Have a cocktail while enjoying live artistry and fashion by some amazing designers, along with a line of musical performances.  For more information send an email to limitlessdreams12@gmail.com. 

July 15 – 21 – “Wiener-dog” at the Nickelodeon Theater. “ A dachshund passes from oddball owner to oddball owner whose radically dysfunctional lives are all impacted by the pooch.”  For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/wiener-dog/.

July 16 – Puppet Playhouse: “The Tale of the Seahorse” at the Irmo Branch Library.  Explore the ocean with Biscuit, the tiny seahorse.  For more information call (803) 798-9880 ext.  3 or visit http://www.lex.lib.sc.us/calendar.asp#/?i=1. 

July 16 – Bubble Run at Saluda Shoals Park.  Run, walk, dance, or play along a 3 mile stretch of tremendous fun, with waves starting every 3-5 minutes, and then at every kilometer you will run through a foam bog that will color you from head to toe.  For more information call (803) 772-1228 or visit http://www.bubblerun.com/upcoming-locations/columbia-sc/.

July 16 – Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival at City Roots Urban Farm in the Rosewood area of Columbia.  Enjoy an heirloom tomato tasting, two stages of live music, local food, a craft beer garden, and local restaurants presenting tomato themed items.  For more information visit http://tastytomatofestival.com/.

July 16 – Brunch and Munch Tour in the Vista area.  Two Gals and a Fork Food Tours will take you on a 2.5 hour tour through the Vista sharing Columbia history while you savor and experience foods from 5 of the top restaurants in the Vista.  For more information call (803) 360-0578, (803) 260-7992 or purchase tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2517408?ref=349591. 

July 17 – “Once Upon a Time in the West” at the Nickelodeon Theatre.  This classic western, starring Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson, will take you back in time, to when the railroads were being laid and the boomtowns began popping up all in search of new life in a new land filled with promises.  For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/once-upon-a-time-in-the-west/.

July 17 – Carolina Bridal Showcase at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.  Prepare for that special event all in one place, with cake sampling, bands and DJ’s on hand, and more.  For more information visit https://bridecitybridalshows.com/.

July 18 – “Hillsong United with Lauren Daigle” at the Colonial Life Arena.  This Australian-based worship group arose from the Youth Ministry Group at Hillsong Church in Sydney and has now set out to share their new music internationally.  For more information call (803) 576-9053 or visit https://www.coloniallifearena.com/.

July 18 – Moonlight on the Murray leaving from Saluda Shoals Park.  End your day with an enjoyable sunset and moonlight canoe or kayak trip on the Lake.  For more information call (803) 213-2054 or visit http://www.icrc.net/canoekayak. 

July 20 – Vista Biker Night meeting at the Blue Marlin in the Vista.  The streets will be blocked for everyone except motorcycles with a donation as the entrance fee, with a buffet dinner and discounted drinks, with all proceeds to benefit Camp Kemo.  For more information visit http://www.meetup.com/HRCA434/events/232002991/.

July 20 – “Annie” at the Nickelodeon Theater.  This classic favorite about an orphaned girl will warm your heart every time you see it.  For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/annie/.

July 21 – “Raiders: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made” at the Nickelodeon Theater.  This 35 year anniversary celebration event is about three 11 year old boys who set out on a labor of love to adapt shot for shot their favorite childhood film and then came together with the original cast to complete the one scene they did not.  For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/raiders-the-story-of-the-greatest-fan-film-ever-made/.

July 22 – Summer Movie Series: “The Nut Job” at Finlay Park.  See the tale of the squirrel who helps his former park brethren raid a local nut store to survive.  For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit http://columbiasc.net/calendar/1977. 

July 23 – 24 – Festival of Healing and Spiritual Awareness at the Coop next to Williams Brice Stadium.  Find natural healing products, and natural healing therapies provided by caring practitioners, along with spiritual and metaphysical products and services.  For more information call (864) 233-3033 or visit https://sites.google.com/site/healingandspiritualawareness/.

July 27 – “The Karate Kid” at the Nickelodeon Theater.  This is the tale of a martial arts master/handyman who teaches a bullied boy karate.  For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/the-karate-kid/.

July 29 – Pool Party at Martin Luther King Jr. and Pinehurst Parks.  This event is for teens ages 13 to 17.  For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit http://www.columbiasc.net/calendar/1995. 

July 29 – Summer Movie Series: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at Finlay Park.  Spend your Friday night relaxing to this adventurous film in the Park.  For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit http://www.columbiasc.net/calendar/1978. 

July 29 – 31 – South Congaree Championship Rodeo at the South Congaree Horse Arena in South Congaree.  See professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in eight exciting contests including bull riding, bronco riding, and barrel racing.  For more information call (919) 963-2599 or visit http://www.southcongareerodeo.com/.

July 29 – August 4 – “Captain Fantastic” at the Nickelodeon Theater.  See the challenges a father faces when he has to take his 6 children, raised in the forests of the Pacific Northwest with a rigorous physical and intellectual education is forced to leave his paradise and enter the world where his parenting skills are challenged.  For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/captain-fantastic/.

July 30 – Tom Hoskins Memorial Sprint Triathlon at the Northwest YMCA in Irmo.  Event includes a 350 yard swim, 13 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run out and then back.  There will also be a duathlon that will include a 1 mile run, 13 mile bike, and a 3.1 mile run out and back, as well as a triathlon relay option.  For more information call (803) 407-8007 or visit https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Irmo/TomHoskinsTri. 

July 30 – Moon Bounce Mania at the EdVenture Children’s Museum.  Bring the kids out to enjoy the new bounce houses at EdVenture: the spooky Haunted House bouncer, the Birthday Cake bouncer, the Enchanted Castle bouncer, and more.  For more information call (803) 779-3100 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/moon-bounce-mania/?for=07-30-2016. 

July 30 – 31 – Survival Expo at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.  Event will include hundreds of booths with survival and preparedness gear with a variety of workshops provided by experts, such as hands on suture training.  For more information call (563) 927-8176 or visit https://www.rkpreppershows.com/event/columbia-south-carolina/.

August 2 – Italian Cooking at the Irmo Branch Library.  Learn about the Mediterranean diet, and explore and taste Italian cuisine with Antonella Nardella.  For more information call (803) 798-7880 or visit http://www.lex.lib.sc.us/calendar.asp#/?i=2. 

Northeast Columbia is located northeast of downtown Columbia in Kershaw County South Carolina.  Our local real estate experts in Northeast Columbia, SC are the most innovative real estate team in the area. ( 803) 358-0888