The Ultimate Guide to Year-Round Things to Do in Columbia, SC & Across The Midlands
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Welcome to the heart of the Palmetto State! Columbia, South Carolina, is a city that pulses with a vibrant energy, offering an endless array of activities, events, and experiences for every interest and age. Whether you're a long-time resident, a potential homebuyer scouting out the perfect community, or a visitor exploring for the weekend, our city plenty to-do in and around Columbia, SC.
This is the ultimate guide to help you uncover the best of Columbia, from its rich history to its bustling culinary scene.
Culture, History & The Arts in Columbia, SC
South Carolina State Museum: A magnificent hub of discovery, this museum offers four floors of exhibits covering art, history, natural science, and technology. Don't miss the state-of-the-art planetarium and observatory. Recent and notable exhibitions have included:
"Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume": A critically acclaimed blockbuster exhibition from the Walt Disney Archives, featuring 70 costumes from classic and modern Disney films.
"From the Vault: Art from the Museum's Collection": A new exhibition showcasing incredible works from the museum's extensive collection, celebrating the reopening of the Lipscomb Art Gallery.
South Carolina State House: A stunning architectural landmark, the State House offers free guided and self-guided tours. Be sure to look for the bronze stars on its exterior, marking spots where it was hit by cannonballs during the Civil War.
Historic Columbia: Take a journey back in time by touring historic homes like the Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Woodrow Wilson Family Home. Historic Columbia’s tours offer a fascinating look at the city’s past and its notable figures.
Town Theatre: As one of the oldest community theaters in the U.S., Town Theatre has been a cultural cornerstone for nearly a century. Catch a play, musical, or comedy and support the local arts.
The Nickelodeon Theatre: Affectionately known as “The Nick,” this beloved nonprofit cinema is the only one of its kind in the state. It's the perfect place to see independent, foreign, and thought-provoking films.
Koger Center for the Arts: This is Columbia's premier performing arts venue, located on the University of South Carolina campus. It hosts a wide variety of events, from touring Broadway shows and national comedy acts to local and international performances. It's also the home of the South Carolina Philharmonic and the USC Symphony Orchestra.
South Carolina Philharmonic: A professional orchestra that brings world-class musical performances to the city. Its season at the Koger Center for the Arts includes classical masterpieces, contemporary works, and popular family-friendly concerts like the annual "Halloween at Hogwarts" or "Beethoven and Blue Jeans."
Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College: This modern venue offers a diverse calendar of events, including concerts, live theater, and special engagements. It's a fantastic resource for everything from tribute bands and classic R&B to touring acrobatic shows.
The Township Auditorium: A historic entertainment venue that has been part of Columbia's culture since 1930. The Township hosts a wide range of popular events, including performances by musical legends like Kansas and Blue Oyster Cult, as well as sold-out comedy shows from top comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Wanda Sykes, and Ali Siddiq.
Trustus Theatre: This is a non-profit professional theater known for its bold and contemporary productions. It's a great place to see cutting-edge plays and musicals in an intimate setting. Recent and notable productions have included "Ain't Misbehavin'," the Pulitzer Prize finalist "Clyde's," and the highly anticipated workshop of the original musical, "Dandelion."
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment in Columbia, SC
Columbia’s food, shopping, and entertainment scenes are constantly evolving, offering a mix of local mainstays and exciting new options. From bustling markets to eclectic boutiques, there's always something to discover.
Neighborhood Hotspots
Soda City Market: A Columbia institution and a must-do every Saturday morning. Main Street transforms into a vibrant, European-style street fair with over 150 vendors. It's the perfect place to grab a coffee from a local roaster, browse handmade goods from artisans, and sample everything from fresh produce to global street food.
The Vista: This vibrant arts and entertainment district is home to many of the city's best restaurants, galleries, and shops. It’s the go-to spot for a night out, with a wide range of cuisines. For a farm-to-table experience, check out Motor Supply Company Bistro, known for its daily-changing, handcrafted menu. For a classic Southern seafood meal, Blue Marlin is a favorite, housed in a historic railroad station.
Five Points: A historic and eclectic neighborhood near the University of South Carolina, Five Points is known for its unique boutiques, lively bars, and diverse dining scene. Find one-of-a-kind gifts at places like Loose Lucy's, a local institution, or The Gourmet Shop, which serves incredible brunch and has an impressive selection of cheeses and wines.
New & Noteworthy Dining (2025)
Columbia's food scene is constantly evolving with new and exciting concepts. These spots are highly talked about for a reason.
Tupelo Honey Cafe: A popular Southern kitchen and bar in the BullStreet District, known for its scratch-made, Southern-inspired dishes like their famous honey-dusted fried chicken and shrimp & grits.
The Hollow: A "forest-to-table" restaurant in the Vista specializing in game meats and farm-fresh ingredients. The menu is a unique exploration of rustic American cooking, featuring dishes with bison, duck, and boar.
Iron Hill Brewery: A regional brewery with a location in the BullStreet District, offering a wide selection of house-made beers and classic pub fare.
Family-Friendly Fun in Columbia, SC
Frankie's Fun Park: A top spot for family entertainment, Frankie's is an amusement park for all ages. It features go-karts, mini-golf, a massive arcade, laser tag, and batting cages.
The University of South Carolina Campus: Take a walk through the beautiful campus, especially the historic Horseshoe, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The campus is a hub of activity and a great place to people-watch.
Sports & Leisure in Columbia, SC
Catch a Game at Segra Park: Root for the home team at a Columbia Fireflies minor league baseball game. The downtown stadium is a state-of-the-art venue with a fantastic atmosphere and fun promotions.
Get Lost in a Bookstore: Spend a quiet afternoon at a local bookstore like Odd Bird Books or browse the extensive shelves at the main branch of the Richland Library, which is a fantastic community resource.
With so many options, you can see why living in Columbia offers a dynamic lifestyle that's anything but boring!
Things To Do Soda City in Columbia, SC
Table of Contents
Culture, History & The Arts in Columbia, SC
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment in Columbia, SC
New & Noteworthy Dining (2025)
Outdoor Adventures & Natural Escapes in Columbia, SC
Outdoor Adventures & Natural Escapes in Columbia, SC
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: Voted a top zoo in the nation, Riverbanks is a can't-miss. Its expansive grounds are home to more than 2,000 animals and a lush, 70-acre botanical garden that offers a peaceful retreat.
Congaree National Park: Just a short drive from downtown, this national park is a natural wonder. It boasts the largest remaining tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S. Walk the famous boardwalk trail or paddle down Cedar Creek.
Saluda Shoals Park: Spanning over 400 acres along the Saluda River, this park is an outdoor paradise. It features paved trails for walking and biking, a popular riverwalk, and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.
Three Rivers Greenway: A growing network of paved trails that connects Columbia, West Columbia, and Cayce. The sections along the Saluda, Broad, and Congaree rivers are perfect for a run, bike ride, or a scenic stroll with a view of the skyline.
Harbison State Forest: For the more adventurous, Harbison offers over 18 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, providing a more rugged and forested escape just minutes from the city.
Sesquicentennial State Park: Locals call it “Sesqui.” This sprawling park offers a beautiful 30-acre lake for fishing and canoeing, picnic shelters, and plenty of space for a day of outdoor fun.
Lake Murray: The "Jewel of South Carolina" is an incredible year-round destination. While water sports are popular in the summer, the lake is beautiful in all seasons. Walk the Lake Murray Dam, known for its incredible sunset views, or go birdwatching on one of its islands.
Best Real Estate Agent on Lake Murray South Carolina, Patrick O’Connor
About Patrick O’Connor
Patrick O'Connor is the founder and leader of The Patrick O'Connor Team at Coldwell Banker, specializing in real estate across the SC Midlands and on Lake Murray. As a top realtor, he has assisted over 1,500 families in buying and selling homes, generating over $500 million in sales volume. Recognized as the #1 Coldwell Banker team in South Carolina, Patrick brings unparalleled expertise in the Midlands of South Carolina real estate market, earning accolades for his dedication and success in the industry.
