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Articles by Susan Ardis
Rain or shine: There's plenty of things to do in the Columbia area this weekend Original
COLUMBIA, S.C. — There may be some rain in the forecast, but don't let that stop you from getting out and enjoying yourself. Especially since some of these events, including the Songbird Music Fest at Finlay Park, are being held come rain or come shine. If in doubt, always try to contact the venue before heading out. Speaking of Songbird, the two-day festival will feature some of the finest local and regional acts, trending to Americana music.
Judge hears final motions before trial of Rick Chow, man charged with killing Columbia teen Cyrus Carmack-Belton
WLTX Judge denies request to move murder trial of Columbia convenience store owner Rick Chow out of Richland County, where he is charged in the shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton outside his gas station. Attorneys spar over what evidence jurors will hear, including cellphone evidence, social media posts, and prior incidents connected to the store, as trial is set to move forward in Richland County with jury selection beginning Tuesday.
Rodeo and roller derby: An action-packed Memorial Day Weekend is ahead
COLUMBIA, S.C. — It's Memorial Day Weekend, a time to commemorate the sacrifices that men and women have made serving this country in the US Armed Services. There are some free concerts featuring military bands scheduled for Sunday and Monday, and YMCA Columbia's Race to Remember Saturday morning. It is also the unofficial start to summer as high school and college graduations are going on this week and next -- and public swimming pools are opening ahead of the regular season.
Jazz, horror, and garden festivals converge in S.C. for an unforgettable weekend of things to do Original
COLUMBIA, S.C. — If you're a fan of jazz music, horror films, and garden fests, this is the weekend for you. In addition to the weekend-long Black Expo, there are multi-day events to keep you busy. While Black Expo kicks off tonight, and Taste of Black Columbia is on Friday at Columbia Museum of Art, the main event will be Saturday at the State Fairgrounds with free morning seminars and a day filled with music, food and networking opportunities.
Party like an animal: from the Poultry Festival to a Pro Rodeo, live music and farmers markets, there's something to do this weekend Original
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two big events are happening this weekend: area colleges and universities are holding commencement ceremonies and Mother’s Day is Sunday. It's a time to celebrate new graduates and the one who raised you with an outing (or two) this weekend. As always, check the weather forecast before heading out -- there's rain in the forecast late Saturday and most of Sunday -- and dress and plan accordingly. Most events this weekend are being held rain or shine.
Clay and crawfish, bluegrass and roses... and BBQ: Find your fun at these Midlands festivals and events Original
COLUMBIA, S.C. — There are plenty of things to do this weekend -- from small town barbecue festivals to big name bluegrass and the last weekend of ArtFields. Outdoor events feature BirdFest, billed as "the ultimate bluegrass music festival" in Pinewood, with host/headliners Steep Canyon Rangers; and the annual Orangeburg Festival of Roses at Memorial Park. Just check with individual events to see if there are any changes due to the weather.
Find some fun: Fireflies celebrate 10 years, pickleball, sweet potatoes, and walk/runs Original
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Not too much preamble this weekend. There's some really cool free concerts to start off the weekend on Thursday and Friday nights that are perfect for relaxing, or getting your groove on. Saturday morning is for those who want to get in their steps with 5Ks, 10Ks, and walk/runs in Forest Acres, Columbia, St. Andrews and Orangeburg.
Artista Vista, Columbia International & lots of music: Festival season has arrived Original
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The events calendar is filling up faster than weeds in a garden. Whether your interests involve the arts, music, culture or history, there's something for you this weekend. Artista Vista and the Columbia International Festival are the two "big" annual festivals running over multiple days. Artista Vista focuses on artists and the performing arts in the city's Vista/Congaree District with gallery crawls and music and dance performances.
Columbia International Festival, Artista Vista highlight weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The events calendar is filling up faster than weeds in a garden. Whether your interests involve the arts, music, culture or history, there's something for you this weekend. Artista Vista and the Columbia International Festival are the two "big" annual festivals running over multiple days. Artista Vista focuses on artists and the performing arts in the city's Vista/Congaree District with gallery crawls and music and dance performances.
Have a blooming fun weekend: Plant shows & sales dominate the weekend things-to-do calendar Original
COLUMBIA, S.C. — It's spring, it's the weekend after Easter, you know what that means: It's time to plant your garden! Plant sales dominate the event calendar this weekend with the Historic Columbia Plant Sale on Friday & Saturday; Midlands Native Plant Sale on Saturday; Herb Festival in Lexington on Saturday; Orchid Society Show & Sale, Friday-Sunday; Midlands Spring Plant & Flower Festival at SC State Farmers Market Thursday through Sunday! Whew! Don't have a green thumb, don't worry,...
Here's to an egg-ceptional weekend: First Thursday, egg hunts, comedy and more Original
COLUMBIA, S.C. — It's Easter weekend with Good Friday on April 3 and Easter Sunday April 5. Whether or not you celebrate the religious aspect of the weekend, there's plenty to do and see... especially if you enjoy an Easter egg hunt. There are a few scheduled for Saturday, but allow me to highlight a couple of the more out-of-the-ordinary hunts. First, grab a flashlight for Thursday night's after dark event at Melvin Park in Chapin.
We're not horsing around: From The Cup to the rodeo, there's something for everyone to take in this weekend Original
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Whether you like it a bit on the luxurious side or a little down and dirty, horses make up the biggest events of this weekend's activities. First, there's Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo featuring horses and riders competing in bareback, saddle bronc and barrel racing events on Friday and Saturday. This family-friendly event will have you whooping and hollering for your favorite cowpokes trying to stay upright in the saddle.
Find some fun: Basketball, Big Nosh, community festivals, and Easter egg hunts fill the Midlands' weekend calendar Original
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Friday is the vernal equinox, the first day of Spring, so let's get outside and celebrate. There's a lot happening this weekend -- from the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, to spring markets and early Easter egg hunts. Columbia area neighborhoods are shaking off the cold and celebrating with community festivals: EarleJam, The Big Flea, Sumter Springfest, The Big Nosh, and Soiree on State, just to name a few.
MercyMe! Goats! St. Pat's in Five Points! Find your fun this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Looking for something to do this weekend? Of course, the BIG event this weekend is St. Pat’s in Five Points. You could join in the celebration -- billed as South Carolina’s largest one-day festival -- that usually brings together thousands of your (soon-to-be) closest friends and partygoers to enjoy live music, good food, and some Irish authenticity. This year’s headliner is Grammy-nominated Grace Potter, who released her latest album Mother Road in August 2023.
Arts and crafts, and a bit o' the Irish: Find some fun this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — This is shaping up to be the first warm-weather, blue sky weekend of the year, with no rain in the forecast and temperatures more spring-like than winter. The only rub is the copious amount of pollen beginning to fall and turn everything it touches yellow, so you might want to pack some tissues or grab some antihistamine if you suffer seasonal allergies.
LEGOs, Degenerate Art, and Elvis has left the building: Things to see and do this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — It’s gonna be a warm, possibly wet, weekend ahead of us. Luckily, most of the events this weekend are being held indoors – from musical performances to theater, art exhibitions and boat shows. Also, take note of some events ending in the next two weeks, including the huge LEGO exhibit at Riverbanks Zoo and Ija Monet’s art exhibit at The Gallery at Koger Center. Whatever you’re interested in, bring an umbrella – just in case.
Find some fun: Take a walk (or run), attend a concert, or shop a vintage market, there's plenty to do this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — It seems line things might be getting back to normal, weatherwise. No winter storms in the immediate forecast, and actual sun is expected to be seen this weekend with temperatures in the mid-50s. Time to get outside! The things-to-do calendar is bouncing back, too. If you're into art, here's a few exhibits continuing this weekend at galleries in the Koger Center, 701 Whaley, and Arts Center of Kershaw County. Sports?
Find some fun: Restaurant Week ends, Free Fridays, MLK Day celebrations and more
COLUMBIA, S.C. — There's plenty to do this weekend as a lead-up to Martin Luther King Jr Day on Monday, January 19. Whether you have the day off or not, MLK Day has become a traditional day to dedicate to community service, reflection, and goodwill to your neighbors. Before Monday, there are some really cool things to check out. It's the last weekend to celebrate Restaurant Week in South Carolina.
Fulfill your fantasy: Central Carolina Comic Con comes to Columbia this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Fan of sci-fi, fantasy, and/or the many genres of comics? Then get fitted into your best cosplay outfit and head over to the Central Carolina Comic Con at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday.
Find some fun: Welcome in the New Year, last chance to see holiday light shows
COLUMBIA, S.C. — How do you plan to ring in the New Year? Will you be staying up late, or heading to bed early to avoid crowds? Whatever your plan, there are some options in the Columbia area for New Year’s celebrations and for the first weekend of 2026. If you plan to stay at home and shoot off your own fireworks, make sure you follow safety precautions and local noise ordinances. Here’s a sample of things to do this weekend: Fantasy of Lights, 6-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday.
Countdown to Christmas: Light shows, holiday markets and more this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — It's the last days before Christmas and the end of 2025. Have you done all of your holiday shopping? If not, see below for some local artisan market last-minute shopping opportunities -- including a Chicken Man pop-up shop at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Should you need activities for your family or holiday guests, take note of some light displays and various visits with Santa (he CAN be at two -- or more -- places at once!) this weekend. Need to relax?
Holiday markets, hoops, and... more parades: Find some fun this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The countdown to Christmas begins. As of this Sunday, only 11 days left for shopping, gathering and more this holiday season. The weather seems to be cooperating, getting folks into the wintry spirit with sunny days chilly nights. Keep this in mind if you plan on attending any of the handful of parades taking place Saturday morning in the Columbia area.
Find some fun: Parades, concerts, holiday markets and more!
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Everyone loves a parade and this weekend is packed with Christmas parades from around the Midlands. From the "big ones" in Lexington (part of the Snowball Festival) and Columbia (the Carolina Carillon), to community parades in South Congaree, Irmo, and West Columbia -- just to name a few -- you'll find one to enchant and help welcome the holiday spirit.
Find some fun: Serving up holiday lights with a side of rival football
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Thursday is Thanksgiving -- a day to give thanks and praise for the friends and family that give us love and support as we go through our days. It is also the first big gathering day of the yearend holiday season, aaaand probably the only day where Carolina and Clemson fans can get together in harmony before THE BIG GAME on Saturday.
It's beginning to look a lot like... the Christmas holiday season arrives in the Midlands
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The holiday season officially begins with tree lighting ceremonies and Christmas displays getting lit up for the first time this weekend. There's the Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park, Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo, Vista Lights, the Festival of Trees, and the Governor's Carolighting wraps up the "official" beginning of the Christmas season on Sunday.
From the sport of kings to acts that can sing, there's plenty to see and do this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — There's quite a variety of events happening this weekend in the Columbia area. The Gamecocks are playing away, facing the #3 Aggies of Texas A&M at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, at noon on Saturday, so there won't be any game day traffic here in Columbia. The weather is forecast to be sunny with temperatures back in the mid-70s, so the plan should be to get out and about and enjoy yourself. Why not grab a shopping bag and visit one of the local farmers markets on Saturday?
Hey goober! Fall festivals and food fill up this weekend's calendar of events
COLUMBIA, S.C. — If you're a fan of BBQ (or barbecue),boiled peanuts, and multi-day festivals, this is the weekend is for you. Let's get the food first. Friday and Saturday are the Battle of Camden BBQ Festival in Kershaw County and the Pelion Peanut Party in Lexington County. The Battle of Camden BBQ Festival features smoked chicken wings on Friday and pulled pork on Saturday, while supplies last (go early!). In Pelion, the Peanut Party kicks off Friday night with the blessing of the peanut pots.
Trick? or Treat? Find some fun this Halloween weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — OK you ghosties and ghoulies, the time for dressing up and trick-or-treating (we prefer treating) is upon us! Halloween is Friday, October 31, and there are quite a few haunted houses, festivals, and trick or treat opportunities in the Columbia and surrounding areas. Like haunted houses and such? Check out the Hall of Horrors in Cayce, Deceased Farm in Lexington, and/or the Terror Trail at Second Mill Pond in Sumter. In it for the candy?
State Fair, Gamecock football, and Boo at the Zoo! all happening this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Do you like crowds? If so, this is THE weekend for you as it's the final days of the 2025 South Carolina State Fair AND the Gamecocks are back at home at Williams-Brice for a midday game on Saturday.
It's scary out there: State Fair, Gamecock football, and Boo at the Zoo! all happening this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Do you like crowds? If so, this is THE weekend for you as it's the final days of the 2025 South Carolina State Fair AND the Gamecocks are back at home at Williams-Brice for a midday game on Saturday.
It's Fair weather, friends! Find some fun things to do this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — This weekend is PACKED with things to do... the South Carolina State Fair is in full swing, as is Restaurant Week Midlands, and Carolina is playing away at LSU. It's also the traditional "Fair weather week," that week-to-10-days when temperatures dip about 10 degrees below what you've been used to while the State Fair is happening. Don't worry, it's just another "false fall." Happens every year around this time.
Woofstock, Pawlenciaga, and the annual Blessing of the Animals: This weekend is going to the dogs!
COLUMBIA, S.C. — While there is a myriad of things to do this weekend, let me focus your attention, pet lovers, on Sunday, October 5. Not one, or two, but THREE pet-centric events are happening this Sunday. First there's Woofstock, the Humane Society of South Carolina's annual fundraiser featuring a day of fun for pets and their owners at Icehouse Pavilion in Lexington. Then there's the Pawlenciaga Inaugural Larry Carlton Charity Fashion and Dog Show at the Vista Greenway Lincoln Tunnel.
Old and new things to do: Revolutionary War reenactors, new art exhibits and butterflies
COLUMBIA, S.C. — There's some things old and some things new -- and a bridal showcase -- in this weekend's things to do calendar for the Columbia area. The old things include: your last chance to check out photographs of Revolutionary War veterans dating from the 1800s at the Sumter Museum speaking of the Revolutionary War, reenactors will be at Gamecock Park, across from Williams-Brice, Saturday afternoon.
Greeks, pumpkins & superheroes: Fall festival season is here!
COLUMBIA, S.C. — It's mid-September, the weather is (slowly) cooling down, so that means festival season is heating up.
Greeks, pumpkins & superheroes: Fall festival season is here!
COLUMBIA, S.C. — It's mid-September, the weather is (slowly) cooling down, so that means festival season is heating up.
Find some fun: Football, Lexington Week of Restaurants, and the Big HBCU Battle of the Bands
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Well folks, while it’s still early in the football season, this state does have two teams ranked in the AP Top 25. No. 12 Clemson is playing away at Georgia Tech in an ACC matchup while No. 11 South Carolina takes on Vanderbilt in an SEC matchup at Williams-Brice. Coming into the contest, both the Gamecocks and Vandy are 2-0. If you like football, but REALLY like the marching bands at halftime, you will love what's coming to Columbia on Sunday.
Football, photographs and The Big Grab: Things to do in the Columbia area this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — It’s week two of college football and Carolina’s coming off an opening win in Atlanta to play the team’s first home game against SC State at Williams-Brice. South Carolina is also ranked for the first time in a long time in the Top 10 (at #10) in the AP Poll. Can the Gamecocks settle down and get to business or will they leave an opening for a Bulldog upset? There are other non-football things going on this weekend, especially if you like garage sales, art and jazz.
Sumter County leaders call emergency meeting over proposed deferment of realignment of school attendance lines
SUMTER, S.C. — Will the Sumter County School Board call for a deferment of the realignment of attendance lines when it meets on Monday, September 8, and if it does, what will that mean for rural schools? Those are two questions that community leaders hope to discuss with the public in an emergency meeting called for 6-8 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, September 2, at Rafting Creek Community Center, 4050 Highway 261 North, Rembert.
It's the Labor Day Weekend: Last chance to make a splash this summer
COLUMBIA, S.C. — We’re heading into a long Labor Day Weekend, folks! It’s the beginning of college football season and the unofficial end of summer. If you’re not hunkered down watching football this weekend, there’s some cool things to do this weekend -- the Fireflies make their last home stand of the season at Segra Park, get out and shop local at one of the farmers markets, or take a leisurely cruise on Lake Murray to watch the purple martins come home to roost.
Give into the fantasy this weekend: Soda City Comic Con and the ongoing Heroes & Villains costume exhibit
COLUMBIA, S.C. — So, what's going on this weekend? School is back in session and high school football kicks off this Thursday and Friday, so get out there and support your kids' team. News19 meteorologists say it will be hot and humid with a chance of scattered storms, so plan ahead by keeping an umbrella handy or head indoors. Speaking of indoors: are you ready to cosplay at Soda City Comic Con on Saturday and Sunday?
High school football, college students return to action this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Our things to do list might seem a little light this weekend, but that's not indicative of the amount of activity that will be going on around town this weekend. You see, it's move in weekend for most of the colleges and universities in town because classes start next week! Benedict College and Allen University both start on Monday, August 18, and University of South Carolina starts on Tuesday, August 19.
It's time to grab a cooler and celebrate your local farmers
COLUMBIA, S.C. — August 3-9 is National Farmers Market Week, created to recognize the local farmer who works to bring fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and other produce from their fields to your table. It's the perfect time to get out and explore South Carolina's many farmers markets and roadside stands because, even though it's still hot outside, there's still a lot of items in season.
Last chance for fun: Weekend packed with baseball, parties, and tax-free shopping
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The countdown has begun and this is officially the last weekend before school starts! Before you get overwhelmed with homework or coordinating drop-off schedules, take one last break and have some fun! Relax at an evening baseball game -- the Fireflies have a weekend home stand against the Fredericksburg Nationals and the Lexington Blowfish's Friday night game against Macon Bacon is the last home game of the regular season.
From Bigfoot to BIG Plants and back-to-school bashes, there's plenty to hold your attention this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — We're coming up to the end of summer for some (sorry kids), so there's a few back-to-school events offering free book bags and school supplies on the calendar this weekend. But... if you're looking for something to keep your mind off of the inevitable, I suggest maybe checking out Bigfoot Fest at The Babylon Kino on Saturday evening. When the website writeup says "this stuff does not require your full attention," you know it'll be an interesting evening with your favorite cryptid.
Weekend buzzing with events: From rodeos to beekeeping
COLUMBIA, S.C. — It's a beastly weekend ahead of us! Everything from bookworms and purple martins, to beekeepers and K9s -- there's event a two day championship rodeo featuring real and mechanical bulls to ride. If you're like me, a little more laid back, you might enjoy Richland Library's Summer Book Sale on Saturday or an evening cruise on Lake Murray to watch thousands of purple martins head for their roost on Bomb Island.
Farmers markets, degenerate artists, and... back-to-school parties: Things to do in the Columbia area this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — We've entered the long, hot, high-humidity stretch of summer. Choose your activities wisely so that you don't get overheated. Go early morning to one of the area markets in Columbia, Camden, Lexington and/or Chapin -- don't forget the SC State Farmers Market in West Columbia -- or seek respite indoors at one of a myriad of options, including movies at the library.
Things to do in Columbia, South Carolina, July 4, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — YES! Friday is the Fourth of July, Independence Day, fireworks, fireworks, fireworks!!! There's also a little bit more than the big booms going on, so for a change of pace, we've pulled together a list of things to do this weekend that may -- or may not -- include sparkly things in the sky. Don't forget some old school favorites: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, South Carolina State Museum, and EdVenture are all open this weekend.
Celebrating Juneteenth and the first day of summer: Things to do in Columbia, June 19-22
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Although it's been feeling like it for days now, summer officially arrives on Friday, June 20. The summer solstice occurs at 10:42 p.m. EST, marking the longest day and shortest night of 2025 in the Northern Hemisphere. News19's meteorologists are forecasting temperatures to be in the 90s over the weekend with the heat index rising to over 100. As always, try to stay hydrated when you're outdoors, maybe find a shady spot to hang out.
From Fireflies to Chicharrones, Disney princesses, and OUTFest, the category is: Transformation.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Get ready to mix it up this weekend. If there is a theme, it's transformation -- the weather has finally transitioned from spring to nearly-blazing hot and humid summer; the Columbia Fireflies do their annual transformation into Los Chicharrones de Columbia for Copa de la Diversion weekend to honor the Hispanic community; and OUTFest celebrates everything LGBTQ+.
Blowfish, Heroes & Villains, and Lake Murray Palooza Music Festival: An action packed weekend awaits
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The unofficial summer season has begun. We are past Memorial Day and graduations are winding down this weekend (congrats!). Bear in mind that some outdoor activities might be compromised due to predicted storms on Friday, but the rest of the weekend should be sunny and warm. Speaking of Friday, that marks the opening season for Blowfish baseball in Lexington.
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