5 things to do in Columbia for Memorial Day holiday weekend
Spending Memorial Day weekend in Columbia? Luckily, that failure to score an invitation to the beach or the mountains doesn’t necessarily mean three days of “Law & Order” reruns and Netflix.
We’ve pulled together a few worthy diversions for the holiday weekend.
Perfect your cannonball
Columbia is opening its public outdoor pools on Saturday, May 27. Pools at Greenview Park, with its cool new waterslide, and Maxcy Gregg Park, near the University of South Carolina, will open at 10 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. that Saturday – an hour later than regular closing time. On Sunday, May 28, swim from 2-6 p.m. at both pools. And on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, the new Greenview pool, normally closed for Mondays for cleaning, will be open for swimming, as will Maxcy Gregg.
Get fired up
For a few nights each summer, Congaree National Park is one of just a handful of locales in the world where thousands of fireflies flash their lights at the same time, creating a dazzling phenomenon. The park will stay open late in May and June as long as the fireflies cooperate; on Saturday, May 27, celebrate the return of the fireflies with Firefly Fest, a day of guided hikes, music and activities for kids that will end with the insect-fueled light show. For information, visit nps.gov/cong.
RELATED: Watch a video of the fireflies at Congaree
Rather see the other Fireflies? The first pitch against the Augusta GreenJackets will be at 5:05 p.m. at Spirit Communications Park. In honor of Memorial Day, the first 1,000 fans will receive a Military Hero baseball card set, which honors military members who lost their lives for our country. Gates open at 4:05 p.m.; for information, visit firefliestickets.com.
RELATED: They’re playing baseball Memorial Day weekend in Lexington County
Go for a sail
Discover the difference between sailing and boating at Lanier Sailing Academy’s “Sample Sail,” a two-hour instructional sail on Lake Murray for $30 per person. Sails will be held at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. all weekend. No experience required; reserve a spot at (803) 317-9060.
Get some Rhythm
Over the years, the West Columbia-Cayce Chamber’s Rhythm on the River has been a showcase for some of Columbia’s most interesting and crowd-pleasing local bands. This Saturday, May 27 will continue this tradition with The Travelin’ Kine, a songwriting group of bluegrass rockers who take inspiration from Kris Kristofferson, Widespread Panic and almost everyone in between. The concert starts at 6 p.m. at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater. www.cwcchamber.com
And this week’s Lexington Live features a Memorial Day concert presented by Lexington Baptist Church Orchestra. It’s set for 6 p.m. Sunday, May 28 at Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 W. Main St. Free. www.icehouseamphitheater.com
Zen out
Ease into Sunday with yoga at Conquest Brewing, which begins at noon and ends with a beer of your choice. The brewery will be open all weekend long and, as usual, will offer a 25 percent discount to members of the military. www.conquestbrewing.com