Hurry! It’s your last chance to catch these fun summer events in Columbia
Calling all procrastinators.
You’d never know it from the thermometer, but summer in Columbia is, technically, on its way out. And while it will be with us in spirit for the next month at least, it’s almost the end of the line for the activities and events that you planned, with the best of intentions, to attend all summer.
You’ve got one more chance – these events will be gone by this time next week.
Summer Drive-In Movie Series
Last day: Saturday, Aug. 12
Why it’s worth the effort: You know you love “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Come out and you can see that final outer space battle – you know you loved that bit of campy space fun – on a giant screen.
Info: Historic Columbia Speedway, 2001 Charleston Highway, Cayce. $20 per vehicle, $30 for a VIP preferred parking spot. Gates open at 7 p.m.; the movie starts at dark. Buy passes online at summerdriveinseries.com; passes sold at the event are cash only.
Finlay Park concert series
Last day: Saturday, Aug. 12
Why it’s worth the effort: Some bands go on tour with one hit and a bunch of songs no one has ever heard of. Not the SOS Band, playing at this last installment in the concert series. Even if you don’t remember the ’80s, you’ll know these R&B tunes like “Take your Time (To do it Right)” and “Just be Good to Me.”
Info: Free. 7-10 p.m. at Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St.
Museum exhibits
‘RETOOLED: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE HECHINGER COLLECTION’
Last day: Sunday, Aug. 27 (Saturday, Aug. 26 for the guided tour)
Why it’s worth the effort: It’s hard to find an art exhibit that a lot of people can enjoy. Covering various styles and mediums, “ReTooled” is that exhibit. There are photographs, paintings and sculpture, some bright, some subdued, all celebrating usefulness in ways you might now expect.
Info: Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. Free with museum admission. www.columbiamuseum.org
OTHER EXHIBITS CLOSING SOON
▪ “Light Beings,” featuring the work of contemporary Pakistani artist Sana Arjumand, at Columbia Museum of Art. Closes Monday, Aug. 28.
▪ “More Than a Southern Author,” drawn from the recently acquired Ron Rash archive at USC, at Ernest F. Hollings Special Collections Library, 1322 Greene St. Closes Thursday, Aug. 31.
Twilight in the Garden
Last day: Friday, Aug. 11
Why it’s worth the effort: Your kids can cool off – and work off some energy – at Waterfall Junction. In addition to a 25-foot-tall waterfall, the watery wonderland includes a splash zone set with jet fountains that shoot water from all directions and a shady play yard overseen by a giant pterodactyl. After playtime, the movie “A Bug’s Life” will be shown. And did we mention that beer and wine will be available?
Info: Riverbanks Botanical Garden, 500 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia. Order $5 tickets at www.riverbanks.org; the event begins at 6 p.m.