Short on cash? Here are 5 free things to do in Columbia this weekend
As the weekend approaches, there are plenty of fun and new events to attend in Columbia, but not everything is free.
With increasing costs across the nation, The State is starting a series of affordability stories, researching ways to save money so you don’t have to.
If you’re looking for a cheap way to have a good time and not have to worry about emptying your wallet, check out these five free events going on around town this weekend:
5 free events near Columbia this weekend
Festival at the Friar’s Gate
Get your suit of armor and shield, because a Renaissance Festival is coming to Moore Park in Irmo this Saturday and Sunday.
It’s the first installation of Festival at the Friar’s Gate, and to celebrate, the hosts are making it free to attend. Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., the entire family can travel back to the Middle Ages and enjoy:
- Medieval combat demonstrations
- Over 120 artisan craft vendors of all types
- Local honey and baked goods
- Live music and performances throughout the weekend including a handbell concert by Eastminster Presbyterian Church, fire spinning and trained dogs
- Food and drink vendors including mead, beer, wine and turkey legs
- Family and children’s activities
- Community organization participation including the Irmo Art Guild, Lexington County Public Library and local SCA
- Costume contest judged by the royal court
Attendance is free, but there is limited space. To attend, get your ticket here.
Cola Jazz Fest
It’s that jazzy time of the year again! The Cola Jazz Fest, a premier, two-day annual jazz festival, is coming back to Columbia, but this time, at Finlay Park.
Between today and Saturday, eight jazz bands will perform on stage for everyone to enjoy. Here’s the lineup for today:
- Soda City Brass Band: 5:30 p.m.
- The Purple Project: 6:30 p.m.
- SYR: 8 p.m.
Here’s Saturday’s:
- Brittany Turnipseed: 1 p.m.
- Willie Bradley: 2:45 p.m.
- Folderol: 4:30 p.m.
- Lucia: 6:15 p.m.
- Endea Owens & The Cookout!: 8 p.m.
Steel Hands Brewing Summer Rock Tour
Steel Hands Brewing is launching a new live-music series this weekend, featuring rock tribute bands throughout the summer.
According to their Facebook, the series will continue with performances on June 6, July 11 and Aug. 1, bringing electrifying entertainment to the Midlands.
All shows will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Steel Hands Brewing in Cayce, South Carolina, and are free and open to the public. Sponsored by Buchanan Construction Services, the Summer Rock Tour Series invites guests to enjoy an unforgettable lineup of tribute bands celebrating some of the greatest names in rock music.
Uptown Spring Fling
Hosted by Uptown Columbia SC, The Movement Lab SC, Soda City Chiropractic and Curiosity Coffee Bar, an event called the Uptown Spring Fling is going on this Saturday, between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
There will be free family-friendly activities, such as live music, yoga, botanical bookmark making, retro gaming for kids and much more.
You can hang out for free, but if you want a quick bite to eat, there will also be food trucks in the area to try out.
The address is 2325 Main St., Columbia.
Robert Mills House
Usually, a museum tour at the Robert Mills House costs $15 per person, but attendance is free this Sunday, May 17, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Historic Columbia makes one of its museums free every third Sunday of the month for Richland County and Lexington County residents.
The Robert Mills House operates as an historic house museum featuring period rooms and focus galleries highlighting late-18th through mid-19th century decorative arts.
All you need to get in for free is to bring a valid ID. For all other visitors, admission to the Robert Mills House is $15 for adults and $10 for youth.