Columbia, July 13, 2024 – Columbia city is teeming with a host of diverse activities and events for its residents, visitors, and budding talents to enjoy this summer.
Arts and Exhibitions
Alexandra’s Art Studio on Sparkleberry Crossing Road is running adult and kids’ classes, camps and group sessions (artstudiocola.com). Collaborating with One Columbia for Arts and Culture, the Columbia SC Visitors Center outside the VC will host weekend artist popups until July 28. Shandon United Methodist Church organizes an exhibition of Ashley (Stone) Ozmint’s oil paintings at the church’s Patricia Beckler Art Gallery, running until August 30.
Auditions
The Stage Brighton/Bill’s Pickin Parlor and Event Center will host auditions for lead personalities in its 3 Play Season on July 20.
Charity
Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church organizes a Vacation Bible School for ages three through fifth grade on July 12 and 13.
City Initiatives
The City of Columbia, its legislators and management, and Columbia Green will announce a collaborative initiative to plant 1,750 new shade trees on private property at no cost to property owners over the next five years, on July 13 at the Benedict Campus Center.
Fundraising
As part of the EMS Closet initiative, members of the community are being asked to support students in the Richland School District 1 and 2 by donating new clothes for the upcoming school year.
Festivals
Historic Columbia announced that soul singer Sunshine Anderson will headline the 46th annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture on September 21. The South Carolina Book Lovers Expo and Food Truck Festival will take place on July 27 at The Gala Event Center.
Health and Wellness
A Mental Health Day is scheduled for July 20 at the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center, organized in conjunction with the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation, Shvaas Spa, Healthy Learners, and Visions Counseling & Career Center. The Educator Health and Wellness Day will be held July 19 at Columbia College.
Museums
The Olympia Mill Village Museum features “Life in the Olympia Mill Village in the 1920s” and is open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Music
The Endless Summer Band featuring Carl Ellsworth/Curt Rone will perform a Summer Beach Party at the Still Hopes Retirement, Keenan Event Center on July 18.
Sports
The American Pickleball Tour (APT) will return to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center from July 19–21 and has designated Habitat for Humanity as its charity beneficiary.
Support Groups
Multiple support groups, including Promise of Serenity NAR-ANON (for families and friends of addicts), ADD/ADHD Support Group of the Midlands, and others, provide various services for those seeking help and advice.
Theater
Healthy Laughter presents a Mental Health Comedy Show at the New Brookland Tavern on July 31, hosted by Mirci.
