Lexington County

Friday, March 20

Handmade event at Lexington library branch
On Friday from 11 a.m. to noon at the Lexington Main Library, located at 5440 Augusta Rd. in Lexington, is a free event intended for adults looking to get creative. This DIY workshop will teach attendees what a junk journal is and how to make one. “Explore this creative practice by repurposing junk materials into a personal scrapbook or journal,” according to the event listing.

Saturday, March 21

Soiree on State in Cayce
From 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday in Cayce, you can attend Soiree on State, a free event. “The City has partnered with the Avenues Neighborhood Association to combine the Cayce Festival of the Arts with Soiree on State,” according to the event website. “Soiree on State will include artists, a free kid’s area with bounce courses, face painting and a balloon artist, food vendors, a variety of musicians and more for fun all afternoon long!” The event takes place along State Street, from Poplar Avenue to Railroad Street. Free parking can be found at Brookland Cayce High School and all side streets.

Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival, March 21
The 9th Annual Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival is on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Irmo Town Park. “This year's event promises to be even more vibrant and engaging, continuing the tradition of honoring the beauty, fragility and preciousness of life, as embodied by the delicate and transient cherry blossoms,” according to a press release. “Last year's festival saw beautiful weather and a remarkable turnout, with an estimated 3,000 attendees from across North and South Carolina. Plans for this year include a diverse array of activities including food trucks, a Japanese Import Car Drive-In, a cosplay contest, presentations about kimono and washi paper making, a variety of vendors showcasing Japanese traditional and popular culture, popular and traditional songs, and a special performance of Japanese festival drumming.” This event also honors Japanese culture, ensuring attendees have plenty of opportunities to learn about Japanese food, history and art. “The Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event celebrating the beauty of cherry blossoms and the rich culture of Japan,” according to the press release. “It features a variety of activities, including car shows, cosplay contests, cultural performances, and educational booths. The festival aims to bring the community together to learn, experience, and appreciate Japanese traditions and the start of spring.” The Town of Irmo, the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs and the Japan-America Association of South Carolina make this event possible. “Plans for this year include a diverse array of activities including food trucks, a Japanese Import Car Drive-In, a cosplay contest, presentations about kimono and washi paper making, a variety of vendors showcasing Japanese traditional and popular culture, popular and traditional songs, and a special performance of Japanese festival drumming.”

Sunday, March 22

12,000 Year History Park tour
On Sunday at 2 p.m., you can tour the Congaree Creek Civil War battlefield at the 12,000 Year History Park on Congaree Creek in Cayce. “Sherman's army had 45 firefights with Confederate forces between January 1, 1865, and the capture of Columbia on February 17. The battle at Congaree Creek will be among the 3 largest battles involving Sherman's forces during this time frame,” according to a Facebook post on the event. “Join us as we walk the battlefield and visit the earthworks, learn about the strategies and tactics used by both sides as Sherman marched through South Carolina on his way to Columbia.” Meet at the entrance to the park just beyond the Cayce Tennis Center. The park is located at 1120 Fort Congaree Trail in Cayce. There is free parking at the dirt lot to the left past the tennis center. Tours are nearly two miles long and will take about two hours. Tours are free and sponsored by the City of Cayce. Learn more at cayce12000years.com.

4th Annual Celtic Market at Flora & Fauna, March 22
On Sunday, March 22, at Flora and Fauna Marketplace in Lexington is the 4th Annual Celtic Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Join us for our 4th Annual Celtic Market as we celebrate the timeless beauty of Celtic Lore & Heritage,” according to the event listing. “Wander through a bustling village of 30+ artisan vendors, where treasures await at every turn. Savor the rustic delights of our local food truck, and let your spirit soar as you are serenaded by curated Celtic melodies drifting through the air. Capture moments of pure wonder at our enchanted photo opportunities, and don your finest kilt or most resplendent fantasy attire to truly inhabit the legend. Whether you come for the craftsmanship or the camaraderie, prepare to embark on a mystical, local journey you won’t soon forget.” This is a free event with free parking, and dogs are welcome. Learn more at floraandfaunasc.com/events.

Richland County

Friday, March 20

Finlay Fridays at Finlay Park
On Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Finlay Park, located at 896 Blanding St. in Columbia, is Finlay Friday. “The City of Columbia’s Finlay Park presents Finlay Fridays, a live outdoor concert series happening every Friday evening from February 20 through October 30, 2026,” according to the Capital City Lake Murray event listing. “Open to the public, the series brings live music, food, and drinks to the heart of downtown Columbia — the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Performances take place from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and feature a variety of local and regional artists throughout the season.” March 20 will feature Jazz in the Park with ColaJazz.

Saturday, March 21

Flock Fest
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the South Carolina State Museum, located at 301 Gervais St. in Columbia, is Flock Fest. “The State Museum invites you to Flock Fest, a special event featuring hands-on activities, gallery tours, birding opportunities and programs presented in partnership with organizations from across the state,” according to the event website. See the full schedule and more information at scmuseum.org/events/flock-fest.

Beyond in Lexington County

On Sunday, March 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Summit Park, located at 307 W. Hampton St. in Leesville, is an Easter egg hunt. Hosted by the Derrick Team, this event will be collecting pet supplies for local animal shelters, so bring any pet supplies you would like to donate. This family-friendly event will have Easter egg hunts by age groups, face paint, games, prizes, treats, animals, a bounce house, vendors and spots to take photos.

On Sunday, March 29, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Lake Murray Dam, located at 1832 N Lake Dr. in Lexington, is Dining on the Dam 2026, hosted by the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center. General admission costs $150, which includes dinner, beverages and live music. “This year’s event will celebrate the spirit, flavor, and culture of South Carolina, bringing together guests from across the Midlands and beyond for one unforgettable evening overlooking Lake Murray. Known as one of Lexington’s most notable events, Dining on the Dam welcomes more than 1,000 attendees each year for a vibrant open-air celebration unlike any other in the region,” according to the press release. “Guests will enjoy a curated menu of South Carolina favorites crafted by Southern Way Catering, adult libations, and high-energy live entertainment from the Finesse band that will keep the dance floor moving all night long. As the sun sets over the water, the Lake Murray Dam transforms into the Midlands’ most unique venue— creating a breathtaking backdrop for an evening filled with connections, celebration, and Carolina pride.” More information and tickets are available at www.diningonthedamsc.com.