Lexington County

Thursday, Feb. 5, through Friday, Feb. 6

Lexington County Library events
The Lexington County Library shares the following free events for all ages:

Kid Zone: Therapy Animals is for children in grades kindergarten through 5th grade on Feb. 5 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Lexington branch, located at 5440 Augusta Rd. in Lexington. 

Handmade: Valentine's Day Charcuterie is for locals 18 and older on Feb. 5 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Chapin branch, located at 129 Columbia Ave. in Chapin. 

Author Talk: Gamechanger: The Life & Writing of Julia Mood Peterkin is for locals 18 and older on Feb. 6 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Cayce-West Columbia branch, located at 1500 Augusta Rd. in West Columbia. 

Kid Zone: Valentine Scavenger Hunt is for children in grades kindergarten through 5th grade on Feb. 6 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Swansea branch, located at 199 N. Lawrence Ave. in Swansea. 

Saturday, Feb. 7

Savage Craft Ale Works Anniversary Party
On Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Savage Craft Ale Works, located at 430 Center St. in West Columbia, celebrate Savage Craft's five years in business with food, drinks and activities. The event welcomes all ages, according to the brewery's Facebook post about the event. There will be face painting, a mechanical bull, giant garden games and "surprises throughout the day." Live music is on the agenda, too, with Phil James and the Fast Lane performing from 3 to 6 p.m., and Prettier Than Matt performing from 6 to 8 p.m. DJ Stingray 803 will be on-site, too. This event also ushers in Savage Craft's new anniversary stout, among other new beers. 

John Lakin and Friends at Harbison Theatre
On Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, located at 7300 College St. in Irmo, come experience "a night of culture and praise celebrating freedom and redemption. John Lakin and Friends' 'Redemption Song' will present gospel songs that helped many overcome and survive the struggles of life. Praise and worship, hymns, and spiritual songs will bring the community together for one inspirational evening. National gospel recording artist John Lakin, a celebrated worship leader, brings together established and independent artists for a powerful night of music and fellowship," according to the theater's event listing. General admission is $25, while student/senior/military admission is $20. Buy tickets at www.harbisontheatre.org/events/john-lakin-and-friends-2026. 

Tuesday, Feb. 10

South Carolina Philharmonic Chamber Crawl: Craft & Draft Irmo
On Tuesday night at Craft and Draft in Irmo, located at 7583 St. Andrews Rd., a South Carolina Philharmonic high-energy string quartet, led by SCP Concertmaster Mary Lee Taylor Kinosian (violin), alongside Damir Horvat (violin), Brent Hooper (viola) and Tzu-Ying Liao (cello) will be playing live music. A part of the South Carolina Philharmonic’s Chamber Crawl Series, doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. "Expect a fun, crowd-pleasing set packed with rock and pop favorites—from The Beatles, ABBA, and Journey to Coldplay, Guns N’ Roses, and more—all delivered with that signature chamber-music flair," according to the event website. "Be sure to enjoy the delicious food by Chef Ros while you’re there—and come thirsty! Craft and Draft pours local and regional brews from 12 rotating taps and stocks more than 300 beers on the shelves, so there’s something for everyone. Reservations are recommended due to limited capacity and the popularity of this event." General admission tickets are $20, and can be purchased online at www.scphilharmonic.com/calendar/02-10-2026/chamber-crawl-craft-and-draft-irmo. 

Richland County

Thursday, Feb. 5

First Thursday on Main
On Thursday at 6 p.m. in downtown Columbia, First Thursday on Main will showcase Columbia's arts and culture scene. "On the first Thursday of each month, we celebrate the thriving arts and culture scene of downtown Columbia with musical acts, artist displays and performances," according to the event website. "Main Street merchants and businesses keep their doors open late, offering menu and drink specials, special events, and more. From the 1200 block all the way to the 1700 block, you’ll find a lively mix of art, music, food and drinks. ... Since 2009, thousands of people have joined in the festivities of First Thursday on Main." The Columbia Museum of Art, located at 1515 Main St., also celebrates with free admission and extended hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 6, through Sunday, Feb. 8

Vintage Market Days: Good Vibes
From Friday, Feb. 6, through Sunday, Feb. 8, the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, located at 1200 Rosewood Dr. in Columbia, will be hosting "Vintage Market Days: Good Vibes," from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. "Vintage Market Days® is an upscale, vintage-inspired, indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings, and a little more. The market is a three day event held several times a year in varying communities throughout the United States," according to the event website. "Each Vintage Market Days® event is a unique opportunity for vendors to display their talents and passions in creative venues throughout the country." Ticket prices are displayed at events.humanitix.com/goodvibes/tickets. 

Friday, Feb. 6

Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden 
“Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will once again offer complimentary admission to taxpaying residents of Lexington and Richland Counties every Friday during January and February,” according to the zoo’s website. “Valid proof of residency is required. Please present a property tax statement, vehicle registration, South Carolina driver’s license, or photo ID at any ticket window for free entry to the park.” The zoo is located at 500 Wildlife Pkwy. in Columbia, and Friday hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at riverbanks.org. 

Looking ahead

This event has been postponed to Feb. 22
12th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff, Feb. 15

From noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Icehouse Amphitheater in downtown Lexington, the Old Mill BrewPub, Blowfish Baseball Club and the Town of Lexington are putting on the 12th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff.

Advanced tickets you can purchase online through the event website are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Day-of tickets will be $20 for adults.

“The 2026 event promises a diverse culinary experience, featuring more than 25 cook teams competing for bragging rights. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of unique chili recipes ranging from traditional beef to creative specialty blends,” according to a press release. “Beyond the competition, the cookoff serves as a major fundraising engine for the region. Proceeds from the event directly support the Town of Lexington Police Foundation and several other local charitable organizations, helping to fund vital community safety initiatives and outreach programs.”

This is a family-friendly event with live entertainment from the local band, Under The Sun. For more information, visit goblowfishbaseball.com/.