Lexington County

Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 15-18
Restaurant Week in the Midlands
Restaurant Week South Carolina is in the Midlands from Jan. 8-18, 2026, according to Capital City Lake Murray Country. The 11-day event series brings forth the best from restaurants all over the state, including in Lexington County and surrounding areas. “During this celebration of food and dining, participating restaurants—from casual cafés to upscale establishments—will showcase specially curated multi‑course menus and fan‑favorite dishes at set prices, giving locals and visitors alike the chance to explore new flavors and support the local restaurant scene,” according to the Capital City Lake Murray Country website. “Highlights include diverse offerings from spots in Downtown Columbia, Cayce, Chapin, Forest Acres, Irmo, Lexington, and the Midlands. Diners can discover everything from modern Asian fare and seafood to barbecue and American classics, with many restaurants offering lunch and dinner specials throughout the event. Reservations are encouraged as participating restaurants are likely to fill up.” Find more information at restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com/restaurants/.

Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 15-17
Tasting event at Hollow Creek Distillery
Hollow Creek Distillery in the Leesville area of Lexington County invites you to one of its weekly tasting events. Offered Thursdays through Saturdays, no reservations are needed for folks to come visit at 112 Rocky Ridge Rd. any time between 1 and 7 p.m. The last tour starts at 6 p.m., and the last tasting starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more at hollowcreekdistillery.com or call 803-470-6010.

Friday, Jan. 16
Spirit of Lake Murray
For $79 a person on Friday, Jan. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m., you can enjoy a 2-hour cruise on Lake Murray aboard The Spirit of Lake Murray. This is a dinner cruise where you can indulge in “delicious Surf & Turf dinner featuring prime rib and salmon,” according to Capital City Lake Murray. “The cruise offers smooth sailing, scenic views, and a relaxing atmosphere—perfect for date night, celebrations, or a fun evening with friends.” Learn more at spiritoflakemurray.com/. The Spirit of Lake Murray is located at 216 Shadowood Dr. in Irmo.

Friday, Jan. 16
Wine. Dine. Unwind at Chayz Lounge
On Friday at Chayz Lounge, located at 607 Meeting St. in West Columbia, is the “Wine. Dine. Unwind” event, in which doors open at 5 p.m. and live jazz begins at 7 p.m. Reservations are required for this event, which is meant to help you transition out of the workday, according to Chayz Lounge. “The First Pour [from 5 to 6:45 p.m.] invites you to stop in after work and enjoy a thoughtfully priced selection of wines, cocktails, and Chef’s Selections. It’s a relaxed early-evening pause for easy conversation, a glass or two, and a graceful transition out of the workday,” according to the Chayz Lounge website. “As the night progresses, the experience shifts into Friday Evening Jazz, with live music beginning at 7:00 PM. This portion of the evening is reservation-based, allowing us to create an intimate, well-paced atmosphere where the music, service, and dining experience can be fully enjoyed.” Register and learn more at www.chayzlounge.com/events.

Saturday, Jan. 17
Experience Play That Band at Chayz Lounge
On Saturday at Chayz Lounge, located at 607 Meeting St. in West Columbia, is the Experience Play That Band event, in which doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is at 8 p.m. Reserved seating costs $45 a person. “Join Play That Band for an intimate night of jazzy, soulful, and funky rhythms. This dynamic duo takes you on a musical journey through timeless classics from Lionel Richie, El DeBarge, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, and more,” according to the Chayz Lounge website. Learn more and reserve seats at www.chayzlounge.com/events.

Saturday, Jan. 17
Alfreda Sings Aretha and Tina at Harbison Theatre
On Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, located at 7300 College St. in Irmo, you can enjoy “Alfreda Sings Aretha and Tina.” “Love Aretha? Love Tina? Then you’ll love international singing powerhouse Alfreda Gerald. Join Alfreda as she sings some of your favorite songs from Tina Turner including ‘What's Love Got to Do with It,’ ‘Simply the Best,’ and ‘Proud Mary;’ plus hits from Aretha Franklin like ‘Chain Of Fools,’ ‘Natural Woman,’ and ‘Respect,’” according to the event website. “Alfreda has performed with Cher, Celine Dion, Sir Elton John, Whitney Houston, Yanni, Warren Haynes, and many others. Showcasing an incredible wealth of stage experience, she has performed throughout the world at venues such as Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, Sydney Opera House, The Acropolis, and Wembley Stadium.” General tickets are $40 and student/senior/military tickets are $35. Learn more and purchase tickets at harbisontheatre.org.

Sunday, Jan. 18
Savage Salsa Sunday
On Sunday, at Savage Craft Ale Works, located at 430 Center St. in West Columbia, from 3 to 7 p.m., is Savage Salsa Sunday. This event happens every third Sunday of the month. According to Capital City Lake Murray, salsa lessons start at 3 p.m. followed by hours of Latin dance music. “No partner is needed and the event is family friendly.” Admission is $7 for adults and free for children under 14. “Savage Salsa Sunday provides an opportunity to meet people, learn the basics of salsa, improve coordination, stay active, and enjoy Latin dance music. No outside food or drinks are allowed.” Learn more at www.crazydancelove.com/savagesalsa.

Richland County

Friday, Jan. 16
Áróra at the SC State Museum
On Friday, at 1:30 p.m., at the SC State Museum, located at 301 Gervais St. in Columbia, you can experience a simulation of the northern lights in South Carolina. Tickets range from $15-18 and the show is family friendly. “Explore the beauty of the Northern Lights in the digital dome planetarium experience, ‘Áróra!’ This immersive cinematic journey takes guests across remote Icelandic landscapes and into space to find and understand these mystical, eerie lights,” according to the museum’s website. “During this award-winning show created by some of Iceland’s best-known scientists, writers, photographers and musicians, you will not only witness the beauty of the aurora above Earth, but also explore how these stunning displays of colors have also been seen on other planets and moons throughout our galaxy.” There are additional showings on other days. The show lasts 21 minutes. Visit scmuseum.org/explore/astronomy/planetarium/arora to learn more and buy tickets.

Monday, Jan. 19
MLK Service
The City of Columbia’s 38th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Service is happening on Monday at 4 p.m. The event will be held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at 2300 Green St. in Columbia. “The service will be held in celebration of national Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dr. Bobby J. Donaldson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of South Carolina, will serve as the Keynote Speaker for the event,” according to a release from the city. “Dr. Donaldson currently serves as the founding Executive Director of the Center for Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina, where he also holds the James E. and Emily E. Clyburn Endowed Chair of Public Service and Civic Engagement and serves as an Associate Professor of History. Through his teaching, research, and public engagement, Dr. Bobby Donaldson continues to enrich our understanding of African American history and its enduring impact. His work honors the past while inspiring future generations to pursue ‘justice for all.’ Participants can also expect performances from the “Pride” Ensemble Featuring H. Wade Johnson and Professor Jeffrey Lampkin and the Award Winning Francis Marion YGB Gospel Choir.” Beforehand, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Stone of Hope at 3 p.m. A bus shuttle will be provided for the service by the City of Columbia Park and Recreation Department. The bus shuttle will run from the parking deck at 2221 Devine Street, accessible from Lee Street. The shuttles will run from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A shuttle will be provided by the city, and it will run from the parking deck at 2221 Devine St. (accessible from Lee Street), from 3 to 8 p.m. Visit the city’s website for more information.