FRIDAY, AUG. 8

Ben Chapman & Co. (concert)
The “Nashville Nights” concert series rolls on at Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St.). The shows are dedicated to rising Nashville young talent, and singer/songwriter Ben Chapman fits the bill. Chapman and Co. play a mix of country-rock originals with old favorites and classic country tunes. Host Michael Haney kicks things off at 6 p.m. This event is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information.

Tokyo Joe (concert)
Beloved local rockers Tokyo Joe play a full band set at LJ’s Par & Grill (381 Pilgrim Church Rd.). The band plays a mix of covers and originals starting at 8 p.m. This show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/tokyojoeband for more information.

Purple Martin Cruise
The Spirit of Lake Murray (docked at 216 Shadowood Dr.) takes you around the lake on a Purple Martin tour. Set sail on an unforgettable evening aboard the Spirit of Lake Murray and witness the gathering of thousands of Purple Martins at sunset. This exclusive boat tour offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles. The tour runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and food and drinks are available. Tickets are $59. Visit exploretock.com for more information.

SATURDAY, AUG. 9

The Groove Masters (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.) and popular Columbia band the Groove Masters invite you to enjoy “An Evening of Dinner & Jazz.” Expect to hear hits and favorites by Kem, James Brown, The Gap Band and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $79 (price includes dinner). Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

The McKoy Brothers (concert)
The McKoy Brothers return to the Friday night concert stage at Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor (710 Meeting St.). The band plays a mix of gospel, classic country and traditional bluegrass starting at 8 p.m. The snack bar is open, and admission is a $10 donation. Visit billsmusicshop.com for more information.

Nature Discovery Walk
Congaree National Park (100 National Park Rd.) hosts a Saturday morning Nature Discovery Walk. Join a volunteer park naturalist for a guided hike on the park’s boardwalk trail to learn about the varieties of flora and fauna that call Congaree National Park home. This hike lasts approximately two hours and begins at 9:30 a.m. Participants should wear or bring clothing that is appropriate for the day’s forecasted conditions and temperature. The walk is free to attend, but registration is required. Visit nps.gov to register.

TUESDAY, AUG. 12

Toucan Tuesday
The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) hosts their popular weekly Toucan Tuesday event. Riverbanks teams with Harvest Hope Food Bank once again, and every Tuesday this summer, guests who donate two non-perishable food items will receive buy-one-get-one-free general admission and buy-one-get-one regular-sized ICEEs. Toucan Tuesday runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit riverbanks.org for more information.

Savage Trivia Night 
Savage Craft Ale Works (430 Center St.) hosts their weekly Savage Trivia Night. Unlike other trivia nights, Savage Trivia puts your mental AND physical skills to the test for a chance to win great prizes. Trivia takes place in the Savage Craft Armory, located in the brick building in the beer garden. Bring your friends and enjoy a night of fun games. This event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/savagecraftaleworks for more information.

Storytime In The Parks
Moore Park (7473 Church St.) hosts the rotating Storytime In The Parks summer series. The mayors of Irmo, Lexington and Chapin team up this summer to inspire a love of reading among local children. Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson, along with his counterparts from Lexington and Chapin, leads this Tuesday morning story time starting at 10:30 a.m. This family-friendly event is free to attend. Visit townofirmosc.com for more information.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 13

Kids Night
East Bay Deli at Parkland (917 State Rd.) hosts a family-friendly kids’ night. Beat the heat with custom-made snow cones and kid-friendly karaoke. It’s the perfect pairing with a free kids' meal (with purchase of adult meal) on a hot summer day. Kids Night runs from 4 to 7 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit eastbaydeli.com/location/cayce-parkland for more information.

THURSDAY, AUG. 14

Once Upon A Mattress (play)
The Chapin Theatre Company (830 Columbia Ave.) presents “Once Upon A Mattress.” This musical comedy is “The Princess and the Pea.” It tells the story of Prince Dauntless and Princess Winnifred. Winnifred’s unconventional nature and disregard for the Queen’s rules lead to a hilarious series of events, including the famous “twenty mattresses” test. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $20 for ages 18 and under. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.

Across the county line

The Township Auditorium (1703 Taylor St.) invites you to Artists For Africa on Friday, August 8. This event is a showcase of dance, music and theater from Broadway to Kirov. Program highlights include performances by founder Cooper Rust and scholarship student dancers from Kenya. Guests can also enjoy a cocktail hour, a silent auction and the sale of artisan works from Kenya prior to the performances. Artists For Africa kicks off at 7 p.m. and tickets cost between $25 and $75. Visit thetownship.org for more information.
 
The Newberry Opera House (1201 McKibben St.) welcomes beloved alt-rockers 10,000 Maniacs on Friday, Aug. 8. Expect to hear hits and classics like “More Than This,” “Hey, Jack Kerouac,” “These Are Days,” “Because The Night” and many more. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., and tickets cost between $55 and $75. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for more information.

Bring the family to Ridge Spring Town Plaza on West Main Street. on Saturday, Aug. 9, for the Ridge Spring Farmer’s Market. Local farmers gather to offer fresh produce, along with plants perfect for home gardens and landscaping. It’s a great opportunity to connect directly with farmers and learn more about where our food comes from. The market is free to attend and runs from 8 a.m. to noon. Visit ridgespringsc.com for more information.

The S.C. State Museum (301 Gervais St.) invites you and your special needs children to Accessibility Morning on Saturday, Aug. 9. Each month the museum hosts a special morning designed for families of children, teenagers, young adults and adults who benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly and disability-adapted experience. Guests who are neurodiverse or have other disabilities are welcome to participate in the optional activities or explore museum exhibition galleries at their own pace. Accessibility Morning is free to all and runs from 9 to 11 a.m. Visit scmuseum.org for more information.

Actor/comedian Sal Vulcano performs at the Koger Center for the Arts (1051 Greene St.) on Sunday, Aug. 10. Vulcano, best known for creating and starring in truTV’s long-running hit “Impractical Jokers,” and for “The Misery Index” on TBS takes on the treacherous modern world with his new “Everything’s Fine” show. Showtime is 5 p.m. Visit kogercenterforthearts.com for more information.