FRIDAY, FEB. 7

Free Fridays
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) invites you and the family to Free Fridays. Every Friday in January and February, residents of Richland and Lexington counties can receive free daily admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden with proof of residency (valid driver’s license, property tax statement or vehicle registration). Bring the kids and see exotic wildlife and the beautiful garden. Riverbanks is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. Visit riverbanks.org for more information.

The Picken Pearls (concert)
Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor (710 Meeting St.) welcomes back The Picken Pearls, one of their most popular groups. The Pearls play classic bluegrass and gospel starting at 8 p.m. and running until 9 p.m., and the snack bar is open. Admission is a $10 donation. Visit billsmusicshop.com for more information.

CC Whitt (concert)
Singer, songwriter and guitarist CC Whitt performs at Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St.). Whitt, who normally fronts the Americana country band Lyn Avenue, plays a rare solo acoustic set featuring covers and originals from 6 to 10 p.m. This show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/@steelhandsbrewing for more information.

SATURDAY, FEB. 8

LeTron Brantley & Friends (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.) and saxophonist LeTron Brantley invite you to enjoy “The Soul Jazz Experience.” Expect to hear hits and classics by Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ronnie Laws, Natalie Cole, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Jeff Lorber and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and admission is $30. Showtime is 8 p.m. Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

518 Oyster Roast
518 Smokehouse (673 Chapin Rd.) throws its first oyster roast of the year. Indulge in all-you-can-eat oysters paired with hearty sides (while they last), cold drinks and great company. This event runs from 2 to 10 p.m., and admission is $35. Your admission covers all you can eat. Visit facebook.com/518Smokehouse for more information.

Valentine’s Day Brunch
If you’re looking to get your Valentine’s Day celebration on a bit early, The Landing Event Center (1832 Airport Blvd.) has just the event for you. Their Valentine’s Day Brunch helps you celebrate love with a delicious brunch filled with delectable dishes, sweet treats and bottomless mimosas. Treat your special someone to a romantic meal in a beautiful setting. This event runs from noon to 6 p.m., and tickets cost between $15 and $112. Visit facebook.com/thelandingeventcenter45140/ for more information.

SUNDAY, FEB. 9

Naturally 7 (concert)
Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (7300 College Blvd.) presents a performance by acclaimed a cappella group Naturally 7. The septet’s performance is dedicated (as is the group’s new album) to classic movie tunes. The set list includes tracks from cinematic classics like Titanic, The Sound of Music and several James Bond films, among others. Showtime is 3:30 p.m., and tickets are $40 for general admission and $35 for seniors, students and military. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.

High Tea
Stone River (121 Alexander Rd.) invites you to bring some culture into your life at its High Tea event. Start your experience with a glass of champagne, then choose from the selection of premium Rishi teas. Next, enjoy tea sandwiches, scones and sweet treats, all served on a gorgeous three-tier display with assorted china. High Tea runs from 2 to 4 p.m., and admission is $55. Visit stonerivercolumbia.com for more information.

MONDAY, FEB. 10

Now Showing
The Gaston Branch Library (1214 N. Main St.) hosts its weekly Now Showing movie night. This week’s film is the classic Drew Barrymore film Ever After, a retelling of the story of Cinderella that focuses more on empowerment than the search for true love. The film runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.

Valentine’s Paw Painting
Bring your pooch over to Modern Companion Pet Boutique for a fun Valentine’s event, Paw Painting. Bring your furry valentine out to make a special Valentine's Day gift as the Modern Companion staff members help guide your pup in making a painting with their paws. No appointments are necessary. This event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the cost is $10 per dog. Visit facebook.com/themoderncompanion for more information.

TUESDAY, FEB. 11

Andy & Friends with The Barbican Quartet (concert)
The Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (7300 College Blvd.) and the SC Philharmonic host a special event for those who love classical music. The SC Phil’s pianist Andy Armstrong welcomes The Barbican Quartet, winners of the 2022 ARD Music Competition in Munich. The quartet features Amarins Wierdsma (violin), Kate Maloney (violin), Christoph Slenczka (viola) and Yoanna Prodanova (cello). Don’t miss this captivating evening of world-class chamber music. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., and tickets cost between $35 and $40. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.

Across the county line

The SC State Museum (301 Gervais St.) invites you to its digital dome planetarium experience, Áróra!, on Friday, Feb. 7. This immersive cinematic journey takes guests across remote Icelandic landscapes and into space to find and understand the secrets of the mystical, eerie northern lights and explore how these stunning displays of colors have also been seen on other planets and moons throughout our galaxy. Áróra! runs throughout the day, and admission costs between $15 and $18. The museum’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit scmuseum.org for more information.

Grab the kids and head to Colonial Life Arena (801 Lincoln St.) on Friday, Feb. 7, for a trip back in time that might make you feel like a kid again yourself: a performance called “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Thrill at the daredevils on the triangular highwire and the crisscross flying trapeze, weave and wobble with the rider of the World’s Largest Unicycle and get ready for some soaring stunt bikes. Showtime is 7 p.m., and tickets cost between $25 and $100. Visit coloniallifearena.com for more information.

Congaree National Park (100 National Park Rd.) invites you to take a Nature Discovery Hike on Saturday, Feb. 8. Join a volunteer park naturalist for a guided hike on the park’s boardwalk trail to learn about all the flora and fauna that call Congaree National Park home. This guided hike runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and admission is free, though registration is required. Visit nps.gov/cong/index.htm to register.

If you’re a classic car buff, or just a car lover in general, you’ll love hanging out with the Cars & Coffee Columbia group on Saturday, Feb. 8. The club meets up on the second Saturday of every month at the AMC Theater 14 (122 Afton Ct.) to show off their autos and accessories, chat about all things automotive and have a good cup of joe. This event is free to attend, and no membership is required. It runs from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Visit facebook.com/carsandcoffeecolumbia for more information.

The Newberry Opera House (1201 McKibben St.) hosts a unique event on Sunday, Feb. 9. The Collage Dance Collective, one of the fastest-growing ballet companies in the U.S., brings a dynamic program of mixed repertory to the Newberry Opera House. Showtime is 6 p.m., and tickets cost between $15 and $20. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for more information.