FRIDAY, JAN. 31

Free Fridays
The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) launches its Free Fridays series. Every Friday throughout January and February, residents of Richland and Lexington counties can receive free daily admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden with proof of residency, such as a valid driver’s license, property tax statement or vehicle registration. It’s a perfect opportunity to take the family and see what Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has to offer. Riverbanks is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. Visit riverbanks.org for more information.

The Randy Lucas Trio (concert)
Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor (710 Meeting St.) welcomes The Randy Lucas Trio to its Friday night concert stage. Lucas is a master of the banjo, and his trio mixes mandolin and double bass for an evening of acoustic fun. Showtime is 8 p.m., and admission is a $10 donation. The snack bar will be open. Visit billsmusicshop.com for more information.

Jimmy Mowery (concert)
Singer, songwriter and former contestant on "The Voice" Jimmy Mowery performs at Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St.). Mowery performs a mix of covers and originals from 6 to 10 p.m., and this event is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/@steelhandsbrewing for more information.

Friday Dinner Cruise
The Spirit of Lake Murray (docked at 216 Shadowood Dr.) hosts a Friday night dinner cruise around Lake Murray. The boat will open at 5:30 p.m., and the cruise will depart promptly at 6:30 p.m., returning at 8:30 p.m. Enjoy open seating and a full bar in indoor and outdoor areas (seating is first come, first served). Cruise tickets cost $35 for adults and $30 for children 10 and under. Visit spiritoflakemurray.com for more information.

SATURDAY, FEB. 1

John Lakin (concert)
The Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (7300 College Blvd.) and acclaimed gospel singer John Lakin invite you to enjoy “The Gospel Sound,” an inspirational journey through the sounds of gospel music. Gospel music provides the soundtrack of generations, and its expressions are heartfelt across cultural barriers. Experience a musical journey showing appreciation for the rich heritage of gospel and celebrating Black History Month. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $25 for general admission and $20 for students, seniors and military. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.

Savage Anniversary
Savage Craft Ale Works (430 Center St.) invites you to its Savage Anniversary celebration. Savage Craft celebrates its 40th anniversary with live music from Prettier Than Matt and Civil Remedy, food specials throughout the day, mechanical bull rides, games and face painting for the kids, and plenty of brews to sample. This event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/savagecraftaleworks for more information.

LeTron Brantley (concert)
Saxophonist and bandleader LeTron Brantley and Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.) welcome you to “The Soul Jazz Experience.” Expect Brantley and friends to play 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., showtime is 8 p.m., and admission is $30. Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

SUNDAY, FEB. 2

Brunch Cruise
The Spirit of Lake Murray (docked at 216 Shadowood Dr.) hosts a Brunch Cruise around Lake Murray. This two-hour cruise departs promptly at 12 p.m. and returns at 2 p.m. While on the cruise, enjoy open indoor and outdoor seating and a full bar and menu available for purchase. Seating is first come, first served. Cruise tickets cost $35 for adults and $30 for children 10 and under. Visit spiritoflakemurray.com for more information.

MONDAY, FEB. 3

Historically Speaking: Lake Murray
The Lexington County Library (6251 St. Andrews Rd.) holds another lecture in its Historically Speaking series. Learn about the origins of Lake Murray and its impact on Lexington County, as well as the area’s history before the dam was constructed. This event is presented by the Lexington County Museum and runs from 6 to 7 p.m. It’s free to attend. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5

2025 Tourism/Marketing Summit
Lake Murray Country and the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College invite you to the 2025 Tourism/Marketing Summit. This event brings together industry leaders, innovators and marketers to explore the latest strategies for enhancing tourism-friendly brands and connecting with today’s travelers. Learn how to navigate the new frontier of AI and SEO, gaining valuable insights into a world of continuous change. This event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and registration is $25. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.

Tokyo Joe (concert)
O’Hara’s Public House (131 E. Main St.) welcomes popular local rockers Tokyo Joe back to their traditional Wednesday night spot, but with a bit of a twist. This time, the band is playing an unplugged acoustic set of favorites, originals and covers. This show runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/oharasph for more information.

Across the county line

The Newberry Opera House (1201 McKibben St.) and the Newberry Ballet Guild present Peter Pan on Friday, Jan. 31. “Join Peter Pan and friends for an unforgettable journey to Neverland! Will he finally defeat Captain Hook once and for all? Or will the Lost Boys be doomed forever? Be sure to look for all your favorite characters on stage as our young dancers perform this classic story.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for ticket info and other details.

The SC State Museum (301 Gervais St.) invites you to its digital dome planetarium experience, Áróra! on Friday, Jan. 31. 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.

The Newberry Opera House (1201 McKibben St.) welcomes former Statler Brother and successful country-gospel solo artist Jimmy Fortune on Saturday, Feb. 1. Since leaving the Statlers, Fortune has released numerous solo albums, teamed up with Gaither Music Group for chart-topping hits like Hits and Hymns, and joined forces with Ben Isaacs, Mike Rogers and Bradley Walker for the powerhouse group Brothers of the Heart. Showtime is 6 p.m., and tickets cost between $40 and $65. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for more information.

New Brookland Tavern (632 Harden St.) welcomes Oceanic on Saturday, Feb. 1. The rising Charlotte pop-rock band takes the stage after an opening set from Nashville indie-pop group VEAUX at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Visit newbrooklandtavern.com for more information.

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, performs at Colonial Life Arena (801 Lincoln St.) on Wednesday, Feb. 5, as part of her “For My Fans” tour. Expect to hear hits and classics like “No More Drama,” “Family Affair,” “Stronger” and many more. Fellow R&B stars Ne-Yo and Mario open the show at 7 p.m., and tickets cost between $59 and $275. Visit coloniallifearena.com for more information.