Lexington County

Thursday to Saturday, May 7-9

South Carolina Poultry Festival
From Wednesday to Saturday, May 6-9, the South Carolina Poultry Festival will come to the Town of Batesburg-Leesville. “The [Ridge Poultry Festival] grew from its roots into what it is today, The South Carolina Poultry Festival, one of the most attended festivals in the state,” according to the event website. “The festival still remains humble and retains a great deal from the first festival; however, it has grown exponentially with over 90 craft vendors, 100 plus unit parade, 3 stages of continuous entertainment and an indescribable Pyromusical, fireworks in sync with music! The attendance over the three-day event has exceeded 100,000 people. The steering committee has grown from 7 people to 30 people. The carnival has doubled in size, a chicken cooking contest, a tractor and car show and a road race has been added, and much more.” Learn more at www.scpoultryfestival.com.

Strawberry Picking at McKenzie Farms
It’s strawberry season! At McKenzie Farm, located at 3911 Augusta Hwy. in Gilbert, you can pick strawberries Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through May. “We will provide you with a 1gal or 1/2 gal baskets and let you explore our fields on the hunt for the best berries,” according to mckenzie-farm.com/upick. “We ask that you be kind to our plants so they will continue to grow the best berries and make sure you can still fit your hand under the handle when filling the buckets … if they are overflowing, come back, and we will happily give you another bucket!” Learn more on their website.

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 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. The last tour starts at 6 p.m., and tastings begin at 6:30 p.m. Learn more at hollowcreekdistillery.com or call 803-470-6010.

Thursday, May 7

Concert at Icehouse Amphitheater
On Thursday, May 7, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Riverstone will be performing at Lexington’s Icehouse Amphitheater, located at 107 West Main St. in downtown Lexington. The event is free to attend. “Fronted by Jeff Lucero and Natalie Roers Lucero, Riverstone blends indie rock, folk, and pop with rich vocal harmonies, catchy originals, and fresh live spins on covers. Their debut full-length album The Blur dropped in October 2025, and they’ve already shared stages with regional and national acts and performed at festivals across the Southeast. This special full-band show features Bart Ballington on drums and Danielle Blood on keys and bass – a night you won’t want to miss,” according to the venue’s website. This event is part of the Icehouse Live Spring Concert Series, presented by Lexington Health. Learn more at icehouseamphitheater.com.

Friday, May 8

Concert at Icehouse Amphitheater
On Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m., Captain Mike & the Shipwrecked will be performing at Lexington’s Icehouse Amphitheater, located at 107 West Main St. in downtown Lexington. “Set sail for a night of island vibes at the Icehouse Amphitheater on May 8, 2026 with Captain Mike & the Shipwrecked, a high-energy Jimmy Buffett tribute band bringing all the Parrot Head favorites and deep cuts from the Coral Reefer catalog. From laid-back beach tunes to sing-along classics, this 9-piece band of pirates and musicians will have you feeling like you’re sailing through the Caribbean. This special evening supports Mission Lexington, helping neighbors in our community in need. Come enjoy great music, good company, and tropical fun—all for a great cause,” according to the venue’s website. Learn more and buy tickets at icehouseamphitheater.com.

Irmo Town Limits Concert Series
On Friday, May 8, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Moore Park, located at 7473 Church St. in Irmo, The Return will be performing, as a part of the Irmo Town Limits Concert Series. This is a free event. There will be food and drink vendors on site. Gates open at 6 p.m. “We’re closing out the Irmo Town Limits Spring Concert Series with a bang! Join us for an unforgettable night as we welcome The Return: A Tribute to the Beatles to the stage. Since 1995, The Return has been capturing the magic of the Fab Four with incredible precision. From the authentic mop tops and sharp suits to the vintage gear and those unmistakable harmonies, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to 1964. Expect all your favorite #1 hits, plenty of witty banter, and a dance floor that won't stay empty for long,” according to the event listing.

Saturday, May 9

Lexington’s Wine Walk
Lexington’s Wine Walk is on Saturday, May 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. on East Main Street in downtown Lexington. Tickets cost $50. According to the event listing, it’s an “evening of sipping, strolling, and enjoying everything Downtown Lexington has to offer. Lexington's Wine Walk will take place along East Main Street between South Church Street and North Lake Drive, transforming downtown into a lively tasting experience.” There will be catering, live music, a golf simulator, lawn games, art and more. Purchase tickets online.

Strawberry picking at Clinton Sease Farm
On May 9 and May 23, you can pick strawberries at Clinton Sease Farm in Lexington (382 Olde Farm Rd.). These events are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission closes at noon, the last wagon ride to pick strawberries is at 12:15 p.m. and the farm closes at 1 p.m. Attendees ages 3 and older are $15 a ticket, while those younger get in free. Tickets include more than just the wagon ride and berry picking. Learn more at clintonseasefarm.com. “Strawberries, as an agricultural crop, are subject to the weather and growing conditions nature gives them. Therefore we cannot guarantee berries will be available on the stated dates,” according to the farm’s website. “Prepare to be flexible AND follow us on Facebook/Instagram or subscribe to this website below for any updates.”

12,000 Year History Park tour
On Saturday at 2 p.m., you can tour the 12,000 Year History Park on Congaree Creek in Cayce. “Native Americans played a strategic role in the economy and defensive welfare of the Carolina Colony. Learn more on a great tour with the 12,000 Year History Park,” according to a Facebook post on the event. Meet at the entrance to the park just beyond the Cayce Tennis Center. The park is located at 1120 Fort Congaree Trail in Cayce. There is free parking at the dirt lot to the left past the tennis center. Tours are nearly two miles long and will take about two hours. Tours are free and sponsored by the City of Cayce. Learn more at cayce12000years.com.

Richland County

Friday, May 8

Finlay Fridays
On Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Finlay Park, located at 896 Blanding St. in Columbia, is Finlay Friday. “The City of Columbia’s Finlay Park presents Finlay Fridays, a live outdoor concert series happening every Friday evening from February 20 through October 30, 2026,” according to the Capital City Lake Murray event listing. “Open to the public, the series brings live music, food, and drinks to the heart of downtown Columbia — the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Performances take place from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and feature a variety of local and regional artists throughout the season.” May 8 will feature Latin Caravan.

Beyond in Lexington County

Concert at Icehouse Amphitheater, May 14
On Thursday, May 14, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot will be performing at Lexington’s Icehouse Amphitheater, located at 107 West Main St. in downtown Lexington. The event is free to attend. “This eight-piece R&B, soul, and rhythm & blues powerhouse features some of the hottest players in the business, led by multi-award-winning vocalist Gary Lowder. With numerous Carolina Beach Music Award honors – including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Group CD of the Year – Smokin’ Hot delivers a high-energy, horn-driven show that keeps the dance floor packed,” according to the venue’s website. This event is part of the Icehouse Live Spring Concert Series, presented by Lexington Health. Learn more at icehouseamphitheater.com.

Show at Chapin Theatre Company, May 14-31
Tickets are on sale for “Nana’s Naughty Knickers,” directed by Jane Peterson, at Chapin Theatre Company, located at 830 Columbia Ave. in Chapin. “Written by Katherine DiSavrio, Nana’s Naughty Knickers follows the young woman Bridget, who is planning to stay with her grandmother for the summer before law school starts. However, what Bridget sees as a unique opportunity to stay with her favorite “Nana” in New York for the summer quickly turns into an experience she’ll never forget,” according to chapintheatre.org. “It seems her sweet Nana is running an illegal boutique from her apartment, selling handmade naughty knickers to every senior citizen in the five-borough area! Will Bridget be able to handle all the excitement? Will her Nana get arrested – or worse – evicted?” Learn showtimes and buy tickets on the theater’s website.

Summer Rock Tour Series at Steel Hands Brewing, May 15-16
Friday, May 15, will kickoff Steel Hands Brewing’s Summer Rock Tour series. “We're turning up the volume this summer with the launch of a NEW Summer Rock Tour Series, a high-energy live music experience featuring rock tribute bands all season long,” according to the event listing. All shows apart of the series on May 15, May 16, June 6, June 11 and Aug. 1 will begin at 6 p.m. They’re free and open to the public. Steel Hands Brewing is located at 2350 Foreman St. in Cayce. The line up is as follows: May 15: The WillieKens with special guest She Might Get Loud May 16: Tribute: Allman Brothers Tribute with special guest THE CORE: Horde Festival Revival June 6: Petty Rewind: A Tom Petty Tribute with special guest The WillieKens July 11: Harvest Moon: A Neil Young, CSN&Y Tribute with special guest The WillieKens August 1: Tattoo You: A Rolling Stones Tribute with special guest The WillieKens

Festival at the Friars Gate, May 16-17
From May 16 to 17 at Moore Park in Irmo is a free admission renaissance fair, Festival at the Friars Gate. “HEAR YE, HEAR YE! Let it be known throughout the realm! The First Grand Festival at the Friar's Gate shall be held upon the 16th and 17th days of May in the Year of our Realm, 2026 within the Irmese village of Ravenmoore, where sea serpents guard the lake and old magic stirs in the soil,” according to the event website. “Come ye one, come ye all, to a place out of time, where jesters shall tumble, blades shall clash, music shall rise, and tankards shall overflow with cheer. Witness contests of skill and honor, and feast like kings ‘neath the banners of yore. Let thy garb be fine and thy spirits high, for the gates of the fair shall open at the tenth bell.” Tickets are free but there is a limit. Secure your tickets and learn more at friarsgatefestival.com.