Friday – March 15

If You Only Knew (play)

The Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (7300 College St.) and WOW Productions present, “If You Only Knew: Why I Struggle To Trust God.” This gospel play centers around Nikki, Taylor and Wendy who profess their love for a God they do not trust in private. The play follows the trio as they navigate and face their truths by answering the real question: Do they really trust God with everything? Showtime is 7:30 p.m., and tickets cost between $30 and $60. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information. 

The Edgar Loudermilk Band (concert) 

Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor (710 Meeting St. in West Columbia) hosts a performance by The Edgar Loudermilk Band. Loudermilk, a two-time winner of the “Best Fiddle Performer of The Year,” will lead his band through classic and modern bluegrass tunes starting at 8pm. Showtime is 8pm and admission is $15. Visit billsmusicshop.com for more information. 

Saturday – March 16 

Race Against Hunger

Lexington High School (2463 Augusta Hwy.) hosts Race Against Hunger. The race is a fundraiser for Mission Lexington, an organization that combats food insecurity in Lexington County. Race Against Hunger begins at 8 a.m., and registration is required. Registration fees are $40 for an 8k run/walk and a t-shirt and $25 for a one mile fun run with a t-shirt. Visit lrah.org for more information.

2024 Spring Arts & Crafts Extravaganza

If you are an artist or a crafter, the 2024 Spring Arts & Crafts Extravaganza is where you need to be this weekend. Head over to the SC State Farmer’s Market (3483 Charleston Hwy. in West Columbia) as The Midlands Crafters Association will hosts this free family event featuring over 150 vendors, crafters, and local businesses from all over the Midlands. Parking is also free. This event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit facebook.com/MCACraftShows for more information. 

Blythewood Spring Artisan Market

Doko Meadows Park (171 Langford Rd.) hosts the Blythewood Spring Artisan Market. The market will feature vendors selling unique, handmade craft items and baked goods, from woodworking and jewelry to pottery and artisan breads. This event is free to attend and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit blythewoodfarmersmarket.com for more information. 

George Freeman (concert)

Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St. in West Columbia) and pianist George Freeman present “An Evening of Soul Jazz Grooves.” Freeman plays his own chart-topping songs along with hits and classics by  The Gap Band, Stevie Wonder, Joe, Anita Baker, Bruno Mars and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $35. Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information. 

Sunday – March 17

Shamrock Jam (concert)

Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St. in Cayce) caps off their weekend-long St. Patrick’s Day celebration with the Shamrock Jam. Come hear live music from Sean Mills (of Machine Funk), Electric Sparrows and Adam Knight’s Buried Alive, and enjoy home-brewed craft beers and food specials. This event runs from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information. 

Colton Beasley (concert)

Local rocker Colton Beasley performs at Savage Craft Ale Works (430 Center St. in West Columbia). Beasley will play his own songs and some popular favorites in a set that runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/savagecraftaleworks for more information. 

Prettier Than Matt (concert)

Popular local pop-rock act Prettier Than Matt performs at O’Hara’s Public House (131 E. Main St.). The band will play a mix of covers and originals starting at 6:30 p.m. This event is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/oharasph for more information. 

Tuesday – March 19

Historically Speaking

The Lexington Main Library (5440 Augusta Rd.) hosts Historically Speaking. This lecture series breaks down the local history of Lexington County in partnership with the Lexington County Museum. If you’re a history buff or simply want to know more about your city, this event is for you. Historically Speaking runs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information. 

Thursday – March 21

Taste Of Lake Murray

If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, then the Taste Of Lake Murray event might be just right for you. Head over to the DoubleTree by Hilton (2100 Bush River Rd. in Columbia) for live music from The Voltage Brothers on the main stage and Under the Sun on the outdoor stage. Sample flavors from around the region and vote for your favorite chef to join Team Lake Murray Country at the World Food Championships. Bid on the silent auction and have fun at everyone’s favorite foodie party. Taste Of Lake Murray kicks off at 6 p.m., and tickets are $125. Visit lakemurray.com for more information. 

Across The County Line 

Emmet Cahill (concert)

Renowned Celtic Thunder vocalist Emmet Cahill performs at the Newberry Opera House (1201 McKibben St.) on Friday, March 15th. From traditional Irish ballads to contemporary classics, Cahill’s repertoire spans decades and genres, offering something for everyone. Cahill sings renditions of songs like “Danny Boy” and “Nessun Dorma” while mixing in storytelling and humor. Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets cost between $40 and $50. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for more information. 

St. Pat’s at Five Points

It’s time once again for the legendary St. Pat’s at Five Points celebration on Saturday, March 16th. This party to end all parties will features live music from dozens of acts including Empire Strikes Brass and Brandy & The Butcher, the Get To The Green Road Race, the Pot O’Gold Playground for the kids, plenty of local food and adult beverages. This event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and tickets cost between $25 and $200. Visit stpatscolumbia.com for more information. 

The Mark Rapp Group (concert)

The Mark Rapp Group, one of the most popular jazz groups on the Columbia music scene, performs at The Joint (1710 Main St.) on Saturday, March 16th. Trumpeter, composer, arranger and bandleader Rapp, founder of ColaJazz.com will take his group through a set of sophisticated jazz and cool bop. The show runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and admission is free. Visit thejointsc.com for more information. 

Aiken Fest 2024

Head over to the Western Carolina State Fairgrounds (561 May Royal Dr. in Aiken) for the annual Aiken Fest celebration. This family-friendly event features rides for kids and adults, fun games for people of all ages and food vendors from all around the Aiken area. The Aiken Fest begins at 1 p.m. and runs through March 17th. General admission is 5, a weekday ride band plus admission is $20, and a weekend ride band plus admission is $25. Visit aikenfestival.com for more information.