Lexington County

Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 29-31

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 1 and 7 p.m. The last tour starts at 6 p.m., and the last tasting starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more at hollowcreekdistillery.com or call 803-470-6010.

Friday  through Sunday, Jan. 30 - Feb. 1

“12 Angry Jurors” at Village Square Theatre
Until Feb. 1, “12 Angry Jurors” is showing at Village Square Theatre on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, located at 105 Caughman Rd. in Lexington. “A seemingly open-and-shut murder case unravels as twelve jurors must confront their own biases and doubts in this powerful courtroom drama about justice, prejudice, and the importance of reasonable doubt,” according to the theater’s website. “Based on the television movie, 12 Angry Men.” Friday and Saturday showings are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday showings are at 3 p.m. Adult tickets are $20, senior, military and college student tickets are $18, and tickets for viewers 17 and under cost $15. There is a $2 fee for all tickets purchased with a credit card. Learn more and buy tickets at www.villagesquaretheatre.com/tickets/. 

Saturday, Jan. 31

Purple Martin Conservation Workshop
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at Riverbanks Botanical Gardens, located at 1300 Botanical Pkwy in West Columbia, you can learn about Purple Martins from Wingard’s Market Naturalist and USCG Captain Zach Steinhauser. "Learn why these birds need protection and how to become a Purple Martin landlord by setting up your own colony of Martin Houses," according to riverbanks.org. "Every Purple Martin seen around Bomb Island on Lake Murray in the summer was raised in a birdhouse, as natural nesting sites are now rare. Discover practical ways to support local wildlife and help Purple Martins thrive." The cost is $20 for Riverbanks members and $25 for the general public. Learn more at riverbanks.org. 

Richland County

Friday, Jan. 30

Community Campfire
On Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Saluda Shoals Park, located at 5605 Bush River Rd. in Columbia, you can enjoy a relaxing event with your family, complete with live music. "Gather around fire pits to enjoy hot dogs, campfire treats and live music by band the Runout. Optional glow-night hikes will also be offered," according to lexingtonsc.org. "Each ticket includes one (1) hot dog (with a skewer – yes, you have to cook it yourself!) and chips. Additional snacks, hot dogs, desserts, and drinks available for purchase." Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children three to 12.

Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden 
“Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will once again offer complimentary admission to taxpaying residents of Lexington and Richland Counties every Friday during January and February,” according to the zoo’s website. “Valid proof of residency is required. Please present a property tax statement, vehicle registration, South Carolina driver’s license, or photo ID at any ticket window for free entry to the park.” The zoo is located at 500 Wildlife Pkwy. in Columbia, and Friday hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at riverbanks.org. 

Áróra at the SC State Museum
On Friday, at 1:30 p.m., at the SC State Museum, located at 301 Gervais St. in Columbia, you can experience a simulation of the northern lights in South Carolina. Tickets range from $15-18 and the show is family friendly. “Explore the beauty of the Northern Lights in the digital dome planetarium experience, ‘Áróra!’ This immersive cinematic journey takes guests across remote Icelandic landscapes and into space to find and understand these mystical, eerie lights,” according to the museum’s website. “During this award-winning show created by some of Iceland’s best-known scientists, writers, photographers and musicians, you will not only witness the beauty of the aurora above Earth, but also explore how these stunning displays of colors have also been seen on other planets and moons throughout our galaxy.” There are additional showings on other days. The show lasts 21 minutes. Visit scmuseum.org/explore/astronomy/planetarium/arora to learn more and buy tickets.

Looking ahead in Lexington County

12th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff, Feb. 15
This event has been postponed to Feb. 22
From noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Icehouse Amphitheater in downtown Lexington, the Old Mill BrewPub, Blowfish Baseball Club and the Town of Lexington are putting on the 12th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff.

Advanced tickets you can purchase online through the event website are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Day-of tickets will be $20 for adults.

“The 2026 event promises a diverse culinary experience, featuring more than 25 cook teams competing for bragging rights. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of unique chili recipes ranging from traditional beef to creative specialty blends,” according to a press release. “Beyond the competition, the cookoff serves as a major fundraising engine for the region. Proceeds from the event directly support the Town of Lexington Police Foundation and several other local charitable organizations, helping to fund vital community safety initiatives and outreach programs.”

This is a family-friendly event with live entertainment from the local band, Under The Sun. For more information, visit goblowfishbaseball.com/.

Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival, March 21
The 9th Annual Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival is on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Irmo Town Park.

“This year's event promises to be even more vibrant and engaging, continuing the tradition of honoring the beauty, fragility and preciousness of life, as embodied by the delicate and transient cherry blossoms,” according to a press release. “Last year's festival saw beautiful weather and a remarkable turnout, with an estimated 3,000 attendees from across North and South Carolina. Plans for this year include a diverse array of activities including food trucks, a Japanese Import Car Drive-In, a cosplay contest, presentations about kimono and washi paper making, a variety of vendors showcasing Japanese traditional and popular culture, popular and traditional songs, and a special performance of Japanese festival drumming.”

This event also honors Japanese culture, ensuring attendees have plenty of opportunities to learn about Japanese food, history and art.

“The Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event celebrating the beauty of cherry blossoms and the rich culture of Japan,” according to the press release. “It features a variety of activities, including car shows, cosplay contests, cultural performances, and educational booths. The festival aims to bring the community together to learn, experience, and appreciate Japanese traditions and the start of spring.”

The Town of Irmo, the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs and the Japan-America Association of South Carolina make this event possible.

“Plans for this year include a diverse array of activities including food trucks, a Japanese Import Car Drive-In, a cosplay contest, presentations about kimono and washi paper making, a variety of vendors showcasing Japanese traditional and popular culture, popular and traditional songs, and a special performance of Japanese festival drumming.”

14th Annual Herb Festival at the Lexington County Museum, April 11
A free event on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lexington County Museum will feature herbs, vegetables, baked goods, educational presentations and local vendors, according to Capital City Lake Murray Country.

This rain-or-shine event is made possible by the Lexington County Herb Bunch, and the proceeds from the event will go towards a local student who plans to further their studies in agriculture and horticulture.

For more information, contact the Lexington County Museum at 803-359-8369. The museum is located at 231 Fox St. in Lexington.