Lexington County 

Thursday, March 5

Gaston Branch of the Lexington County Public Library anniversary celebration
On Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m., the Gaston Branch of the Lexington County Public Library will celebrate 30 years in its current building with a free event that is open to the public. “While the branch marks three decades in its present location, library service in Gaston began in 1981 inside Gaston’s Town Hall,” according to the press release. “Over the years, the library has grown alongside the community, expanding its space, services and programs to meet changing needs. The anniversary celebration will honor both the branch’s history and its continued role as a gathering place for residents of all ages. Community members are invited to stop by, reconnect and celebrate the library’s lasting impact. Speeches will begin at 4 p.m., featuring remarks from Library Board Chair Bill Jones and Library Director Kelly Poole. The program will conclude with a ceremonial cake-cutting.” The Gaston Branch is located at 214 S. Main St. in Gaston. 

Friday, March 6

Irmo Murders and Mysteries Walking Tour
On Friday from 8 to 9:30 p.m. in Irmo Town Park, the Lexington County Museum will be hosting a Murders and Mysteries Walking Tour for free. Learn all about the murders, mysteries, duels, and lynchings that occurred in Irmo and the Dutch Fork as we take a leisurely walk through downtown Irmo,” according to the event listing. “The tour begins at 8 pm at the Irmo Town Park. This is a free event and reservations/tickets are not needed. Because of the mature subject matter, we ask that attendees be 18 or over or have parental permission. For more information, contact the museum at 803-359-8369 or email us at museum@lexingtoncounty.sc.gov.”

Saturday, March 7

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.

Sunday March 8 

The 11th Annual Shamrock Parade
On Sunday, March 8, at 3 p.m. in downtown Lexington, Blowfish Baseball will present the 11th Annual Shamrock Parade. There will be Irish dancers, choo choo trains, bands, floats, pageant winners and more, according to the event listing.

Richland County 

Thursday, March 5

First Thursday on Main
On Thursday at 6 p.m. in downtown Columbia, First Thursday on Main will showcase Columbia's arts and culture scene. "On the first Thursday of each month, we celebrate the thriving arts and culture scene of downtown Columbia with musical acts, artist displays and performances," according to the event website. "Main Street merchants and businesses keep their doors open late, offering menu and drink specials, special events, and more. From the 1200 block all the way to the 1700 block, you’ll find a lively mix of art, music, food and drinks. ... Since 2009, thousands of people have joined in the festivities of First Thursday on Main." The Columbia Museum of Art, located at 1515 Main St., also celebrates with free admission and extended hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, March 6

Finlay Fridays at Finlay Park
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.” Feb. 27 will feature the Jon Rooks Band.

Saturday, March 7 

Backyard Saturday at Saluda Shoals Park
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at Saluda Shoals Park, located at 5605 Bush River Rd. in Columbia, the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission welcomes area parents to bring their kids to a themed Backyard Saturday program. “New this year, our beloved Backyard Saturday program is getting a literary twist! Join us each month for a pop-in adventure that brings a favorite book to life through nature, play, and discovery,” according to the event listing. “Perfect for little explorers, scientists, and readers, each program is themed around the month’s book and features hands-on activities inspired by the story. Families can enjoy Ranger Rachel’s Storytime, along with the following activity stations: The Story Continues Hike…World-Building Play Bins…You Are the Main Character Activity Area…Between the Pages Science Table…How the Story Goes Imagination Station…Ranger Rachel’s Storytime takes place at 10:30 AM and 11:15 AM.” Learn more at www.icrc.net/event/backyard-saturday-literary-series. 

Beyond in Lexington County 

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.