FRIDAY, AUG. 22

J. Stephens & The Stubborn Hearts Band (concert)
Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St.) welcomes Upstate singer/songwriter J. Stephens and his Stubborn Hearts Band. The group plays a hard-hitting mix of rockin’ originals and covers from 6 to 10 p.m. This event is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information.

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band (concert)
If you’re a Dave Matthews fan, you’ll want to head over to the Icehouse Amphitheater (107 W. Main St.) for The Dave Matthews Tribute Band. It’s an authentic celebration of the iconic group that rose to fame channeling the vibe of the ’90s jam scene. DMTB brings the energy of tape-trading days, funky improvisation and idiosyncratic sing-alongs to life on stage. Showtime is 5:30 p.m. and tickets are $18. This is a rain-or-shine event. Visit icehouseamphitheater.com for more information.

Corks & Kayaks
Saluda Shoals Park (5605 Bush River Rd.) invites you to kick off the weekend with their Corks & Kayaks night. Enjoy a guided paddle along the scenic Saluda River, led by a ranger sharing insights about the area’s natural beauty. After the paddle, unwind with a wine tasting featuring a selection of fine wines. Participants receive a complimentary wine glass. This event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and is for all kayak skill levels for ages 21 and up. Admission costs between $47 and $94. Visit icrc.net/event/corks-kayaks-0 for more information.

SATURDAY, AUG. 23

Ragan Whiteside (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.) and popular Columbia jazz flautist Ragan Whiteside invite you to enjoy “An Evening of Soul Jazz.” Expect to hear familiar favorites such as "Sweet Sticky Thing," the Patrice Rushen classic, "Remind Me" and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $79 (price includes dinner). Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

Tapestry of Sound (concert)
Ensemble Eclectica and the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (7300 College Blvd.) present the multimedia performance, “Tapestry of Sound.” Classical meets bluegrass and Broadway in the new signature production Tapestry of Sound: Bluegrass to Broadway and More. This year's production will feature music, dance and vocals, including the award winning duo Roxana Marinoff and Cesar Davalos. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. and admission is $35. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.

Native American Lifeways
12,000 Year History Park (1120 Ft. Congaree Tr.) invites you to their Saturday guided hike tour, Native American Lifeways. Walk the beautiful trails and learn more about the role of Native Americans here and how the historic resources of the park are relevant to the lives and culture of Native peoples today, including the Cherokees and Catawbas. This hike lasts approximately two hours and begins at 10 a.m. in front of the Cayce Tennis Center. It is free to attend. Visit cayce12000years.com for more information.

SUNDAY, AUG. 24

Car Cruise In + Cookout
Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St.) invites you to a Sunday cookout and car cruise in. Bring your hotrods, classics, muscle cars and more to show off, or just come and check out the old-school autos. Grab a free meal from the Steel Hands cookout grill and enjoy live music. This event is free to attend and runs from noon to 4 p.m. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information.

Purple Martin Cruise
The Spirit of Lake Murray (docked at 216 Shadowood Dr.) takes you around the lake on a Purple Martin tour. Set sail on an unforgettable evening aboard the Spirit of Lake Murray and witness the gathering of thousands of Purple Martins at sunset. This exclusive boat tour offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles. The tour runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and food and drinks are available. Tickets are $59. Visit exploretock.com for more information.

MONDAY, AUG. 25

Movie Night: Mean Girls
Savage Craft Ale Works (430 Center St.) invites you to their weekly Monday Movie Night. This week’s flick is the classic teen comedy “Mean Girls,” featuring Lindsay Lohan against The Plastics and the hierarchy of high school in general. The movie starts at 8:30 p.m. and food and drink are available. This event is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/savagecraftaleworks for more information.

TUESDAY, AUG. 26

Storytime In The Parks
Moore Park (7473 Church St.) hosts the rotating Storytime In The Parks summer series. The mayors of Irmo, Lexington and Chapin have teamed up this summer to inspire a love of reading among local children by reading stories to them in the park. This Tuesday morning, story time starts at 10:30 a.m. This family-friendly event is free to attend. Visit townofirmosc.com for more information.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27

Tokyo Joe (concert)
Popular local band Tokyo Joe takes up their Wednesday night residency at O’Hara’s Public House (131 E. Main St.). The beloved trio plays an acoustic set that mixes covers and entertaining originals starting at 7 p.m. This event is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/oharasph for more information.

Across the county line

The Koger Center for the Arts (1051 Greene St.) launches a unique concert series on Friday, Aug. 22. The first edition of their “Live Outside The Koger Center” series features programming by Black Nerd Mafia on the outdoor Plaza Stage. It’s an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting independent artists and creatives. Black Nerd Mafia strives to challenge stereotypes and foster diverse artistic expressions within the community. This event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit kogercenterforthearts.com for more information.
 
The Newberry Opera House (1201 McKibben St.) is ready to rock the night away with A Thousand Horses on Friday, Aug. 22. A Thousand Horses blends gritty Southern rock with hard-hitting Americana, and in 2024, they solidified their place in modern rock with the release of their third album, “The Outside.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m., tickets cost between $45 and $60. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for more information.

Bring the family to Ridge Spring Town Plaza on W. Main St. on Saturday, Aug. 23, for the Ridge Spring Farmer’s Market. Local farmers gather to offer fresh produce, along with plants perfect for home gardens and landscaping. It’s a great opportunity to connect directly with farmers and learn more about where our food comes from. The market is free to attend and runs from 8 a.m. to noon. Visit ridgespringsc.com for more information.

The Main Street Latin Festival hits downtown Columbia on Saturday, Aug. 23. Endorsed by the City of Columbia and Richland County, the purpose of the Main Street Latin Festival is to showcase the culture and vitality of Columbia’s Latin community by bringing together diverse groups of people to celebrate Latin culture through food, art, dance and music in a fun, family-oriented environment. Come ready to hear sounds of salsa, merengue, reggaetón and grupero music, enjoy folkloric dancers and sample Latin foods. The Main Street Latin Festival is free to attend and runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit mainstreetlatinfestivalsc.com for more information.

The Pastor’s Study (1633 Main St.) invites you to enjoy some Sunday evening jazz with the Carrie Marshall Trio. This show is part of The Pastor’s Study “Loft Sessions” jazz concert series, and Marshall’s “Twist of Jazz" performances blend various genres like pop, blues and country with jazz. Her repertoire includes covers of popular artists and her own original compositions. Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets are $24.90 for ColaJazz members, $30 for general admission and $15 for students with ID. Visit colajazz.com/events for more information.