Friday — Feb. 16

Caroline Owens (concert)
Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor (710 Meeting St. in West Columbia) hosts a performance by Caroline Owens. Come see the popular IBMA-award nominated singer tear through some bluegrass from 8 to 9 p.m. Admission is a $10 donation. Visit billsmusicshop.com for more information.

Free Fridays
Grab the kids and head over to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) for their Free Fridays series. Residents of Richland and Lexington Counties receive free daily zoo admission every Friday during the months of January and February with proof of residency. You can use a valid driver’s license, a property tax statement or vehicle registration. Free Fridays run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday in January and February. Visit riverbanks.org for more information.

Bob Baldwin (concert)
Pianist and vocalist Bob Baldwin and Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St. in West Columbia) invite you to “An Intimate Night Of Soulful Jazz.” Hear Baldwin play tracks from his chart-topping albums such as “Never Can Say Goodbye: A Tribute to Michael Jackson” and “MelloWonder: Songs in the Key of Stevie,” along with hits and classics by other artists. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $47. Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

Saturday — Feb. 17

Dam to Dam Run
If you and your friends feel like taking on a challenge, then the Dam To Dam Run might be just for you. This 100K road race runs between the Lake Murray Dam and the Lake Greenwood Dam. Teams consist of 12 legs ranging from 3 to 7.5 miles each. The twelve legs make it easy to divide among teams of two, three, four or six runners. On race day, teams come to the start line at the Lake Murray Dam and check in 30 minutes before the start. Each team is only allowed one vehicle on the course and at exchange zones. Once the first runner leaves, the team will drive to the next exchange and wait. Each team provides its own support food, water, first aid, etc. Exchange zones will have bathrooms. The race begins at 4:30 a.m., and registration is required. Visit damtodamrelay.com for more information.

Scotty Taylor (concert)
Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St. in Cayce) hosts a performance by singer/songwriter Scotty Taylor. Taylor will play a mix of covers and originals starting at 5 p.m. and running until 9 p.m. This show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information.

Valentine’s Cruises
The Spirit Of Lake Murray is your destination if you’re looking for one last Valentine’s Day event. Head over to 216 Shadewood Dr. and hop on The Spirit Of Lake Murray for a Valentine’s Cruise. Take in unmatched views of Lake Murray, and this two-hour cruise will give you the chance to relax, enjoy time on the water, and experience Lake Murray in a unique setting. There’s also a delicious dinner menu, including a 16-ounce T-bone steak, crispy Mahi or chicken cordon bleu as entrée selections. The Valentine’s Cruise departs at 5 p.m., and tickets are $48. Visit spiritoflakemurray.com for more information.

Wallstreet & Hartness (concert)
In the mood for a little acoustic blues? Head on over to The Bistro (1085 Lake Murray Blvd. in Irmo) for an evening of stripped-down tunes from guitarist John Hartness and harmonica player Wallstreet Harp. Showtime is 6:30p m. .and the show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/thebistroirmo for more information.

“Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse: (film)
The Cayce-West Columbia Branch Library (1500 Augusta Rd.) hosts a fun screening of the Marvel animated hit “Spider Man: Into The Spiderverse.” Bring kids in grades 6-8 out for a spin through the world of Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy and many more Spider-heroes. This “interactive movie experience,” which may or may not include Silly String, runs from 2 to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.

Sunday — Feb. 18

Lexington County Chili Cookoff
The Icehouse Amphitheater (107 W. Main St.), the Lexington County Blowfish, Old Mill Brew Pub and the Town of Lexington host the 10th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff. Come taste some of the best chili around and watch some of the best chili cooks in the area lock horns. There will also be live music courtesy of Under the Sun. Admission is $12 in advance and $14 at the door. Children 12 and under are $5. Your ticket buys you unlimited chili samples. The event kicks off at noon. Visit icehouseamphitheater.com for more information.

In Steppes (concert)
The Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra plays the second event of its 2023-24 season at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (7300 College St. in Irmo). The orchestra’s program, called “In The Steppes,” begins at 3:30 p.m. This performance is free to attend. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.

Tuesday — Feb. 20

Historically Speaking
The Lexington County Main Library (5440 Augusta Rd.) presents a lecture series from the Lexington County Museum called Historically Speaking. Each month, museum staff members discuss a different aspect of Lexington County history. Historically Speaking runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.

Across the County Line

Columbia Boat show
The Columbia Boat Show returns Feb. 16-18 at the State Fairgrounds (1200 Rosewood Dr. in Columbia). The show promises to be a great experience for watercraft fans. In addition to a large selection of boats, motors, personal watercraft, and marine products and services, there will also be games for the kids and live entertainment. General admission is $12, a two-day pass is $15, children aged 4-12 get in for $6, children 3 and under and seniors are free, and military members are $10. Visit scstatefair.org for more information.

Shrek Rave
New Brookland Tavern (632 Harden St. in Columbia) brings a different kind of rave Feb. 17. At the Shrek Rave, you’ll see DJs and performances themed to the Shrek movies’ songs and Shrek fans are encouraged to dress up as characters from the movies. The Shrek Rave starts at 9 p.m. and runs until midnight. Admission is $15. Visit newbrooklandtavern.com for more information.

Akropolis Reed Quintet (concert)
The Newberry Opera House (1201 McKibben St.) hosts a performance from the Akropolis Reed Quintet on Feb. 16: “The Akropolis Reed Quintet is a unique and talented woodwind ensemble known for their captivating and innovative performances. With a repertoire that ranges from Classical to Contemporary, this group of skilled musicians brings a fresh and exciting perspective to the world of Chamber music.” Showtime is 8 p.m., and tickets cost between $17.50 and $35. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for more information.

Danielle Howle (concert)
The Koger Center for the Arts (1051 Greene St. in Columbia) opens the 2024 edition of their Live In The Lobby concert series (presented by the Koger Center and ColaJazz) on Feb. 22. Columbia singer-songwriter Danielle Howle plays jazz-Americana starting at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $18. Visit kogercenterforthearts.com for more information.

Tween Book Club
The Aiken County Public Library (314 Chesterfield St. SW) hosts a meeting of the Tween Book Club on Feb. 22. Kids aged 11-13 read any science fiction book and join the group for discussion and snacks. The Club meets from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., and the event is free to attend. Visit abbe-lib.org for more information.