Friday — Feb. 23

Free Fridays
Head to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) for the 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.

Mardi Gras
Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St. in Cayce) pulls out all the stops for their Mardi Gras event. This day-long celebration includes live music from the Soda City Brass Band and the Jordan Lawson Duo, a Lowcountry boil with jumbo shrimp, crawfish and jambalaya, and plenty of craft beers on tap. Steel Hands’ Mardi Gras event runs from noon to 11 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information.

“Final Appearance” (play)
Head over to the Chapin Theatre (830 Columbia Ave.) for the opening night of its new play, “Final Appearance.” Directed by Jerry Crouch, the plot of “Final Performance” centers around a show revival haunted by the ghosts of actors from the original production, who scheme to shut the show down. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., and tickets cost between $18 and $20. Visit chapintheatre.org for more information.

Blue Sparrow (concert)
Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor (710 Meeting St. in West Columbia) hosts a performance by Blue Sparrow. The Irmo group plays a mix of Americana, gospel, country & bluegrass from 8 to 9 p.m. Admission is a $10 donation. Visit billsmusicshop.com for more information.

Saturday — Feb. 24

Irmo Black History Month Celebration
The Irmo High Center for the Arts (6671 St. Andrews Rd.) hosts an Irmo Black History Month Celebration: “Embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of Black history in Irmo South Carolina. This unforgettable evening features soulful music, delectable food, meaningful displays, and a thoughtfully curated program that embraces the past, celebrates the present, and envisions a bright future.” This event runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and admission costs between $10 and $20. Visit irmocenterforthearts.org for more information.

Shuckin’ on the Shoals
Saluda Shoals Park (5605 Bush River Rd. in Columbia) puts on their annual “Shuckin’ On The Shoals” event. Enjoy all-you-can-eat fresh steamed oysters, craft beer and wine, delicious barbecue, and live music, along with raffles for mystery prizes. Remember to bring your own oyster knife. Event runs from 5 to 8 p.m., and admission costs between $25 and $100. Visit icrc.net for more information.

Hunter Flanagan (concert)
Singer-songwriter Hunter Flanagan returns to Savage Craft Ale Works (430 Center St. in West Columbia). Flanagan will play a mix of covers and originals starting at 4 and running until 7 p.m. This show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/savagecraftaleworks for more information.

Brittany Turnipseed (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St. in West Columbia) and singer Brittany Turnipseed present “A Tribute To Al Jarreau & Natalie Cole.” Turnipseed, joined by Rod Foster & Company, will play hits and classics by both artists, including “We’re In This Love Together,” “Mornin’,” “Breakin’ Away,” “Inseparable,” “This Will Be,” and many more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and showtime is 8 p.m. Dressy attire is required. Admission is $40. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

Sunday — Feb. 25

High Tea
Head over to Stone River (121 Alexander Rd. in West Columbia) for a spot of high tea. As a live harpist plays, guests start with a glass of champagne, followed by a choice from a selection of winter Rishi teas. There will also be tea sandwiches, scones, and other treats, all presented on a three-tier display with assorted China. This community-style event encourages guests to mingle at tables of eight, but private tables are available upon request. This event runs from 2 to 4 p.m., and admission is $55.

Wednesday — Feb. 28

Comedy + Beer
The Old Mill Brewpub (711 E. Main St.) hosts another edition of their Comedy + Beer series. Enjoy laughs and lagers with comedians Phil Carter, Josh Milz and Dan Alten, and check out Old Mill’s food and drink specials. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., and admission is $15. Visit oldmillbrewpub.net for more information.

Thursday — Feb. 28

Tap Takeover
Krafty Draft Brewpub (269 Charter Oak Rd.) brings in Southbound Brewery Tap for a Tap Takeover event. Southbound is Savannah’s first production microbrewery that opened in early 2013, and they’ll bring six of their best brews for you to try, which will pair nicely with Krafty Draft’s weekly Taco Thursday night. Krafty Draft is open from noon to 11 p.m. The event is free to attend. Visit kraftydraft.com for more information.

Across the County Line

Vienna Boys Choir (concert)
The world-famous Vienna Boys Choir visits the Newberry Opera House (1201 McKibben St.) on Feb. 23. This group of young singers, ranging from 10 to 14 years old, has a rich long history that spans centuries and continents, Showtime is 8 p.m., and tickets cost between $27.50 and $65. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for more information.

Gladys Knight (concert)
Legendary soul singer and Motown recording artist Gladys Knight performs at the Township Auditorium (1703 Taylor St. in Columbia) on Feb. 23. Expect to hear hits and classics like “Midnight Train To Georgia,” “Love Overboard,” “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and many more. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost between $49 and $129. Visit thetownship.org for more information.

Katt Williams (comedy)
Red hot (and controversial) stand-up comedian Katt Williams brings his acidic wit and acerbic observations to the Colonial Life Arena (801 Lincoln St. in Columbia) on Feb. 23. The comedian is in town as part of his The Dark Matter tour, and showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets cost between $78 and $253. Visit coloniallifearena.com for more information.

Kayla The Love Note and Paul Williams (concert)
The Aiken County Shrine Club (1526 Columbia Hwy N.) hosts a unique event on Feb. 24. Join soulful vocalists Kayla The Love Note and Paul Williams as they celebrate the release of their new album “Romance.” The duo is joined by performers Chucky Man, Tone Drake, Hennessey Williams, Jerone Brown, Jedd747 and Walt The Soul Dancer. The theme for this event is dressy attire with red and white colors. Showtime is 6 p.m. and admission is $15 for individuals and $25 for couples. Visit facebook.com/aikencountyshrineclub for more information.

Stress Fractures (concert)
New Brookland Tavern (632 Harden St.) hosts a performance by the local emo-punk band Stress Fractures on Feb. 29th. Newgrounds Death Rugby, Moving Boxes and Gamine open the show, which kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. Visit newbrooklandtavern.com for more information.