Lexington County

Friday, Feb. 20

Lexington Murders and Mysteries Walking Tour
On Friday, Feb. 20, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. starting at the Icehouse Amphitheater in downtown Lexington, the Lexington County Museum will be hosting a Murders and Mysteries Walking Tour. This free event “is a great way to learn about the history of the town and hear some very interesting stories along the way,” according to the event website. “Attendees will learn about some of the murders, trials, and other crimes that occurred on Lexington’s Main Street in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This free tour will begin at the town’s Icehouse Amphitheater and will last about an hour. Attendees will follow a guide between Church Street and South Lake Drive. Because of the mature subject matter, attendees must be 18 or over or have parental permission. This event is offered at no cost and no reservations are needed. For more information or questions, please call the museum at 803-359-8369 or email us at museum@lex-co.com.”

Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20 and 21

My Deceased Valentine at Deceased Farms
From 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the same complex as Clinton Sease Farms in Lexington, not far from Lexington High School, you can attend a haunted attraction. This cash-only event costs $30 for a basic ticket, or $45 for a fast pass or $70 for a VIP pass. “My Deceased Valentine is returning for the 2026 haunt season with even bigger and better scares! New monsters, new scenes, new screams! Mark your calendars! You and your valentines won’t want to miss it,” according to the Capital City Lake Murray event listing. “Deceased Farm is the largest haunted attraction in the midlands offering a walk through 6 terrifying buildings and 12 intense outdoor areas.” Learn more at https://deceasedfarm.com/.

Sunday, Feb. 22

12th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff
From noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, 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/. 

Flora & Fauna Winter Fairy Flea Market
On Sunday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4773 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington, you can “step into a world where the veil between realms grows thin and winter magic takes root,” according to floraandfaunasc.com. “The Flora & Fauna Winter Fairy Flea Market invites you to an enchanting open-air escape, where over 30 master artisans and mystical makers have gathered to showcase their rarest treasures. As you wander through the stalls, let the hum of curated melodies guide your path and the aroma of woodland treats warm your spirit. Whether you’re hunting for a handcrafted heirloom or posing for a portrait amidst our dreamlike photo vignettes, every corner holds a new spark of wonder. We invite you to shed the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary—so don your cozy coats, fasten your gossamer wings, and join our midwinter celebration. After all, the forest is lovelier when we all play a part in the magic!” This free event will have free parking at Hudson Brothers. Dogs are welcome.

Monday, Feb. 23

Community Conversations
On Monday from 1 to 2 p.m., the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center is hosting a free event featuring Allen Hutto, Chief of Staff for the SC Department of Transportation, at 311 W. Main St. in Lexington. “Join us for our monthly, one-hour session spotlighting local business and community leaders who are driving meaningful change in our region. These engaging conversations offer a behind-the-scenes look at how a diverse range of organizations—spanning educational institutions, businesses large and small, and public sector—are working to uplift and empower our community,” according to the chamber’s event listing. “The theme for this quarter’s Lexington Chamber’s Community Conversation series is ‘Transportation.’ With traffic being one of the most pressing issues facing the our region—this quarter will include government and industry professionals who will discuss the facts, initiatives, challenges and innovations connected to our region’s transportation needs. Gain insight, get connected, and learn about the critical needs being met right here in Lexington County.” Register to attend at lexingtonsc.org/chamber-event/community-conversations-february. 

Richland County

Friday to Saturday, Feb. 20 to 21

German Mardi Gras
On Friday and Saturday at Bierkeller Columbia (600 Canalside St., Unit 1009, in Columbia) is a German Mardi Gras event. “Bierkeller Columbia hosts Fasching, Germany’s traditional pre-Lenten carnival known in Bavaria as the ‘Fifth Season,’” according to the Capital City Lake Murray event listing. “The two-day, family and pet-friendly celebration features themed events, food and drink specials, live music, and activities for all ages.” Friday’s theme is Weiberfastnacht, ladies/witches night, from 4 to 9 p.m. There will be discounted drinks and appetizers for ladies, and a special Fastenbier seasonal release. Saturday’s theme is Fasching Costume Garten Party, in which vendors will be on site from noon to 6:30 p.m. There will be costume contests, live music, kids’ activities, food specials, including frikadellen (minced meat patties) and schweinesteaks (marinated grilled pork steaks). “Additional offerings throughout the weekend include bier, sodas, non-alcoholic beer and wine, Glühwein, and hot chocolate. New Bierkeller swag will be available, and the Bierhall will be decorated in traditional harlequin colors.”

Friday to Sunday, Feb. 20 to 22

Columbia Boat Show
From Friday to Sunday at the SC State Fairgrounds (1200 Rosewood Dr. in Columbia) is the Columbia Boat Show. Tickets range from $6 to $15, and parking at the show is $5. “The annual Columbia Boat Show promises to be a great experience for the entire family,” according to the event website. “Offering a large selection of boats, motors, personal watercraft, and marine products and services along with family fun and live entertainment, there will be something for everyone.” Friday show hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday show hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday show hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more at www.thecolumbiaboatshow.com/.