Lexington County

Thursday to Saturday, May 14-16

Strawberry Picking at McKenzie Farms
It’s strawberry season! At McKenzie Farm, located at 3911 Augusta Hwy. in Gilbert, you can pick strawberries Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through May. “We will provide you with a 1gal or 1/2 gal baskets and let you explore our fields on the hunt for the best berries,” according to mckenzie-farm.com/upick. “We ask that you be kind to our plants so they will continue to grow the best berries and make sure you can still fit your hand under the handle when filling the buckets … if they are overflowing, come back, and we will happily give you another bucket!” Learn more on their website.

Tasting event at Hollow Creek Distillery
Hollow Creek Distillery in the Leesville area of Lexington County invites you to one of its weekly tasting events. Offered Thursdays through Saturdays, no reservations are needed for folks to come visit at 112 Rocky Ridge Rd. any time between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. The last tour starts at 6 p.m., and tastings begin at 6:30 p.m. Learn more at hollowcreekdistillery.com or call 803-470-6010.

Thursday to Sunday, May 14-31

Show at Chapin Theatre Company
Tickets are on sale for “Nana’s Naughty Knickers,” directed by Jane Peterson, at Chapin Theatre Company, located at 830 Columbia Ave. in Chapin. “Written by Katherine DiSavrio, Nana’s Naughty Knickers follows the young woman Bridget, who is planning to stay with her grandmother for the summer before law school starts. However, what Bridget sees as a unique opportunity to stay with her favorite “Nana” in New York for the summer quickly turns into an experience she’ll never forget,” according to chapintheatre.org. “It seems her sweet Nana is running an illegal boutique from her apartment, selling handmade naughty knickers to every senior citizen in the five-borough area! Will Bridget be able to handle all the excitement? Will her Nana get arrested – or worse – evicted?” Learn showtimes and buy tickets on the theater’s website.

Thursday, May 14

Concert at Icehouse Amphitheater
On Thursday, May 14, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot will be performing at Lexington’s Icehouse Amphitheater, located at 107 West Main St. in downtown Lexington. The event is free to attend. “This eight-piece R&B, soul, and rhythm & blues powerhouse features some of the hottest players in the business, led by multi-award-winning vocalist Gary Lowder. With numerous Carolina Beach Music Award honors – including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Group CD of the Year – Smokin’ Hot delivers a high-energy, horn-driven show that keeps the dance floor packed,” according to the venue’s website. This event is part of the Icehouse Live Spring Concert Series, presented by Lexington Health. Learn more at icehouseamphitheater.com.

Friday, May 15

Lexington PD Foundation Benefit Concert
A ticketed event to support the Lexington Police Department will take place at Lexington’s Icehouse Amphitheater on Friday, May 15, at 6 p.m. “Join us on May 15th at the Icehouse Amphitheater for Idlewild Revival, the Allman Brothers Tribute Band in support of the Lexington Police Department Foundation,” according to the event listing. “This group consists of eight Charleston locals, each talented musicians in their own ways. Bassist Wayne Mitchum is joined by drummer JT Rollerson, drummer Wes Powers, keyboardist Bill Nance, vocalist Tim Kirkendall, guitarist Michael Davis, guitarist Rev. Dr. Johnny Mac, and Bobby Alvarez on percussion. The group has been playing the Allman Brothers tribute show together for the last four years at spots like Charleston Music Hall, Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina’s Party at the Point. The show will open with Schoolboy Johnny, a Bad Company tribute band, with music beginning at 6:30 PM. Schoolboy Johnny bring the iconic tunes of Bad Company to the stage with an electrifying performance that is dedicated to the sound, style and energy of the group. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.” All proceeds will go to the Lexington Police Department Foundation to support the department’s Officer Wellness program. Buy tickets on the Icehouse website.

Friday to Saturday, May 15-16

Summer Rock Tour Series at Steel Hands Brewing
Friday, May 15, will kickoff Steel Hands Brewing’s Summer Rock Tour series. “We're turning up the volume this summer with the launch of a NEW Summer Rock Tour Series, a high-energy live music experience featuring rock tribute bands all season long,” according to the event listing. All shows apart of the series on May 15, May 16, June 6, June 11 and Aug. 1 will begin at 6 p.m. They’re free and open to the public. Steel Hands Brewing is located at 2350 Foreman St. in Cayce. The line up is as follows: May 15: The WillieKens with special guest She Might Get Loud May 16: Tribute: Allman Brothers Tribute with special guest THE CORE: Horde Festival Revival June 6: Petty Rewind: A Tom Petty Tribute with special guest The WillieKens July 11: Harvest Moon: A Neil Young, CSN&Y Tribute with special guest The WillieKens August 1: Tattoo You: A Rolling Stones Tribute with special guest The WillieKens

Friday to Sunday, May 15-17

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” at Village Square Theatre
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is showing at Village Square Theatre, located at 105 Caughman Rd. in Lexington. “Sweeney Todd is a dark musical thriller about Benjamin Barker, a 19th-century London barber wrongfully imprisoned by a corrupt judge,” according to the theater’s website. “Returning to London, he adopts the alias Sweeney Todd and embarks on a murderous, vengeful rampage, teaming up with Mrs. Lovett to bake his victims into meat pies. Rated PG-13.” The Friday and Saturday show is at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday show is at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $23. Buy tickets on the theater’s website.

Saturday, May 16

Market at Icehouse
Market season at the Icehouse Amphitheater in downtown Lexington will return on Saturday, May 16. Located at 107 W. Main St. in downtown Lexington, the market will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May 16 through Sept. 26, excluding July 4. “The Market at Icehouse is primarily intended as a farmer/grower and local artisan market, utilizing a community-friendly atmosphere to promote, support and encourage local production while educating residents on the benefits of eating fresh produce and supporting local artists and the Certified SC program,” according to a statement on the town’s website.

Lexington Munching on Main Tour with Two Gals and a Fork
On Saturday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. in downtown Lexington, you can eat at five top local restaurants and learn local history from JR Fennel of the Lexington County Museum with Two Gals and a Fork Food Tours. The event costs $55. “​If you are seeking a cultural and culinary experience, then you've come to the right place. We want to share Columbia, Newberry, and Lexington with you...one step, one bite, one morsel of history at a time,” according to twogalsfoodtours.com. “Our historical walking food tours are an entertaining and educational way to introduce these wonderful destinations to your friends, families, association members, or corporate clients. Let Two Gals and a Fork Food Tours show you the best that ‘famously hot’ Columbia, ‘quaint and friendly’ Newberry, and ‘charming and revitalized’ Lexington have to offer.” Learn more and buy tickets at twogalsfoodtours.com.

Saturday to Sunday, May 16-17

Festival at the Friars Gate
From May 16 to 17 at Moore Park in Irmo is a free admission renaissance fair, Festival at the Friars Gate. “HEAR YE, HEAR YE! Let it be known throughout the realm! The First Grand Festival at the Friar's Gate shall be held upon the 16th and 17th days of May in the Year of our Realm, 2026 within the Irmese village of Ravenmoore, where sea serpents guard the lake and old magic stirs in the soil,” according to the event website. “Come ye one, come ye all, to a place out of time, where jesters shall tumble, blades shall clash, music shall rise, and tankards shall overflow with cheer. Witness contests of skill and honor, and feast like kings ‘neath the banners of yore. Let thy garb be fine and thy spirits high, for the gates of the fair shall open at the tenth bell.” Tickets are free but there is a limit. Secure your tickets and learn more at friarsgatefestival.com.

Sunday, May 17

Savage Salsa Sunday
On Sunday from 3 to 4 p.m. at Savage Craft Ale Works, located at 430 Center St. in West Columbia, is Savage Salsa Sunday. “This family-friendly event will be inside the Savage Craft event center with plenty of seating and room to dance,” according to the event description. “In our 30-minute class, you’ll learn the basics of a dance you’ll enjoy for a lifetime! We’ll have you dancing in no time! Salsa features a simple basic step that is mirrored for both men and women. Once you’ve got that down, the smooth transitions and additional moves will follow naturally. No partner is needed for the class or dancing after. It is a common practice in social dancing that you can ask to dance with anyone, and we’ll be lined up/paired for the class.$5 cover, cash or Venmo accepted (kids 14 and under are free) includes the lesson and an afternoon of the best in Latin Dance music! Intro lesson from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. followed by DJ 411 @Joel Rodriguez with a great mix of salsa, bachata, and merengue to keep you moving.” Learn more at savagecraft.com/upcoming-events.

Tuesday, May 19

Historically Speaking, by Lexington County Museum
At 6:30 p.m. at the Lexington County Main Library at 5440 Augusta Rd. in Lexington is the event, “Historically Speaking.” “Come out to the Lexington Library to learn about the rich history of Lexington County,” according to the event listing. “Each month, museum staff members will discuss a different aspect of Lexington County history. For more information, please call the museum at 803-359-8369 or email us at museum@lex-co.com.”

Richland County

Thursday to Sunday, May 14-17

Columbia Fireflies play at home
The Columbia Fireflies, Columbia’s Minor League baseball team, will play at home against Hickory at Segra Park, located at 1640 Freed St. in Columbia, from this Thursday through Sunday. Each night has a different theme. Thursday is Reverse Night, Friday is Touch-A-Truck Night, Saturday is Star Wars Night, and Sunday is Teacher Appreciation Night. Buy tickets at mlb.com/milb/columbia.

Friday to Saturday, May 15-16

9th Annual ColaJazz Jazz & Roots Fest
On Friday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and on Saturday from 1 to 10 p.m. is the 9th Annual ColaJazz Jazz & Roots Fest at Finlay Park, located at 896 Blanding St. in Columbia. It is free and open to the public. “ColaJazz & Roots Fest is Columbia’s cultural blueprint in sound. Each year, the Governor Award–winning ColaJazz Foundation (2021) brings jazz and roots traditions together to shape the city’s rhythm—downtown streets, neighborhood pride, and a shared sense of belonging,” according to colajazzfest.com. Soda City Brass Band, The Purple Project, SYR, Brittany Turnipseed, Willie Bradley, Folderol, Lucia and Endea Owens & The Cookout will be performing. This is a two-day event. Learn more on the event website.