News Summary
Columbia, SC is set for an exciting weekend from March 14 to 16, featuring the 43rd annual St. Pat’s Festival on March 15, the largest one-day outdoor festival in South Carolina. With over 32,000 attendees expected, the festival will include a 5K run, a grand parade with local celebrities, and a host of other local events such as the Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show and live music performances. Free parking and shuttle services enhance the experience, making Columbia the place to be for weekend fun.
Weekend Fun Unleashed: Events to Enjoy in Columbia, SC
Columbia, South Carolina is gearing up for an action-packed weekend from March 14 to 16, and it’s not just about the well-known St. Pat’s Festival! The 43rd annual St. Pat’s festival is set for Saturday, March 15, and it promises to be South Carolina’s largest one-day outdoor festival of the year. Get ready for a celebration filled with food, music, and loads of fun!
St. Pat’s Festival Highlights
This year’s St. Pat’s Festival is expected to attract over 32,000 enthusiastic attendees. The festivities kick off bright and early at 7:30 a.m. with the Get to the Green 5K/10K and 1-mile Family Fun Run. If you haven’t registered yet, you’ll want to do that before the deadline on March 14 to ensure your spot in this vibrant event.
The excitement continues at 10 a.m. with the grand St. Pat’s Parade, featuring none other than local superstar and former Gamecock legend, A’Ja Wilson, as this year’s Grand Marshall. It’s no secret that this parade is a must-see, filled with colorful floats and local marching bands that will surely get you in the St. Patty’s spirit!
As for tickets, they’re available for $30 in advance or $35 on the day of the event, with some special premium packages also offered for those looking to add a bit of flair to their festival experience.
Parking and Transportation Options
If you’re driving in, there’s free satellite parking at the SC State Fairgrounds RV lot, opening as early as 6 a.m. and closing at 10 p.m.. But why stress about parking when you can catch a free shuttle? The COMET will be running complimentary shuttles to and from the festival from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with convenient pick-up and drop-off spots at Blossom and Laurens streets. Just remember: some neighborhood parking is restricted, and don’t forget to follow the clear bag policy to ensure a smooth entry into the festivities.
Local Events to Check Out
But that’s not all Columbia has to offer this weekend! Here’s a quick rundown of other engaging events taking place between March 14 and 16:
- Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show: March 14-16, at the SC State Fairgrounds, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday.
- Columbia City Manager’s Go Red Heart Walk: March 14 at 10:30 a.m. at City Hall.
- Newberry Irish Fling: March 14 at 5 p.m. in downtown Newberry, and guess what? Free admission and parking!
- Live in the Lobby Jazz: Featuring the talented Jane Monheit on March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Koger Center.
- Soda City Market: March 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street – grab some delicious food and unique arts & crafts!
- C.A. Johnson High School Gospelfest: March 14 at 6:30 p.m. featuring Le’Andria Johnson and a lineup of amazing artists.
- LifeChance: Gala of the Stars: Enjoy a night of extraordinary ballet performed on March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Koger Center.
- A Wee Bit Celtic Artisan Market: March 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Flora & Fauna Marketplace in Lexington.
- Free Sundays at Robert Mills House: March 16 from 1-4 p.m. for free tours to residents of Richland and Lexington counties.
Looking Ahead
If you’re eager for more, don’t miss the McNair Conversations on the American South with Michael Stipe, happening on March 19 at the Koger Center. Columbia is truly bursting with events that will cater to all interests this weekend!
So whether you’re there for the St. Pat’s festivities or any of the other engaging events, Columbia, SC is the place to be for a fantastic weekend of fun, camaraderie, and celebration!
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Weekend Events in Columbia
- Cola Today: Upcoming Events in Columbia
- Post and Courier: Black History Month Events
- WIS TV: New Year’s Eve Activities in the Midlands
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
