May in Columbia is full of fun – from puppet shows, outdoor play, storytimes, art activities, and more! Get out your calendars and make a note of all there is to do.
Don’t forget to check out our local guides – summer camps, parks & playgrounds, indoor play areas, birthday parties, kids eat free, and more!
*Please note – While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can correct them.
May
1
Make and Create: Monday Morning Makers
Make your Monday mornings less stressful and start your week on a creative note! Audience: Adults, Parents, Seniors, Families, School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
May
1
Pajamarama Storytime
Wear your pajamas and snuggle up for bedtime stories and songs. Audience: Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
May
2
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Audience: Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
May
2
HOA : Hand Print 3D Flowers
Join us as we create beautiful flowers with our very own hands. Audience: Families, Young children (0-5 years)
May
2
Little Sprouts
The littlest gardeners can enjoy nature stories and get hands-on experience with soil and plants. Dress for a mess! Audience: Young children (0-5 years)
May
2
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. We will have a craft time after! This event is free and open
May
2
Play Freely: Board Game Night
Come join us at Richland Library Northeast for an evening of board and card games! We’ve got newer games and classics, and welcome players of all play styles and skill levels. Audience: Adults, Teens (12-18 years)
May
3
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. Audience: Babies (0-18 months)
May
3
The Market
Come shop your community to get fresh produce, meet your new favorite author or pick out an interesting piece of art! Audience: Adults, Parents, Seniors, Families
May
4
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Audience: Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5), School age children (6-12 years)
May
4
Read to a Dog
Practice reading with a furry friend. Practice your reading skills with Lucy the Therapy Dog! (Children will get a private 10 minute one-on-one session with dog to practice reading aloud.
May
5
Play Freely: Fun Fridays at Wheatley
Come have some fun this Spring at Wheatley. We all need a little fun in our lives, so drop by anytime between 11 – 4 for games, bubbles, art and
May
5
Watch Freely: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Join us for a special screening of Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings to kick off AAPI Month. Audience: Adults, Families, School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
May
5
Teen Hangtime: Video Games
This summer hang out with other teens to binge Anime, create something cool, dig into a new idea.
May
5
Movies on the Mount
Movies on the Mount is back! Every Friday night from April 14 to June 2. Doors will open at 6 pm for fellowship. Please feel free to bring your dinner! Movie
May
6
Kids’ Book & CrafTEA Party
Bring your little lad or lady to enjoy a children’s tea party, a book reading, a fun craft & a copy of the book to keep for each child! This
May
6
Soda City Market
Soda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets. In partnership with Founders Federal Credit Union, we’re open every Saturday morning 9 a.m. –1 p.m.,
May
6
Home Depot Kids Workshop
Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.
May
6
Backyard Saturday – Read Outside Day
Join us at Leo’s Landing Playground for this special Backyard Saturday that features Saluda Shoals Park’s new Story Walk. Through play, families can experience nature at Saluda Shoals Park. Each
May
6
Crafternoon: An Appreciation for MOM
Show MOM how special she is with a homemade gift. Surprise your special person with an act of so much love. Make family memories. Audience: Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers
May
6
Meeting Street Artisan Market
There are new options for afternoon shopping on Saturdays in West Columbia. The Meeting Street Artisan Market has new hours, 11 AM – 3 PM, beginning this Saturday, August 6,
May
6
Pickin’ & Piggin’ BBQ Cook-off
A world class barbecue cook-off at Saluda Shoals Park! Savor the flavor of the award winning “Q” from more than 20 of South Carolina’s best barbecue cookers. All you can
May
6
Dino Tales
Dinosaurs! Need we say more? CMT goes Jurassic! Join us for a collection of fun and educational stories featuring colorful dinos of all shapes and sizes!
May
6
Kids Karaoke at Beef’s!
Bring the entire family out for a yummy meal, then stick around for some awesome KARAOKE! Kids Welcome! Presented by CarraRock Entertainment, LLC.
May
7
Quiet Study Lounge for Teens
Need a quiet space to read or study? Every Sunday the Southeast Teen Lounge is an official Quiet Zone for any teens needing a place to study or to just
May
8
Make and Create: Monday Morning Makers
Make your Monday mornings less stressful and start your week on a creative note! Audience: Adults, Parents, Seniors, Families, School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
May
9
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Audience: Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
May
9
Kid’s Craft Night for Mother’s Day!
Bring the kiddos to make Mom a gift she’ll love forever, a handmade picture frame complete with a new photo! It’s Mother’s Day Craft Night at East Bay Deli –
May
9
Spring Family Date Night 2023
We will Dress up a Section of our restaurant for a special dinner for families. You will have the opportunity to sit and have your order taken at the table
May
9
Bluey’s Big Play
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness
May
10
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. Audience: Babies (0-18 months)
May
10
The Market
Come shop your community to get fresh produce, meet your new favorite author or pick out an interesting piece of art! Audience: Adults, Parents, Seniors, Families
May
10
Homeschool Hangout
Come join us at Empire on May 10th from 10am-11am for our Homeschool Hangout event! This event is for homeschooled children ages 5 and up (younger siblings are welcome!) We
May
10
Forest Acres Farmers Market
Come out and see everything our vendors have to offer! Richland Mall Parking Lot, Beltline Blvd, Forest Acres, SC, United States, South Carolina
May
10
Kid’s Craft Night for Mother’s Day!
Bring the kiddos to make Mom a gift she’ll love forever, a handmade picture frame complete with a new photo! It’s Mother’s Day Craft Night at East Bay Deli –
May
10
Bluey’s Big Play
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness
May
11
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Audience: Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5), School age children (6-12 years)
May
11
Lake Carolina Farmers Market
Farmers markets reconnect communities to their food system. They create an opportunity where farmers.Come check us out every Thursday for farm fresh produce & lots of other fresh food!!! Crafts,
May
11
Storytime in the Garden
Meet us in the Hampton-Preston Gardens for stories, songs, and an activity led by Richland Library and Historic Columbia staff! This event is free, however, space is limited. Registration is required. Good to know before
May
11
Meeting Street Artisan Market
There are new options for afternoon shopping on Saturdays in West Columbia. The Meeting Street Artisan Market has new hours, 11 AM – 3 PM, beginning this Saturday, August 6,
May
12
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
May
12
Hello Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. This storytime is designed for infants and lap babies. If your child is walking, check out our Toddler
May
12
Kids Night Out
Come and join us at Empire on May 12th from 6:30pm-9:30pm for our Mother’s Day themed Kids Night Out! This event is for children ages 5 and up. We will
May
12
Movies on the Mount
Movies on the Mount is back! Every Friday night from April 14 to June 2. Doors will open at 6 pm for fellowship. Please feel free to bring your dinner! Movie
May
12
Community Movie Night
Join us for our Annual Community Movie Night! This event is free family fun for the whole community! This year’s theme Latin theme revolves around our movie, Disney’s Encanto! At
May
13
Miracles in Motion 5K: Walk, Run & Roll Benefiting The Therapy Place
Join us Saturday, May 13th at The Therapy Place, for the 4th Annual Miracles in Motion 5K: Walk, Run & Roll Superheroes Edition benefiting The Therapy Place, Inc. Come enjoy
May
13
Soda City Market
Soda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets. In partnership with Founders Federal Credit Union, we’re open every Saturday morning 9 a.m. –1 p.m.,
May
13
Accessibility Morning- Maisy Mouse
This program provides free access for families of children, teenagers, young adults and adults who would benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly and disability-adapted experience at the museum. Guests who are
May
13
Ask a Beekeeper for Families: Honey Harvest
Join us to learn about the journey of honey from the bee to your table! We will discuss honey bees and beekeeping. The primary focus of this program will be
May
13
Meeting Street Artisan Market
There are new options for afternoon shopping on Saturdays in West Columbia. The Meeting Street Artisan Market has new hours, 11 AM – 3 PM, beginning this Saturday, August 6,
May
13
Dino Tales
Dinosaurs! Need we say more? CMT goes Jurassic! Join us for a collection of fun and educational stories featuring colorful dinos of all shapes and sizes!
May
13
Cooking with Mom
Enjoy some special Mother’s Day time cooking with mom! This mommy and me cooking class is designed to help bring kids into the kitchen with you for a fun and
May
13
Mommy and Me Cookie Decorating
Join Mrs. Arielle and learn to decorate the most delicious cookies! Perfect for a Mothers Day outing, bring your mom, or bring your child (recommended for ages 4+) $30 will
May
13
Family Fun Fest
Chapin Presbyterian Church is hosting a Family Fun Fest on Saturday, May 13, from 3-6 p.m. We will have food available to purchase from food trucks, inflatables, yard games, and
May
13
Crafternoon for Children: May Flowers
April Showers bring May Flowers. Join us at Blythewood as we call up the rain to make the flowers bloom. Registration is required for this event. You will need a library
May
13
Crafternoon: Mother’s Day Card Making
Are you ready for Mother’s Day? Join us and create a personalized Mother’s Day Card/Treat for your beloved MOM.
May
13
Preservation Month: Stained Glass Window Crafting
Join the City of Columbia’s preservation staff for a fun, family friendly Mother’s Day craft. May is National Historic Preservation Month! Let’s celebrate by playing and learning as you decorate
May
13
Dino Tales
Dinosaurs! Need we say more? CMT goes Jurassic! Join us for a collection of fun and educational stories featuring colorful dinos of all shapes and sizes!
May
14
Mother’s Day at the State Museum
To celebrate Mother’s Day, the State Museum will offer free general admission to moms on Sunday, May 14. Guests are invited to enjoy an afternoon with family and friends exploring
May
14
Quiet Study Lounge for Teens
Need a quiet space to read or study? Every Sunday the Southeast Teen Lounge is an official Quiet Zone for any teens needing a place to study or to just
May
15
Make and Create: Monday Morning Makers
Make your Monday mornings less stressful and start your week on a creative note! Audience: Adults, Parents, Seniors, Families, School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
May
15
Dino Tales
Dinosaurs! Need we say more? CMT goes Jurassic! Join us for a collection of fun and educational stories featuring colorful dinos of all shapes and sizes!
May
15
Puppetpalooza
See your favorite shows performed by the SE puppets. Audience: Adults, Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5), School age children ...
May
16
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Audience: Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
May
16
Little Sprouts
The littlest gardeners can enjoy nature stories and get hands-on experience with soil and plants. Dress for a mess! Audience: Young children (0-5 years)
May
17
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. Audience: Babies (0-18 months)
May
17
The Market
Come shop your community to get fresh produce, meet your new favorite author or pick out an interesting piece of art! Audience: Adults, Parents, Seniors, Families
May
17
Gladys’ Gang Preschool Edition: Hooves, Paws, and Claws
Sometimes a museum can become a magical menagerie. Join us as we look for cows, horses, cats, and dogs and discuss the different ways they get around. Key topic: animals.
May
17
Forest Acres Farmers Market
Come out and see everything our vendors have to offer! Richland Mall Parking Lot, Beltline Blvd, Forest Acres, SC, United States, South Carolina
May
18
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Audience: Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5), School age children (6-12 years)
May
18
Movie Matinee: Monsters, Inc.
In order to power the city, monsters have to scare children so that they scream. However, the children are toxic to the monsters, and after a child gets through, two
May
18
Lake Carolina Farmers Market
Farmers markets reconnect communities to their food system. They create an opportunity where farmers.Come check us out every Thursday for farm fresh produce & lots of other fresh food!!! Crafts,
May
18
Read to a Dog
Practice reading with a furry friend. Practice your reading skills with Lucy the Therapy Dog! (Children will get a private 10 minute one-on-one session with dog to practice reading aloud.
May
19
Play Freely: Fun Fridays at Wheatley
We all need a little fun in our lives, so drop by anytime between 11 – 4 for games, bubbles, art and more. We will have things to do for
May
19
Watch Freely: Big Hero 6
Join us for a special screening of Big Hero 6 during AAPI Month. Audience: Adults, Families, School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
May
19
Drive-In Movie Night at Saluda Shoals Park – Top Gun: Maverick
Join us for our rescheduled drive-in movie night at Saluda Shoals Park featuring Top Gun: Maverick. The movie begins at dark (8:45 p.m.) Food Trucks will have food for purchase
May
19
Movies on the Mount
Movies on the Mount is back! Every Friday night from April 14 to June 2. Doors will open at 6 pm for fellowship. Please feel free to bring your dinner! Movie
May
20
Soda City Market
Soda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets. In partnership with Founders Federal Credit Union, we’re open every Saturday morning 9 a.m. –1 p.m.,
May
20
Touch-A-Truck
Public Works in conjunction with Soda City will be inviting various departments to join them and place their vehicles on display for the public. These departments include the Columbia Police
May
20
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Audience: Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
May
20
Stroller Tour: Featured Exhibition
Take a tour of featured exhibition Our Own Work, Our Own Way with infants in tow! Bring your little ones along for the ride on a stroller-friendly tour for caregivers with babies
May
20
Meeting Street Artisan Market
There are new options for afternoon shopping on Saturdays in West Columbia. The Meeting Street Artisan Market has new hours, 11 AM – 3 PM, beginning this Saturday, August 6,
May
20
Spring Into Safety
Drop in to check out emergency vehicles and learn how to keep yourself safe! Audience: Families, Young children (0-5 years), School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
May
20
Dino Tales
Dinosaurs! Need we say more? CMT goes Jurassic! Join us for a collection of fun and educational stories featuring colorful dinos of all shapes and sizes!
May
20
Watch Freely: Sensory Friendly Movie: Strange World
Enjoy this sensory inclusive movie your way with low volume, dimmed lighting, sensory bins and weighted blankets. Sing, dance and walk freely. Audience: Adults, Parents, Seniors, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Bab...
May
20
Dino Tales
Dinosaurs! Need we say more? CMT goes Jurassic! Join us for a collection of fun and educational stories featuring colorful dinos of all shapes and sizes!
May
21
Movie Screening & Maternal Providers Chat
Join us to view the movie Birthing Justice that tells the story of the crisis faced by black mothers and their children and the solutions needed to transform the maternal
May
21
Kids Kokedama Workshop
Experience the modern plant revival at a PlantHouse workshop! It’s time to get your hands dirty with the PlantHouse crew! Our kokedama workshop is perfect for kids ready to explore
May
21
Free Sundays Presented by Still Hopes | Modjeska Monteith Simkins House
The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with
May
21
Quiet Study Lounge for Teens
Need a quiet space to read or study? Every Sunday the Southeast Teen Lounge is an official Quiet Zone for any teens needing a place to study or to just
May
22
Make and Create: Monday Morning Makers
Make your Monday mornings less stressful and start your week on a creative note! Audience: Adults, Parents, Seniors, Families, School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
May
22
Play Freely: Teen Social Hour
Join us in the Southeast Teen Lounge for an hour of games, music, and impromptu discussions about the latest hot topics. Audience: Teens (12-18 years)
May
22
Crafternoon
Get your craft on! Let your imagination run wild using a variety of materials provided. Paint, color, collage, or all of the above! Audience: Families, School age children (6-12 years)
May
22
Play Freely: Teen Video Game Night
Join us at Northeast for a fun evening of Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 and Xbox one and other table games! Audience: Teens (12-18 years)
May
23
Hands on Art
Simple art fun for the very young. Dress for a mess! Audience: Families, Preschoolers (3-5)
