Things to Do in Columbia SC

Saturday mornings, Main Street turns into a lively makers’ market of small producers, food stalls, and buskers. Recognized by Southern Living for showcasing the city’s spirit, it’s the best snapshot of Columbia in one stroll.

Lula Drake Wine Parlour Brings a James Beard Award Back to Columbia | Eater Carolinas

Opened in 2016 by Tim Gardner at 1635 Main Street in Columbia, South Carolina, Lula Drake Wine Parlour won the 2024 James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, bringing the honor back from Chicago. Eight years after opening it has become a Main Street staple and is well known locally for its esoteric wine selection, creative menu, warm hospitality, and vintage setting. During his acceptance speech Gardner praised his staff—saying they teach him more about being a good human than any book or consultant—and thanked his wife Lorie, recalling that when she asked if he’d adjust the list he joked, “Ehhhh, we’ll close.” - Erin Perkins

Weekend-only barbecue worth planning around. The New York Times named it one of America’s 50 restaurants to know, and Southern Living praised the ribs and cross‑regional craft. Expect lines, community tables, and big flavors.

A Vista district pioneer since 1989, known for a daily‑changing, farm‑to‑table menu and serious cocktails. Frequently highlighted by Eater Carolinas and Garden & Gun, it’s a quintessential Columbia dinner or brunch.

Cottontown’s love letter to the Midlands, serving wood‑smoked ribs, venison, and Carolina staples with a stellar bar. A frequent Eater Carolinas pick and praised by regional writers for honest, place‑driven cooking.

Local brewing heritage meets aviation history in a 1929 hangar. Sip house lagers under soaring rafters, grab a pizza, and watch small planes taxi by—an only‑in‑Columbia scene since the 1990s.

South Carolina’s nonprofit arthouse hub screens indies, classics, and festivals, often collaborating with local creatives. A welcoming anchor of Main Street culture with rotating series and community events.

A Five Points institution since 1982 and freshly renewed, this independent shop is where USC students, crate diggers, and touring musicians all flip through deep new and used vinyl bins.

Watch glass artists shape 2,000‑degree gathers into bowls, ornaments, and sculptural lighting, or book a class. This working studio‑gallery has anchored the Vista’s maker culture for decades.

An intimate, adults‑only jazz room curated by Chaye Alexander, with ticketed weekend shows, Sunday jazz brunch, and an elevated small‑plates menu. A polished, locally owned space for live music lovers.

Float the Saluda and Congaree with a trusted local outfitter—tubing in summer, guided Congaree National Park canoe tours year‑round. Clear safety briefings, easy shuttles, and river views minutes from downtown.

German‑style lagers poured from lagering tanks at a riverfront biergarten beside the Three Rivers Greenway. Expect pretzels, brats, seasonal fests, trivia, and family‑friendly vibes with shade or bierhall seating.