Dive into May 2026: Community Events Across the Midlands

Warm weather, longer days and blooming flowers make May one of the best months to explore our local communities. Whether you’re a music lover, foodie or history buff, the Midlands of South Carolina has an event for you. Many of these celebrations are shared widely on Facebook and local community groups, making it easy to RSVP and invite friends. Below is a roundup of upcoming events in Columbia, Lexington, Red Bank, Blythewood, Camden, Chapin and Irmo. Mark your calendars and discover something new right in your backyard!

Columbia & West Columbia

Rosewood Crawfish Festival – May 2, 11 AM–7 PM at the S.C. State Fairgrounds – This Cajun‑inspired festival in Columbia returns with piles of boiled crawfish, Louisiana‑style cuisine, craft vendors and a kids’ zone. Live music from bands such as Rumors ATL, Delta Circus and Dr. Round will keep the energy high. Festival organizers encourage visitors to follow their Facebook page for updates on ticket specials and vendor spotlights.

Historic Columbia’s Concert in the Gardens – May 5, 5 PM–7 PM at Hampton‑Preston Mansion & Gardens – Bring a lawn chair or blanket for this 21+ event featuring a brass quintet with percussion performing Latin‑inspired music. Tickets are $20–$25 and include access to the historic gardens; the event is promoted through Historic Columbia’s Facebook page.

Soda City Market – May 2, 9 AM–1 PM on Columbia’s Main Street – Columbia’s producer‑only market hosts more than 200 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and local honey to handmade crafts. The market encourages farmers and makers to sell directly to shoppers, and visitors can enjoy food trucks and buskers while browsing. The event recurs every Saturday and is heavily advertised in the “Columbia SC Events” Facebook group.

Mahjong on Boyd Plaza – May 6, 10:30 AM–1:15 PM at the Columbia Museum of Art (CMA) – Love strategy games? The CMA’s Education Team teaches this centuries‑old Chinese game. All skill levels are welcome, and the museum provides refreshments and boards for participants aged 15 and up.

Louder Than Silence – May 7, 6 PM–7:30 PM at the Columbia Museum of Art – Spoken word artists from Cola Poets will explore themes from the CMA exhibition “Resurgence and Renaissance: Art of the African American South.” This free event, part of First Thursday, includes performances and a panel discussion.

First Thursday on Main – May 7, 5 PM–9 PM along Main Street – Every first Thursday, Main Street comes alive with live music, sidewalk sales and gallery openings. The May lineup includes street performances by Taal & Rhythms, the Armed Services Veterans Band and Babe Club; a Creator’s Market at the Nickelodeon Theatre; a Sip & Shop at Miss Cocky; free admission at the Columbia Museum of Art; jazz night at Prohibition; gaming happy hour at Transmission Arcade; and Latin night at The Joint. Downtown establishments share event details on the First Thursday Facebook page.

Art on State – May 15, 5:30 PM–9:30 PM on State Street in West Columbia – West Columbia’s eighth annual street party closes State Street so artists can paint live murals while musicians such as the Donovan Twins and Phil James & the Fast Lane perform. Local restaurants offer pop‑up food stations, and family‑friendly activities are spread throughout the district. Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs, but outside coolers and personal tents are prohibited. Follow the City of West Columbia on Facebook for weather updates and parking tips.

ColaJazz + Roots Fest – May 15–16, 11 AM–9 PM at Finlay Park – Finlay Park will host two days of free jazz and roots music with acts such as Soda City Brass Band, the ColaJazz Youth Band, Endea Owens & The Cookout and the Joe Lange Trio. The festival includes vendors and a children’s area and is open to all ages. The lineup and set times are posted on the festival’s Facebook event.

Lexington

Rockin’ With a Mission – May 8, 6 PM–9 PM at Icehouse Amphitheater – Support Mission Lexington during this family‑friendly fundraiser. The evening features food trucks, a balloon artist, a photo booth, raffle prizes and a live performance by Captain Mike and the Shipwrecked. All proceeds benefit Mission Lexington’s community programsmissionlexingtonsc.orgmissionlexingtonsc.org.

Lexington Wine Walk – May 9, 4 PM–7 PM on East Main Street – Sip regional wines while strolling downtown. Early‑bird tickets include a commemorative glass, eight wine tastings, beer tickets and appetizers prepared by chef Scott Hall. Live music by the Easy Does It Duo accompanies the evening, and interactive lawn games and art displays line the street. The event sells out every year; the Town of Lexington promotes it on its Facebook page.

Fringe Benefits Concert – May 21, 6:30 PM–9 PM at Icehouse Amphitheater – Part of the free Icehouse Live Spring Concert Series, this show features the high‑energy party band Fringe Benefits playing hits from the 1970s through today. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, but concessions will be available on site.

Blythewood

Blythewood Farmers Market – Wednesdays, May 6 & May 13, 4 PM–7 PM at Doko Meadows Park – Shop locally grown produce, baked goods and handmade crafts while listening to live music at this weekly market. The market runs from April through November and encourages families to bring blankets and chairs. Vendors and visitors often post updates and photos in the “Blythewood Community” Facebook group.

Camden & Kershaw County

Camden’s revitalized downtown is buzzing with activities during Historic Preservation Month and beyond. Many of these events include a Facebook share button on their event pages, making it easy to invite friends.

• Spring Fling Open House – May 1–3, various hours – Camden’s antique shops offer sales, special displays and gift ideas to celebrate spring. Participating stores include Camden Antiques Market, Broad St Antiques, Palmetto Pickers and more.

• Scan Day at the Archives & African American Cultural Center – May 2, 10 AM–4 PM – Residents can bring family photographs, letters, church programs or other historical documents to be digitized. The center will return originals and provide digital copies; scanned items may appear in future exhibits. This event is part of Camden’s Historic Preservation Month.

• CAS Artist Alley Vendor Market – May 2, 10 AM–5 PM – Browse two floors of artwork, crafts and handmade goods at Camden Art Shoppes. The vendor market showcases local artists and offers one‑of‑a‑kind finds.

• Historic Walking Tour – May 2, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM – Join a guided walking tour beginning at the Robert Mills Courthouse to learn about Camden’s historic buildings and the stories behind them. Space is limited; comfortable walking shoes and weather‑appropriate attire are recommended.

• Kentucky Derby Watch Party – May 2, 5 PM–7:30 PM at the National Steeplechase Museum – Enjoy the “Run for the Roses” on the big screen while sipping mint juleps and participating in hat competitions. Contact the museum for ticket information.

• Blankets & Bands – Nigel Grant & Friends – May 7, 6 PM–8:30 PM on Camden’s Town Green – Bring a blanket or lawn chair for this free concert. Pack a picnic or grab take‑out from local restaurants and enjoy live music by Nigel Grant & Friends.

• Sip & Shoppe First Thursdays – May 7, 5 PM–7 PM at Camden Art Shoppes – Meet artist Susan Bryant and browse her exhibit while enjoying refreshments and conversation.

• Thursday Talk Taverns: The Original Social Network of Colonial America – May 7, 6 PM–8 PM at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center – Historian Katie Hamilton‑Smith explores the role taverns played as social hubs and information exchanges during the colonial era. RSVP at SimplyRevolutionary.com.

• Jim Smith Memorial Rodeo – May 8–9 at the Antioch Community Center – Gates open at 6 PM and the rodeo begins at 8 PM. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 5–10; kids under five get in free. The event is cash‑only and draws riders and fans from across the region.

• JWB Live at Greener Pastures Brewing Co. – May 9, 7 PM–10 PM – Enjoy craft beer and live music by the Joey Williams Band at Camden’s newest brewery.

These events, along with more heritage tours and gallery openings, are promoted in Facebook groups like “Camden SC Events” and on the city’s official page.

Red Bank

Paper Shred Event – May 16, 9 AM–12 PM at Red Bank Crossing (41070 S Lake Dr, Lexington) – Protect your identity and declutter by shredding old documents. Participants must show a South Carolina ID and bring only paper; plastic bags and wet paper are prohibited. The event is advertised in local Facebook groups and on PalmettoPride’s page.

Chapin

Riverstone at Timberlake: Free Live Music – May 14, 6 PM–9 PM at Timberlake Country Club – Bring the family for an evening of acoustic pop, rock and Americana by the duo Riverstone. The event is free and open to the public, and food and drink will be available for purchase. Neighbors share event reminders and photos in the “Chapin Events” Facebook group.

Irmo

Festival at the Friars Gate – May 16–17, 10 AM–6 PM at Moore Park – Step back in time at this free Renaissance fair set in the “Irmese village of Ravenmoore.” The festival invites visitors to dress in medieval attire, watch jesters and knights, enjoy live music and feast like royalty. Admission is free but tickets must be reserved; the website notes that there is a limited ticket allotment.

Monday Night Group Dance Classes – May 18, 6:15 PM–7 PM at 103 Legion Plaza Rd, Columbia – The Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce hosts beginner‑friendly group dance lessons that change themes monthly. Classes cost $18 per person and are shared on the chamber’s Facebook page. No partner is necessary—just bring comfortable shoes and a willingness to learn.

Bringing It All Together

The Midlands are bursting with live music, food festivals, art markets and history tours this May. Many of these happenings are promoted on Facebook, allowing residents to connect with neighbors and spread the word. As a proud local business serving Columbia, Lexington and surrounding communities, Palmetto Scoopers Pet Waste Removal Services loves seeing our neighborhoods thrive. When you’re out enjoying these events, remember that we can help keep your yard clean and pet‑friendly so you can focus on fun. We donate 3% of our revenue to local rescue shelters, further supporting the community we love. Follow us on Facebook for more event roundups and pet‑care tips, and we’ll see you around town!