July 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, splash pads & water fun, 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.
Jul
1
Kids Summer Movies at The Nick
Join us for cool mornings and big-screen magic as our Kids Summer Movie Series returns for its third year — this time under the banner of Camp Cinema! Enjoy classic
Jul
1
Gladys’ Gang Toddler Edition: Winging It
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Either way, this month it’s all about things with wings. Join us as we discuss feathered friends, buzzing bugs, and more, both in the
Jul
1
Summer Break Cafe
Kids and teens ages 18 and under can get a free meal* from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday starting June 3 – July 31 (except July 3). Summer Break
Jul
1
Blythewood Farmers Market
Join us for our 13th season April 22nd – November 11thEvery Wednesday, 4-7pm Each night we will feature live music, a children’s activity, and food, in addition to all your favorite
Jul
2
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. Audience(s): Babies (0-18 months)
Jul
2
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
¡Me encanta leer contigo! I love to read with you! Audience(s): Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5), School age children (6-12
Jul
2
Summer Break Cafe
Kids and teens ages 18 and under can get a free meal* from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday starting June 3 – July 31 (except July 3). Summer Break
Jul
2
Crafternoon: Hooray for the USA
Come and join us in celebrating the 4th of July with a festive craft! Audience(s): Families, School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
3
Teen HangTime – Anime
This summer, hang out every Friday with other teens to create, play, and binge anime!
Jul
3
Town of Lexington Independence Day Celebration
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026 Time: 7 p.m. – 10p.m. Location: Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072 Cost: Free Details: Come out to the Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington, SC
Jul
3
Pre-Fourth of July Party with the Columbia Fireflies
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026 Time: 7:05 p.m. Location: Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201 Cost: $12 – $24 Details: It’s our pre 4th of July Party presented by SC250,
Jul
3
Blowfish vs. Macon Bacon (Independence Fireworks, Red, White & Blue Night, Blowie’s Birthday Weekend)
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026 Time: 7:05 – 10:05 p.m. Location: Lexington County Baseball Stadium, 474 Ball Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072 Cost: $9.50 – $12.50 Details: We encourage everyone to come dressed
Jul
4
Independence Day with the Columbia Fireflies
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: 7:05 p.m. Location: Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201 Cost: $12 – $24 Details: There is no better place to spend Independence Day than
Jul
4
Born in the USA Four Miler
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: 7:04 a.m. Location: North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206 Cost: $30+ Details: Kick-off your 4th of July with a 4 miler, 4-mile 2-person relay, or a
Jul
4
Soda City Market
Welcome to Columbia’s original town square. Soda City Market is a producer-only market — vendors must make or grow their own products (including flowers and out of season/exotic fruits and
Jul
4
Lexington County Peach Festival
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Location: Gilbert Community Park, 115 Rikard Circle, Gilbert 29054 Cost: Free to attend, $5 to park Details: The famous Lexington County
Jul
4
10th Annual Kids’ 4th of July Parade & Camden Celebrates America’s 250th
The cutest parade in Kershaw County is getting a “sestercentennial-sized” glow up! Kids from all across Kershaw County are invited to show off their patriotic spirit, decorating bicycles, scooters, and
Jul
4
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years)
Jul
4
Kids Summer Movies at The Nick
Join us for cool mornings and big-screen magic as our Kids Summer Movie Series returns for its third year — this time under the banner of Camp Cinema! Enjoy classic
Jul
4
Fort Jackson Independence Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: Begins at 4 p.m.; Fireworks at 9 p.m. Location: Fort Jackson – Hilton Parade Field, Hartsville Guard Road, Columbia 29207 Cost: Free Details: Join us as
Jul
4
Blowfish vs. Glowfish (Independence Fireworks, We Love America Night, Blowie’s Birthday Weekend)
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: 7:05 – 10:05 p.m. Location: Lexington County Baseball Stadium, 474 Ball Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072 Cost: $9.50 – $12.50 Details: We encourage everyone to come dressed
Jul
4
Annual 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: 9:30 – 10 p.m. Location & Cost: This celebration will feature two spectacular fireworks shows launched from Spence and Dreher Islands over Lake Murray. Spectators
Jul
5
July 5th Celebration
Come celebrate America turning 250 and Sandy Level Baptist Church turning 170! We have so much history right here in our small town and we want to share it with
Jul
6
Summer Break Cafe
Kids and teens ages 18 and under can get a free meal* from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday starting June 3 – July 31 (except July 3). Summer Break
Jul
7
Toddler Storytime
Help your toddler discover the alphabet, numbers and other concepts while building social skills and learning about our world. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Toddlers (19 months-2 years)
Jul
7
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years)
Jul
7
Little Sprouts
The littlest gardeners can enjoy nature stories and get hands-on experience with soil and plants. Dress for a mess!
Jul
7
Criss Cross Mangosauce
This bilingual (English/Spanish) and bicultural performing group is a “must-see treat” for children, families, and educators interested in the Spanish Language and Latino culture. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years),
Jul
7
Summer Break Cafe
Kids and teens ages 18 and under can get a free meal* from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday starting June 3 – July 31 (except July 3). Summer Break
Jul
7
Criss Cross Mangosauce
This bilingual (English/Spanish) and bicultural performing group is a “must-see treat” for children, families, and educators interested in the Spanish Language and Latino culture. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years),
Jul
7
Kids Comic Club: Nonfiction Comics
Use your research skills and drawing expertise to write your own nonfiction comic book. Audience(s): School age children (6-12 years), 6-8 years, 9-12 years
Jul
7
Future You Project for Teens: Make a Zine
Make a zine! (It’s pronounced “zEEn”)Learn how to get your ideas out there with local zine experts from your library! Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
8
Kids Summer Movies at The Nick
Join us for cool mornings and big-screen magic as our Kids Summer Movie Series returns for its third year — this time under the banner of Camp Cinema! Enjoy classic
Jul
8
Puppetpalooza
See your favorite shows performed by our puppets. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
Jul
8
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years),
Jul
8
Summer Break Cafe
Kids and teens ages 18 and under can get a free meal* from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday starting June 3 – July 31 (except July 3). Summer Break
Jul
8
Watch Freely: Zootopia 2
Have a movie afternoon with the family at the library for a special screening of Zootopia 2. Audience(s): Families, School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
8
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(s): Families, School age children (6-12 years)
Jul
8
Crafternoon: Bead Gecko Accessories
Learn how to make your own bead gecko keychains! Materials provided. Audience(s): School age children (6-12 years), 6-8 years, 9-12 years, Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
8
Blythewood Farmers Market
Join us for our 13th season April 22nd – November 11thEvery Wednesday, 4-7pm Each night we will feature live music, a children’s activity, and food, in addition to all your favorite
Jul
8
Build-a-thon: Lego
Get hands-on by building towers, robots, creatures and more. Who can build it tallest? Who can build it strongest? Build freely and find out! Audience(s): School age children (6-12 years)
Jul
8
Teen Makers: Club Crochet
Want to be a fiber artist? Interested in learning the basic skills to create a variety of projects? Join us for Teen Crochet 101! Note: Registration is required. Audience(s): Teens
Jul
9
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. Audience(s): Babies (0-18 months)
Jul
9
The Market at Richland Library Sandhills
At The Market at Richland Library, we believe in the power of community and supporting local businesses. By shopping with us, you’re not just purchasing goods – you’re investing in
Jul
9
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Audience(s): Families
Jul
9
Hands on Art
Simple art fun for the very young at the library. Dress for a mess! Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years)
Jul
9
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
¡Me encanta leer contigo! I love to read with you! Audience(s): Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5), School age children (6-12
Jul
9
Summer Break Cafe
Kids and teens ages 18 and under can get a free meal* from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday starting June 3 – July 31 (except July 3). Summer Break
Jul
9
Play Freely: The Summer Side-Quest
Press start on your summer at the Eastover Branch Play Freely: Summer Side-Quest.Gamers are invited to jump into the Side-Quest where challenges like high-speed Mario Kart races and chaotic Mario
Jul
9
Camp St. Andrews
Enjoy a mini summer camp experience for the whole family. Storytime, camp crafts, smores, and outside activities. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years),
Jul
9
Teen Makers: T-Shirt Tote Bags
Can’t sew? No problem! Learn how to turn a t-shirt into a new tote bag using knots. Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
9
Splash Pad Storytime
Come ready to splash, read and play as we gather for storytime at the City of Columbia’s Emily Douglas Park Splash Pad. Dress for the outdoors and water play. This
Jul
10
Watch Freely: Freakier Friday
22 years after Tess and Anna endured an identity crisis, Anna now has a daughter and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the challenges that come when two families merge,
Jul
10
Splash Pad Storytime
Come ready to splash, read and play as we gather for storytime at the City of Columbia’s Heathwood Park Splash Pad. Dress for the outdoors and water play. This event
Jul
10
Summer Break Cafe
Kids and teens ages 18 and under can get a free meal* from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday starting June 3 – July 31 (except July 3). Summer Break
Jul
10
Teen HangTime – Anime
This summer, hang out every Friday with other teens to create, play, and binge anime!
Jul
11
Soda City Market
Welcome to Columbia’s original town square. Soda City Market is a producer-only market — vendors must make or grow their own products (including flowers and out of season/exotic fruits and
Jul
11
Accessibility Morning – Penelope the Dinosaur
These mornings are for individuals, families, and groups who would enjoy a more disability-adapted museum experience. Along with a calmer, more sensory-friendly setting, this program includes ASL interpretation and other
Jul
11
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years)
Jul
11
Kids Summer Movies at The Nick
Join us for cool mornings and big-screen magic as our Kids Summer Movie Series returns for its third year — this time under the banner of Camp Cinema! Enjoy classic
Jul
11
Backyard Saturday
Backyard Saturday is getting a new twist as a monthly literary adventure. Each session brings a featured book to life with story time, sensory bins, science tables, and more. The
Jul
11
Teen Lounge
Join Teen Lounge for gaming, art, activities, snacks, and a place to just be yourself. Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
11
Hands on Art
Simple art fun for the very young. Dress for a mess! Audience(s): Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
Jul
11
Watch Freely: How To Train Your Dragon
Rated: PG. Run Time: 2 Hours 5 Minutes (2025 Live Action)As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an
Jul
11
Silent Disco: Kpop Demon Hunters
Grab a pair of headphones and jam out to the hit soundtrack of Netflix’s Kpop Demon Hunters. If you need a break from the dance floor we will have a
Jul
11
Sensory Friendly Storytime
Join us for a storytime experience in a low-sensory environment. To accommodate those with allergies, breathing conditions, or multiple chemical sensitivities, we kindly ask that attendees avoid wearing scented products
Jul
11
Read to a Therapy Dog
Share a good book with a furry friend! Sign-up and reserve your spot to practice your reading skills with a certified therapy dog and their human. Readers will get a
Jul
13
Reading Skills Club for Rising 3rd Graders
Is your child struggling with reading? Our program, led by expert Richland Library Reading Specialists, is designed to help students who are reading below grade level.
Jul
13
Monday Morning Makers: Stamped Cards
Make your Mondays less stressful and start your week on a creative note at the library! Feed that drive to create and rediscover your sense of wonder and excitement. Audience(s):
Jul
13
Science Heroes
Cultivate curiosity at the library with the STEAM powerhouse group, Science Heroes! Audience(s): Families, School age children (6-12 years), 6-8 years, 9-12 years, Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
13
Summer Break Cafe
Kids and teens ages 18 and under can get a free meal* from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday starting June 3 – July 31 (except July 3). Summer Break
Jul
13
Teen Makers: Acrylic Open Studio
Drop in between 1:00 and 5:00 to create a unique masterpiece. We’ll have all the supplies you need to make something special! Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
13
Science Heroes
Cultivate curiosity at the library with the STEAM powerhouse group, Science Heroes! Audience(s): Families, School age children (6-12 years), 6-8 years, 9-12 years, Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
13
Build a Thon: Legos and More
Who can build it tallest? Who can build it strongest? Build freely and find out! Audience(s): School age children (6-12 years)
Jul
14
Cow Appreciation Day
Holy Cow… it’s finally happening! After a seven-year break, Cow Appreciation Day is returning, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our community! Tuesday, July 14 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Jul
14
Toddler Storytime
Help your toddler discover the alphabet, numbers and other concepts while building social skills and learning about our world. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Toddlers (19 months-2 years)
Jul
14
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years)
Jul
14
Hands on Art
Simple art for the very young. Dress for a mess! Create a Paper Flamigo! Audience(s): Parents, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5), School
Jul
14
Brain Teasers, Muscle Builders
Crawl, tumble, sing, solve puzzles and hear stories while improving social and cognitive skills and stimulating and strengthening your child’s development. Audience(s): Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers
Jul
14
Summer Break Cafe
Kids and teens ages 18 and under can get a free meal* from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday starting June 3 – July 31 (except July 3). Summer Break
Jul
14
Teen Makers: Zodiac Bracelets
What’s your sign? Learn some fun facts about the zodiac and horoscopes while making a personal zodiac bracelet. Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
14
Teen Makers: DIY Mini Waterfall
By using everyday craft items, you can create a one-of-a-kind mini waterfall. Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
14
Future You Project for Teens: Book Binding
Make your own art book or journal with the guidance of a local artist at the library! Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
15
Kids Summer Movies at The Nick
Join us for cool mornings and big-screen magic as our Kids Summer Movie Series returns for its third year — this time under the banner of Camp Cinema! Enjoy classic
Jul
15
Gladys’ Gang Toddler Edition: Winging It
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Either way, this month it’s all about things with wings. Join us as we discuss feathered friends, buzzing bugs, and more, both in the
Jul
15
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years),
Jul
15
The Columbia Marionette Theatre: Dino-Story
The Columbia Marionette Theatre’s newest puppet show is unexpected mix of storybook characters who find themselves wrapped up in a brand-new adventure! Audience(s): Families, School age children (6-12 years)
Jul
15
Storytime in the Park
Looking for a fun, free morning activity for the kids? Next Wednesday, July 15th at 10:30 AM, head over to the Prisma Health Amphitheater at Moore Park for Storytime with
Jul
15
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. Audience(s): Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years)
Jul
15
Science Heroes
Cultivate curiosity at the library with the STEAM powerhouse group, Science Heroes! Audience(s): Families, School age children (6-12 years), 6-8 years, 9-12 years, Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
15
Watch Freely: A Minecraft Movie
Four misfits are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they’ll have to master this world while embarking
Jul
15
Summer Break Cafe
Kids and teens ages 18 and under can get a free meal* from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday starting June 3 – July 31 (except July 3). Summer Break
Jul
15
I Scream You Scream We All Want Ice-Cream
It’s National Ice-Cream Month. Join us for a stone cold afternoon of games, fun and ice-cream. Audience(s): Adults, Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2
Jul
15
Cooking with Richland Library: Cupcake Decorating for Teens
The only thing better than a work of art is a work of art that you can eat! Show us your best frosting, piping, and overall decorating skills. Supplies are
Jul
15
Science Heroes
Cultivate curiosity at the library with the STEAM powerhouse group, Science Heroes! Audience(s): Families, School age children (6-12 years), 6-8 years, 9-12 years, Teens (12-18 years)
Jul
15
Splash Pad Storytime
Come ready to splash, read and play as we gather for storytime at the City of Columbia’s Edisto Discovery Park Splash Pad. Dress for the outdoors and water
Jul
15
Blythewood Farmers Market
Join us for our 13th season April 22nd – November 11thEvery Wednesday, 4-7pm Each night we will feature live music, a children’s activity, and food, in addition to all your favorite
Jul
15
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(s): Families, School age children (6-12 years)
Jul
16
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. Audience(s): Babies (0-18 months)
Jul
16
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
¡Me encanta leer contigo! I love to read with you! Audience(s): Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5), School age children (6-12
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