We’ve scoured Columbia for upcoming events in film, food, performing arts and music and constructed a guide that highlights our favorite finds, suiting budgets big or small. Whether you’re looking for a low-key night with local music, or a world-renowned performance, you’ll find it in Columbia this spring.
Splurge:
Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Gardens
Riverbanks Zoo hosts its annual Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Gardens on April 27. Peruse the Botanical Garden while sampling domestic and imported wines and enjoy small bites from local restaurants— all while listening to live music. Visit www.riverbanks.org/garden to purchase your tickets, priced at $50 in advance and $60 on the day of event.
Cirque Du Soleil
The legendary pop icon Michael Jackson meets the mind-bending entertainment of Cirque Du Soleil, in Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour. Coming to Columbia April 27-28 at Colonial Life Arena, the nation-wide tour is a combination of dance and visuals, set to classic Michael Jackson jams. It’s sure to be a thriller! Tickets start at $50 and can be bought at www.cirquedusoleil.com to purchase tickets.
Indie Grits Film Festival
Indie Grits Film Festival celebrates southern filmmakers and cultural events and will run April 19-29. The festival’s pass system caters to all budgets. For film lovers who don’t want to miss a beat, film passes allow entrance to over 50 films each evening, in addition to the opening party. The price tag is $130. If you’re not working with that kind of spare change, individual tickets to events can be purchased for as little as $5. Visit www.facebook.com/indiegrits for a list of festival events and to purchase tickets.
Save:
Artista Vista
Midlands’ largest free gallery crawl and multi-faceted arts event, Artista Vista returns to Columbia April 26-28. Wander in and out of the art galleries that line the Vista and converse with some of the artists. Catch live music and dance performances on Thursday night... and don’t forget to enjoy the complimentary hors d’oeuvres! Visit www.artistavista.com for more information.
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night gets a Latin spin with the help of director and fourth-year theater student, Mary Tilden. Mary incorporated Spanish and Spanglish into the script as well as Latin songs, dance and holidays like Mexicp. Tickets are $5 and the show runs April 19-22 at 8 p.m. in the Lab Theatre at Booker T. Washington Auditorium.
Art Bar
Looking to break into the Columbia music scene? Want to see emerging talent? Join poets, singer-songwriters and spoken-word artists every Tuesday at Art Bar for open mic night, located at 1211 Park Street. The best part? It’s free!
