The Main Street Marketplace is an open-air market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, specialty gifts, art, photography, handmade crafts, and much more every Friday beginning September 4 through October 30 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The market will be held on Boyd Plaza in front of the Columbia Museum of Art at the corner of Main and Hampton Streets in downtown Columbia. Free admission. Complimentary shuttle service courtesy of City Center Partnership is available in the 36 block area downtown bounded by Gervais to Elmwood and Assembly to Marion Streets to pick up and drop off attendees during market hours. City Center Partnership produces the Main Street Marketplace to bring more people to the area to experience everything downtown Columbia has to offer. For more information, please contact 803.779.4005 ext. 2042 or Alicia@cartertodd.com or visit www.citycentercolumbia.sc.

Make your life a work of art. This six-week series uses the practice of yoga to open the body and the senses in the galleries of Cleve Gray: Man and Nature. Experience different paintings every week. Bring your own mat and props. $20 per session or $115 for the series / $16 per session or $92 for series for members. For more information, contact lpierce@columbiamuseum.org or 803.343.2208. To register, click here.

The Northeast Farmers Market will return for its sixth year at the Lake Carolina Town Center on Thursday, May 7. The market features fresh fruits and vegetables, free range meats, lovely flowers and plants, delicious baked goods, local honey, certified organic produce, soaps and potpourri, farm fresh eggs and cheese, and more.

Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Learn- 12 PM (Noon), Fairfield Memorial Hospital Conference Room, 102 US Hwy 321 Bypass N. Winnsboro. Contact Chamber at 803 635-4242 or fchamber02@truvista.net. Free

Anyone interested in dancing can learn the popular Swing Dance style in a vintage setting this summer through next year as Historic Columbia Foundation continues to host instructional classes and dances monthly at the historic Big Apple, 1000 Hampton Street. Columbia dance favorites Richard Durlach and Breedlove plan to take dancers back to the era of the Big Apple Dance Club. Richard and Breedlove teach, perform, and research swing, ballroom and vintage dances along with studying dance culture. It was at the Big Apple club where the Big Apple dance craze began, becoming one of the most popular dances of the 20th century.

Backstreet Arts Market! Downtown Lancaster, S.C. Backstreet Studio, Gallery, & Garden, 217 E. Gay St., Lancaster, SC will open for Downtown Markets Saturdays May 2, July 4, Aug. 1, & Sept. 5 9am-4pm. Sculptor studio, gallery featuring works of a multitude of artists, & outdoor water/sculpture garden invites you for tours or to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. Artists with unique handcrafted items are invited to sell. For info call 803-285-9190 or email rcdoster@comporium.net. See more at www.bobdoster.com.

Opens 9 AM, rides 10, 1:00, 2:30. Coach adults $10, $7 children 1-11; First class $15. No advance ticket sales or reservations. See scrm.org.

Come enjoy the Music and the FUN! "THE Five" will be performing!

See the men of south carolina show off how strong they are it will begin at 11 am to 5 pm

An annual fall concert series performed outdoors by area bands. This week's performer is Gene Dykes Band.

Four big days of fun and entertainment. Beach Blast, arts & crafts. fireworks, rides, huge parade.

Last day to see the blockbuster exhibit Powers of Nature!

Service open house – more than just an oil change! Enjoy tips from the pros!

Lecture by Eva Mozes Kor, survivor of the deadly genetic experiments conducted by Josef Mengle at Auschwitz during 1944-1945. This lecture covers mature material and may not be appropriate for children. Parental discretion is advised. Presented by the South Carolina Council on the Holocaust. Free. 7:30 p.m. Located at the South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C. For more information please visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org or call (803) 898-4921.

Sunny isn’t just the weather forecast on Sesame Street - it’s also the name of Elmo’s sunflower friend! Join all your favorite friends on an amazing adventure as they help Elmo find a new home for Sunny when Sesame Street Live “Elmo’s Green Thumb” performs at Colonial Life Arena Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13.

After putting together another Broadway flop, down-on-his-luck producer Max Bialystock teams up with timid accountant Leo Bloom in a get-rich-quick scheme to put on the world's worst show.

Live music, lots of food and even more fun!

The festival features a variety of activities including hands-on demonstrations from some of the regions most skilled artists and craftsmen, musical entertainment including African drumming, R&B, jazz, and gospel, and vendors with African-influenced and traditional merchandise. Visitors can enjoy tours of the Mann-Simons Cottage, African-American heritage sites tours, and many other activities throughout the day.

Viva la Vista will showcase award-winning restaurants such as Blue Marlin, Motor Supply Company, Liberty Tap Room, SakiTumi, Ruth's Chris, and a score more. There's no admission fee to this food festival that allows you to sample Southern and International cuisine, wine, artisanal beers, all the while listening to live music and other entertainment. Where else in the universe can you have a Ruth's Chris steak sandwich or a rare lamb chop from Ristorante Divino for only $4?

Various instrumental families are featured in the first half: brass in the majestic fanfare by French composer Paul Dukas, woodwinds and horns in the gorgeous Serenade by Richard Strauss (at age 17), and strings in the wild and hypnotic Orawa by Polish composer Kilar, who’s best known for his film scores including Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

An annual fall concert series performed outdoors by area bands. This week's performer is Robert Gardiner Quintet.

This retold Biblical story of Creation follows Adam and Steve in the Garden of Eden with Jane and Mabel on the Ark. Watch what happens when they all shift into modern day where they meet Rabbi Sharon and Santa Claus!

Ladies only – learn about motorcycling and the things that boys won’t tell you! Prizes and refreshments.

One of the Southeast’s biggest Greek extravaganzas with all you’d expect and more including food, music, giftware, and a sidewalk art show. 803-461-0248.

Jamie Foxx, the triple threat, takes the stage on a 50-city North American Tour. After continuation of a busy movie career and the release of his chart topping CD “Intuition,” Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx returns for an evening of live music at the Colonial Life Arena on September 18,2009!

An opening reception celebrates the About Face Members' Showcase 2009 in the Wachovia Education Gallery. Free.

Go ahead and “Whistle a Happy Tune” as we present this captivating musical, based upon a true story of an English governess and her young son sent to the court of Siam to teach the wives and children of the king. A dynamic spectacle unfolds as the king learns to govern from the governess.

A Miss FunFest Pageant, student art show, Kiwanis 5KRun/Fun Walk, Rotary Club golf tournament, bass tournament, a parade and concerts await you at this annual event.

Opens 9 AM, rides 10, 1:00, 2:30. Coach adults $10, $7 children 1-11; First class $15. No advance ticket sales or reservations. See scrm.org.

Tour a house museum for just one dollar!

An annual fall concert series performed outdoors by area bands. This week's performer is Ross Holmes Band

On September 21–22, 2009, the SCAA and the South Carolina State Department of Education, 21st Century Community Learning Centers will host the 2009 Statewide After School Conference at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, South Carolina. The theme for this year’s conference is “Soaring Beyond Expectations: Enhancing Quality in the 21st Century.” This year, approximately eight hundred (800) out-of-school time providers from local, state, and national organizations, as well as community, faith and youth volunteers, representing education, juvenile justice, mental health and social service organizations will attend the conference.

Architects, contractors, and Historic Columbia Foundation staff will provide valuable insight on the rehabilitation work at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home. Participants will get hands-on training and exclusive site reviews illustrating the rehabilitation process as professional staff reviews terminology, tools, materials, best practices, and contact information for vendors who carry the materials needed for these projects.

Enjoy a reception on Sept. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Woodrow Wilson Home, 1705 Hampton St. to celebrate the final stages of Phase I. Historic Columbia Foundation, JMA and Huss staff will provide updates and a review of the work completed during the first phase of the rehabilitation process. Watch video clips, view photos of the Wilson Family Home, and take a brief tour of the site.

Guests are invited to take an evening adventure as a costumed guide leads tours through our historic homes by lantern light every fourth Thursday of the month at 8 p.m. from April to September. Learn about the history and significance of the houses and their connection to Columbia. Guests will tour the Seibels House from April to June and the Hampton-Preston from July to September.

Wind down your Thursday evening with tremendous artwork as well as dessert and drinks on the rooftop. The office of Nelson, Mullins, Riley and Scarborough host this annual benefit art show which features the work of local artists. A portion of all proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia’s cornerstone programs: the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room. Contact anrmhc@bellsouth.net for more information or to purchase tickets.

Conceptual sound art duo Beatrix Jar presents its circuit bending music – a mix of beats, sound samples, and random noise using toys, circuit boards, radio interference and other found sounds to create a “fuzzy sound collage.” $10 or $8 for members. To purchase tickets online, click here.

Rides, dancing, music, crafts and, of course, foods featuring the homely okra! • 803-781-6122.

On Saturday, September 26 the Five Points Association, in conjunction with The Babcock Center, will be hosting an Inaugural Bar Stool Classic: a nine bar, putt-putt, "Pub Crawl" through Five Points. All proceeds of this event will go to the The Babcock Center Foundation for their commitment in helping adults with disabilities. The crawl will last from 4pm to 7pm throughout participating bars and will be followed by an after party at Jake's from 7:30pm to 9pm.

Pancake breakfast benefiting Carolina Sunshine for Children. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at Harley Haven.

First day to see the new exhibit From the Pee Dee to the Savannah: Art and Material Culture from South Carolina’s Fall Line Region.

If you missed the South Carolina State Museum's first garage sale, here’s your second chance! The Museum will be selling display items used in past exhibits. Looking for a handcrafted Napoleon marionette or an oversized art poster? This is your chance to find these and other unique items at our one-day sale. The sale runs from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., but come early for the best selection. Located at the South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C. For more information please visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org or call (803) 898-4921.

Shot in South Carolina and winner of seven film festival awards, this film dramatizes Captain Henry Felder’s stand against the British in the backcountry of South Carolina. A meet and greet with several cast members follows each presentation. Seating is limited; advance purchase recommended. Screenings at 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm. For reservations or more information call or email April Storey at 803.779.8763, April@Sandlapper.org. Located at the South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C.

Learn to make instruments from electronic toys. Toys and batteries are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring old toys. Minneapolis-based duo Bianca “Beatrix” Pettis and Jacob Aaron Roske (“JAR”) perform and present workshops in museums across the U.S. $62.50 for adults and young adults ages 16 and over. Supplies included. Registration ends tomorrow! Click here to register online.

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the moon landing with a close-up look at the Sea of Tranquility. The Midlands Astronomy Club will set up telescopes in front of the State Museum for public viewing. Learn about the moon; see Jupiter, too! The event is free to the public. 7:15 – 10:30 p.m. Located at the South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C. For more information please visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org or call (803) 898-4921.

An annual fall concert series performed outdoors by area bands. This week's performer is The Swing Set Band

Peter A. Hoyt, adjunct curator of music for the Museum, discusses William Bouguereau's Far From Home – a masterpiece of understated innuendo. Illustrated with other works by the artist and examples of the music he was attempting to evoke, Hoyt explores the darker implications of this enigmatic canvas. For mature audiences. $7 or free for members. To purchase tickets online, click here.

Local attorney Richard Gergel will lead a discussion on Churchill and the Jews by Sir Martin Gilbert at the Summit Club. Guests are invited to a reception with a cash bar at 5:30 p.m. prior to the discussion. The discussion will begin at 6:00 p.m. An optional Pol Roger Champagne dinner with the speaker will follow. Admission to the dinner is $35.00 per person. Please R.S.V.P. to Dianne Davis at ddavis@childs-halligan.net or by calling 803.254.4035/ 800.922.2040.

Bring on the fall! Join the Contemporaries for Oktoberfest. Enjoy beer and brats, great live music and conversation on Boyd Plaza. Come alone or bring a friend. FREE for Contemporaries members and $5 for non-members. RSVP to 803.343.2197 or bgridine@columbiamuseum.org.