Through Monday, July 5. Let's Go Sailing! Enjoy a 2 hour paradise with Lanier Sailing Academy for just $25 per person! A certified sailing instructor will let you try your hand at sailing or you can just sit back and let him guide the boat as your “personal” Captain. Boat departure times are at 9:30, 12:00, 2:30, and 5:00. For more information and to reserve your spot, call Paula at 803.317.9070.

Friday, July 2. Free Wine Tastings! The knowledgeable staff of Sam's Fine Wine will be on site to answer all of your questions and help you expand your appreciation of wines. Village at Sandhill Location | 103-2 Forum Drive and the Lexington Location | 5050 Sunset Blvd. Both tastings are from 4-7 pm. Free! Call 808-1830 or visit Sam's Fine Wine for more information!

Friday, July 2-Saturday, July 3. Balloons, Blues & Bar-B-Q! This two day event is the Midlands first Hot Air Balloon festival! Bring all your family and friends out to the Blythewood Community Center at 5pm. There will be tethered balloon rides, live music and Smoked Bar-B-Q. On Saturday the balloons will begin their race! Call Blythewood Town Hall at 803.754.0501 or email keaslers@townofblythewoodsc.gov for more information.

Friday, July 2. Village Artists. Each month several artists in this cooperative gallery are highlighted with a special wine and cheese gathering, are on hand to talk about their medium and techniques as well as exhibit additional works not normally on display at the gallery. Visit the Village Artists for more information.

Friday, July 2. Parents' Night Out! Need a night out, parents? Bring your children to Plex for a night filled with fun games, sports, inflatables and crafts. Dinner is included! $20 + 50% sibling discount. Visit Plex Indoor Sports - Sandhill for more information.

Friday, July 2. Free Concert! Come and enjoy the summer concert series where Yarn will per performing! 7-9. Bring the whole family and a lawn chair. Visit Village at Sandhill for more information.

Saturday, July 3. Freedom Ride. Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson will be hosting this “Military Mission” with 5 stops total to take approximately 2-3 hours. All Proceeds will go to the Columbia USO lounge to support our troops! $20 a rider/car or $10 a passenger. First bike out at 10:30 am | last bike out at noon. The Peace Soldier Band will be playing and lots of activities will be going on at the ending party including a Watermelon seed spitting contest! Visit Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson for more information.

Saturday, July 3th. 4th of July Celebration! This star spangled event will feature a boat parade, fireworks and live music. Bring a chair or blanket! Picnics are welcome--No Alcohol Permitted! $2/adults; $1.25/SC Seniors; ages 15 and younger/Free! Stay for SC's largest fireworks display at dusk. Visit Lake Murray Country for more information.

Saturday, July 3. Live Concert. The Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of patriotic music at 8 pm at Pavilion #14, Dreher Island State Park. $2.00 park entrance fee per car. Brings chairs, blankets. Visit LMSO for more information.

Wednesday, July 7. Farmers Market at Riverbanks. Buy fresh, eat fresh! The Farmers Market returns to the Botanical Garden parking lot this Wednesday from 2-7 pm. Shop for fresh produce, artisan breads, baked goods, cheese, dips, handmade soaps, kettle corn and more! EarthFare will be on-site for live cooking demos every week from 2:30-3:30pm. Visit Riverbanks for more information.