Viva la Vista

Head to the Congaree Vista for the third annual Viva la Vista, a full afternoon of music and menu samples from 30 of Columbia's best restaurants. From 2-7 p.m., the Lincoln Street Canopy lining Gervais street will host chefs offering sample dishes, live musicians and family activities for the event. Purchase tokens for $1, and enjoy dishes such as Chef Brian Duke's shrimp and grits for 5 tokens. Tokens can be purchased online and at several Lincoln Street locations.

Opera Thursday

Dianne's on Devine will host the Palmetto Opera on Thursday to offer an evening sampling of opera arias and piano accompaniments. Reserve an evening of fine dining and fine music by calling 803-254-3535. Performances begin at 7 p.m.

Rooftop Rhythms

Tonight from 5-9 p.m., join the Forest Acres Restaurant and Merchant Association for Rooftop Rhythms, taking place on the roof at Richland Mall. Enjoy an evening of great food, beverages courtesy of Budweiser, and entertainment from The Men of Distinction and The Voltage Brothers. Bring the kids, and keep them occupied with the bouncy house and slide.

Wine & food

Head to the Village Green at Lake Carolina on Saturday from 12-7 p.m. for the eighth annual Lake Carolina Wine & Food Festival. What better way to spend a Saturday than to indulge in fine wine, gourmet dining and live entertainment? Parking is available at no charge until 3 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased for $35 online. Regular admission is $40. An option for VIP access also is available and gives guests access to an after party featuring live music, champagne and desserts at the Harborside Pool and Cabana. Some proceeds will go to benefit the Children's Charities of the Midlands.

Brookland bazaar

Head to West Columbia on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Brookland Bazaar. Enjoy a silent auction, homemade baked goods, jams, jellies, frozen entrees, crafts, handmade jewelry, pottery, metalworks and handbags. Call 803-755-3469 for more information. The bazaar will take place at 541 Meeting St. in West Columbia.

Little people, big wheels

If you have a child that loves big trucks, come out to EdVenture on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Big Wheels. Let the kids get up close and personal with a large variety of trucks and emergency vehicles while learning about the science of how these machines move, push, pull and haul. There is no charge with museum admission. This is a one day only event.

A classic

Nanci Griffith, called the "Queen of Folkability" by Rolling Stone magazine, performs her mix of folk, country, rock and pop at 8 p.m. Friday at the Newberry Opera House. Her vibrant, passionate and political music has earned her a Grammy win. Don't miss out on a performance from a torch bearer in American folk music.

Jazz blend

Head to the Columbia Museum of Art on Thursday at 7 p.m. for World Jazz Trio's blend of North African, Middle-Eastern, Indian, electronic and acoustic jazz styles led by Ravish Momin. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are $10 for nonmembers, $8 for members and $5 for students.

Okra festival

On Saturday, Irmo will host the 37th annual Okra Strut Parade and Festival. At 9 a.m. the Okra Strut Parade begins. Watch more than 100 floats, including Okra Man, beauty queens and marching bands, parade down St. Andrews Road from Crossroads Middle School to Lake Murray Boulevard.

The Okra Strut Festival follows the parade at 10 a.m. Enjoy the food, arts and crafts, amusements, special community events and plenty of okra and vegetable vendors at the Vegetable Market.

The party doesn't end until 5 p.m.

Comedy night

A former host of BET's Comic View and current star on Tyler Perry's House of Payne is in town. Gary Owens hits the stage at Comedy House Theater tonight at 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., and Sunday at 8 p.m. Owens has also appeared in the movies Little Man, Rebound and Daddy Day Care. Leave the kids at home for this one -- it's rated R.

Coming soon:

Rickey Smiley and Friends: 8 p.m. Oct 2. Comedic performance at Township Auditorium.

Columbia Blues Festival: Oct. 1-2. The 16th annual festival will be held at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Five Points. The event begins at noon each day.

Jason Aldean: 7 p.m. Oct. 2. Country music star performs at Colonial Life Arena.

Third annual Italian Festival: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 2. Celebrate with the Sons of Italy Lodge 2808 in downtown Columbia on Main Street.

Televangelist Kenneth Copeland: The 2010 Word Explosion is coming to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center from Oct. 14-16. Go online for more information.

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