Cola City Homeschoolers

Play Club with ABC Fitness
2026-01-28 07:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | In Person
Let Grow — Play Club park meet up
January 28th 12:30pm-2:30pm
at Finlay Park
hosted with ABC Fitness

All ages, even Teens and Adults. It’s unstructured social time.

This is not just another playground meet-up group. It’s a new kind of play program. Intentionally designed to foster independence, social development, problem solving–for all ages (especially 8+). Families with younger siblings are also welcome, though.

We hope to see this grow and expand to more projects and activities thru the fall to develop interpersonal connections as well as personal agency.
Fun Day at Finley Park with ABC Kids Fitness & Cola City Homeschool Group! ABC Kids Fitness is super excited to partner with Cola City Homeschool Group for an unforgettable afternoon of movement, laughter, and community fun a. Join us for plenty of fun fitness challenges and fun group games designed to keep everyone moving and smiling. Bring your family, invite a friend, and come enjoy a joyful day of active play and connection!

For more information about ABC Kids Fitness, click here: https://www.abckidsfitness.com/

For more information about the “Let Grow” initiative, click here: https://www.colacityhomeschoolers.com/let-grow-play-club/

No sign up, just show up. In case of inclement weather: Meet at Main Branch of Richland Library Downtown

Share Fair: DIY Minute-to-Win-it Games
2026-01-30 07:30 - 09:30 | In Person
Share Fair: January
DIY Minute-to-Win-it Games
and School Choice Photos
Friday, January 30th @12:30pm
at St. Andrews Branch/RCPL
FREE — All Ages
Note: This event is hosted by Cola City PLUS. It’s free, but RSVP so we can have enough space for facilitators and supplies for participants. (SCROLL DOWN to RSVP).
This is part of the Cola City PLUS initiative to build community. We’re hosting a monthly “Share Fair” with a theme for presentations. Location: St. Andrews Branch Library, 2916 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210
This month is: DIY Minute-to-Win-it Games. Here’s a link with some quick and easy ideas to inspire you. And a few photos.

Bring a game to share–or just come and play. All ages!
Fill out the form below to RSVP:

Firefly Game Day: February
2026-02-06 07:00 - 09:00 | In Person
Homeschool Game Day
by Firefly Toys & Games
First Friday of the Month
All Ages — Free
Note: This is not a Cola City Event. We are meeting up there–so keep an eye out for other Cola City connections!
This free event is the First Friday of the month from 12-2pm. Open to all ages. Located at Firefly Toys & Games, 736 Saint Andrews Rd Ste C, Columbia, SC
Firefly staff will be highlighting and teaching educational board games which cover a range of subjects, such as: Math, Science, Geography, Chemistry and many more.
Use games for education; come learn about it.
And look for other Cola City Homeschoolers! We’re scheduling this as a meet-up time/location for our Cola City PLUS initiative. Socializing and communnity building with “Third Place” spaces. Read more about Socialization with Cola City PLUS
No need to sign up–just show up.
Communication updates thru Our School Hangout App.
Set up your account to try for free now (pay later, only $5/month)

Battle of Aiken 2026
2026-02-20 03:30 - 10:00 | In Person
Battle of Aiken
Living History School Days 2026
February 20, 8:30-3 pm
Free — All ages
NOTE: This is *not* a Cola City Event. Contact Battle of Aiken for more information and details. Pre-registration is recommended
Field Trip

Since 1995, thousands of school children have traveled to the Battle of Aiken Park for the annual School Field Trip Day held the Friday, after President’s Day, each February. Students go through a living history program that makes history come alive! Over 75,000 children have experienced the program. Today, some of the past attendees are now parents and bring another generation of students to the program! Schools from across Georgia and South Carolina attend every year. All public schools, private schools, and home schools are invited to attend this event which is appropriate for all ages. The educational program is believed to be the largest attended single day field trip in the state.
Admission: Free

Time: Gates open at 8:30 A.M. and close at 3:00 P. M. Presentations begin at 9 A. M. There is no minimum or maximum time requirement. Most schools spend five hours at the site.
Location: 1210 Powell Pond Road, Aiken, SC 29801
When: Friday morning prior to the annual Battle of Aiken reenactment.
Food: Students are welcome to bring box lunches. Food and soft drinks are available for purchase at our concessions.
What to Bring: Warm clothing, umbrella, jacket, cap, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera.
Souvenirs: Some historical-based souvenirs and books will be available for purchase.
Contact: www.boalivinghistory@gmail.com
School Day Coordinator: Darlene Stokes 706-589-8479
To register, please click HERE

Park Meet-Up: February
2026-02-25 07:30 - 09:30 | In Person
Let Grow — Play Club park meet up
Wednesdays: 12:30pm-2:30pm
February 11 & 25
at Finlay Park
All ages, even Teens and Adults. It’s unstructured social time.

This is not just another playground meet-up group. It’s a new kind of play program. Intentionally designed to foster independence, social development, problem solving–for all ages (especially 8+). Families with younger siblings are also welcome, though.

We hope to see this grow and expand to more projects and activities to develop interpersonal connections as well as personal agency. Community building and collaboration!

For more information about the “Let Grow” initiative, click here: https://www.colacityhomeschoolers.com/let-grow-play-club/

No sign up, just show up. In case of inclement weather: Meet at Main Branch of Richland Library Downtown
Updates in Our School Hangout App.
Set up you account here to try it for free.

Homeschool Game Day: March
2026-03-06 07:00 - 09:00

Play Club: March
2026-03-11 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-03-25 08:30 - 10:30 | In Person
Let Grow — Play Club park meet up
Wednesdays: 12:30pm-2:30pm
March 11 & 25
at Finlay Park
All ages, even Teens and Adults. It’s unstructured social time.

This is not just another playground meet-up group. It’s a new kind of play program. Intentionally designed to foster independence, social development, problem solving–for all ages (especially 8+). Families with younger siblings are also welcome, though.

We hope to see this grow and expand to more projects and activities to develop interpersonal connections as well as personal agency. Community building and collaboration!

For more information about the “Let Grow” initiative, click here: https://www.colacityhomeschoolers.com/let-grow-play-club/

No sign up, just show up. In case of inclement weather: Meet at Main Branch of Richland Library Downtown
Updates in Our School Hangout App.
Set up you account here to try it for free.

Read Freely Fest
2026-03-27 15:00 - 2026-03-29 12:00 | In Person
Read Freely Fest
By Richland County Library
March 27-29th
FREE — All Ages
More information: Click HERE

Location: 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia
Read Freely Fest is South Carolina’s newest book festival, celebrating stories and ideas with bestselling author talks, panels featuring fresh voices, performances and interactive activities. Each spring at Richland Library Main in downtown Columbia, you can meet favorite authors, discover new reads and connect with readers and writers who share inspiring perspectives.
See you at Read Freely Fest, where stories find good company.

Homeschool Game Day: April
2026-04-03 08:00 - 10:00 | In Person

Play Club: Interest Survey
2026-04-08 04:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
I believe in the mission of building community and this initiative to give our kids agency and autonomy. We get sparks of enthusiasm, that have never really taken off though. Let’s just take a moment to reconsider the possibilities for putting our efforts together. Please fill out this form to get involved: Loading…

Irmo International Festival
2026-04-26 07:00 - 11:00 | In Person
Irmo International Festival
Public event: Not hosted by Cola City
Sunday, April 26
More Info CLICK HERE
The Sharpvue Irmo International Festival (SIIF) is a nonprofit event dedicated to celebrating the cultures, traditions, and people that make our community vibrant. Join us for a lively day of international food, music, performances, and activities that bring neighbors together through shared experiences.
Sunday, April 26, 2026Moore Park · Irmo, South Carolina
Come experience the flavors, sounds, and stories of cultures from around the world! It’s a day of connection, discovery, and fun for all ages.
What to Expect:• International food vendors• Cultural performances and music• Local vendors and artisans• Family-friendly activities• Community celebration of global cultures

Homeschool Game Day: May
2026-05-01 08:00 - 10:00 | In Person

Festival at the Friar's Gate
2026-05-16 06:00 - 2026-05-17 13:00
Festival of the Friar’s Gate
May 16-17
Moore Park in Irmo, SC 29063
Public Event — Free
NOTE: This is a public event, *not* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. More information HERE
HEAR YE, HEAR YE! Let it be known throughout the realm!
The First Grand Festival at the Friar’s Gate shall be held upon the 16th and 17th days of May in the Year of our Realm, 2026 within the Irmese village of Ravenmoore, where sea serpents guard the lake and old magic stirs in the soil.
Come ye one, come ye all, to a place out of time, where jesters shall tumble, blades shall clash, music shall rise, and tankards shall overflow with cheer. Marvel at strange beasts, rare crafts, enchanted wares, and ancient customs. Witness contests of skill and honor, and feast like kings ‘neath the banners of yore.
Let thy garb be fine and thy spirits high, for the gates of the fair shall open at the tenth bell.
Ravenmoore awaits thee with open arms, and the old road knows the way…
~ So Declared in Ink and Wax, by the Keeper of the Raven Banner

K5 Graduation & Awards Program
2026-05-23 05:30 - 07:30
K5 Graduation & Awards Program
by SC TOP & Cola City PLUS
Saturday May 23, 10-11:30am
Pre-registeration by May 8th
All Ages — $15/participant
Note: the event is hosted by SC TOP Association, but is open to all Cola City Homeschoolers. REGISTRATION HERE
Location: St. David’s Lutheran Church (Gym) 132 St Davids Church Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170
Celebrate the important milestones you’ve accomplished this year! We invite all SC TOP members to participate in this celebration of learning!

Kindergarten Graduation or
Completing the 1st year of Homeschooling at any grade level
5th Grade and 8th Grade Graduation
Any other Milestone acomplishment or grade level promotion

We’ll compile a promo video that you can share with your friends and family. We’ll also have a fun presentation with minute-to-win-it games and award certificates for all participants.
Note: This non-religious, informal program — uniquely homeschool. Caps/gowns are optional.
Fill out the pre-registration form for each student honoree that you want included in the video and/or the live program. Pre-registeration by May 8th to be included in promo video. Click here to see 2022 video, 2023 video, 2024 video, and 2025 video

Video participants (free): Picture will be included (no names or details about the student will be included in the video–for privacy and safety in sharing publicly to our extended friends and family). See examples of previous promo video. Digital Award Certificate will be emailed.
Program participants ($15): Name and photo of the student will be included in the live in-person event, but no other contact information will be revealed for privacy and safety. Also video details above. Printed Certificate will be presented in person.

Click HERE to REGISTER

Homeschool Game Day: June
2026-06-05 08:00 - 10:00 | In Person

Cola City Homeschool Expo
2026-06-27 06:00 - 12:00 | In Person
Cola City Homeschool Expo
Saturday, June 27th, 10 am-4 pm
Jamil Center, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, SC 29210
Admission $5/$8 — Open to the Public
Whether you’re considering homeschooling, new to it, or a seasoned homeschooler, Cola City Homeschool Expo 2026 is the place to Connect, Expand, and Thrive!
This year’s theme, “Grow Your Village” celebrates building strong community connections while exploring diverse learning resources. Our Expo is designed to create a welcoming space where every family, learner, and educator feels included, valued, and inspired to discover new ideas.
We are looking for vendors and exhibitors who bring a variety of educational resources, creative products, and services that reflect diverse learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and ability levels. Join us in cultivating a vibrant, connected community — where together, we can make meaningful connections, broaden our bookshelves, and thrive as a collective.
MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE
