Indie Grits, Big Nosh, crawfish and international events on tap for Columbia spring

With the twisted weather roller coaster Mother Nature has been taking us on over the past few weeks, it’s sometimes easy to forget those April showers and May flowers will be here soon. In the brief period between chilly winter mornings and sweltering summer days that we in Columbia call spring, there’s much more to look forward to than the Woodlands pool finally opening up. With spring comes the onslaught of weather-primed events, many of which are located right in our own backyard.

Indie Grits Film Festival
April 12 – 21

Now in its seventh year, the title of this Nickelodeon-sponsored event may be a little misleading for newcomers. Though the 10-day venture showcases some of the South’s most culturally evocative films and clips, it also includes a variety of other mediums to lead natives back to their homeland roots. Local musicians provide live tunes for many of the festival’s activities outside the cinema, while regional artists lend a hand so you can try your hand at homemade arts and crafts. Foodies can indulge in delectable meals for a taste of the South between film screenings, many of which include submissions from aspiring directors in our area. For more information, visit indiegrits.com.

Big Nosh Jewish Cultural Festival
April 21

Let’s be frank. We all love Columbia’s Greek Festival. There’s just something enticing about waiting in long lines for freshly smoked meat and hummus while a swarm of children donning traditional garb swirl around a handmade dance floor. But this spring, it’s time to step out of the box a little bit. Swap out the spanakopita for a hot knish and line up for the hora because it’s time for the fourth annual Jewish food festival. Taking place at the Tree of Life Congregation on Trenholm Road, this event encompasses all of the music, eats and activities of the Jewish way of life.

Columbia International Festival
April 13 & 14

Every year, the Columbia International Festival is held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, drawing in crowds by the thousands to experience the lifestyle, cuisine and entertainment of a single worldwide culture. This year’s pick is South Asia, and the state’s largest international festival is sure to deliver with an impressive food court of exotic delicacies, a shopping bazaar to snap up souvenirs and live entertainment straight from the region. Cultural heritage will be on display in a number of exhibits throughout the event grounds, and Saturday will even host a fashion show at 3 p.m. Tickets are $4 in advance and $5 at the gate.

The Rosewood Crawfish Festival
May 11

Long favored by a Columbia natives and even out-of-state visitors, Rosewood’s signature springtime crawfish festival invites us all to spice up our palettes with Cajun beauties by the pound. A $9 ticket in advance gains you access to a bevy of live entertainment, and from there you can find your way to the crawfish, which are brought in live from Louisiana. Families are encouraged to attend the event, but adults are also welcome to dive into fresh brews amid all of the munching. You may work hard for your dinner, but it’ll be worth it for your taste buds.