Sponsored Content
Travel and Outdoors

Cozy up to a bookish weekend in Columbia, SC

March 13, 2025 • 
Germaine Foo
Sponsored by
An image of books by various authors displayed on a table.

Enjoy talks by bestselling authors, genre-focused panels, live entertainment, hands-on activities, and more at Read Freely Fest.

Photos provided by Richland Library

Book lovers, rejoice — Read Freely Fest is taking over Richland Library Main in Columbia from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30.

Start your weekend on the right page at the “Overdue” kickoff party. Then, meet NYT bestselling authors like Abbott Kahler and Patti Callahan Henry at interactive panels, get your favorite books signed, and experience an audiobook silent disco.

Plus, score great deals at a book sale, explore indie-published works, and connect with fellow literature lovers.

Flip to the full schedule

More from AVLtoday
Center for Craft
Arts
Center for Craft to showcase the US’ foremost American craft library
A recent $425,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation will help it come to fruition.
April 22, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
pack memorial mural
City
Vote on a massive new mural for Pack Memorial Library
Through the Paint NC initiative, Buncombe County is getting a brand new mural from artist Max Dowdle — here’s how you can help choose the design and help paint it too.
April 21, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
the velvet wind
Culture
Meet The Velvet Wind, Asheville’s new luxury mahjong lounge
The centuries-old Chinese tile game has experienced a massive resurgence — now, Asheville welcomes its first dedicated mahjong lounge.
April 20, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
AVLtoday 4.22 Blue Ridge Ortho.gif
Sponsored
Picture-perfect family smiles ➡️ Easier to finance than ever
Sponsored by
folk art center.png
Entertainment
20+ fun and free activities in Asheville
Make the most of the season without pulling out your wallet.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
Greenworks planting-Peeples-Bryan Tompkins with tray of plants8.jpg
Travel and Outdoors
Be a force of nature on Earth Day in Asheville
Join the cleanups, crafting, parties, and promotions happening in honor of the world around us.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Molly Wilson
citizen vinyl
Culture
This Record Store Day, tune into titles pressed in Asheville
Lend an ear to four Record Store Day releases from over the years, pressed here in Asheville at Citizen Vinyl.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
A wicker picnic basket sits on top of a blue plaid blanket on grass.
Entertainment
Build the perfect Asheville picnic
It’s time to dust off the checkered picnic basket + blanket and take advantage of the fresh air.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
Asheville_Pickleball_Court_LoRes.png
City
Help decide the location of Asheville’s first public pickleball complex
April 13, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
HomeTrust Park rendering.png
City
Asheville Tourists ballpark gets a new name
After more than 100 seasons as McCormick Field, the ballpark is now dubbed HomeTrust Park, marking a partnership between Asheville’s minor league team and its largest financial institution.
April 13, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers