The 2nd annual 803 Day weekend is officially one week away! Returning August 1-3, this citywide celebration will span across the Midlands in recognition of all things “So 803.” From West Columbia to Blythewood and everywhere in-between, the Midlands will unite in a spirit of pride, unity, and fun through events, food, music, art, and giving back.
Full Weekend Lineup:
· Friday, August 1st – Pre-803 Day Mixer: A kickoff networking event for sponsors, partners, community leaders and influencers in the Midlands region (West Columbia, South Carolina)
· Saturday, August 2nd – 803 Day 5K Run/Walk: Take a stroll or a hasty pace through Forest Acres while supporting the Cola Rose Shower, a local 501c(3) that celebrates women by supporting health challenges that women in the Midlands face, including: cancers, endometriosis, fibroids, miscarriages, stillbirths, hysterectomies, etc. The organization also collects feminine hygiene products for women and youth in need. Warm up will be given by Michaela Leung, Pilates instructor, wellness writer, and founder of All is Well, a community-rooted wellness brand focused on mindful movement and accessible self-care. Registration: www.strictlyrunning.com/803Day
· Citywide Scavenger Hunt: Explore the 803 through a fun and interactive challenge featuring local businesses and public art/murals. We can’t give away the locations just yet, but everyone is encouraged to download the Soda City Certified app to participate. Participants must download the free app, solve clues, and enter pin codes to receive points and win prizes! Hint: A few local favorites will have fun riddles all over town.
$8.03 Specials: Enjoy curated $8.03 deals from participating restaurants and retail businesses all weekend long. All specials are posted on the 803 Day website and on the Soda City Certified app.
· Sunday, August 3rd – 803 Day Festival: A free event with food trucks, vendors, and exhibitors from across the region and live music and entertainment, including DJ Prince Ice – the Living Legend. An indoor VIP experience will be available. Attendees are encouraged to bring back-to-school supplies and canned goods to support the JoO Foundation and Christian Assistance Bridge, respectively.
Give Back on 803 Day
Bring your back-to-school supplies to donate to the JoO Foundation, a local 501c3 that has numerous annual community giveaway events for youth and families in need. Donation bins will be available at the 5K Run/Walk and at the Festival. Monetary donations are also accepted via $JOOFoundation via CashApp and TheJoOFoundation@gmail.com via PayPal. “We believe every child deserves to start the school year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed. Partnering with 803 Day allows us to reach more families in the Midlands and ensures that no student feels left behind before the first bell rings,” said Timothy Owens, founder, JoO Foundation. “Together, we’re not just giving out supplies – we’re investing in futures.”
Another local nonprofit that will participate in 803 Day is the Christian Assistance Bridge (CAB) of Blythewood, South Carolina. CAB assists residents of Northeast Columbia, Blythewood, and Ridgeway areas who have fallen on hard times and may need assistance with living expenses or groceries. “Food insecurity doesn’t take a break – but with the help of events like 803 Day, our community can come together to fight it head-on, said Kate Williams, executive director, Christian Assistance Bridge. “Every can, every box, and every donation helps us put food on the table for a neighbor in need. We’re grateful to be part of this celebration and even more grateful for the generosity it inspires.”
803 Day T-Shirt Artwork Spotlights
The 2025 803 Day 2025 Festival t-shirt, themed “Unity Starts Young” was designed by renowned artist and 803 native, Ija Charles, and features two children of different sexes and races embracing, symbolizing love, inclusion, and hope for the next generation while bridging the Richland and Lexington counties together. The shirt is available for sale: etsy.com/shop/803Day
The 2025 803 Day 5K Run/Walk t-shirt was designed by Columbia College student, Nicholas Carman, a Studio Art major, and is an homage to the SC State House, the central pinnacle of the Capital City.
Confirmed $8.03 Specials
Below is the list of participating $8.03 specials at local businesses on Saturday, August 2
· East Bay Deli: $8.03 The Citadel sandwich at each Midlands location
· Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits:
-$8.03 Classic Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
-$8.03 for 2 Orange Juice Mimosas
· Trini Lime Caribbean Café: Stewed Chicken, Rice & Peas, and Cabbage for $8.03
· Mr. Seafood NE: Salmon Bites Basket with fries and hushpuppies for $8.03
· Gervais & Vine: TBD
Below is the list of participating $8.03 specials at local businesses on Sunday, August 3
· East Bay Deli: $8.03 The Citadel sandwich at each Midlands location
· Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits:
-$8.03 Classic Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
-$8.03 for 2 Orange Juice Mimosas
· Peach Cobbler Factory will have several $8.03 specials at the 803 Day festival
· Grill Marks:
-$8.03 All American BLT Smash Burger with Fries
-$8.03 Crack Brownie Freakshake
“I am incredibly grateful for the way the Midlands region has embraced 803 Day. What started as a simple idea to celebrate our area code has grown into a full weekend of unity, pride, and purpose,” said Khali Gallman, founder, 803 Day. “Everyone has come together – local businesses, nonprofits, residents, and visitors to celebrate what makes the 803 so special. This is more than a celebration – it’s a reflection of the love we have for this place we call home.”
Special thank you to the 803 Day sponsors and partners, including: The Town of Blythewood, City of Forest Acres, Soda City Certified App, SJB Event Management, Columbia Fireflies, Kickin It With Dads, Renewal by Anderson, Inspire Sandhills, Dream Key Partners, Jabber & Isaac Law Firm, Hall’s Chophouse of Columbia, Brazilian Wax by Claudia (Lexington and NE Columbia locations), the Omega Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Imane B Sellin KW Preferred Imane Bradley, Tranquil Curls Head Spa, South University, Imhotep the Drum, Foresight Communications, Bell Pro Units, ECPI University, The Cheer Lender, Essential Specialized Planners, Epitome of Real Estate, Time to Shine Car Wash, DJ Prince Ice the Living Legend, Hartfelt Hands, TAG Academy, Mr. Seafood NE, Grind Life Athletics, Brownstone Roofing and Remodeling, and Lynne Rogers, Esq.
Volunteer opportunities are available. Visit www.803day.org to learn more about the festivities or volunteer.
Email hello@803day.org or call 803.922.5310 for more information. Follow @803DaySC on Facebook/Instagram/TikTok for the latest updates.
