[Columbia, SC] - Riverbanks Zoo & Garden will stay open late on Thursday, August 4, as part of their First Thursdays in the Garden program, scheduled now through September.

"More and more people have been catching on to First Thursdays in the Garden," said Melodie Scott-Leach, director of horticulture at Riverbanks Garden. "Our numbers have climbed all summer. People are looking for creative ways to spend time outdoors. The Garden is beautiful at dusk and the ambience can't be beat."

Palmetto Blue, a progressive bluegrass band will perform a blend of traditional and contemporary music. Local potter Dorothy Kitchens will be on site with her floral and elephant inspired pottery and Alexys Wolfe, a local mural and landscape painter will be giving demonstrations. Sit and relax or join one of the Garden's horticulturists on a roving tour.

In 2004, Riverbanks Botanical Garden was named one of the nation's most inspiring gardens by Horticulture Magazine and HGTV rated it one of the 20 best public gardens in America.

The Gardens will be open from 6 to 9 pm and entrance is $2 for Society members and $4 for general admission.

Check out our Garden Programs for the Garden's complete list of fall workshops.