Excavating Egypt

Excavating Egypt at the Columbia Museum of Art shows how royal and average Egyptians lived.  These objects and artwork--kept in secret storage facilities since World War II--have not been displayed until now. The collection includes many “firsts”: one of the world’s oldest garments; mankind’s first history book; the earliest examples of glass; the oldest “blueprint,” written on papyrus.  For museum hours, go to www.columbiamuseum.org.

Barbecue Joints at McKissick

Barbecue Joints & The Good Folks Who Own Them, a photography exhibit at McKissick Museum runs through July 19. Open 8:30am-5pm weekdays, 11am-3pm Saturdays; on the USC Horseshoe; free.

Go Car Go

The Columbia Midlands Soap Box Derby starts at 8am and runs all day, on Taylor Street beside Finlay Park.   Last year’s winner Kaitlyn Hulst placed 7th at the world championships.  www.cmsbd.org

Jet Tug

Watch teams compete to tug a jet across a runway.  Food, aircraft on display, a giant slide—and a junior tug for kids.  Proceeds support the United Way. 9am-3pm, free admission.  At the UPS Air ramp, off Highway 302 near the airport. www.uway.org

Garden Tour

Columbia Green hosts a tour of 12 private gardens in Forest Acres.  Proceeds from ticket sales support Columbia beautification projects.  Tickets and information at www.columbiagreen.org