England’s two greatest football teams will face off at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia on Saturday.

The 7:30 PM match between Manchester United and Liverpool is part of a friendly tour of the United States called Rivals in Red. The event will give local soccer fans the chance to see two European teams in action, but it’s sure to draw newcomers to the South Carolina capital as well. Whether you’re from here, have been here, or are completely new to Columbia, there’s plenty to do while you wait for the 7:30 PM match.

Here are five things to do on the Saturday before the game to make your trip to Columbia a breeze, plus events on Thursday and Friday to get fans started on the celebrations as early as possible.

Saturday

• If you’re new to town, you can’t miss Soda City Market, Columbia’s famous and well-trafficked weekly farmers market and craft fair. The market is located on Columbia’s main street and is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This week’s market will feature some special football-themed activities. You won’t need cleats, but I suppose you can wear them if you want.

• New to Columbia this year is a citywide celebration called 803 Day, inspired by the Midlands area code. The festival includes a 5K run and walk, as well as a free outdoor festival at the Robert Mills House. There will also be special meals at restaurants throughout the city on Saturday. For all the information, visit 803day.org.

• After you’re done shopping at Soda City Market, head to the Rivals in Red fan festival at Gamecock Park on Bluff Road across from Williams-Brice Stadium. The fan festival will run from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will be live music, food and drinks, activities for the kids, and more. Whether you have tickets to the game or not, everyone is welcome to attend this free cheer-style festival on Saturday night before the game.

• Don’t have tickets to the game but still want to be around football fans? Head to Steel Hands Brewing at 2350 Foreman St. in Cayce (just across from Columbia) for an all-day and all-night viewing party. The event will begin at 1 p.m. with live music and will be broadcast on all of the Brewery’s televisions once the game has started. Wear your favorite team’s colors for extra points.

Thursday and Friday

Want to get the party started early? There will be football-themed events all over Columbia on Thursday and Friday nights to help you kick off your weekend.

• Columbia’s monthly First Thursday on Main Street is always fun, but this month’s theme is the British Invasion. There will be British-inspired street karaoke, face painting, live music, and a football hunt. Local artists have painted 20 footballs that will be hidden around local businesses. If you find a ball, you can keep it.

• On Friday, you’ll have your pick of pregame activities. Looking to hang out in Five Points? Head to Bang Back Pinball Lounge at 741 Saluda Ave. for food and drink specials. Of course, there’ll be fish and chips.

• Prefer to hang out on Devine Street? River City Football Club is hosting a 3-on-3 street football tournament at The Public House at 2307 Devine Street from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

• Or, head to Columbia Craft Brewing Company at 790 Huger St. in The Vista for Kickin’ it in The Vista. The event will run from 4 to 8 p.m. and will feature live music and football-themed giveaways. Plus, if you need something to do between beers, the South Carolina United Football Club will be spearheading football-centric games.