In Columbia, there is music galore ranging from a soothing philharmonic to the wold famous Weird Al Yankovic and Maroon 5. If music is not your thing, there are still numerous amounts of fun to have in Columbia such as the International Flat Track Roller Derby Division 1 Playoffs or the many plays at the Nickelodeon Theatre.
Sundays – Sensory Sunday at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. On Sundays one hour before opening, the museum will be open for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and sensory processing difference’s to tour the museum and enjoy interactive, hands on activities. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/sensory-sunday/?for=04-17-2016.
Tuesdays – Toddler Tuesdays at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Bring your toddler for seasonal art activities, music, and our sand tray exploration in the Early Learning Classroom. For more information call (803) 779-3100 or visit http://www.edventure.org/calendar/calendar.aspx.
Tuesdays – Second Shift Twosdays at the South Carolina State Museum. The museum has extended hours with special after hours pricing. For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/events/second-shift-twosdays/.
First & Third Wednesdays – Kids Cook at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Children 6 – 10 years old will have a unique experience taking participants on an exciting journey of culinary arts partaking in food preparation and meal creation, while learning about nutrition. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/kids-cook-first-third-wednesdays/?for=04-20-2016.
First Thursdays – First Thursdays on Main Street at the 1200-1700 block of Main Street in downtown Columbia. The event lasts from 6 pm to 10 pm and is a collaboration of a number of vendors in the area. For more information call (803) 988-1065 or visit http://firstthursdaysonmain.com/.
Third Thursdays – Vista Nights offered by the Congaree Visit Guild in the Vista area of downtown Columbia. This event is a collaboration of vendors offering extended hours and events such as wine and beer tastings, art classes, and more. For more information call (803) 269-5946 or visit http://www.vistacolumbia.com/vistanights.aspx.
Thursday Nights – Young Adult Shag Dance at Bill’s Music Stop on Meeting Street. Come early and learn how to shag and then dance the night away. For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/calendar.html#.
Fridays – Bluegrass and Acoustic Open Stage and Jam at Bill’s Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor on Meeting Street. Come out and participate or sit back and enjoy the music. For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/.
Fourth Fridays – Friday Night Laser Lights at the South Carolina State Museum. Through the months of June, July, and August, the Museum will present a laser light show in the Planetarium with each show providing a variety of music. For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/events/upcoming-events/.
Saturdays – State House Tours. Come tour the most beautiful historic building in the area. For more information call (803) 734-2430 or visit http://www.scstatehouse.gov/visit.php.
Saturdays – Classic Country Music Jamboree and Dancing at Bills Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor on Meeting Street. Come early and learn two step, country dancing, or couples dancing (no partner required) followed by live entertainment. For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/.
Saturdays – Soda City Market on Main Street in downtown Columbia. Shop for local and regional foods, crafts, hot coffee, cold fresh lemonade, and even cooked food. For more information visit http://sodacitysc.com/.
Through September 30 – Blooming Butterflies at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Learn about the lifecycle of the butterfly and see a variety of beautiful butterflies in the butterfly house. For more information call (803) 799-3100 or visit http://www.edventure.org/exhibits/seasonal/blooming-butterflies/.
Through October 23 – “J Henry Fair Photographs the Carolina Coast” at the Columbia Museum of Art. See the Carolina coast like you’ve never seen it before. For more information call (803) 799-2810 or visit https://www.columbiamuseum.org/exhibitions/eyes-edge.
Through March 4, 2017 – Sensory Sunday at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. One the first Sunday of each month, children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and sensory processing differences will have the opportunity to enjoy the museum in a safe and accepting environment and enjoy interactive, hands on activities. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/sensory-sunday/?for=07-03-2016.
September 5 – December 17 – Looking Back/Looking Ahead: Columbia’s Sesquicentennial Time Capsule at the McKissick Museum. See items that were placed in the time capsule 150 years ago. For more information visit http://www.artsandsciences.sc.edu/mckissickmuseum/looking-backlooking-ahead-columbias-sesquicentennial-time-capsule.
September 7 – Sundance Short Film Festival at the Nickelodeon Theatre. This is a 90 minute theatrical program of eight short films selected from this year’s Festival. For more information call (803) 254-3433 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/sundance-short-films/.
September 7 – “Weird Al Yankovic: The Mandatory World Tour” at the Koger Center for the Arts. For all of the “Weird Al” fans, he’s finally here! For more information call (803) 777-7500 or visit http://www.kogercenterforthearts.com/event.php?id=187.
September 7 – 8 – “Southside With You” at the Nickelodeon Theatre. See the story of how the current President first met the First Lady on the south side of Chicago. For more information call (803) 254-3433 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/southside-with-you/.
September 7 – 8 – “Little Men” at the Nickelodeon Theatre. Hear the story of two teens who develop a growing friendship while their prospective parents’ feud continues to escalate. For more information call (803) 254-3433 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/little-men/.
September 8 – Music Faculty’s Welcome Back Concert at Columbia College. Enjoy an evening of entertainment by the College’s fantastic music professors. For more information call (800) 277-1301 or visit http://www.columbiasc.edu/academics/arts-a-communication-studies/studio-art/art-events.
September 8 – Moonlight Cemetery & Secrets from the Grave Tours at Elmwood Cemetery. With Secrets from the Grave you will tour the cemetery before dark to view the symbols on some of the markers followed by the Moonlight Cemetery Tour to discuss the lives, burials, cemetery plots and tombstones of families and prominent Columbia citizens from the 19th and 20th centuries. For more information (803) 252-7742 or visit http://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/moonlight-cemetery-tours?date=07%2F14%2F2016.
September 9 – “Atlas Road Crew” & “Brave Baby” at the Music Farm. Enjoy this well-known rock band with a little bit of southern soul. For more information visit http://www.musicfarm.com/event/1244967-atlas-road-crew-brave-baby-columbia/.
September 9 – “Russian Fireworks” by the South Carolina Philharmonic at the Koger Center for the Arts. Enjoy an evening by the fantastic musicians in our own Philharmonic. For more information call (803) 777-7500 or visit http://www.scphilharmonic.com/calendar.aspx?event_id=1100.
September 9 – 10 – 85-Mile Big Grab Yard Sale running from I-26 in Newberry County down Hwy 34 to the intersection of I-20 and Hwy 21 near Columbia. There is also a route that goes down Hwy. 321 from Hwy. 34 to Hwy. 21. Head out for a fun day of bargain shopping and even antique shopping in the towns along the route. For more information call (803) 635-4242 or visit http://www.biggrabyardsale.com/.
Evansville will be one of four venues to host the first ever Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) Roller Derby International Playoffs, in which the top WFTDA leagues in the world will compete for the sport’s top honors. Evansville-based Demolition City Roller Derby won’t be competiting but is the host team for the event.
September 9 – 10 – International Flat Track Roller Derby Division 1 Playoffs at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Come out and support our own Columbia QuadSquad in the Division 1 Playoffs and see some of the best roller derby teams from across the world! For more information call (415) 235-5718 or visit https://wftda.com/tournaments/2016/columbia.
September 9 – 17 – “Tail! Spin!” at Trustus Theatre. Enjoy this comedy that portrays some of South Carolinas past politicians and their “tail spins”. For more information call (803) 254-9732 or visit https://trustus.org/event/tail-spin/.
September 9 – 18 – “The Hounds of Baskerville” at the Harbison Theatre. See if you can figure out who killed Sir Charles Baskerville in this classic Sherlock Holmes story. For more information call (803) 240-8544 or visit http://www.chapintheatre.org/2016/hound-of-the-baskervilles.html.
September 9 – 25 – “My Fair Lady” at the Town Theatre. When a phonetics professor hears a flower seller speak, he tells her he can teach her how to speak “properly” so she will fit in with high society in this classic 1938 musical. For more information call (803) 799-2510 or visit http://towntheatre.com/98th/.
September 10 – Farmville at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. This family friendly hands on experience will teach kids about farm animals, farm machinery, and fresh produce that keeps us healthy, with a toddler tractor race, animal mask art activity, a petting farm, and more. For more information call (803) 779-3100 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/farmville/?for=09-10-2016.
September 10 – Shaggin’ On Main in downtown Columbia. Enjoy an evening out with the family while celebrating the Shag and beach music. For more information call (803) 606-3030 or visit http://www.columbiacvb.com/includes/calendar-of-events/Shaggin-on-Main/48758/.
September 10 – Splash and Dash Adventure Race at Saluda Shoals Park. This two or three person event includes a 2 mile run, a 1 mile canoe paddle, and a 5 mile mountain bike pedal through the Park. For more information call (803) 731-5208 or visit http://www.icrc.net/splash-and-dash-adventure-race-2016-09-10.
September 10 – Women’s Empowerment Expo at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. This event is intended to empower, entertain, and uplift women through seminars, guest speakers, live entertainment, and vendors. For more information call (803) 545-0001 or visit http://www.columbiaconventioncenter.com/includes/events/index.cfm?action=displayDetail&eventid=13705.
September 10 – Chipped Gourd Birdhouse Workshop at the Edisto Discovery Park on Wiley Street. Create a one of a kind birdhouse out of a gourd. For more information email bloliver@columbiasc.net or visit http://www.onecolumbiasc.com/event/detail/441981893/Chipped_Gourd_Birdhouse_Workshop.
September 10 – Martha’s Market at Union United Methodist Church in Irmo. Find crafts, jewelry, homemade goods, soaps, garden art, and more, with all proceeds from this event benefiting Epworth’s Children’s Home and the Snack Pack Program. For more information call (803) 781-3013 or visit https://www.facebook.com/marthasmarketuumcirmo/.
September 10 – South Carolina Moon Festival at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheatre. Enjoy an evening of dragon dancing, games, face painting, Chinese food, Asian inspired crafts, local vendors, and more. For more information visit http://www.scmoonfest.org/.
September 10 – Rosewood Art & Music Festival on Rosewood Drive. You will find artists presenting a variety of art to include digital, drawing, ceramic, glass, jewelry, sculpture, and more; musicians; performers; and writers. For more information call (803) 608-3057 or visit http://www.rosewoodfestival.com/.
September 10 – Busa and Baggar Fest Motorsports and Food Festival at the Historic Columbia Speedway in Cayce. See a large variety of custom and classic bikes and cars, as well as a vast array of food vendors to suit everyone. For more information call (877) 854-6788 or visit https://www.ticketalternative.com/event/busa-and-bagger-fest-motorsports-festival.
September 10 – “Maroon 5” at the Colonial Life Arena. Finally a modern rock band has come to the Colonial Life Arena! For more information call (803) 576-9053 or visit https://www.coloniallifearena.com/maroon-5.php?eventid=122&showtimeid=212.
September 11 – Run For Our Troops at the West Columbia Riverwalk. This 5K event will benefit our veterans and first responders who are coping with physical and emotional injuries resulting from their heroic service to our nation. For more information visit http://cwcjaycees.wix.com/rfot.
September 11 – Grandparents Day at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Kids get to take their grandparents to the museum and can get them in for free! For more information call (803) 779-3100 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/grandparents-day/?for=09-11-2016.
September 15 – “Waka Flaka Flame” at the Music Farm. Known at the “king of party music” this will prove to be a night of tremendous fun! For more information visit http://www.musicfarm.com/event/1259355-waka-flocka-flame-ft-dj-whoo-columbia/.
September 15 – 18 – Greek Festival at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. It’s finally here! One of the area’s favorite festivals with terrific food, fun entertainment, educational exhibits about Greek culture, Greek warriors, shops, and before you leave be sure to see the incredible artwork inside of the Church as you will truly be amazed! For more information call (803) 252-6758 or visit http://columbiasgreekfestival.com/.
September 16 – Epworth’s Food Truck Rodeo at Epworth Children’s Home. This family friendly event will include 10 food trucks, as well as a video game truck, a bounce house, and music. For more information call (803) 256-7394 or visit https://www.epworthchildrenshome.org/news/food-truck-rodeo-sept-16/.
September 16 – “Blue Dogs” at the Music Farm. There back in town again to provide you with another amazing performance! For more information visit http://www.musicfarm.com/event/1255479-blue-dogs-columbia/.
September 16 – Jazz on Main at the Columbia Museum of Art. Performing will be “Marla Howell, Joe Gransden, and Noel Friedline: Tribute to Frank Sinatra, Nat Cole, and Nancy Wilson”. For more information call (803) 799-2810 or visit https://www.columbiamuseum.org/happenings/cma-jazz-main-2.
September 16 – 22 – “Snowden” at the Nickelodeon Theatre. Learn about the untold personal story of Edward Snowden who exposed shocking illegal surveillance activities by the NSA and became one of the most wanted men in the world. For more information call (803) 254-3433 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/snowden/.
September 17 – Seven Oaks Park Garage Sale at Seven Oaks Park. Rent a table and sell some of those things in your garage or attic, or just come out and browse through the items for sale. For more information call (803) 772-3336 or visit http://www.icrc.net/seven-oaks-park-garage-sale-2016-09-17.
September 17 – “Elbow Room Reunion – Benefiting Music Programs for Kids” at the Music Farm. Artists will include “Greg Humphries Electric Trio, Treadmill Track Star, Paisley Marie, and The Soul Mites” and more. For more information visit http://www.musicfarm.com/event/1266487-elbow-room-reunion-columbia/.
September 17 – Animal Enrichment Day at the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. Guests will have an opportunity to see the animals given special treats that will have them stomping, pouncing and playing to exercise their minds and bodies. For more information call (803) 779-8717 or visit http://www.riverbanks.org/conservation-and-care/animal-enrichment.shtml.
September 17 – Safrito and Soul Music Festival at the Clemson University Sandhills Research Center. This is a celebration of food, music, and cultural arts. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/395546563975513/.
September 17 – ContraCola at the Emerald Ballroom. Enjoy an evening of Contra dancing. For more information call (803) 331-5578 or email contracola@gmail.com.
September 17 – Birthday Bash Expo – Macaroni Kid Columbia at the Columbia Place Mall. This will be a fun filled day of treats, bounce houses, photo booth, balloon animals, a balloon pop, and more! For more information call (803) 381-7733 or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birthday-party-expo-2016-hosted-by-macaroni-kid-columbia-tickets-26337809096?show_onboarding=1&internal_ref=login.
September 17 – Jubilee Festival of Black History and Culture at the Mann-Simmons Site on Richland Street. This free outdoor festival will include live entertainment to include Indie R&B singer Colette, Katera, and the entertaining comedian Akintunde, food, crafts, family activities, house tours and much more that will teach you about the history and culture of blacks in the Columbia area. For more information call (803) 252-1770 ext. 23 or visit http://www.historiccolumbia.org/jubilee.
September 18 – Peace Day at the State House on the State House Grounds. Celebrate the International Day of Peace with music, drumming, and activities for all ages. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1677490012575164/.
September 18 – “Willie Wells and The Blue Ridge Mountain Grass” at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Bring your chairs or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment, enjoying food truck and beverage vendors. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/633670916786419.
September 18 – Carolina Bridal Showcase at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Start planning for your big day by meeting with a variety of vendors who can help you on your way. For more information call (803) 545-0001 or visit http://www.columbiaconventioncenter.com/includes/events/index.cfm?action=displayDetail&eventid=13291.
September 20 – “Geter” at the Music Farm. Called “the unsung hero of underground bass culture” he has become known for “ignoring trends and cutting his own path”. For more information visit http://www.musicfarm.com/event/1261455-getter-columbia/.
September 23 – Zoofari at the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. Enjoy an evening of live entertainment, Pacific Northwest cuisine, get a look behind the scenes of the new sea lion exhibit, and bid on unique silent or live auction items. For more information call (803) 779-8717 or visit http://www.riverbanks.org/events/zoofari.shtml?utm_source=GoogleGrant&utm_medium=Search&utm_content=GG201627&utm_campaign=TZoofari16&tlcsource=RIVZ16008GG1627&gclid=CIrq7oif984CFdgQgQodsMwBiw.
September 23 – “The Second City Hits Home” at the Harbison Theatre. Enjoy this show featuring hilarious sketches, songs and improvisation by this legendary Chicago sketch and improve comedy group. For more information call (803) 407-5011 or visit http://www.harbisontheatre.org/tickets-productions/second-city-hits-home.
September 23 – “Cherub” at the Music Farm. These guys are known for creating a mixture of dance, funk, rock and electronic music for an evening of exciting entertainment. For more information visit http://www.musicfarm.com/event/1255531-cherub-columbia/.
September 23 – 24 – Okra Strut Festival at the new Irmo Community Park in Irmo. Spend your Friday night enjoying entertainment by the “Atlanta Rhythm Section” and “The Blue Pickups”, and Saturday enjoy a parade, more live entertainment, carnival rides, an okra eating contest, arts and crafts, and lots of good food. For more information call (803) 781-7050 or visit http://theokrastrut.com/.
September 23 – October 9 – “Music Man” at the Village Square Theatre. This is a family friendly story about a salesman who gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. For more information call (803) 359-1436 or visit http://www.villagesquaretheatre.com/season.html.
September 24 – Carolina Marine Aquarium Expo at the Jamil Shrine Temple. Search for that special salt water fish you’ve been looking for or create a new, enhanced variety for your fish! For more information visit http://columbiamac.org/index.html.
September 24 – Basketweaving at Edisto Discovery Park on Wiley Street. Learn how to make a champagne basket. For more information email bloliver@columbiasc.net or visit https://www.columbiasc.net/depts/parks-recreation/september_2016_workshops.pdf.
September 24 – “Carrie Underwood” at the Colonial Life Arena. This amazing artist is coming to Columbia, so get your tickets and see her fantastic show! For more information call (803) 576-9200 or visit https://www.coloniallifearena.com/carrie-underwood.php?eventid=119&showtimeid=186.
September 24 – “Chase Rice” at the Township Auditorium. Come out for an evening of country music with this upcoming artist. For more information call (803) 576-2350 or visit http://www.thetownship.org/events/.
September 24 – Art House Theatre Day at the Nickelodeon Theatre. In addition to the independent film, “Time Bandits” will be a poster sale of over 250 lobby case film posters. For more information call (803) 254-3433 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/events/art-house-theater-day/.
September 24 – “Time Bandits” at the Nickelodeon Theatre. A young boy accidentally joins a band of time traveling dwarves as they look for treasure to steal. For more information call (803) 254-3433 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/time-bandits/.
September 25 – “Donald Merckle and the Blacksmiths” at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Enjoy a fall afternoon of live entertainment, food and beverage trucks vendors, and time with the family. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/633670916786419.
September 25 – “Beethoven and Broadway” at the Harbison Theater. Performed by the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra, you will hear Beethoven’s Symphony #1 and a variety of Broadway tunes. For more information call (803) 407-5011 or visit http://www.harbisontheatre.org/tickets-productions/lake-murray-symphony-orchestra-presents-beethoven-broadway.
