Events in Richland County, SC

A DFES spirit night at El Charro offers a simple way to support Dutch Fork Elementary. Let the team know you are ordering for DFES, and a portion of your purchase will be donated back to the school.

Motor Supply spotlights its fall featured artist, Rob Shaw, with a reception that celebrates his journey and distinctive style. A Columbia, South Carolina based fine artist whose work has earned awards, Shaw is known for expressive palette knife paintings, professional framing, art handling and installation services, and monthly classes focused on palette knife techniques. He set his sights on an art career at fifteen and painted daily, studied studio art at the University of South Carolina, began selling his work while in school, managed a large gallery after graduating, and launched Rob Shaw Framing and Gallery in 2018. Transitioning from brushes to palette knives gave him a looser, faster approach that brought more enjoyment and led to increased sales. He embraces imperfections as part of a painting’s story, often reworking older pieces, and at times pulls a sheet of plexiglass across wet paint to create unique textures. He values the challenge of turning a blank canvas into something people will appreciate for years, along with the connections he builds with fellow artists and collectors.

Quaker Steak and Lube in Columbia hosts an evening of live music. This series often blends performances with an open mic, but a one week host swap with Madison means this edition will feature live music only.

Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda lead a free guided bird walk through the Hampton-Preston Gardens, focusing on local and migratory species found in Columbia. Participants will practice identifying birds by sight, sound, and behavior. Advance registration is required and capacity is limited to 20 people. Plan to meet at the Hampton-Preston Mansion Gardens front gate. Binoculars are encouraged but optional. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear, and consider bug spray in warmer months. The program will be canceled if it rains or if winds exceed 25 miles per hour, so please check the forecast before coming.

Dive deeper into divination through a session centered on the Lenormand deck, suitable for newcomers and for those looking to bring something new to their practice. The gathering takes place in the octagonal library building directly outside the main building of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia.

Costumed canines take over Mast General Store Columbia for a playful Halloween gathering tailored to four-legged friends. Highlights include a spirited costume contest, a tennis ball bobbing game, and a photo booth for fun keepsakes. Artists will create pup caricatures, and dogs can wander the store for trick-or-doggie treats. Community partners are slated to participate, including Pawmetto Lifeline, Fit Columbia, the Coalition of Columbia’s Historic Districts, SC Parks and Recreation, Bubbles the Clown, and Kabler School for Dogs. From mad-scientist mutts to punny poodles and vampire hounds, this celebration spotlights the most adorably spooky pups around.

Mojo Brookzz brings the Outta Pocket Tour to The Township Auditorium for a comedy show built for big laughs. After breaking through online, he has been packing theaters across the country with a lively personality and memorable performances. This stop delivers high energy humor, plenty of laughs, and good vibes from start to finish.

Mojo Brookzz appears at Township Auditorium in Columbia, SC. Experience this in-person event at a Columbia venue.

Take on a gravel road 10K through the natural beauty of Harbison State Forest. This event celebrates Tico, Palmetto Wildlife Rescue’s resident raccoon and ambassador, marking his 11th birthday with a course of rolling terrain and rewarding forest views. Runners, walkers, and ruckers are all welcome, and the start is at the Education Center within the forest. Registration fees range from $25 to $40. On-site partners such as Topo Athletic, Feetures, and Tailwind Nutrition will be present. Proceeds support Palmetto Wildlife Rescue, with representatives sharing insights into their work and Tico cheering in spirit if nap time calls.

Learn and practice Zen meditation in a welcoming session led by Associate Zen teacher Rev. Meredith Garmon, offered in person in the Library at UUCC and also via Zoom. Beginners are encouraged, and no previous meditation experience is required. The focus is on genuine Zen practice with an ecospiritual outlook that nurtures wisdom and compassion for our shared Earth. Rev. Dr. Steven Meredith Hotetsu Garmon, a former philosophy professor, has been a Buddhist practitioner since 2001 and a Unitarian Universalist minister since 2004, now retired. He is the founder and leader of One Earth Zen, and previously established and led practice groups including Border Zen Center in El Paso, Dancing Crane Zen Center in Gainesville, and Boundless Way Zen of Westchester in White Plains.

College football takes the stage in Columbia as Tennessee travels to face South Carolina in an SEC showdown at Williams-Brice Stadium. Two programs capable of shifting the conference race meet in a game that could hinge on field position, line-of-scrimmage battles, and a few high-stakes moments, all intensified by a tight, noisy setting. It offers a clear midseason read on where both teams stand.

Harbison MTB Challenge debuts in 2026 under the TSP umbrella at Harbison State Forest in Columbia, South Carolina. After a delayed attempt in 2025, organizers are moving ahead with a fully committed edition. The race is part of the Pisgah Triple Crown Series as the fourth of five events. The schedule was adjusted due to hurricane conditions that affected the original date.

Set out with Sunday Bike Club for an all day mountain bike exploration of Harbison State Forest in Columbia, South Carolina. This popular riding area offers roughly 20 to 25 miles of linked singletrack and forest roads with roots, rocks, steady climbs and flowing descents, along with scenic views of the Broad River. The ride will use the interconnected network, with the route adjusted to group ability, trail conditions and rider interests. It is an exploration, not a race, with regrouping, time to enjoy the scenery and opportunities to try optional technical features. Trails in the forest span a wide range, from easier options like the Learning, Discovery and Eagle trails to moderate choices such as Crooked Pine, Firebreak, Midlands Mountain and Stewardship, plus advanced terrain on Spider Woman II and Lost Creek for those seeking a challenge. This outing is suited to intermediate mountain bikers, with optional difficult sections. Bring plenty of water or electrolytes, lunch or snacks and a spare tube with a repair kit. A helmet is required, gloves are recommended and weather appropriate clothing is advised. Parking requires a daily pass priced at 5 dollars per vehicle, available at kiosks. If traveling from Augusta, plan for about one hour and 45 minutes to two hours each way depending on traffic. Harbison is a multi use trail system, so expect to share the routes with hikers, runners and other riders. Conditions can change quickly, especially after rain, and the forest asks visitors to avoid using trails when they are wet to prevent damage. Checking trail status before leaving Augusta is encouraged.

The Three Rivers Bridge Dinner turns the Gervais Street Bridge into the Midlands' longest communal table, uniting food, music, community, and the rivers that tie the area together. This newly reimagined edition is title sponsored by Prisma Health. Tickets typically sell fast each year.

Experience the annual Trunk-or-Treat on the Point, a welcoming community gathering where everyone is invited. This event opens its doors to the whole community and encourages all to take part.

Explore roller skating with complimentary lessons in the park setting of Finlay Park. Beginners and those returning to skating are welcome, and the format is open to all ages. Foundational skills are taught and then revisited during monthly sessions, and a separate six week Beginners Group course is available for a more progressive learning path. Enjoy an inviting outdoor environment with supportive instruction and a lively way to get moving.

Baz Luhrmann reimagines Shakespeare’s tragic romance in the contemporary sprawl of Verona Beach, where the Capulets and Montagues stand as rival crime families. The dialogue stays true to Shakespeare, while the setting pulses with guns, fast cars, and neon. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes portray the ill-fated lovers, supported by John Leguizamo, Harold Perrineau, Pete Postlethwaite, and Paul Sorvino.

Jack Torrance accepts a winter caretaker role at the remote Overlook Hotel, moving in with his wife Wendy and their son Danny. As isolation settles in, the family faces a chilling presence within the hotel. Presented by The Nick and All Good Books, this screening is paired with reading the novel and a conversation afterward that compares the book and the film. The discussion explores how the narrative shifts between page and screen. Copies of the book are available at All Good Books.

Runners gather at the Hangar for a group outing, with two separate start options to fit different schedules. The meet-up takes place at Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse.

Allen University celebrates Homecoming with a Return to the Hive theme, hosted by the Allen University Alumni Association in Columbia, South Carolina. Yellow Jackets, alumni, families, friends, and supporters can look forward to registration, a meeting of the alumni association, the 1000+ Club Hall of Fame banquet, a bonfire with fireworks, a spirited parade, tailgating and the Homecoming football game, an alumni social with awards, and a worship gathering at the Hive, along with additional festivities. It is a time to reconnect with classmates, honor the university, and make new memories across a full Homecoming weekend.

Diwali, India’s festival of lights, brings communities together to honor goodness and knowledge. The celebration returns to the Columbia Museum of Art, recognized as South Carolina’s only international art museum, with dancing, shopping, food, chai, and creative activities. Guests can wear colorful attire and dance to Bollywood and Bhangra music from Bhangra Vibes. An information table highlights the meaning of the holiday. Hands-on offerings include Bhangra and Bollywood dance tutorials with Gruv Dance Academy, a Maharashtrian folk dance lesson led by Panna, rangoli instruction from folk artist Jugnu Verma, and the chance to paint a diya, a traditional clay lamp. Local artists provide stylized henna, and a photo booth with a Bollywood theme is available for pictures with friends. Browse local Indian clothing vendors, and find Indian favorites for purchase from LOTA and Persis Biryani Indian Grill. Diwali activities are free. Gallery entry is free for members or with admission. Assistance with accessibility accommodations is available upon request.

Settle into a tranquil salt cave for a 60 minute reset that pairs guided calming practices with light energy alignment. The experience focuses on easing stress, stilling the mind, and restoring your natural rhythm ahead of the holidays. In the cave’s peaceful atmosphere, supportive guidance helps you slip into a deeply restorative state. Emerge feeling clear, centered, and refreshed, ready to welcome the season with calm intention.

Celebrating its 57th year, the S.C. Championships take place at the SC Fairgrounds in Columbia. This edition adds afternoon sessions that offer more chances to earn year-end points in the pleasure divisions. The VIP Dinner Tent returns for corporate-level sponsors and above. Additional incentives and stall raffles will be announced.

Experience The Night Shift at Re•Find, an after-hours shopping night with local food trucks and beer and wine provided by Craft & Draft. Explore distinctive vintage pieces, browse booths from vendors, and take in a relaxed community atmosphere. It is an easygoing way to spend the evening, with plenty to sip, shop, and enjoy.

EdVenture’s Annual Halloween Hoopla turns the museum into an evening of imagination, discovery, and after-hours exploration. Children are encouraged to wear costumes and role-play as favorite characters or community helpers such as firefighters, doctors, scientists, chefs, farmers, or pilots, then experience the museum in a new way. Throughout the event, families can enjoy hands-on crafts, festive games, creative play, and interactive experiences spread throughout the museum. Community partner stations feature activities and stickers to fill an event map, which can be presented at the Treat Station for a take-home supply of Halloween candy. With exclusive access after closing, costumes, creativity, and plenty of treats, this family-focused celebration fills the museum with Halloween fun. Capacity is limited. Tickets are $5 for members and $20 for non-members.

The Columbia Korean Festival celebrates Korean culture with performances that range from time-honored traditions to contemporary acts, highlighted by a K-pop dance contest. Attendees can watch taekwando demonstrations and take part in interactive activities and games. Food lovers will find favorites such as kimchi, kimbap, Korean corndogs, bulgogi, and a variety of Korean desserts. Presented by the Korean Community Presbyterian Church, the festival offers free admission. Tickets for food and merchandise are available for purchase on site, with cash as well as debit and credit cards accepted.

An Evening With David Sedaris features the bestselling writer behind Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Calypso, Holidays on Ice, Naked, Barrel Fever, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, and Theft By Finding. His writing appears regularly in The New Yorker and on BBC Radio 4. Presale access is available through the Koger Center mailing list.

The South Carolina Gamecocks take on the Texas A&M Aggies at Williams-Brice Stadium in a college football matchup. A clear bag policy will be enforced at the gates. Reentry is not allowed, and tickets are neither refundable nor exchangeable. Children age 2 and under may enter at no charge when seated on a guardian’s lap.

Get into the spirit of homecoming at the official USC Alumni Association and Gamecock Club tailgate, presented by Founders Federal Credit Union, before the Texas A&M game at Williams-Brice. Enjoy complimentary food and non-alcoholic drinks, along with a cash bar offering a curated selection of beer, wine, and spirits. TVs will feature additional matchups, a live DJ will keep the energy high, and there is a VIP vantage point for The Mighty Sound of the Southeast pep rally performance. Expect lots of free swag and giveaways. Admission to the game and parking are not included with tailgate tickets, and members of the Alumni Association and the Gamecock Club may purchase discounted tickets with verified membership.

The Spaze hosts a full night of live music as Stress Fractures, New Junk City, Radio Altamont, and Blankstate take the stage one after another. The show welcomes all ages and admission is $10.

Marking the 30th anniversary of the Native American Indian Film & Video Festival, Weekend at the Nick presents a series of film screenings and conversations that highlight Indigenous storytelling on screen. Hosted at the historic Nickelodeon Theatre, the program features Native-made films and curated selections that explore Indigenous histories, contemporary voices, and creative expression through cinema. Film titles, schedules, and additional information will be announced closer to the event.

An outdoor market at the dog park outside Columbia Animal Services features shopping and food alongside autumn-themed pet photo opportunities and meet-and-greets with adoptable dogs, all benefiting Columbia Animal Services and Animal Mission. Proceeds support flea, tick, and heartworm prevention and treatment for shelter pets. Local makers, businesses, and food trucks are invited to participate with no vendor fee and are encouraged to donate a portion of sales to the cause. Community members can also contribute new, handcrafted, or high-quality gently used items to be sold, with all proceeds from those donated goods helping animals in care. Shoppers can browse for unique finds while supporting lifesaving care for pets in need.

Columbia Princess Day transforms Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center into a fairytale world with a 90 minute, family friendly meet and greet. Children can take photos, share hugs, and enjoy personal moments with every princess in attendance, along with favorite songs, dances, crafts, games, and other magical touches. Each session includes ten engaging group activities. It begins with a grand introduction of the characters, followed by icebreakers and large group games, then continues with storytelling, singing, dancing, and ongoing princess interactions. The closing minutes are reserved for any photos that might have been missed earlier. Multiple sessions are offered, each with limited capacity to keep the experience personal. Please attend only the session listed on your ticket. To prepare, bring a camera, charge your phone, make sure little ones are well rested, and plan to eat beforehand since no food is served. Children are welcome to wear a favorite princess dress, costume, or any comfortable outfit. Adults should avoid character specific costumes so the performers feel as real as possible for the kids. For check in, have a ticket or order number ready. Every guest needs a ticket, and babies under 12 months may attend at no cost with a paid adult or child ticket. Arrive a bit early to allow time for parking and check in. Adults must remain with children for the entire event. Performers are not caretakers, and caregivers may need to gently guide excited little ones. Please allow each child their moment without rushing. Disruptive behavior may result in removal without refund. Characters are inspired by public domain fairytales and are not affiliated with any brand, company, or theme park. Attendance grants permission for event photos and video used for promotion. Tickets are non refundable, with full refunds only if the event is canceled.

This monthly babywearing gathering features a hands-on lending library with about 100 wraps, carriers, slings, and more. It takes place downstairs, and signs will help guide the way through multiple entrances. Parents, caregivers, and children are welcome to speak with educators, try on different carriers, and connect with other families. Attendance is free with no obligation. An optional $30 annual membership allows borrowing a carrier for a month at a time, returning it, and checking out another throughout the year.

Santa makes a special stop at Hotel Trundle for a cheerful afternoon filled with holiday delights. Guests can sip hot chocolate, enjoy cookies, and get creative with festive crafts while soaking up the seasonal spirit. Bring a wish list to share and a camera to capture the memories.

Local Christian professionals gather at VIBEZ.Coffee for an evening focused on connection, collaboration, and community. This free gathering offers space to expand professional networks, share ideas and resources with fellow leaders who share similar values, and build relationships that nurture both career and calling. It suits newcomers to the area, those working to grow a business, and anyone seeking fresh opportunities to connect in a faith-centered setting. Expect time to meet and mingle, with conversations that aim to inspire and spark ongoing support among peers.

The Koger Center for the Arts, a Vista Guild member, partnered with The Jasper Project to create The Nook, a rotating art space presented in celebration of Third Thursday Art Night in Columbia, SC. The featured artist is K. Wayne Thornley, an artist living and working in Columbia, SC whose mixed media paintings, collages, and assemblages have been exhibited throughout the Southeast and are part of corporate and private collections. Over the last decade, he has explored how memory and personal experiences shape beliefs, biases, and prejudices. A free opening reception welcomes visitors to experience the exhibition.

The spirit of classic soul returns with A Motown Christmas, featuring the Motortown All-Stars and an elite roster of singers and musicians drawn from the Miracles, the Contours, and other Motown greats. These seasoned performers, who have shared stages around the world with Motown icons, bring the signature sound to life with tight harmonies, eye-catching outfits, and energetic choreography, all backed by a powerhouse Detroit band with live brass. Expect favorites from the Temptations, Four Tops, Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder, and the Supremes, including “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Ooh Baby, Baby,” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” Holiday favorites such as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Silent Night” get the unmistakable Motown treatment as well. This engagement is the group’s sole area appearance of the season, offering a festive night filled with timeless hits.

Comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short bring a fresh, fast-moving showcase to Township Auditorium with special guests Jeff Babko and The Steep Canyon Rangers. The set sprints from one sharp bit to the next with quick setups and big punch lines, playfully sending up show business and the ups and downs of fame, and reaching its funniest heights when the two good-naturedly roast each other. Their onstage rhythm comes from a friendship that began when they teamed up on the 1986 film Three Amigos, and they have toured together since 2015 with their first joint outing, A Very Stupid Conversation. It is a lively night of witty, self-mocking banter from two performers who clearly enjoy cracking each other up.

Jodeci brings the 35th Anniversary Tour of Forever My Lady to The Township Auditorium, honoring a career that helped shape R&B with signature style, soulful harmonies, and a run of major hits. The group has sold more than 20 million records worldwide, earned five number-one singles, ten Top 10 hits, and three number-one albums on the Billboard charts, and has received wins and nominations from the Soul Train Music Awards, American Music Awards, BET Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. Their debut album Forever My Lady reached number one on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart in its first week, and the title track also hit number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks chart. The album stayed on the charts for 49 weeks, and the songs Come & Talk To Me and Stay likewise reached number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Tickets are available.

At Columbia Museum of Art, a cozy, hands-on winter watercolor workshop welcomes artists of every experience level to explore seasonal imagery while practicing technique, color, texture, and composition. Participants can paint from life or work from personal reference photos, choosing the approach that fits their style and comfort. The session highlights watercolor methods that evoke the feeling and beauty of winter, encouraging a relaxed, experimental process. A dedicated segment shows how to transform paintings into handmade cards, gift tags, and other personalized gifts, perfect for sharing artwork with friends and family this season. Those with calligraphy experience are invited to incorporate lettering into their designs. Ages 15 and up are welcome, and all supplies and equipment are provided. Instruction is led by designer and educator Stephanie Nace, who holds a B.F.A. in graphic design from Penn State University and an M.F.A. in visual communication design from Kent State University. A longtime professor of graphic design and illustration at the University of South Carolina, she is an award-winning designer whose research spans conceptual development, experimental typography, letterpress, and three-dimensional design. She also serves as faculty coordinator and creative director of The Design Studio, a faculty-led, student-run agency. The workshop fee is $100, with a discounted rate of $80 for members. For accessibility accommodations, contact 803-799-2810 or info@columbiamuseum.org.

The annual Christmas with Dante Lewis, presented by Hair Law Firm, brings a festive night to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in downtown Columbia. The program features Dante Lewis with special guests Mike Stone and the Reggie Sullivan Trio. A VIP ticket includes a pre-reception and meet and greet with wine provided at no additional cost, a selection of hors d’oeuvres chosen by the chef, and butler-style service, plus two included drinks during the concert. This holiday tradition is known to sell out each year.

The 18th annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, SC centers on remembrance and gratitude for those who served. Participants can honor veterans through a wreath sponsorship, place the wreath on a veteran’s grave, and speak the name aloud in tribute. The ceremony reflects the belief that a person dies twice, first when life ends and again when their name is last spoken, so the act of saying each name helps keep their memory alive.

Under the warm glow of candlelight, Christmas favorites are performed on strings at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia. This intimate Candlelight concert creates a multi-sensory setting where seasonal melodies fill an inspiring space. The tentative program includes 12 Days of Christmas, Angels from the Realms of Glory, Angels We Have Heard on High, Away in a Manger, Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Do You Hear What I Hear, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, Greensleeves (What Child Is This), Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Joy to the World, O Christmas Tree, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, Silent Night, and The First Noël. The performance runs 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the start, and there is no entry once the concert begins. Guests must be 8 or older, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The venue is ADA compliant. Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis within each zone.

Steve Hofstetter brings a brand-new stand-up set back to Columbia, delivering an unfiltered night of comedy. With billions of online views and a track record of sellouts in hundreds of cities across dozens of countries, he takes the stage to show what the buzz is about. Suitable for ages 14 and up. Should a cancellation occur for any reason, ticket payments will be returned automatically.