Whether you’re belting out your favorite tunes at a concert or getting lost in the magic of a Broadway show, the Heart of SC has venues and performances to fit your every mood and desire.
Concert Venues
Colonial Life Arena, the largest arena in South Carolina, hosts 18,000 seats and promises a stellar lineup for the rest of 2024. Get ready for Hootie & the Blowfish in August, Cirque du Soleil in September, Nicki Minaj in October, and Pink in November.
In the heart of downtown, Township Auditorium offers a diverse mix of concerts and performances including Anthony Hamilton and the Tones performing in September, Lyle Lovett in October and Colter Wall in December.
At The Senate at Tin Roof, you’ll find everything from comedians to rock bands, hip-hop artists, and EDM. In September, get your party vibes flowing with Tape B. Also in September, rock out with The Wallflowers, and then Houndmouth or Chris Renzema in October.
Theater
For those who adore performing arts, Koger Center for the Performing Arts is the ultimate spot for Broadway productions. Upcoming shows include Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical in November and during the holiday season in December, A Magical Cirque Christmas and SC Philharmonic Home for the Holidays.
Trustus Theater shines with a small stage but immense talent. Their latest show, Dandelion, explores traditional female roles and self-love with a powerful new musical.
And then there's Town Theatre, a Columbia treasure with nearly 100 years of history. Don’t miss their upcoming show: Anything Goes. With the S.S. American setting sail, expect a hilarious quest for true love with singing sailors, comedic disguises, and a dash of blackmail.
Innovative productions thrive at Harbison Theater at Midlands Technical College. Catch thought-provoking plays, musical events, dance performances, and readings. Highlights include South Carolina’s own Cody Webb in September, Illusionist Mike Super in November, and A Christmas Carol in December.
For the Family
Kids will love the immersive movie experiences at the South Carolina State Museum’s 4D theater, featuring real-world effects like air bursts, seat movement, and ankle ticklers. Current offerings include Turtle Odyssey and Shark: A 4D Experience.
The talented puppeteers at Columbia Marionette Theater bring marionettes to life with plays such as Little Red Riding Hood and Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party.
Dance
It's a delight for a city our size to have not one, but two professional ballet companies. The South Carolina Ballet is bringing another layer of spooky to spooky season with Dracula: Ballet With A Bite around Halloween and in December, the Nutcracker: A Family Holiday Tradition at the Koger Center.
Similarly, the Columbia Classical Ballet showcases Cinderella in October.