While the year is beginning to wind down, the events calendar in Columbia sure isn’t. With festivals still very much in full swing, plus special events, shows and an early onslaught of holiday light displays, markets and other seasonal festivities sprinkled in between, come partake in the merriment November has in store in the Heart of SC.
8th Annual Fall Back Fest at State Street in West Columbia | Nov. 1
Turning the clocks back an hour this weekend just means a little extra time to have some fun! Enjoy a block party-style atmosphere complete with live music and chalk artists, food trucks, craft beer, shops open late and more during the last bits of evening light we’re going to see for a while.
Coffee Lager Festival at Steel Hands Brewing | Nov. 1 – 3
Because the love the community has for Steel Hands’ Coffee Lager can’t be contained to one day, instead revel in three jam-packed days worshipping all things coffee and beer. Taste this year’s special variations – crème brulee and white chocolate mocha – as you take part in activities like an oyster roast, a Loveland Coffee pop-up and Coffee Lager Brunch throughout the weekend.
Palmetto Luna Arts’ Day of the Dead Celebration at Columbia Museum of Art | Nov. 2
Before we get too wrapped up in the winter holidays on the horizon, November starts off with the traditional Mexican celebration Día de los Muertos, honoring loved ones we’ve lost. Cherish their memory at the Day of the Dead altar or through various arts and crafts, folkloric dances and other cultural activities.
Sesqui Artisan’s Market at Sesquicentennial State Park | Nov. 3
Art and nature come together at Sesqui’s annual juried arts and crafts festival. Peruse wares like ceramics, jewelry, fine art, photography and more from local makers amidst the stunning scenery of this criminally underrated state park.
Arts & Draughts at Columbia Museum of Art | Nov. 8
The fall installment of CMA’s bi-annual bash coincides with the new French Moderns exhibit and features live music, a silent disco, an augmented reality scavenger hunt throughout the museum, DIY crafts and a visit from a master puppeteer.
The Champagne Bash at The Gourmet Shop | Nov. 8
Pop, fizz, clink the night away at this elevated evening featuring six different champagnes available to taste alongside hors d’oeuvres and specialty caviar, sushi, charcuterie and cheese stations.
Devine Night Out at Devine Street | Nov. 14
As much as we hope they might, those holiday wish lists simply aren’t going to tackle themselves. Get a jumpstart on your shopping and have some fun in the process as stores, businesses and restaurants stay open, offering specials and deals to boot. A tree lighting, street closures, live music and activities for the kiddos add to the cheer.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at Koger Center for the Arts | Nov. 19 – 21
I’ll be the first to admit that I have no idea what “fahoo fores, dahoo dores” means, but it sure is catchy and every year, I can’t get enough of everyone’s favorite verdant villain getting up to his anti-Christmas antics before Max, Cindy Lou Who and all the other Whos down in Whoville help him embrace the season and enlarge his heart.
39th Annual Vista Lights at The Vista | Nov. 21
The Vista district’s signature holiday open house has been keeping us holly and jolly for just shy of four decades now. Mix and mingle in the middle of Gervais Street, imbibing specialty cocktails and craft beer, taking in the live performances and the tree lighting, shopping from the area’s retailers and lingering over a warm plate at one of many local dining establishments.
Bubbie’s Jewish Food Festival at Beth Shalom Synagogue | Nov. 24
With so many celebrations and opportunities to gather with loved ones between now and the end of the year, make sure you’re not the guest showing up empty-handed to the potluck and go stock up on Kosher-friendly fare like brisket, challah, chicken matzah ball soup, rugelach, sweet and sour meatballs, desserts and more. You can even place a pre-order through Nov. 10th!
Governor’s Carolighting at South Carolina State House | Nov. 24
Gather ‘round on the State House grounds for an enchanting (and free!) evening of carols performed by artists from all over South Carolina, a visit from Santa and complimentary cookies all leading up to the lighting of the State Christmas Tree that will be the backdrop of everyone’s Main Street photos for the rest of the year.
