While it may be another month or two before we can start comfortably wearing sweaters in Columbia SC, you can’t stop our calendar of events from changing with the seasons. Come dive into all things fall with us this month. 

Autumnal Activities

Dive into cultural celebrations by way of Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture, the Greek Festival and 2022 Sankofa Festival. 

You won’t want to miss a signature Southern side dish getting its moment in the spotlight, so be sure to stop by the 48thAnnual Irmo Okra Strut. 

Why visit one park when you can visit many pop-up parks created by various local organizations and entities in parking locations around the downtown area during PARK(ing) Day. 

Get some shopping in with Y’all-Mart Vintage Swamp Swap Meet and The NoMa Flea Jr. at NoMa Warehouse or the Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Market at the South Carolina State Farmers Market.

Finally, learn about all the changes that occur during the autumnal equinox with UofSC’s Naturalist in Residence with The Nature of Fall with Rudy Mancke at McKissick Museum.

Fall Food & Bev

Our plates and pints are full of fall’s flavors this month. Quench your thirst at the Lower Saluda Craft Beer Fest at Saluda Shoals Park or at Oktoberfest celebrations aplenty – Peak Drift Oktoberfest at Smoked, Sam Adams Oktoberfest Oyster Roast at The Grand, Oktoberfest at River Rat Brewery, Oktoberfest @ Steel Hands, Oktoberfest 2022 at Columbia Craft and Oktoberfest Brats & Beers Parking Lot Party at Curiosity Coffee Bar.

Come hungry to the Taste of Chapin 2022, September Harvest Dinner, Taste of Africa Block Party at Mimsy’s Restaurant and The Chef’s Dinner Series @ Chayz Lounge. 

Or, indulge in the best of both at the Suds & Grub Beer and BBQ Festival at Swamp Cabbage Brewing Company.

September Soundtrack

This month is getting downright jazzy. Enjoy ColaJazz Fest, Chaye Alexander Presents Live on Boyd Plaza featuring Reggie Graves & Jazz Theory, UofSC Jazz Pay Tribute to Aretha Franklin and Live in the Lobby: Gilad Hekselman at Koger Center and Jazz on the River at the West Columbia Riverwalk Park & Amphitheater. 

Head to Township Auditorium to see the Godmother of Soul, Patti LaBelle, or Old Crow Medicine Show. 
We’re holding on to the days of outdoor concerts a little longer with Concert in the Gardens at Seibels House and Fallapalooza at Icehouse Amphitheater. 

Pregame the October release of Midnights with Cruel Summer – A Taylor Swift Dance Party at The Senate. 

Feast your eyes and ears on a musical experience the likes of which you’ve probably never encountered before with Squonk: Hand to Hand at Koger Center. 

Athletic Endeavors

Dust off your rally towels – South Carolina Gamecock Football is back, baby! Fill the stands of Williams-Brice Stadium to cheer them as on as the team faces off against Georgia State, UGA and UNC Charlotte at home this month.

And as football season begins, baseball season draws to a close. Catch the last few Columbia Fireflies home games against the Charleston RiverDogs and bid adieu until April. 

Remember the brave men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty on 9/11 alongside firefighters and members of the military during the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Go with the flow and find your Zen amidst the Amanda McCavour: Bright Little Day Stars exhibit during Yoga in the Galleries at Columbia Museum of Art.