As a less scorching season begins to emerge, we’re ready to spend all of September outside at sporting events, festivals, concerts and culinary extravaganzas. Map out your month and give autumn a warm welcome with us here in the Heart of SC.
South Carolina Gamecocks Football at Williams-Brice Stadium | September 6, 13, 27
Following the season opener in Atlanta, the (ranked!) Gamecocks are back in Willy-B with three home turf matchups this month against South Carolina State, Vanderbilt and Kentucky.
Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | September 12
This annual run recognizes the first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty on 9/11 as we race alongside the brave locals who work to protect our community every day.
Brunch Around the World at varying locations | September 14
Following a successful collaboration this past June, Uptown Columbia establishments once again invite you to journey around the globe via food and beverage specials that correspond with the cuisine of different countries.
Columbia Greek Festival at Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral | September 18 – 21
The aromas of souvlaki, baklava and potatoes, plus the sounds of music, dancing and a crowd shouting, “Opa!,” fill the air as the Greek Festival takes over the downtown area for four days each September.
Bierkeller OKTOBERFEST! at Bierkeller | September 19 – 21, 26 - 28
For Columbia’s authentic German-style brewery, Oktoberfest is a marathon, not a sprint, and is in keeping with the dates of this year’s Munich-based celebration. Enjoy two of the three weekends of festivities this month, complete with Bavarian eats, full steins and a slate of oompah entertainment.
Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture at Mann-Simons Site | September 20
Artists, authors, makers, performers, musicians and more make up this multigenerational gathering celebrating Black culture. Catch shows and demonstrations, take a tour of the Mann-Simons Site and enjoy the fellowship of this free annual festival, now in its 47th year.
The 18th Annual Palmetto Peanut Boil at 2900 Block of Devine Street | September 20
As lake season blurs into tailgating season – there’s a constant we can all count on and that’s boiled peanuts. See if you have what it takes to join the competition and vie for the best vat in the state or simply sample your fill of the day’s fare and cast your vote for the batch that’s beyond compare.
Dining on the Dam at Lake Murray Dam | September 21
Whether you see Sunday evening as the cap to the weekend or the start to your whole week, you can’t beat spending it with good vibes and stunning views atop an iconic local landmark.
Concert in the Gardens at Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens | September 23
Sprawl out on the picturesque grounds of the Historic Columbia property and enjoy an intimate musical performance featuring members of the South Carolina Philharmonic. Plus, show off your spread in the Picnic Competition for a chance to snag some prizes.
The Palmetto Party: An Insider’s Taste of South Carolina at Columbia Museum of Art | September 25
In celebration of the launch of The Local Palate’s annual Insider’s Guide to South Carolina publication, chefs representing each of the state’s regions – Mountains, Midlands and Coast – will be on site serving dishes highlighting the diverse flavors and cultures that make up the tapestry of South Carolina’s culinary scene.
Fort Jackson’s Oktoberfest 2025 at 1817 Club | September 26
Swap the fatigues for lederhosen and kick off the weekend with some festive fun on the fort. Partake in games and a Volksmarch, then peruse vendors and make a pit stop to give a Prost with seasonal brews in the biergarten.
The Irmo Okra Strut at Moore Park | September 26 – 27
This two-day festival has been promoting okra from side dish status to the star of the show for half a century now with programming to include live music, a parade, family fun and, of course, your fill of the VIP veggie.
