As summer moves out, fall breezes right in this month with festivals, football, concerts and a slew of exciting exhibits. Keep reading for our roundup below, then click through our calendar of events for everything else that’s going on in Columbia SC.

Seasonal Socials

With the weather beginning to transition, fall festivals are in full swing. Support the arts at The SC Met Gala, 2nd Annual Read-A-Palooza Children’s Literacy Festival, Jam Room Music Festival and Rosewood Art and Music Festival. Indulge in Southern flavors at the 45th Annual Irmo Okra Strut Festival and 11th Annual Palmetto Peanut Boil, then wash it all down with craft beers at Glass Half Full Fest and the Bacon and Brews Fest. Immerse yourself in different cultures at Columbia’s Greek Festival and the 40th Annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture. Be sure to spend some time in nature, too, at the Meador Acres Fall Fest.

 

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Prost!

Get your steins at the ready, because Oktoberfest season is upon us once more. Knock back a few German-style brews at Pregame Oktoberfest at City Roots, Bierkeller Oktoberfest 2018 at Riverfront Park, River Rat Brewery Oktoberfest and Oktoberfest at Columbia Craft. Bonus points for breaking out the lederhosen. 

 

All the World’s a Stage

We’re definitely not lacking for live music this month, with United Fest at Spirit Communications Park featuring Nelly, Ludacris, Flo Rida and the Ying Yang Twins, the return of the Rhythm on the River Fall Concert Series, weekly jazz shows with the Mark Rapp Group at Pearlz Upstairz, an evening with the Reggie Sullivan Quartet and performances by Corey Smith, Jump, Little Children, Papadosio, Shooter Jennings, Zoso – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience, Rainbow Kitten Surprise and more at The Senate at Tin Roof. Prepare to be amazed at Mike Super Magic and Illusion at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College. Catch a production of “Misery is Optional” at Trustus Theatre or have some fun with the kids at Columbia Children’s Theatre Presents: School House Rock Live!

 

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Markets and Mingling

Get the full-fledged local experience, be it through shopping for something fresh or handmade at Soda City Market, Richland Library Farmers Market, City Roots Farmers Market or Martha’s Market or at signature community events like First Thursday on Main, Brookland Brunch and Sunday Funday at River Rat Brewery. 

 

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Football and Road Races

Breathe in that fresh fall air at Williams-Brice Stadium with the return of South Carolina Gamecocks Football as our boys take on UGA and Marshall at home this month. Or, hit your stride honoring those we lost on 9/11 at Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk or having fun at the Superhero 5K + Family Fun Day.

 

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Exhibits, Tours and More

Celebrate an important milestone of a beloved local attraction with the State Museum 30thAnniversary Exhibit. While there, pay a visit to the Fill in the Gap and South Carolina and Reconstruction, 1865 – 1876 exhibits, as well. Interested in the unexplained? Put on a brave face and join in on the Murders and Mysteries Irmo Walking Tour or a Moonlight Cemetery & Secrets from the Grave Tour. Learn more about a campus gem with a Historic USC Horseshoe Walking Tour. If fall’s your favorite season, then be sure to check out Nature of Fall with Rudy Mancke at McKissick Museum. Hop on a free, guided South Carolina State House Tour or wander the building and grounds solo for a self-guided experience. Finally, pop over to 701 Center for Contemporary Art to peruse the latest exhibit, Brittany M. Watkins: AFFECT-ED, BEING.

 

A fine museum to visit.

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