COLUMBIA, S.C. — News19 has pulled together an events calendar for Thursday through Sunday, September 26-29. However, there is a potential for a number of these events -- especially those scheduled for outside -- to be affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
As of 1 p.m. Thursday, News19 meteorologists were tracking the storm and forecasting that the Midlands would experience rain, high winds and possible tornadoes Thursday evening through Friday as Helene tracks off to the west. But, you need to keep an eye on the weather, because best laid plans can change at any minute.
Here's the list, best call the venue before you head out, just in case:
THURSDAY, September 26 through December 31
Tim Turner: Songs of Celebration Exhibit; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. CityArt Gallery, 1224 Lincoln St. North Carolina artist Tim Turner returns with his large-scale canvases that “capture the joy in the simple things that bring pleasure.”
THURSDAY through SUNDAY, September 26-29
Cirque du Soleil: OVO, various times, Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St. OVO is a “colorful intrusion into a new day in the life of insects.”
THURSDAY, September 26
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Junction 800, 800 Gervais St. Listen to the music of the iconic rock band Queen played by candlelight.
Silent Book Club at CMA, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. Join host Jemia Williams for an evening of literature and art. Bring your own book, settle in with light refreshments or explore the galleries.
Gallery Opening Reception: Continental Divide, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St. Enjoy light refreshments and meet the photographers from around the US and Mexico whose images taken during a month-long expedition along the 2000-mile border between the two countries will be on display. Stay for a screening of Ay Mariposa: Butterflies and Border Walls in the theater on the 2nd level.
The Firebird & The Phoenix, 7:30 p.m., Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St.. In celebration of the University of South Carolina School of Music, the USC Symphony orchestra showcases Wu Wei on the sheng with guest conductor Jordan Brooks. The program includes “The Song of the Flaming Phoenix” by Fang Man (faculty at USC School of Music) and “The Firebird Suite, 1919” by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky.
FRIDAY, September 27
Lemonade and Popcorn Fundraiser, noon-2 p.m., City of Columbia Municipal Complex, 1401 Main St. Support the Mayor's Campaign against Breast Cancer by purchasing popcorn and pink (or regular) lemonade. Popcorn will be $2, and lemonade will be $2-$3. The proceeds from this year's campaign will help fund an innovative 3-D mammography imaging unit for the Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge campus
Fort Jackson’s Oktoberfest, 4-9 p.m. Fort Jackson’s 1917 Club, 3652 Semmes Rd. This event is open to the public. Begin with the Volksmarch at 4:30 (register at 4 p.m.) before the live music, games, fun and beer tasting begins at 5:30 p.m.
Riverbanks ZOOfari, 7-10 p.m., Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia. Enjoy an evening of cocktails, cuisine and conservation at this 50th anniversary event. Purchase tickets in advance online
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, September 27 & 28
Irmo Okra Strut, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday, Moore Park, 7473 Church St., Irmo. Celebrate 50 years of struttin’ with live music, family fun and the official Okra Strut Parade along St. Andrews Road at 9 a.m. Saturday
FRIDAY through SUNDAY, September 27-29
Bierkeller Oktoberfest Weekend 2, Bierkeller Columbia, 600 Canalside, Suite 1009. Traditional German beer and food specials
People, Places & Things, various times, Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St. From award-winning playwright Duncan Macmillan comes this mesmerizing trip into addiction, rehab, identity, and ultimately, recovery. Stick around after the Sunday matinee for a talkback session featuring representatives from LRADAC and The Courage Center, as well as members of the artistic team of People, Places, and Things, as they discuss addiction, recovery, and the arts.
SATURDAY, September 28
Braelyn Aubrey Foundation 5K, 8 a.m., Saluda Shoals Park. Late registration is at 8 a.m. race starts at 8:30 a.m. Every entrant gets a t-shirt. Come out to help raise awareness for children with impairing conditions and special needs and the continuing effort to build ADA compliant and inclusive playgrounds.
Camden Fire Festival, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Camden City Arena, 420 Broad St., Camden. Parade of antique and new fire trucks starts at 9 a.m. Then enjoy a family-friendly event featuring live burn demonstrations, a kids' zone and more to kick off Fire Prevention Week
Harvest Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., The Farm 1780, 1127 Corlet Mill Rd., Lexington. Take the whole family and experience life on the eighth-generation farm. Wander through the you-pick pumpkin patch, enjoy children’s play area, bounce house and pumpkin putt-putt. Food, beer, wine, desserts, coffee and other beverages available for purchase.
Little Red Riding Hood, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Columbia Marionette Theatre, 401 Laurel St. An irreverent take on the classic fairy tale – with puppets!
17th annual Palmetto Peanut Boil, noon-6 p.m., 2900 Devine St. Enjoy live music and fun while teams compete to see how has the Best Boiled Peanut in the state. Proceeds benefit Animal Mission’s spay and neuter program and the City of Columbia Animal Shelter.
Oktoberfest: Axes & Ale, 11:35 a.m.-11 p.m. Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia. Axe throwing and beer. Should be glorious.
Columbia Craft Oktoberfest, noon-8 p.m. Columbia Craft Brewing Company, 520 Green St. Celebrate with brews and food.
Big Red Barn Retreat Fall Jam, 6 p.m. Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia. Featuring Scotty McCreery, all proceeds benefit programs and services provided for veterans and first responders at the Bif Red Barn Retreat.
Galaxy! 2024, 7:30 p.m. Columbia Music Festival Association, 914 Pulaski St. See the stars of tomorrow on stage today as Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet presents an evening of dance.
SUNDAY, September 29
Lake Murray Bridal Show, 1-4 p.m. Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St. If you’re planning a wedding in the near future, you’ll want to attend this gathering of wedding pros! Also, door prizes, selfie station and more.
Carolina Food Truck Festival, noon-9 p.m., South Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr. Come out and experience the flavors of Carolina as you stroll around and explore different food trucks offering their specialties. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, music, and tasty treats while spending time with friends and family.
Koger Center Presents: Live Outside, 5-7 p.m. Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St. This free outdoor concert features Bones Hamilton with Stress Fractures, presented by WUSC-FM
