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Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, April 6, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Fulbright Workshop
Interested in teaching English, doing research, practicing a creative art or going to graduate school abroad? Join this info session to learn more about the Fulbright program, what makes a strong application and how USC can support you through the process!
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM.
Russell House University Union 302.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Colin Dodd: "Homage to Ukraine"
About This Show,
Artist Statement,
“It’s the artist’s duty to reflect the times in which we live.” – Nina Simone.
This quote struck a chord with me, especially due to personal circumstances. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th, 2022 and by coincidence that was the day I had open heart surgery, following a heart attack on February 22nd! I watched the footage on CNN of Russian tanks firing on civilian targets from my hospital bed. I have since followed the war on an almost daily basis, strongly identifying with the cause of the Ukrainian people, and seeing in them a nation standing alone against a tyrant just as Britain did against Hitler’s Germany at the outset of World War II. Ukraine has managed to survive, against all the odds, for four years.
The imagery from FPV drone footage I found strangely alluring and fascinating, even beautiful, although the results and intended consequences were destruction and death. This dichotomy is what led me to start painting images based on often distorted…
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, April 10, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Vista Art Night: Sarah Scruggs
About This Show
As a member of the Vista Guild, the Koger Center for the Arts partnered with The Jasper Project to open a new rotating art space, titled The Nook, in celebration of Third Thursday Art Night. April 2026’s featured artist in The Nook is Sarah Scruggs.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Sarah Scruggs is a South Carolinian painter focusing in oil & watercolor. Her alla prima style is relaxed, playful with attention to color. Most always, her paintings are a celebration of storms, the ever changing clouds, flora & fauna. Many of her materials are hand ground pigments collected from local areas in the pursuit of play.
Admission Cost: Free Admission.
Friday, April 10, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Upstairs Gallery.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Friday, April 10, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
AFAM Sankofa Symposium
A symposium highlighting the research and creative work that reflects who we are and what we do in AFAM.
* RSVP Here.
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Close Hipp 836 Executive I, Close Hipp 837 Executive II, Close Hipp 839 Summit West, Close Hipp 840 Summit East, Close Hipp 841 Eastview, Lumpkin Auditorium, Close-Hipp 830B Reception, Close-Hipp 830C Reception, Close-Hipp 830D Reception, Close-Hipp…
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Limón Dance Company in performance with Betsy Blackmon Dance Company
,
April 11, 2026, Limón Dance Company in performance with, Betsy Blackmon Dance Company Koger Center for the Arts,
6:30pm,
Celebrating its 80th Anniversary season, the Limón Dance Company has been at the vanguard of dance since its inception, and is world-renowned for its dramatic expression, technical mastery and expansive movement. Company Artists will be in-residence at USC setting a classic Limón work on the Betsy Blackmon Dance Company, who will perform on an unforgettable, one-night-only program alongside Limón Dance Company and artists from The Joffrey Ballet. A gala fundraiser will accompany the performance.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Civic Engagement, Voting Rights, and the Founding Documents
The Humanities Collaborative & the McCausland College of Arts & Sciences invite you to a conference on “Civic Engagement and the Constitutional Order.”
This conference, held on April 13-14, at the Karen J. Williams Courtroom at Joseph F. Rice School of Law is the capstone of a three-year Mellon-funded project examining “Civic Engagement, Voting Rights, and the Founding Documents at the University of South Carolina.” It will focus on the “civic engagement” element of this mandate, which is of special interest given the growth of civics education at USC and around the country.
Keynote speakers include Peter Levine (Tufts), Deva Woodly (Brown), Jed Purdy (Duke), Kate Andrias (Columbia), Jamila Michener (Cornell), Joan Blades (Living Room Conversations), and journalist / filmmaker Astra Taylor (Debt Collective).
Their talks, and the surrounding discussions, will address the tensions and complementarities between two equally critical forms of civic engagement: building organized power among allies, and…
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, April 13, 2026, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Truman Getting Started Workshop
Learn how to apply for the Truman Scholarship – for rising juniors who plan to pursue a career in public service. Get an overview of the scholarship and application process, have your questions answered and make a plan for getting started on your application this summer to have a smoother fall!
Monday, April 13, 2026, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
Harper Elliott 320.
SoulHAUS Sessions with Preach Jacobs
About This Show,
The next edition of SoulHaus Sessions with Preach Jacobs features Michael Twitty, an African-American Jewish writer, culinary historian and educator. He is the author of The Cooking Gene, which won the 2018 James Beard Foundation Book Award for Book of the Year as well as the category for writing.
Tickets available to purchase at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soulhaus-sessions-w-preach-jacobs-feat-michael-twitty-tickets-1984136167689?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Admission Cost: $12.51.
Monday, April 13, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Koger Center Upstairs Gallery.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, April 13, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Civic Engagement, Voting Rights, and the Founding Documents
The Humanities Collaborative & the McCausland College of Arts & Sciences invite you to a conference on “Civic Engagement and the Constitutional Order.”
This conference, held on April 13-14, at the Karen J. Williams Courtroom at Joseph F. Rice School of Law is the capstone of a three-year Mellon-funded project examining “Civic Engagement, Voting Rights, and the Founding Documents at the University of South Carolina.” It will focus on the “civic engagement” element of this mandate, which is of special interest given the growth of civics education at USC and around the country.
Keynote speakers include Peter Levine (Tufts), Deva Woodly (Brown), Jed Purdy (Duke), Kate Andrias (Columbia), Jamila Michener (Cornell), Joan Blades (Living Room Conversations), and journalist / filmmaker Astra Taylor (Debt Collective).
Their talks, and the surrounding discussions, will address the tensions and complementarities between two equally critical forms of civic engagement: building organized power among allies, and…
Admission Cost: Free.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Beetlejuice: The Musical
About This Show,
Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!”
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Botany Walk on the Historic Horseshoe
Join the A.C. Moore Herbarium staff on a 1-hour walk to explore the plant life of the historic Horseshoe. The group meets on the steps of McKissick Museum on the third Wednesday of each month. Plants featured or discussed will vary with group interest and by season.
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Beetlejuice: The Musical
About This Show,
Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!”
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Digital Humanities "Flavor as Data: Digitizing the Lived Experience of Flavor in Brazilian National Cuisine (1840-1945)"
Helen B. Kampmann Marodin, who holds a PhD in History with a specialization in Latin American history and an MA in Art History from the University of South Carolina, examines how embodied culinary practices, including physical, sensory, affective, and cognitive processes, shape the production of knowledge and historical meaning. Focusing on Brazilian history, her research combines historical analysis, digital humanities methods, and insights from neuroscience to investigate culinary texts, taste, and the formation of national identity from the nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century.
Is it possible to translate flavor, a multisensory and deeply emotional experience, into data? How can computational methods engage embodiment, memory, and affect without flattening them into abstraction? This talk explores how a corpus of nearly 33,000 recipes drawn from fifty-three Brazilian cookbooks published between 1840 and the mid-twentieth century can illuminate shifting racial and social hierarchies embedded in…
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Thomas Cooper Library L204.
Beetlejuice: The Musical
About This Show,
Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!”
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111.
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Perspective from the Pacific-NW: Nick Brown
Friday, April 17
10 a.m.
Karen J. Williams Courtroom
, Co-sponsored by the Joseph F. Rice School of Law and McCausland College of Arts and Sciences
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown will discuss his career trajectory and the opportunities and challenges of being an attorney general in today’s political climate.
A Harvard Law School graduate, Brown began his legal career in the Army JAG corps, where he gained experience as both a prosecutor and defense lawyer. He was awarded a Bronze Star in 2005.
He was lead council for Washington State’s governor and was in private practice. Later, he worked as a prosecutor in Washington State until he was nominated in 2021 to become the U.S. Attorney for Western Washington and left that post to seek the office of Attorney General, becoming their 19th AG in 2024. RSVP here.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, April 17, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
Joseph F. Rice School of Law 103 - Judge Karen J. Williams Courtroom.
Book Talk + Signing with Barry Markovsky: "Everyday Extraordinary"
Barry Markovsky, professor emeritus of sociology, will discuss his new book Everyday Extraordinary at 6 p.m. Friday, April 17, at All Good Books, 734 Harden St, Columbia, SC.
About the Book
Most people have had unusual experiences and encountered weird claims about phenomena such as ghosts, UFOs, ESP, and miracle cures. Everyday Extraordinary tells eighteen true stories, diving into these and other peculiar phenomena with empathy, humor, and a critical eye. It makes sense of experiences that at first seem inexplicable, showing how most are remarkably commonplace and reveal the workings of our bodies, minds, and cultures.
Barry Markovsky is a social psychologist who studies social influences on beliefs and behavior. He received his Ph.D. from Stanford University, served on the faculties of the University of Iowa and the University of South Carolina, and directed the Sociology Program at the National Science Foundation.
His recent publications include a series of popular articles at…
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, April 17, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Beetlejuice: The Musical
About This Show,
Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!”
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111.
Friday, April 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Beetlejuice: The Musical
About This Show,
Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!”
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111.
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series
About ghis Show,
The Koger Center for the Arts is excited to host the Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series, a free outdoor concert series sponsored by the Levitt Foundation. Dedicated to amplifying the cultural landscape of our city, the Levitt AMP Columbia Music series aims to provide free varied and engaging entertainment for the residents of Columbia and the Midlands. Our concert dates for the 2026 Season are set: stay tuned to find out the acts!
All concerts will take place on the outdoor Plaza Stage, with our rain location being the lobby of the Koger Center.
SCHEDULE – All concerts take place from 5-7 p.m.
April 18, 2026 - River Shook Duo, Soda City Brass Band,
,
April 25, 2026 - Sunny War, Death Ray Robin,
,
May 2, 2026 - Five OHM, Rock & Roll MF's,
,
May 9, 2026 - Carolyn Wonderland, Philip Thomas.
Admission Cost: Free Admission.
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Plaza Stage.
Beetlejuice: The Musical
About This Show,
Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!”
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111.
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Arboretum Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House,
Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. Open House is the 3rd Sunday of every month, with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester.
4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29205,
Weekly Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (winter hours 3-5 p.m.), Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. Find all our Open House speakers and Book Club dates here. ---, Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail. Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient tulip trees in the ravine. Pause at the waterfall or other scenic stops and take in the gifts of nature, here…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Beetlejuice: The Musical
About This Show,
Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!”
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111.
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Beetlejuice: The Musical
About This Show,
Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!”
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111.
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, April 20, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Recovery Ally Workshop for Students
Through Recovery Ally workshops, Gamecock Recovery strives to empower students, faculty and staff to make campus more supportive of students in recovery from substance use disorder. Learn to: confront myths and stigma about substance use disorder; use and model acts of allyship in everyday interactions; and identify, access, and direct people to recovery resources at USC.
Learn more about Gamecock Recovery by visiting sc.edu/sape/recovery.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Meeting Room - Center for Health and Well-Being 217.
Donuts with the Dean of Students
Donuts with the Dean of Students are an informal way to connect with the Office of the Dean of Students. Stop by our table in the Russell House University Union for a chat and snack with the DoS staff or just grab a free donut. We want to hear your voice as your Gamecock experience is important to us.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
RHUU Russell House 2nd Floor Lobby Space 01, RHUU Russell House 2nd Floor Lobby Space 02.
Live in the Lobby Jazz: Mar Vilaseca
About This Show
The Koger Center and ColaJazz Foundation are excited to present to you the new 2026 Live in the Lobby Jazz season! Featuring 6 stunning performances, you can get your season tickets today to get every show for one low price.
Created as a partnership between the Koger Center for the Arts and the ColaJazz Foundation, Live in the Lobby 2026 will consist of six concerts held throughout the Koger Center facility. Join us to experience this one-of-a-kind series designed for audiences seeking premier jazz and specialty experiences in an exceptional setting.
About the Artist
Vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Mar Vilaseca was born in 1998, in Barcelona, Spain. Mar grew up in a musical environment and learned how to play and sing at a very young age, being exposed to a wide variety of music. She was classically trained in piano and traditional harmony at the Conservatorio del Liceo. At the age of 14, she started singing professionally in her father’s band, where she began her career…
Admission Cost: $27.00 to $32.00.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Student Choreography Showcase
,
April 25-26, 2026, Student Choreography Showcase, Drayton Hall Theatre,
2pm daily,
We’ll end the season with a second showcase of original works that have been developed over the spring semester by our gifted student choreographers. The future of dance starts here!
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15- $22.
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series
About ghis Show,
The Koger Center for the Arts is excited to host the Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series, a free outdoor concert series sponsored by the Levitt Foundation. Dedicated to amplifying the cultural landscape of our city, the Levitt AMP Columbia Music series aims to provide free varied and engaging entertainment for the residents of Columbia and the Midlands. Our concert dates for the 2026 Season are set: stay tuned to find out the acts!
All concerts will take place on the outdoor Plaza Stage, with our rain location being the lobby of the Koger Center.
SCHEDULE – All concerts take place from 5-7 p.m.
April 18, 2026 - River Shook Duo, Soda City Brass Band,
,
April 25, 2026 - Sunny War, Death Ray Robin,
,
May 2, 2026 - Five OHM, Rock & Roll MF's,
,
May 9, 2026 - Carolyn Wonderland, Philip Thomas.
Admission Cost: Free Admission.
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Plaza Stage.
Student Choreography Showcase
,
April 25-26, 2026, Student Choreography Showcase, Drayton Hall Theatre,
2pm daily,
We’ll end the season with a second showcase of original works that have been developed over the spring semester by our gifted student choreographers. The future of dance starts here!
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15- $22.
Sunday, April 26, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, April 27, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
World Ballet Company - Swan Lake
About This Show
The World’s MOST Iconic Ballet – With a LIVE Orchestra! , The legendary tale of Swan Lake takes flight in a breathtaking production from World Ballet Company, as fate and magic entwine in a timeless battle between good and evil. Performing with a Live Orchestra, and featuring a cast of 50 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, and stunning hand-crafted sets, this spellbinding ballet captures every heart-pounding moment – from the Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés, and every pirouette in between.
With Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score soaring through the air and played LIVE, immerse yourself in this mesmerizing journey where dreams, heartbreak, and hope unfold right before your eyes.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission), Audience: For ages 5 & over,
World Ballet Company – Ballet Everywhere, Ballet For All.
Based in Los Angeles, and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, World Ballet Company presents the…
Admission Cost: $57.00 - $131.00.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
The Music of Hans Zimmer and Others – A Celebration of Film Music
About This Show
The symphonic world of Hans Zimmer with music from James Bond, The Lion King, The Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, Top Gun, Dune and more!
“The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others” is an unforgettable concert and audiovisual experience for all age groups, film enthusiasts, music lovers, and families. The best music will be performed by the Hollywood Film Orchestra in an impressive show with light installations, laser projections, and selected film clips. Star soloists from the Original Broadway Production will perform excerpts from “The Lion King” Zimmer’s most beloved box office smash hit.
No other composer has influenced the film world in the past two decades as much as the Oscar-, Globe- and Emmy-winning composer Hans Zimmer with his staggering compositions for films such as “James Bond” “The Lion King” “Pirates of the Caribbean” “Gladiator” “The Dark Knight” “Man of Steel” “Inception” and “Interstellar”.
Hans Zimmer wrote the film…
Admission Cost: $27.45 - $98.90.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series
About ghis Show,
The Koger Center for the Arts is excited to host the Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series, a free outdoor concert series sponsored by the Levitt Foundation. Dedicated to amplifying the cultural landscape of our city, the Levitt AMP Columbia Music series aims to provide free varied and engaging entertainment for the residents of Columbia and the Midlands. Our concert dates for the 2026 Season are set: stay tuned to find out the acts!
All concerts will take place on the outdoor Plaza Stage, with our rain location being the lobby of the Koger Center.
SCHEDULE – All concerts take place from 5-7 p.m.
April 18, 2026 - River Shook Duo, Soda City Brass Band,
,
April 25, 2026 - Sunny War, Death Ray Robin,
,
May 2, 2026 - Five OHM, Rock & Roll MF's,
,
May 9, 2026 - Carolyn Wonderland, Philip Thomas.
Admission Cost: Free Admission.
Saturday, May 2, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Plaza Stage.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, May 4, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series
About ghis Show,
The Koger Center for the Arts is excited to host the Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series, a free outdoor concert series sponsored by the Levitt Foundation. Dedicated to amplifying the cultural landscape of our city, the Levitt AMP Columbia Music series aims to provide free varied and engaging entertainment for the residents of Columbia and the Midlands. Our concert dates for the 2026 Season are set: stay tuned to find out the acts!
All concerts will take place on the outdoor Plaza Stage, with our rain location being the lobby of the Koger Center.
SCHEDULE – All concerts take place from 5-7 p.m.
April 18, 2026 - River Shook Duo, Soda City Brass Band,
,
April 25, 2026 - Sunny War, Death Ray Robin,
,
May 2, 2026 - Five OHM, Rock & Roll MF's,
,
May 9, 2026 - Carolyn Wonderland, Philip Thomas.
Admission Cost: Free Admission.
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Plaza Stage.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, May 11, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical
About This Show
On sale to the public on March 13, 10 a.m.
Get ready for the ultimate rock experience as BAT OUT OF HELL roars back to North America in 2026! The iconic music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf will once again shake the stage, delivering an electrifying journey that will ignite your love for rock like never before.
This heart-pounding experience, with a powerhouse eight-piece live band on stage, delivers a new production with sprawling multi-level platforms to transport you from Raven’s bedroom to the underground world of the Lost in a visual feast that pushes the boundaries of live theatre,
Featuring songs from one of Meat Loaf’s best-selling albums, Bat Out of Hell, this cast will bring these anthems to life, including I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), Paradise By The Dashboard Light, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, Dead Ringer For Love, and, of course, Bat Out of Hell.
Brace yourself for a legendary night of rock ‘n’ roll as BAT OUT OF HELL: The Musical explodes back onto the…
Admission Cost: $26.00 - $106.00.
Thursday, May 14, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Arboretum Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House,
Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. Open House is the 3rd Sunday of every month, with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester.
4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29205,
Weekly Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (winter hours 3-5 p.m.), Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. Find all our Open House speakers and Book Club dates here. ---, Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail. Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient tulip trees in the ravine. Pause at the waterfall or other scenic stops and take in the gifts of nature, here…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Botany Walk on the Historic Horseshoe
Join the A.C. Moore Herbarium staff on a 1-hour walk to explore the plant life of the historic Horseshoe. The group meets on the steps of McKissick Museum on the third Wednesday of each month. Plants featured or discussed will vary with group interest and by season.
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Vista Art Night: Kathryn Morganelli
About This Show
As a member of the Vista Guild, the Koger Center for the Arts partnered with The Jasper Project to open a new rotating art space, titled The Nook, in celebration of Third Thursday Art Night. May 2026’s featured artist in The Nook is Kathryn Morganelli.
Artist Biography
Kathryn Morganelli holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina. With postgraduate studies in Textile Design and Animation, she has built a solid foundation in the arts.
Admission Cost: Free Admission.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Upstairs Gallery.
John Crist Live
About This Show
John Crist is one of today’s fastest-rising stand-up comedians, earning more than one billion video views, more than 7.9 million fans on social media and sold-out shows from coast to coast and continuously charts as one of Pollstar’s Top 10 Global Touring Comedians. John has sold out the majority of his 2025 U.S. ‘Jokes For Humans’ dates and recently launched a Fall extension – which kicked off at Las Vegas’ Encore Theater and will visit cities like Austin, Louisville, Cleveland and more later this year.
His latest comedy special John Crist: Emotional Support (February 18), showcases his skills in delivering witty, pop culture commentary through clean humor. Filmed just six miles from his childhood home in Lilburn, GA, John Crist: Emotional Support sees the viral comedian diving into the ever-changing dynamics of growing up Christian in the 90s, navigating family group texts, mediating fights on the neighborhood Facebook page and more. In its first three weeks, the special earned more than…
Admission Cost: $17.87 - $161.75.
Sunday, May 31, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, June 1, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Tribute to Dr. Johnnie McFadden and the McFadden Endowment
Dr. Johnnie McFadden, USC Benjamin E. Mays Distinguished Professor Emeritus and First African American Tenured Faculty of the 20th century, has made a number of wonderful contributions to the University of South Carolina, Columbia. On Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. we will gather to pay tribute to Dr. McFadden as well as announce the Grace Jordan and Johnnie McFadden Endowment which was established to benefit the Grace Jordan McFadden Professors Program.
The program will be held at the Campus Room of the Capstone Building (898 Barnwell St.). Please indicate if you can accept our invitation to attend this special program. RSVP at the link below by Jan. 23. A reception will immediately follow the program.
Register for the Event here -- https://McFaddenTribute2026.eventbrite.com.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, June 5, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Capstone 101 - Campus Room.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, June 8, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, June 15, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Botany Walk on the Historic Horseshoe
Join the A.C. Moore Herbarium staff on a 1-hour walk to explore the plant life of the historic Horseshoe. The group meets on the steps of McKissick Museum on the third Wednesday of each month. Plants featured or discussed will vary with group interest and by season.
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Arboretum Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House,
Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. Open House is the 3rd Sunday of every month, with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester.
4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29205,
Weekly Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (winter hours 3-5 p.m.), Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. Find all our Open House speakers and Book Club dates here. ---, Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail. Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient tulip trees in the ravine. Pause at the waterfall or other scenic stops and take in the gifts of nature, here…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, June 21, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, June 22, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, June 29, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.