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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
Celebrating Earth Day and Native Plant Month, Music from USC School of Music Students, iNaturalist Tutorial, and Conservation Partners
Schedule, 1 and 2 p.m. Performances featuring student bands from USC’s Music Industry Studies, 1:30 p.m. Learn how to use iNaturalist and get ready for the Columbia City Nature Challenge, followed by walk to practice. Meet at the Outdoor Classroom. 1 - 4 p.m. Talk with people helping nature out: South Carolina Wildlife Federation, A.C. Moore Herbarium, South Carolina Native Plant Society Midlands Chapter, USC's Midlands Bird Society, USC Pollinator Conservation Club, and Columbia City Nature Challenge, 1 - 4 p.m. Plant Sale: We have a small selection of mostly native plants for sale. Cash only please.
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…
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
Celebrating Earth Day and Native Plant Month, Music from USC School of Music Students, iNaturalist Tutorial, and Conservation Partners
Schedule, 1 and 2 p.m. Performances featuring student bands from USC’s Music Industry Studies, 1:30 p.m. Learn how to use iNaturalist and get ready for the Columbia City Nature Challenge, followed by walk to practice. Meet at the Outdoor Classroom. 1 - 4 p.m. Talk with people helping nature out: South Carolina Wildlife Federation, A.C. Moore Herbarium, South Carolina Native Plant Society Midlands Chapter, USC's Midlands Bird Society, USC Pollinator Conservation Club, and Columbia City Nature Challenge, 1 - 4 p.m. Plant Sale: We have a small selection of mostly native plants for sale. Cash only please.
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…
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.
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, July 6, 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, July 13, 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, July 15, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Arboretum Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum
Celebrating Earth Day and Native Plant Month, Music from USC School of Music Students, iNaturalist Tutorial, and Conservation Partners
Schedule, 1 and 2 p.m. Performances featuring student bands from USC’s Music Industry Studies, 1:30 p.m. Learn how to use iNaturalist and get ready for the Columbia City Nature Challenge, followed by walk to practice. Meet at the Outdoor Classroom. 1 - 4 p.m. Talk with people helping nature out: South Carolina Wildlife Federation, A.C. Moore Herbarium, South Carolina Native Plant Society Midlands Chapter, USC's Midlands Bird Society, USC Pollinator Conservation Club, and Columbia City Nature Challenge, 1 - 4 p.m. Plant Sale: We have a small selection of mostly native plants for sale. Cash only please.
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…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, July 19, 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, July 20, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.