This
hCalendar-compliant page
is optimized for search engines. View this calendar as published at
sc.edu.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Wednesday Series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Student Senate Weekly Session
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Russell House Theater.
Novel Nook: Book Hangouts
The last Friday of every month, folks are invited to join Women's and Gender Studies for Novel Nook: Book Hangouts held at All Good Books. The events are free and open to the public. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited.
At the gathering, you can either bring the book you are already reading, or we will have books available from the WGST Lending Library. We will split the gathering into three half-hour parts: silent reading, full group conversation, and social time. Treats provided!
Location: All Good Books, 734 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205
Email rdobson@mailbox.sc.edu to be added to the listserv and/or GroupMe.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, August 28, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Girls with Guitars Vol. 2
Join us for an unforgettable, intimate evening celebrating the incredible women who are shaping the Columbia music scene.
Experience a lineup of talented singer-songwriters as they share original songs, heartfelt stories and the moments that inspired their music. This is more than a concert – it’s a chance to connect with the artists and their power of authentic storytelling through song.
The first Girls with Guitars event celebrated women musicians, artists, and creators through a collaboration between Black Nerd Mafia and AmplifiHer and Volume 2 continues that mission of elevating diverse voices through live music and community.
For more information please call 803-777-7500 or email kogercenter@sc.edu.
Tickets may be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 803-251-2222 or online.
Buy Tickets.
Admission Cost: Tickets: $23.18.
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Planning Your Author Website, Part 1
An author website is the author’s permanent home base: a place to own their story, connect directly with readers, and support the life of their books beyond any single launch, publisher page, or social platform. In collaboration with the Humanities Collaborative, this two-part workshop will show you the basics and then help you build an author website. In Part 1, we will walk through planning stages on how to get started, some strong examples, and basic web design best practices.
Register for this workshop at: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17083730,
Don't forget to also register and join Part 2, Thursday, September 17th, 9:30am-11:30am, IN PERSON to begin building your author site using the Library-licensed WordPress account.
.
Admission Cost: 0.
Monday, August 31, 2026, 10:50 AM – 11:40 AM.
See event description for more details.
First-Gen Career & Internship Accelerator Program Kickoff
Join us in Maxcy to learn about our First-Gen Career & Internship Accelerator Program, hosted in partnership with the Career Center. This free program will teach you about valuable strategies, including how to search for internships, utilize resources such as Big Interview, Handshake, and Mentorship Hub (all provided by the Career Center), and help you develop or update your résumés and LinkedIn profiles—among many other skills. You'll earn a certificate to add to your LinkedIn as well.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, August 31, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:35 PM.
See event description for more details.
CommUnity Welcome
Monday, August 31, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom, Russell House University Union 202 Lounge.
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, August 31, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Introduction to MATLAB
MATLAB is a feature-rich programming language for scientific and numerical data processing for which USC has a university-wide site license. MATLAB also has many application toolkits available for use in diverse fields of research. This workshop will introduce users to the MATLAB programming language, with a focus on reading spreadsheet data into MATLAB, processing the data using matrix operations, writing the processed data to a spreadsheet, and visualizing the data. A MATLAB license and an installed version of MATLAB are recommended but not required to attend this workshop.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17107317.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 10:05 AM – 11:20 AM.
See event description for more details.
Research Data Management Basics
Good data management practices can help ensure that your research data are findable, accessible, and re-usable long-term. In this session, learn useful tips to help you manage your data. Topics include best practices for file management, documentation, storage, preservation, and more.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17011382.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 11:40 AM – 12:55 PM.
See event description for more details.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Tuesday series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
GenAI Essentials - Building Your GenAI Research Toolkit
ChatGPT started it all less than four years ago. Since then, a lot has changed and evolved. Using the research lifecycle as our functional guide, we will consider five essential areas and mention a tool or tools relevant to those areas:
Coming up with research ideas (brainstorming)?
, Locating relevant information resources (search)?
, Analyzing and synthesizing gathered information (reading)?
, Data analysis and visualization (data processing)?
, Producing an end product (writing)?
,
Beyond our standard GenAI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude, etc.), there now exist numerous GenAI products that can possibly assist along each step of the research process. We will highlight some of those and consider how we can build a GenAI research toolbox. We will also emphasize how we can and should use these GenAI tools in collaboration with our traditional research information tools.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17052040.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM.
See event description for more details.
A Beginner's Guide to AI and Machine Learning
Curious about machine learning but don't have a programming background? This beginner-friendly workshop introduces the core concepts of AI and Machine Learning through interactive examples and hands-on activities—without requiring any coding experience. Participants will learn how machines "learn" from data, explore common applications of AI, and gain an intuitive understanding of key ideas such as classification, prediction, and model evaluation. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a solid foundation for understanding machine learning and the confidence to explore further.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17120936.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
See event description for more details.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Wednesday Series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
First-Gen Mentoring Information & Kick-Off
Students, Staff, and Faculty are all invited to participate!
Our First-Gen Mentoring Program is more than a network—it's your launchpad to dream big, achieve boldly, and truly feel at home at USC. Led by faculty, staff, and peers who know the college experience firsthand, this free program creates a supportive space where you can grow, belong, and thrive every step of the way.
Join us in Russell House 207 to learn more and meet other first-generation students, staff and faculty who serve as mentors - registration is open now through September 4th with matches being announced on September 9th.
Learn more about the program and Sign Up to attend the kickoff event before August 26th at 11:59pm.
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Student Senate Weekly Session
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Russell House Theater.
Introduction to Publishing in Scholarly Journals
In this session, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the academic publishing process. While reviewing the publishing cycle, you’ll learn to prepare your manuscript and select a high impact, accessible journal, how to navigate the peer review process and, finally, how you can promote and share your scholarship.
Register online: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/16871642.
Thursday, September 3, 2026, 11:40 AM – 12:40 PM.
See event description for more details.
Being a Successful Author of an Academic Monograph
This workshop will provide an overview of best practices for graduate students who will be conceptualizing, pitching, contracting, and then publishing a first academic monograph. The process to contract and beyond will be broken down into its constituent parts and guidance will be offered so as to increase chances of success at each stage. Common misconceptions will be addressed, and routine faux pas will be highlighted so as give participants advantage in the academic literary marketplace. Handouts/take-away files will be distributed, and the detailed discussions will be situated in the context of the larger economy of higher education.
Michael J. McGandy is director of University of South Carolina Press. Prior to arriving at USC, he worked at Cornell University Press, where he was Senior Editor and Editorial Director of the Three Hills imprint. He has also worked in commercial publishing at Macmillan Library Reference/Gale Group, Rowman & Littlefield Publishing, and W. W. Norton & Company.
…
Thursday, September 3, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Explore Creating a Website for Your Research
It's a great idea to create a website to tell people about your research, but where to start? In this workshop, I will share some options for web hosting and best practices for getting started. This will be an overview of different platforms, such as WordPress, ESRI's Storymaps, and Manifold. Follow up workshops will focus on the individual platforms, so you can get started.
Register for this online workshop at this link: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17054354.
Admission Cost: 0.
Friday, September 4, 2026, 10:50 AM – 11:40 AM.
See event description for more details.
Virtual Startup Internship Fair
This event is designed to connect innovative startups and entrepreneurial businesses with talented, entrepreneurially minded students who are eager to gain hands-on experience while contributing to growing ventures.
By participating, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Meet students who are passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation. Share internship opportunities with motivated future founders and business leaders. Build your talent pipeline while supporting experiential learning. Introduce your company to students looking to make an impact in the startup ecosystem.
Whether you’re looking for help with marketing, operations, product development, research, finance, technology, or business growth, this virtual event is an excellent opportunity to connect with students ready to contribute.
Admission Cost: No cost. Just RSVP please! https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/6wF0fgUaWh.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Data Visualization Essentials – Foundational Choices
What makes charts, graphs, plots, maps, and other data visualizations effective or ineffective? How do I decide what type of chart, graph, or other visualization to use to accomplish my purpose? Does it matter what data visualization program I use to create data visualizations? What are some important things I need to consider related to accessibility and ethical issues?
Besides the practical mechanics of how to use a particular program to create a chart, graph, map, plot, or other data visualization, there are a number of essential choices and decisions one needs to make in order to effectively accomplish an intended goal.
This session will cover principles and characteristics of effective and ineffective data visualizations, frameworks and tools for selecting data visualization types, factors for choosing appropriate data visualization creation tools and important accessibility and ethical considerations.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17028386.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Tuesday series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
State of the University Address
President Michael Amiridis will reflect on the achievements of this past year and look to the future with his State of the University address on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10 am on the Horseshoe.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
See event description for more details.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Wednesday Series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Fall Fellowships Fair
Come one, come all to the Fall Fellowships Fair, hosted by the USC National Fellowships team! Students of all years and majors are welcome. Step right up and meet USC students who have applied for and won national fellowships to make a difference in their communities, protect the environment, fund graduate studies and build global connections. In addition to enjoying food, games and music, students will learn more about how they can get money to do cool things, like study abroad, research and language learning.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Davis Field I - RHUU Side.
Explore Creating a Website for Your Research
It's a great idea to create a website to tell people about your research, but where to start? In this workshop, I will share some options for web hosting and best practices for getting started. This will be an overview of different platforms, such as WordPress, ESRI's Storymaps, and Manifold. Follow up workshops will focus on the individual platforms, so you can get started.
Register for this online workshop at this link: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17054386.
Admission Cost: 0.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 3:30 PM – 4:20 PM.
See event description for more details.
Student Senate Weekly Session
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Russell House Theater.
Fall Literary Festival with Julia Elliott
Reading/discussion, Q&A, book signing. RSVP Required.
, Join us for the 2026 Fall Literary Festival with Julia Elliott! Elliott, the winner of the 2026 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction for her most recent story collection, Hellions, will read from and discuss her work.
, Julia Elliott is the author of the story collection "Hellions" winner of the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction and a Southern Book Prize finalist. Her collection "The Wilds" a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, was chosen by Kirkus, BuzzFeed, Book Riot, and Electric Literature as one of the Best Books of 2014. Her work has appeared in The Georgia Review, Tin House, Conjunctions, Reactor, Granta, and The New York Times. She has won a Rona Jaffe Writer’s Award and two Pushcart Prizes, and her stories have been anthologized in Best American Short Stories.
, All Fall Literary Festival events are free of charge and open to both the USC community and the community at large. Learn more and RSVP here: Fall Literary Festival -…
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Hollings Special Collections Library 135 - Barrow Room, Hollings Special Collections Library SCPC Donor Room, Hollings Special Collections Library Program Room.
The Good, the Bad & the Naked of USC History: Historic Horseshoe History Tour
Have you ever been strolling along the Historic Horseshoe bricks and found yourself wondering about the history of Carolina and its traditions? Well, you're in luck! Meet University Archivist Elizabeth West in front of the Caroliniana for a Horseshoe history tour. Learn the origins of the Tiger Burn and what national record Gamecock students set in 1974! Free and open to the public.
Admission Cost: Free.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
South Caroliniana Library 910 Sumter Street.
AI and Machine Learning - Beyond the Basics
"AI and Machine Learning - Beyond the Basics" is an intermediate workshop for students and researchers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The workshop will focus on the concepts and underlying algorithms of AI and ML, typical applications such as computer vision and object classification, commonly used software packages, and the use of hardware accelerators.
This workshop is intended as an intermediate-level workshop for attendees who are already somewhat familiar with AI and Machine learning, and who are ready to investigate the topic more deeply.
This workshop will be the prerequisite for a follow-on workshop titled Machine Learning Fundamentals in Practice to be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 10:05-11:05AM in which attendees will have an opportunity to run AI workloads on advanced computing resources.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17107081.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:35 PM.
See event description for more details.
Hands-on Workshop on Text Analysis for Beginners
Do you have textual data for qualitative analysis? This session is perfect for anyone looking to transform unstructured text data into meaningful insights.
Key topics include:
Introduction to text analysis: What is it and why does it matter?
, Reading, cleaning and preparing data for analysis.
, Extracting insights from the texts
, Tools and techniques: Overview of Python libraries (e.g. NLTK) and other user-friendly platforms
,
Demo: Learn text analysis using a real world dataset. Participants will receive a link to the python code and data, prior to the workshop to get hands-on experience.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a foundational understanding of text mining concepts and practical experience working with basic tools and techniques. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or professional, this workshop will equip you with the skills to start your text analysis journey!
Duration: 60 min, Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Python programming is helpful but not required.
…
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
See event description for more details.
Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series: Admiral Radio
Admiral Radio, the award-winning folk/Americana act from South Carolina, is the creative partnership of Coty Hoover and Becca Smith. Named after their old wooden radio, this husband-and-wife team blends heartfelt harmonies, storytelling, and raw sincerity. Having met while waiting tables in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, their sound is straightforward yet powerful—rooted in tight vocal interplay and finely picked acoustic instruments. Inspired by the everyday, their songs explore life lessons, the quiet hustle of ordinary life, and the dogged optimism that drives it all.
This concert features an opening performance by Angela Easterling.
This concert is free and open to the public!
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Plaza Stage.
ReproducibiliTea Discussion Series - The Problem Defined
The Libraries’ ReproducibiliTea discussion series is designed to bring researchers together to explore the ideas, challenges, and practices shaping open and reproducible research. Our goal is to connect across disciplines, share experiences, and build a community committed to transparent, rigorous, and accessible science.
We will discuss the article linked below and recommend that you read it before the start of the session.
We will meet in Room 412 of Thomas Cooper Library.
Week One Theme: The Problem Defined (A General Overview),
Article: A Manifesto for Reproducible Science (link),
Registration: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17326158.
Friday, September 11, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Disco Inferno: The Studio 54 Ballet
South Carolina Ballet presents Disco Inferno at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia, South Carolina, with a matinee performance at 3:00 PM and an evening performance at 7:30 PM.
Inspired by the electric atmosphere of the world-famous?Studio 54, this dazzling multimedia production celebrates the music, glamour, and irresistible rhythm of the disco era. Disco Inferno brings a legendary time in music and the nightlife to the ballet stage through bold choreography, dynamic visuals, theatrical staging, and an infectious sense of energy.
The production features the works of multiple choreographers, blending the elegance and athleticism of professional ballet with the distinctive beat, style, and exuberance of disco.
Featuring live music by Rod Foster & Company, under the direction of Mark Rapp.
As the state’s largest professional ballet company, South Carolina Ballet brings its signature mix of classical technique, theatrical storytelling, and bold contemporary energy to audiences across South…
Admission Cost: Tickets: $39 - $71.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Disco Inferno: The Studio 54 Ballet
South Carolina Ballet presents Disco Inferno at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia, South Carolina, with a matinee performance at 3:00 PM and an evening performance at 7:30 PM.
Inspired by the electric atmosphere of the world-famous?Studio 54, this dazzling multimedia production celebrates the music, glamour, and irresistible rhythm of the disco era. Disco Inferno brings a legendary time in music and the nightlife to the ballet stage through bold choreography, dynamic visuals, theatrical staging, and an infectious sense of energy.
The production features the works of multiple choreographers, blending the elegance and athleticism of professional ballet with the distinctive beat, style, and exuberance of disco.
Featuring live music by Rod Foster & Company, under the direction of Mark Rapp.
As the state’s largest professional ballet company, South Carolina Ballet brings its signature mix of classical technique, theatrical storytelling, and bold contemporary energy to audiences across South…
Admission Cost: Tickets: $39 - $71.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Introduction to Git and GitHub
Git is a free version control system that programmers and developers use to track and share code. GitHub is a free website that simplifies the findability, accessibility, and reusability of program code, in addition to providing a web browser interface to the version control commands. This workshop will take you from being a novice to being highly proficient at using Git and GitHub. You will learn how to collaborate on projects effectively with GitHub, build a solid foundation in Git, and master advanced version control skills.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17107051.
Monday, September 14, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:35 PM.
See event description for more details.
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, September 14, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Explore Creating a Website for Your Research
It's a great idea to create a website to tell people about your research, but where to start? In this workshop, I will share some options for web hosting and best practices for getting started. This will be an overview of different platforms, such as WordPress, ESRI's Storymaps, and Manifold. Follow up workshops will focus on the individual platforms, so you can get started.
Register for this online workshop at this link: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17054483.
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 11:40 AM – 12:40 PM.
See event description for more details.
Research Data Management Basics
Good data management practices can help ensure that your research data are findable, accessible, and re-usable long-term. In this session, learn useful tips to help you manage your data. Topics include best practices for file management, documentation, storage, preservation, and more.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17011479.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Magellan Scholar Application Workshop-ONLINE (Undergraduate Researchers)
The Magellan Scholar Grant provides up to $2,500 to support undergraduate students conducting faculty-mentored research, scholarly, or creative projects across all disciplines at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Lauren Clark, Director of Undergraduate Research, will guide participants through the application process, including eligibility requirements, proposal development, budgeting, and required application materials. Attendees will gain practical tips for developing a competitive application, avoiding common mistakes, and preparing a strong proposal for the Magellan Scholar Grant.
USC students from across the system are invited to participate in this online workshop. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for the teams link and will be provided after completing this form. You may need to allow time to confirm or update your Teams account to attend the workshop. If you have any problems or questions, please email us at our@sc.edu or contact Ashley Collins at 803-777-5522. .
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
See event description for more details. USC Lancaster - See event details for location, USC Salkehatchie - See event details for location, USC Sumter - See event details for location, USC Union - See event details for location, USC Salkehatchie…
I, Too, Sing America: The Black Affirmation of American Independence
The Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse is pleased to present “I, Too, Sing America: The Black Affirmation of American Independence" a special event in recognition of 2026 Constitution Day featuring Professor Lucas Morel from Washington & Lee University.
This event will explore how the principles of the American founding have been understood, interpreted, and affirmed within the African American intellectual and political tradition with a focus on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the civil rights movement. This event will deepen students’ understanding of the enduring significance of America’s founding ideals and will encourage them to engage thoughtfully with how core constitutional principles, such as equality, liberty, and natural rights, have evolved over time. The lecture is part of the Center’s yearlong speaker series, “America 250 and Its Promises: The American Founding and the Abiding Pursuit of its Ideals,” which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the…
Admission Cost: Free.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Joseph F. Rice School of Law 103 - Judge Karen J. Williams Courtroom.
Hands-on Workshop on Extracting Data from Websites Using APIs
Unlock the power of APIs to efficiently extract and utilize data from websites! This hands-on workshop is designed for beginners and intermediate learners who want to gain practical skills in API integration. Participants will learn the fundamentals of APIs, how to access and interpret API documentation, and techniques for extracting structured data for analysis. We will cover the following topics:
What is an API and its role in data extraction?
, How to make requests and handle responses?
, What are API keys and how are they used?
, How to parse the JSON and other data formats?
,
Demo: Library of Congress API example for extracting data. Participants will receive a link to the python code prior to the workshop to get hands-on experience.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have the basic understanding of APIs for tasks like gathering data for research and analysis.
Duration: 60 min, Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Python programming language is recommended but not required.
Register at …
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 1:10 PM – 2:10 PM.
See event description for more details.
Student Senate Weekly Session
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Russell House Theater.
Fall Literary Festival with Kevin Sack
Reading/discussion, Q&A, book signing. RSVP Required.
, Join us for the 2026 Fall Literary Festival with Kevin Sack! Sack will read from and discuss his book Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church, which was named one of the New York Times’ Ten Best Books of 2025.
Kevin Sack is a veteran journalist and the author of "Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church" which was named one of The New York Times’ 10 Best Books of 2025 and was a finalist for the 2026 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction. A three-time shared recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for reporting, Sack spent 30 years writing for The New York Times and has also worked for the Los Angeles Times and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. At The New York Times, he was known for producing long-form narrative and investigative projects on topics as varied as kidney transplantation, police militarization, refugee assimilation, and climate change. He…
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Capstone 101 - Campus Room.
Build Your Author Website In-Person Workshop, Part 2
After attending Part 1 to plan your author site, you will be ready to build. In collaboration with the Humanities Collaborative, this hands-on, in person session will help participants begin using the Library- licenced WordPress account to build a web site. We’ll focus on the practical work of shaping an author’s online presence: defining the site’s purpose, identifying key audiences, organizing essential pages, drafting core content, and making choices about design, platform, and maintenance.
If you can't make the entire two hours, feel free to drop-in when you can for some in-person assistance.
Participants will leave with a clearer site plan, a draft homepage or About page, and a practical next-step checklist for creating or revising their own author website.
Register at: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17084120 and join us in Thomas Cooper Library, Rm 118, for this in-person event.
Admission Cost: 0.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
See event description for more details.
Mutual Expectations - September
Join us for FREE lunch and great conversation! Mutual Expectations is a program designed to help students and university faculty and staff to gain a deeper understanding of one another. By opening the lines of communication, we are better equipped to develop a more collaborative learning environment.
Open and free to all USC students, faculty and staff. An RSVP is required.
To see discussion topics and RSVP, please visit the Carolina Experience website. go.sc.edu/expectations.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM.
Russell House Room 322.
Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series: Black Nerd Mafia
Black Nerd Mafia is an organization focused on promoting and supporting independent artists and creatives. They aim to challenge stereotypes and provide a platform for diverse expressions within the artist community. One of their projects is “The Cool Table,” a collective of independent artists from Columbia that puts strong emphasis on curating talent based on the quality and authenticity of the art rather than popularity or follower counts. Black Nerd Mafia and The Cool Table aim to create inclusive and unbiased spaces where the only criterion is artistic excellence.
This concert is free and open to the public!
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Plaza Stage.
Third Thursday Art Night: Patrick Parise
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. September 2026’s featured artist in The Nook is Patrick Parise.
Artist Biography,
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1952, Patrick Parise has lived and worked in Columbia, SC for more than five decades. Influenced early by his mother, a painter and art historian, Parise studied painting at Bethany College and printmaking under Boyd Saunders at the University of South Carolina. He went on to establish his own etching studio and later expanded into painting, sculpture, mixed media, and custom design work.
Parise’s accomplishments include solo exhibitions at Columbia galleries such as Vista Studios, City Art Gallery, and Stormwater Studios, as well as international recognition through the Saatchi Gallery’s Your Studio Competition. His work has been commissioned for both private and public projects across South Carolina,…
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Upstairs Gallery.
Koger Jazz Heritage Festival: Virginia MacDonald + Michael Dease
Enjoy an evening of live jazz at this free outdoor concert in Columbia's Finlay Park as part of the Koger Jazz Heritage Festival. Featuring: Virginia MacDonald (clarinet), Michael Dease (trombone), Left Bank Big Band, Clark Combo, DJ sets by Shaina Dashiell,
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of world-class jazz in the park. The concert is presented by the Koger Jazz Heritage Festival, City of Columbia and the University of South Carolina School of Music.
Note: a clear bag policy is enforced at Finlay Park.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
Jazz Girls Day® Columbia
Middle and high school girls are invited to spend a day of learning, playing and performing at Jazz Girls Day®! Founded by Dr. Colleen Clark, this free event welcomes girls who are just starting jazz or continuing their musical journey. Participants will enjoy master classes, jam sessions and the chance to build meaningful connections with peers. Registration is required.
Music educators are also invited to learn how to encourage girls to play jazz by registering for our Jazz Girls Day® Jazz Education Session.
Click here to register.
Admission Cost: Free, but registration is required.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
See Description for Event Location. Greene Street UMC A101.
Echoes of Independence: 250 Years of Revolution and Memorialization Open House
Join University Libraries on September 19th from 10am to 2pm for an open house for the "Echoes of Independence: 250 Years of Revolution and Memorialization" exhibit celebrating America's 250th. Dr. Michael Weisenburg, Director of Rare Books and Special Collections and curator of the exhibit, will be there to answer questions and guide people through the exhibit. Come see items like Francis Marion's muster roll, 1st edition of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" and more!
This event is free and open to the public! No RSVP required.
Admission Cost: Free.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Hollings Special Collections Library Irvin Dept Gallery 133.
First-Generation Center Family Weekend Brunch
Join the First-Gen Center & the Living and Learning Community for a free drop-in family weekend brunch, just bring yourself and your appetite! Open to all first-gen students, their families, and their supporters.
Reservation is required and separate from the Family Weekend general registration. Please Register Here prior to September 3rd at 11:59pm.
Admission Cost: Free.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House,
Third Sunday of every month from 1 - 4 p.m. 4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29206,
Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. The open house is the third Sunday of every month with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester. ,
Nature walks every month. Meet at 1:30 in the Outdoor Classroom.
Find all our events and Book Club dates here.
Open Hours: Wednesdays & Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12 pm, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (Winter 3 - 5 p.m.).
Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. ---, 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…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Wind Ensemble: Americans 250
Cormac Cannon, conductor, Ryan Gonzales, guest conductor, Serena Hill-Laroche, soprano,
As part of the United States Semi quincentennial, the USC Wind Ensemble opens its season with a celebration of American stories. From Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra’s rousing Alegria, to Copland’s enduring classic Emblems, each work on this program highlights a unique American perspective. USC School of Music faculty member Serena Hill-Laroche is featured on Elena Specht’s evocative work Into Her Care, which tells the stories of American women. The concert closes with Benjamin Horne’s powerful Spiritual Symphony, based on numerous well-known African American spirituals.
Sierra/Scatterday, Alegria, Specht, Into Her Care, Copland, Emblems, Horne, Spiritual Symphony.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium, See Description for Event Location.
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, September 21, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Graduate Student Research Toolbox
Learn about the library resources and services that are critical for success in graduate research. Topics to be covered include citation management tools, locating dissertations and theses, interlibrary loan, and research support services.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17000185.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 2:50 PM – 3:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Student Senate Weekly Session
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Russell House Theater.
WordPress for Your Research
This will be a short introduction to getting started with WordPress, using the Libraries' hosting service CreateDigital.
Register for this online event at: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17054737.
Admission Cost: 0.
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 11:40 AM – 12:15 PM.
See event description for more details.
Introduction to Peer Review for Authors of Academic Monographs
Peer review is at the heart of academic publishing. It is also a high-stakes process for early-career scholars, who will benefit from an inside perspective on the goals, standards, sequence of events, and folkways of peer review for academic monographs. In this workshop graduate students will be walked through peer review from the submission of materials to book contract. Differences between peer review for journal articles and monographs will be addressed and disciplinary variations will be considered. Handouts/take-away files will be distributed.
Michael J. McGandy is director of University of South Carolina Press. Prior to arriving at USC, he worked at Cornell University Press, where he was Senior Editor and Editorial Director of the Three Hills imprint. He has also worked in commercial publishing at Macmillan Library Reference/Gale Group, Rowman & Littlefield Publishing, and W. W. Norton & Company.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/16821570.
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series: Molly Martin
Molly Martin’s debut album Mary released January 2023 is cheeky indie rock reminiscent of early Smashing Pumpkins, Land of Talk, and the attitude of the Pretenders. It’s music that pretends to not care about your feelings but really does. It’s a spotlight on the honest truth of Molly’s experience before and after quitting drinking; an 8-song inquiry into self-discovery. Molly’s birth name is Mary, and each track feels like a different aspect of the intersection between a buttoned-up Mary and a buttoned-down Molly. Something is bound to resonate, and that’s the point.
This concert features an opening act from Homemade Haircuts. Homemade Haircuts is a four-piece indie rock outfit from Columbia, South Carolina. Originally a bedroom recording project, the group has developed its effervescent live sound through years of touring the Southeast.
After years of connecting with audiences through their earnest rock songs, the band is adopting a brash new persona. The band’s new single, “Clown” veers away from…
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Plaza Stage.
USC Symphony Orchestra: Symphonie Fantastique
Celebrate the remarkable tenure of Scott Weiss during his 10th and final season as Music Director and Conductor of the USC Symphony Orchestra as he concludes his distinguished career with the University of South Carolina.
To open the season, the USC Symphony Orchestra will be joined by Spanish-Dutch pianist Albert Cano Smit in Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand. The program also features Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique.
For more information please call 803-777-7500 or email kogercenter@sc.edu.
Tickets may be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 803-251-2222 or online.
Buy Tickets.
Admission Cost: $13 - $37.
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
USC Symphony Orchestra: Symphonie Fantastique
Celebrate the remarkable tenure of Scott Weiss during his 10th and final season as Music Director and Conductor of the USC Symphony Orchestra as he concludes his distinguished career with the University of South Carolina.
To open the season, the USC Symphony Orchestra will be joined by Spanish-Dutch pianist Albert Cano Smit in Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand. The program also features Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique.
Tickets are available in-person at Koger Center Box Office (803-251-2222, Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or online at KogerCenterForTheArts.com.
Admission Cost: General public - $30
Seniors/military / USC faculty and staff - $25
Children under 18 and non-USC students with ID - $8
USC Students - free with student ID.
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts, See Description for Event Location.
Novel Nook: Book Hangouts
The last Friday of every month, folks are invited to join Women's and Gender Studies for Novel Nook: Book Hangouts held at All Good Books. The events are free and open to the public. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited.
At the gathering, you can either bring the book you are already reading, or we will have books available from the WGST Lending Library. We will split the gathering into three half-hour parts: silent reading, full group conversation, and social time. Treats provided!
Location: All Good Books, 734 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205
Email rdobson@mailbox.sc.edu to be added to the listserv and/or GroupMe.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, September 25, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Friday, September 25, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Benson 214.
G.U.M.B.O. Experience Concert Series: Episode 2
The G.U.M.B.O Experience is a live, immersive fusion of music, art, and culture—where creativity, energy, and community connect.
For more information please call 803-777-7500 or email kogercenter@sc.edu.
Buy Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15.18.
Saturday, September 26, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Saturday, September 26, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Benson 214.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Sunday, September 27, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Benson 214.
Introduction to Python using Anaconda
This workshop will introduce users to the Python programming language. Python is an easy-to-learn, extensible, high-level programming language which has the simplicity and readability of its code as its core design principles. As a result, Python is one of the most widely used programming languages for scientific data processing and many other applications. Python libraries and applications are available for a wide range of applications, including natural language processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17107414.
Monday, September 28, 2026, 3:55 PM – 5:10 PM.
See event description for more details.
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, September 28, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Storymaps and Storytelling with ESRI
ESRI GIS software comes with a simple storytelling tool called Storymaps. Let me show you how easy it is to create a scrolling story using simple maps.
Register for this online event at: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17054800.
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Permanent Identifiers in Research: Why PIDs Matter
In this virtual presentation, University of South Carolina research data librarian Stacy Winchester will introduce persistent identifiers (PIDs) and explain how they improve reproducibility, citation, discoverability, and long-term access to research outputs. Through practical examples and best practices, participants will learn about using PIDs for datasets, publications, and researcher profiles.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the main types of PIDs (DOIs, ORCID iDs, RRIDs, etc.) and when to use them.
, PIDS and federal funding.
, Tips to integrate PIDs into workflows, data management plans, and data/document repositories.
,
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17191213.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM.
See event description for more details.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Tuesday series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Wednesday Series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Measuring What Matters: An Introduction to Research Impact
Research impact extends beyond citation counts. It reflects how your work shapes your field, informs practice, and contributes to broader communities. As there is an increasing emphasis on demonstrating impact, it’s essential for researchers to understand how to measure their work and present those measures responsibly.
This introductory workshop will provide participants with a foundation in research impact assessment and the responsible use of metrics. Participants will explore how to locate and interpret key impact indicators, including article-level, author-level, and journal-level metrics, through tools such as Journal Citation Reports, Scopus, and Web of Science. Participants will also be introduced to altmetrics, which capture the broader influence of research beyond traditional citations.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17123599.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:10 PM.
See event description for more details.
Student Senate Weekly Session
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Russell House Theater.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Benson 214.
GenAI Essentials - Building Your GenAI Research Toolkit
ChatGPT started it all less than four years ago. Since then, a lot has changed and evolved. Using the research lifecycle as our functional guide, we will consider five essential areas and mention a tool or tools relevant to those areas:
Coming up with research ideas (brainstorming)?
, Locating relevant information resources (search)?
, Analyzing and synthesizing gathered information (reading)?
, Data analysis and visualization (data processing)?
, Producing an end product (writing)?
,
Beyond our standard GenAI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude, etc.), there now exist numerous GenAI products that can possibly assist along each step of the research process. We will highlight some of those and consider how we can build a GenAI research toolbox. We will also emphasize how we can and should use these GenAI tools in collaboration with our traditional research information tools,
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17052529.
Thursday, October 1, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series: Küf Knotz & Christine Elise
Named Asbury Park Music Awards Best Rapper of 2025 & Philadelphia Magazine Best Rapper of 2022, Kuf Knotz Blends hiphop poetry with deep grooves of soul and beats sun kissed with the spirit of Lo-Fi & 90’s era vibes , Kuf’s inimitable style focuses on unsubtle spirituality, that, like his music, focus on unity, positivity and creativity. In 2008, the same year he opened for Bruce Springsteen, Kuf sang lead vocals on “Unstoppable,” a song created to mark the Philadelphia Phillies winning the World Series. In 2010, Kuf recorded “Boombox Logic,” which was named the year’s best hip-hop song by the Independent Music Awards.
Christine Gallagher, MA, MT-BC, LMT, LPC “Christine Elise” is a classically trained harpist, pianist, and vocalist who has been consecutively touring across North America for the past four years. Studying music therapy at a masters level led her to find a passion for community music therapy. Christine has facilitated group sessions and workshops for professionals and clients in the USA,…
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, October 1, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Plaza Stage.
Fall Literary Festival with Patricia Lockwood
Hollings Library Program Room, Reading/discussion, Q&A, book signing. RSVP Required.
, Join us for the 2026 Fall Literary Festival with Patricia Lockwood! Lockwood will share the distinctive vision that has made her one of America’s most celebrated experimental writers and earned accolades for her work across multiple genres, including her memoir 2017 Priestdaddy and her novels No One is Talking About This and Will There Ever Be Another You.
, Patricia Lockwood is a poet, novelist and essayist who has been dubbed “goddess of the avant-garde” by Garden & Gun. Her opus includes the novels No One is Talking About This, a finalist for the Booker Prize, and Will There Ever Be Another You; the memoir Priestdaddy, which was named one of the ten best books of the year by the New York Times Book Review; and the poetry collection Balloon Pop Outlaw Black. Lockwood’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The New Republic, and the London Review of Books, where she is a contributing editor.
, …
Admission Cost: Free.
Thursday, October 1, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Hollings Special Collections Library 135 - Barrow Room, Hollings Special Collections Library SCPC Donor Room, Hollings Special Collections Library Program Room.
Choirs of Carolina “Side by Side” Concert
The SATB choral ensembles open the season with repertoire ranging from cori spezzatti by Gabrieli to music for choir and marimba sung by Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Alicia W. Walker. Dr. Evan Powers will make his conducting debut with the USC University Chorus as the SoM welcomes him to our faculty.
Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow Street, Columbia, SC.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, October 1, 2026, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Thursday, October 1, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Benson 214.
Machine Learning Fundamentals in Practice
In this follow-on workshop, partcipants will apply the concepts introduced in "AI and Machine Learning - Beyond the Basics" through guided, hands-on exercises using a Python Jupyter Notebook. Participants will explore two fundamental supervised learning tasks -classification and regression using real datasets, train models, evaluate their performance, and interpret the results.
Registered participants will receive a link to the Jupyter Notebook, where they can practice, experiment, and explore the complete machine learning pipeline at their own pace. The interactive notebook enables students to modify code, test different parameters, compare model performance, and gain practical experience with the end-to-end machine learning workflow in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Duration: 60 min, Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of python programming and machine learning concepts,
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17132361.
Friday, October 2, 2026, 10:05 AM – 11:05 AM.
See event description for more details.
ReproducibiliTea Discussion Series - Examining Analytic Flexibility
The Libraries’ ReproducibiliTea discussion series is designed to bring researchers together to explore the ideas, challenges, and practices shaping open and reproducible research. Our goal is to connect across disciplines, share experiences, and build a community committed to transparent, rigorous, and accessible science.
We will discuss the article linked below and recommend that you read it before the start of the session.
We will meet in Room 412 of Thomas Cooper Library.
Week Two Theme: Examining Analytic Flexibility - And why it is a problem,
Article: False Positive Psychology (link),
Registration: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17326222.
Friday, October 2, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Southern Exposure: We Were Fridays
We Were Fridays, featuring Jeff Zeigler (cello) and Reggie Gray (dance) follows a story that began in the Griot tradition of West Africa, travel to South Carolina by way of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, then north by way of the Great Migration, and beyond. It explores the music of the Gullah people of the Low Country of South Carolina, a community which to this day has preserved more of their West African linguistic and cultural heritage than any other African American community in the United States. Gullah music has influenced spirituals, gospel, ragtime, rhythm and blues, soul, hip hop and jazz. We Were Fridays extends this reach into the world of instrumental cello music. Told through cello, electronics, and dance, this work explores forbidden love, fractured lines and complex legacies follows a story that began in the Griot tradition of West Africa, travel to South Carolina by way of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, then north by way of the Great Migration, and beyond. It explores the music of the Gulla…
Admission Cost: FREE.
Friday, October 2, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
School of Music 206 Recital Hall.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Friday, October 2, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Benson 214.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Benson 214.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Sunday, October 4, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Benson 214.
Symphonic Winds: Getting There
Jay Jacobs, conductor, Grant King, guest conductor,
Throughout our lives we are constantly encountering opportunities to enjoy the journey of getting somewhere or simply just finding a way of getting through a long day. A sip of espresso from Dennis Llinás’s Un Cafecito can get us through the day. A hike to a mountaintop can be a momentous journey filled with memorable moments in Adam Gorb’s Pikes Peak. Both the third movement of Gustav Holst’s Second Suite in F and Michael Markowski’s The Coppersmiths take us on a journey of getting us to the creation of something new. The USC Symphonic Winds invite you to join us on our musical journey.
Program: Llinás, Un Cafecito, Holst, Second Suite in F, Markowski, The Coppersmiths, Gorb, Pikes Peak, Sousa, Saber and Spurs March.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Sunday, October 4, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium, See Description for Event Location.
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, October 5, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
WordPress for Your Research
This will be a short introduction to getting started with WordPress, using the Libraries' hosting service CreateDigital.
Register for this online event at: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17055064.
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Tuesday series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
The United European Ballet Company: Cinderella
Step into a world of magic, romance, and transformation with Cinderella, a breathtaking ballet that brings one of the most beloved fairy tales to life.
Set to Sergei Prokofiev’s magnificent score, this enchanting production tells the timeless story of a kind-hearted young girl, her wicked stepfamily, and a magical night that changes her life forever. From the moment the clock strikes midnight to the grand royal ball, every scene is filled with elegance, charm, and theatrical brilliance.
Featuring a cast of internationally acclaimed dancers, including leading artists from Ukraine and across Europe, this production combines classical ballet technique with a vibrant, theatrical presentation that captivates audiences of all ages.
With hand-painted sets, luxurious costumes created by European designers, and expressive choreography, Cinderella delivers a visually rich and emotionally engaging experience that feels truly magical. This family-friendly performance is perfect for audiences ages 3 and up. Bring…
Admission Cost: Tickets: $29.50 - $96
VIP: $167.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Storymaps and Storytelling with ESRI
ESRI GIS software comes with a simple storytelling tool called Storymaps. Let me show you how easy it is to create a scrolling story using simple maps.
Register for this online event at: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17055069.
Admission Cost: 0.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Introduction to Publishing in Scholarly Journals
In this session, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the academic publishing process. While reviewing the publishing cycle, you’ll learn to prepare your manuscript and select a high impact, accessible journal, how to navigate the peer review process and, finally, how you can promote and share your scholarship.
Register online: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/16871721.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
See event description for more details.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Wednesday Series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Student Senate Weekly Session
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Russell House Theater.
Understanding Copyright and Publication Agreements: Safeguard your Research
In the publishing world, transferring copyright is often a necessary step. Recent partnerships between scholarly publishers and technology companies emphasize the importance of understanding your publishing agreements. Publishing agreements impact how your work is utilized: it may be used to train AI models, or there may be restrictions on sharing your research with colleagues, students, and the public.
This one-hour workshop will provide you with strategies for managing your copyright. You will learn how to carefully evaluate publication agreements, negotiate your rights, and select publishers whose policies meet your requirements. Join us to understand how you can control the use and dissemination of your scholarship.
Register online: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/16871750.
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 10:50 AM – 11:50 AM.
See event description for more details.
The Good, the Bad & the Naked of USC History: Historic Horseshoe History Tour
Have you ever been strolling along the Historic Horseshoe bricks and found yourself wondering about the history of Carolina and its traditions? Well, you're in luck! Meet University Archivist Elizabeth West in front of the Caroliniana for a Horseshoe history tour. Learn the origins of the Tiger Burn and what national record Gamecock students set in 1974! Free and open to the public.
Admission Cost: Free.
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
South Caroliniana Library 910 Sumter Street.
Data Visualization Essentials - Foundational Choices
What makes charts, graphs, plots, maps, and other data visualizations effective or ineffective? How do I decide what type of chart, graph, or other visualization to use to accomplish my purpose? Does it matter what data visualization program I use to create data visualizations? What are some important things I need to consider related to accessibility and ethical issues?
Besides the practical mechanics of how to use a particular program to create a chart, graph, map, plot, or other data visualization, there are a number of essential choices and decisions one needs to make in order to effectively accomplish an intended goal.
This session will cover principles and characteristics of effective and ineffective data visualizations, frameworks and tools for selecting data visualization types, factors for choosing appropriate data visualization creation tools and important accessibility and ethical considerations.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17028634.
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series: Sam Morrow
Championed by outlets like NPR and Rolling Stone, Morrow’s first four albums turned him into one of the West Coast’s biggest Americana exports. The appeal wasn’t just the swaggering, swampy music itself; it was also the sharp storytelling and unfiltered insights of a songwriter who wasn’t afraid to shine a light on the skeletons in his closet. Balancing honesty with self-deprecating humor, Morrow became a working-class hero for those struggling to follow the straight and narrow. On the Ride Here, his latest album, finds him in the same position. Five albums into an acclaimed career, Sam Morrow has carved out a sound that exists somewhere outside of genre and geography. It’s his own version of modern-day American roots music: a mix of roadhouse rock & roll, bluesy R&B, and country-fried funky-tonk, driven forward by groove, grease, and guitars.
This concert features an opening act by She Might Get Loud.
This concert is free and open to the public!
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Plaza Stage.
Lou Gramm: The Released Tour
Born in Rochester, New York, Lou Gramm began his music career as a teenager, performing with several local bands including St. James Infirmary (later The Infirmary), PHFFT, and Poor Heart. He later became the lead vocalist and drummer for Black Sheep, the first American band signed to Chrysalis Records. Black Sheep released the single “Stick Around” in 1973 and later signed with Capitol Records, releasing two albums: Black Sheep (1974) and Encouraging Words (1975).
The band toured extensively and opened for KISS before an accident involving their equipment truck on Christmas Eve 1975 abruptly ended their momentum.
Soon after, Gramm auditioned for a new band that would eventually become Foreigner. Renamed Lou Gramm, he quickly rose to fame as one of rock music’s most recognizable voices of the late 1970s and 1980s. His powerful vocals helped establish Foreigner as one of Billboard’s Top 100 Artists of All Time.
As lead vocalist of Foreigner, Gramm performed on legendary hits including: “Feels Like the…
Admission Cost: Tickets: $36 - $78
VIP: $319.
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Desi Banks · Your Favorite Cousin Tour
NOTE: If you have tickets to Desi’s show, “The Elevation Tour,” originally scheduled for October 10, 2025 at the Koger Center, those tickets are still valid for this performance.
Desi Banks is a multi-hyphenate powerhouse—actor, stand-up comedian, podcaster, and entrepreneur—whose viral storytelling and high-energy stage presence have made him one of comedy’s most in-demand headliners. The CEO and founder of Desi Banks Productions, he has built a digital-first empire rooted in original comedy, community, and culture.
On the road, Banks continues to scale—currently touring nationwide with his Your Favorite Cousin Tour. He previously sold out his 50-city headline run (nearly 52,000 tickets sold) and has shared stages with comedy heavyweights including Mike Epps, DeRay Davis, Kountry Wayne, Gary Owen, Lavell Crawford, and Martin Lawrence.
His organic rise, from daily sketch comedy to sold-out theaters, has been fueled by relentless consistency and an unmistakable point of view, turning online moments…
Admission Cost: Tickets: $38 - $90.
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Introduction to R using RStudio
This workshop will introduce users to the R programming language using RStudio. R is an easy-to-learn programming language often used for scientific and statistical data processing. RStudio is an integrated development environment for and graphical user interface to the R language which greatly simplifies programming in R. Together they combine to provide a free and convenient programming platform for data analysis and visualization.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17107465.
Monday, October 12, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM.
See event description for more details.
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, October 12, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Tuesday series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Wind Ensemble: Red, White and Black
Cormac Cannon, conductor, Ryan Gonzales, guest conductor,
Three colors weave their way through a diverse program of classic and brand-new music for wind ensemble. The USC Wind Ensemble performs the world premiere of the wind ensemble version of Noir by USC School of Music faculty composer Fang Man. Black and white emerge through the piano keys of Charles Ives’ classic The Alcotts, the imagery of historical newsreels in William Schuman’s first work for band, and two marches by John Philip Sousa. The finale, contemporary American composer Michael Daugherty’s Red Cape Tango, is a musical depiction of a “dance of death,” following Superman’s fight to the death with the villain Doomsday.
Fang Man, Noir - World Premiere of Wind Ensemble Version, Ives/Elkus, The Alcotts, Sousa, The Black Horse Troop, Sousa, The White Rose, Schuman, Newsreel in Five Shots, Daugherty/Spede, Red Cape Tango.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium, See Description for Event Location.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Wednesday Series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series: Making Movies
Making Movies will take you on a psychedelic musical journey with an original sound Rolling Stone describes as “an eclectic blend of rumbero percussions, delicate organs and grungy fuzz rock.”
Founded by Enrique Chi—a Panamanian songwriter, musician, filmmaker, and cultural producer—the Latin Grammy-nominated band serves as the primary platform for Chi’s creative mission. Armed with electric guitars and a Mejorana, a folcloric guitar native to Panamá the band interweaves styles as divergent as cumbia and blues, salsa, soul, and rock’n’roll––all boiled down into their own original sound.
Over the course of their career, the quartet has turned heads as a Tiny Desk newcomer (with “A La Deriva”), a voice for immigrant rights (with “I Am Another You” which reached #3 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Album chart), and as a co-writer alongside salsa icon Rubén Blades with “No Te Calles,” the first single from Blades Latin Grammy nominated album.
This concert features an opening performance from Opus & the…
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Plaza Stage.
Third Thursday Art Night: Keshoan Johnson
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. October 2026’s featured artist in The Nook is Keshoan Johnson.
Artist Biography,
Keshoan Johnson was born in 1996 in the quiet town of Manning, South Carolina. He’s been passionate about drawing and painting since he was a kid, and later had the opportunity to study at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C. With over 11 years in the art world, Keshoan proudly calls himself a “creative specialist,” because for him, art goes way beyond just making something look nice.
To Keshoan, art is an emotional outlet—a way to express everything from deep feelings to wild imagination. He believes art is something pure and divine, with the power to create a world where your dreams, ambitions, and emotions can come to life, even when they don’t seem possible in reality.
Graffiti and abstract art have always fascinated…
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Upstairs Gallery.
Live in the Lobby Jazz: Pasquale Grasso
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 2024 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,
Born in Italy and now based in New York City, the 30-year- old guitarist Pasquale Grasso has developed an astounding technique and concept informed not by jazz guitarists so much as by bebop pioneers like Powell, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie and the classical-guitar tradition. His new digital-only EP series, available beginning in June from Sony Masterworks, showcases Grasso in the solo-guitar format, where his intensive studies of…
Admission Cost: Tickets: $27 - $32.
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
South Carolina Philharmonic: With Love, the Best of the Romantic Period
Verdi: Overture to La Forza del Destino,
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2,
Brahms: Symphony No. 3,
Description:
An evening of sweeping emotion and irresistible melody, this program draws you into the heart of Romantic music. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 — one of the most beloved works ever written — unfolds with passion, intensity, and unforgettable beauty. Paired with Verdi’s dramatic overture and Brahms’ richly layered symphony, this is music that must be felt live.
For more information please call 803-777-7500 or email kogercenter@sc.edu.
Tickets may be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 803-251-2222 or online.
Buy Tickets.
Admission Cost: Tickets: $23 - $74.
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House,
Third Sunday of every month from 1 - 4 p.m. 4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29206,
Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. The open house is the third Sunday of every month with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester. ,
Nature walks every month. Meet at 1:30 in the Outdoor Classroom.
Find all our events and Book Club dates here.
Open Hours: Wednesdays & Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12 pm, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (Winter 3 - 5 p.m.).
Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. ---, 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…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
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, October 19, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Explore Creating a Website for Your Research
Its a great idea to create a website to tell people about your research, but where to start? In this workshop, I will share some options for web hosting and best practices for getting started. This will be an overview of different platforms, such as WordPress, ESRI's Storymaps, and Manifold. Follow up workshops will focus on the individual platforms, so you can get started.
Register for this online event at: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17055378.
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 10:05 AM – 11:20 AM.
See event description for more details.
Student Senate Weekly Session
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Russell House Theater.
"Disorder Here Rages": Sickness, Slavery, and Resistance in Revolutionary South Carolina
Join University Libraries for a talk with Dr. Sean Gallagher, Assistant Professor of History, as he examines how enslaved people navigated epidemics of smallpox, yellow fever, and other diseases during the Revolutionary War. Highlighting documents at the South Caroliniana Library, this talk frames disease as a political phenomenon in Revolutionary Black life. Inoculated military foragers brought pox to unprotected slave quarters; labor impressment circulated sick enslaved people into confined barracks and fortifications. Black women and men in turn came to define their struggle for freedom as a simultaneous struggle for survival against a sickening war.
Admission Cost: Free.
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Hollings Special Collections Library Program Room.
South Carolina Ballet - Dracula: Ballet with a Bite
Since its thrilling premiere in 1991, Dracula: Ballet with a Bite has captivated audiences across the Southeast and remains one of South Carolina Ballet’s most popular theatrical ballet productions. Suspenseful, dramatic, and darkly seductive, this audience favorite proves that ballet can be bold, contemporary, and wildly entertaining.
From its striking design to its haunting atmosphere, Dracula: Ballet with a Bite is a feast for the senses, filled with unforgettable characters, gothic spectacle, and plenty of thrills and chills.
Featuring an original rock/jazz score by Thomas E. Semanski, whose music drives the tension, drama, and dark allure of the ballet.
Presented by the state’s largest professional ballet company, Dracula: Ballet with a Bite is one of South Carolina Ballet’s signature productions and a standout Halloween tradition for audiences in Columbia and throughout the Southeast.
Discover why Dracula: Ballet with a Bite has become a Halloween tradition for so many.
Recommended for…
Admission Cost: Tickets: $39 - $71
Gala with a Bite addition: $150.
Friday, October 23, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
South Carolina Ballet - Dracula: Ballet with a Bite
Since its thrilling premiere in 1991, Dracula: Ballet with a Bite has captivated audiences across the Southeast and remains one of South Carolina Ballet’s most popular theatrical ballet productions. Suspenseful, dramatic, and darkly seductive, this audience favorite proves that ballet can be bold, contemporary, and wildly entertaining.
From its striking design to its haunting atmosphere, Dracula: Ballet with a Bite is a feast for the senses, filled with unforgettable characters, gothic spectacle, and plenty of thrills and chills.
Featuring an original rock/jazz score by Thomas E. Semanski, whose music drives the tension, drama, and dark allure of the ballet.
Presented by the state’s largest professional ballet company, Dracula: Ballet with a Bite is one of South Carolina Ballet’s signature productions and a standout Halloween tradition for audiences in Columbia and throughout the Southeast.
Discover why Dracula: Ballet with a Bite has become a Halloween tradition for so many.
Recommended for…
Admission Cost: Tickets: $39 - $71
Gala with a Bite addition: $150.
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Staying Scholarly: Navigating Predatory Publishing, Citation Manipulation, and Research Fraud
It’s essential to know how to identify and avoid bad research and publishing practices. This virtual workshop equips attendees with the tools to recognize and steer clear of predatory publishers and conferences, understand how citation manipulation (including citation cartels and inflated profiles on platforms like Google Scholar) can distort scholarly impact, and spot warning signs of fraudulent research. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, participants will learn how to safeguard their scholarly integrity and make informed decisions about where and how they publish and present their work.
Register online: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/16871865.
Monday, October 26, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Abraham Lincoln's American Revolution: How the 16th President Would Celebrate the 250th
The Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse is pleased to present “Abraham Lincoln's American Revolution: How the 16th President Would Celebrate the 250th” featuring Professor Allen Guelzo, a leading scholar of American political thought and professor of humanities at the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Professor Guelzo will deliver a lecture exploring how President Lincoln understood the American Revolution as the great event of American history from which he drew conclusions about equality, the consent of the governed, and the nature of the revolution itself. The lecture will discuss how Lincoln drew inspiration from the nation’s Founders, which strengthened his resolve that the terrible costs of the Civil War would bring the nation "a new birth of freedom."
The lecture is part of the Center’s yearlong speaker series, “America 250 and Its Promises: The American Founding and the Abiding…
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, October 26, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
Joseph F. Rice School of Law 103 - Judge Karen J. Williams Courtroom.
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, October 26, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Introduction to ORCID
An ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) is a unique digital identifier associated with a researcher to aid in research output discovery, eliminate name ambiguity, and encourage proper citations. A number of funding agencies, including NIH and NSF, use ORCID in the proposal submission process. In this online session from University Libraries, learn about the benefits of ORCID, find out how to get one for yourself, and learn tips and shortcuts for populating your record.
Register online: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/16871902.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM.
See event description for more details.
USC Symphony Orchestra: Lincoln Portrait
Celebrate the remarkable tenure of Scott Weiss during his 10th and final season as Music Director and Conductor of the USC Symphony Orchestra as he concludes his distinguished career with the University of South Carolina.
The October concert features Allen Guelzo, one of the nation’s foremost scholars of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War era, serving as narrator for Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. The program also showcases USC Professor of Saxophone Cliff Leaman as soloist in Eric Ewazen’s Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra.
Ives - The Unanswered Question, William Grant Still - Festive Overture, Gould - Amber Waves from “American Ballads” Eric Ewazen - Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra, Copland - Lincoln Portrait,
Tickets are available in-person at Koger Center Box Office (803-251-2222, Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or online at KogerCenterForTheArts.com.
Admission Cost: General public - $30
Seniors/military / USC faculty and staff - $25
Children under 18 and non-USC students with ID - $8
USC Students - free with student ID.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts, See Description for Event Location.
Student Senate Weekly Session
Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Russell House Theater.
Mutual Expectations - October
Join us for FREE lunch and great conversation! Mutual Expectations is a program designed to help students and university faculty and staff to gain a deeper understanding of one another. By opening the lines of communication, we are better equipped to develop a more collaborative learning environment.
Open and free to all USC students, faculty and staff. An RSVP is required.
To see discussion topics and RSVP, please visit the Carolina Experience website. go.sc.edu/expectations.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, October 29, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM.
Russell House Room 322.
ORCID Office Hours
Graduate students and faculty are invited to drop in for ORCID Office Hours! Librarians will be available to help you create or update your ORCID iD, add publications and other scholarly works, and ensure your research is accurately represented. Stop by for personalized, hands-on support and leave with a stronger scholarly profile.
The drop-in will be held inside the entrance of Thomas Cooper Library. .
Thursday, October 29, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
10 Minute Play Festival
,
October 29 – November 1, 2026
10 Minute Play Festival, Written and Directed by USC Students, Benson Theatre,
Enjoy a fast-paced evening of laughter, heartbreak and everything in between as we present a collection of short plays, each written and directed by USC students. Included are the plays: • The Shores of Memory by Meagan AuBuchon / Directed by Emma Griffin, • The Bad Canary by Asher Thompson / Directed by Adam Martin, • Lamb Play, written and directed by Emily Lackey, • Dreamers and (Un)Doers by Mark Garvin / Directed by Jonathan Monk, • It's Just a Kiss by Luke Shelton / Directed by Asher Thompson, • Planet Fart by Morgan Passley / Directed by Bradley Gittens.
Admission Cost: $10.
Thursday, October 29, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Benson 214.
Freeman Parker Chamber Music Series: Terra String Quartet
Join us for the opening concert of our inaugural Freeman Parker Chamber Music Series as we welcome the acclaimed Terra String Quartet. A vibrant young ensemble based in New York City, the ensemble is composed of graduates of The Juilliard School, The New England Conservatory, Harvard University, and The Curtis Institute of Music. Praised for their “remarkable maturity and musicality” and “superb ensemble playing” (Hyde Park Herald, Chicago), these four musicians are known for their sincere storytelling, commitment to artistic excellence, and versatile approach to repertoire, and they strive to foster conversation and genuine human connection through their performances and pedagogy. Their name is a nod to their multicultural origins — together, this foursome represents four continents and speaks six languages.
Admission Cost: $25 general admission
Free for USC School of Music students/faculty/staff.
Thursday, October 29, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
School of Music 206 Recital Hall.
Symphonic Sinatra
SYMPHONIC SINATRA is the ultimate Frank Sinatra experience live in concert. With breathtaking stage charisma, sparkling blue eyes, and a velvet baritone voice, Brian Duprey captures the look, sound, and mannerisms of Ol’ Blue Eyes while his 13-piece orchestra recreates the lush strings and swingin’ brass of Frank Sinatra’s original recordings. In fact, one might swear they were hearing Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. At least that’s what happened to Frank’s own daughter, Nancy Sinatra, when she first heard Brian’s voice on the Howard Stern Show.
As the lead actor in the hit musical, “The Rat Pack is Back,” Brian spent 10 years perfecting his craft in Las Vegas and in over 200 performing arts centers and casinos across the country. His lead role and creative development of the show built a 48 state tour and secured the title of “Best Tribute Show of Las Vegas” in 2014.
Showered with awards and recognition for his live and recorded performances, Brian Duprey had his big break on FOX TV’s “Performing As,” where he…
Admission Cost: Tickets: $54 - $66.
Thursday, October 29, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Novel Nook: Book Hangouts
The last Friday of every month, folks are invited to join Women's and Gender Studies for Novel Nook: Book Hangouts held at All Good Books. The events are free and open to the public. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited.
At the gathering, you can either bring the book you are already reading, or we will have books available from the WGST Lending Library. We will split the gathering into three half-hour parts: silent reading, full group conversation, and social time. Treats provided!
Location: All Good Books, 734 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205
Email rdobson@mailbox.sc.edu to be added to the listserv and/or GroupMe.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, October 30, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
10 Minute Play Festival
,
October 29 – November 1, 2026
10 Minute Play Festival, Written and Directed by USC Students, Benson Theatre,
Enjoy a fast-paced evening of laughter, heartbreak and everything in between as we present a collection of short plays, each written and directed by USC students. Included are the plays: • The Shores of Memory by Meagan AuBuchon / Directed by Emma Griffin, • The Bad Canary by Asher Thompson / Directed by Adam Martin, • Lamb Play, written and directed by Emily Lackey, • Dreamers and (Un)Doers by Mark Garvin / Directed by Jonathan Monk, • It's Just a Kiss by Luke Shelton / Directed by Asher Thompson, • Planet Fart by Morgan Passley / Directed by Bradley Gittens.
Admission Cost: $10.
Friday, October 30, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Benson 214.
Live in the Lobby Jazz: Crescent City Voodoo • A New Orleans Masquerade
Created as a partnership between the Koger Center for the Arts and the ColaJazz Foundation, Live in the Lobby 2026 includes this bonus concert back by popular demand! Join us to experience this one-of-a-kind series designed for audiences seeking premier jazz and specialty experiences in an exceptional setting.
Prepare for a fang-tastic night as the ColaJazz Foundation unleashes a sonic haunting straight from the crypts of New Orleans! These frighteningly talented musicians bring the “NOLA to COLA” vibe with a blend of traditional and contemporary brass band music that’s so bewitching, it raises the dead. Their high-energy performances fuse jazz, funk, and gospel sounds into a cauldron of communal celebration, stirring up a crowd frenzy that feels less like a concert and more like a midnight monster mash.
This spooktacular ensemble is commanded by the bandleader and trumpet ghoul, Mark Rapp. A nationally recognized jazz phantom and “Jazz Hero” (JJA 2025), Mark haunts stages worldwide, from the haunted…
Admission Cost: Tickets: $27 - $32.
Friday, October 30, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
10 Minute Play Festival
,
October 29 – November 1, 2026
10 Minute Play Festival, Written and Directed by USC Students, Benson Theatre,
Enjoy a fast-paced evening of laughter, heartbreak and everything in between as we present a collection of short plays, each written and directed by USC students. Included are the plays: • The Shores of Memory by Meagan AuBuchon / Directed by Emma Griffin, • The Bad Canary by Asher Thompson / Directed by Adam Martin, • Lamb Play, written and directed by Emily Lackey, • Dreamers and (Un)Doers by Mark Garvin / Directed by Jonathan Monk, • It's Just a Kiss by Luke Shelton / Directed by Asher Thompson, • Planet Fart by Morgan Passley / Directed by Bradley Gittens.
Admission Cost: $10.
Saturday, October 31, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Benson 214.
10 Minute Play Festival
,
October 29 – November 1, 2026
10 Minute Play Festival, Written and Directed by USC Students, Benson Theatre,
Enjoy a fast-paced evening of laughter, heartbreak and everything in between as we present a collection of short plays, each written and directed by USC students. Included are the plays: • The Shores of Memory by Meagan AuBuchon / Directed by Emma Griffin, • The Bad Canary by Asher Thompson / Directed by Adam Martin, • Lamb Play, written and directed by Emily Lackey, • Dreamers and (Un)Doers by Mark Garvin / Directed by Jonathan Monk, • It's Just a Kiss by Luke Shelton / Directed by Asher Thompson, • Planet Fart by Morgan Passley / Directed by Bradley Gittens.
Admission Cost: $10.
Sunday, November 1, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Benson 214.
Terra String Quartet Concert
As part of its fall residency at USC, the Terra String Quartet presents a free, family-friendly concert in the Darla Moore School of Business’s Hootie Johnson Performance Hall. Celebrated for its compelling storytelling, artistic excellence, and versatile approach to repertoire, the quartet creates performances that inspire conversation and foster meaningful human connection. Through both its concerts and educational work, Terra String Quartet seeks to engage audiences with music that is vibrant, thoughtful, and deeply communicative.
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, November 1, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
Darla Moore School of Business 101 - Johnson Performance Hall.
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, November 2, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Data Visualization Essentials - Foundational Choices
What makes charts, graphs, plots, maps, and other data visualizations effective or ineffective? How do I decide what type of chart, graph, or other visualization to use to accomplish my purpose? Does it matter what data visualization program I use to create data visualizations? What are some important things I need to consider related to accessibility and ethical issues?
Besides the practical mechanics of how to use a particular program to create a chart, graph, map, plot, or other data visualization, there are a number of essential choices and decisions one needs to make in order to effectively accomplish an intended goal.
This session will cover principles and characteristics of effective and ineffective data visualizations, frameworks and tools for selecting data visualization types, factors for choosing appropriate data visualization creation tools and important accessibility and ethical considerations.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17028773.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 10:05 AM – 11:20 AM.
See event description for more details.
A Beginner's Guide to AI and Machine Learning
Curious about machine learning but don't have a programming background? This beginner-friendly workshop introduces the core concepts of AI and Machine Learning through interactive examples and hands-on activities—without requiring any coding experience. Participants will learn how machines "learn" from data, explore common applications of AI, and gain an intuitive understanding of key ideas such as classification, prediction, and model evaluation. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a solid foundation for understanding machine learning and the confidence to explore further.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17120990.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
See event description for more details.
Hands-on Workshop on Text Analysis for Beginners
Do you have textual data for qualitative analysis? This session is perfect for anyone looking to transform unstructured text data into meaningful insights.
Key topics include:
Introduction to text analysis: What is it and why does it matters?
Reading, cleaning and preparing data for analysis.
Extracting insights from the texts
Tools and techniques: Overview of Python libraries (e.g. NLTK) and other user-friendly platforms
,
Demo: Learn text analysis using a real world dataset. Participants will receive a link to the python code and data, prior to the workshop to get hands-on experience.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a foundational understanding of text mining concepts and practical experience working with basic tools and techniques. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or professional, this workshop will equip you with the skills to start your text analysis journey!
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17005750.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
See event description for more details.
Student Senate Weekly Session
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Russell House Theater.
Palmetto Pans Fall Performance
Enjoy the music native to Trinidad and Tobago, along with popular music, in the Koger Black Box!
Admission Cost: Free performance.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Koger Center Large Rehearsal Room 128, See Description for Event Location.
GenAI Essentials - Building Your GenAI Research Toolkit
ChatGPT started it all less than four years ago. Since then, a lot has changed and evolved. Using the research lifecycle as our functional guide, we will consider five essential areas and mention a tool or tools relevant to those areas:
Coming up with research ideas (brainstorming)?
, Locating relevant information resources (search)?
, Analyzing and synthesizing gathered information (reading)?
, Data analysis and visualization (data processing)?
, Producing an end product (writing)?
,
Beyond our standard GenAI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude, etc.), there now exist numerous GenAI products that can possibly assist along each step of the research process. We will highlight some of those and consider how we can build a GenAI research toolbox. We will also emphasize how we can and should use these GenAI tools in collaboration with our traditional research information tools.
Register at https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17070375.
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 11:40 AM – 12:55 PM.
See event description for more details.
Hands-on Workshop on Extracting Data from Websites Using APIs
Unlock the power of APIs to efficiently extract and utilize data from websites! This hands-on workshop is designed for beginners and intermediate learners who want to gain practical skills in API integration. Participants will learn the fundamentals of APIs, how to access and interpret API documentation, and techniques for extracting structured data for analysis. We will cover the following topics:
What is an API and its role in data extraction?
How to make requests and handle responses?
What are API keys and how are they used?
How to parse the JSON and other data formats?
,
Demo: Library of Congress API example for extracting data. Participants will receive a link to the python code prior to the workshop to get hands-on experience.
By the end of this workshop, you will have the basic understanding of APIs for tasks like gathering data for research and analysis.
Duration: 60 min, Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Python programming language is recommended but not required.
Register at …
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
See event description for more details.
Betsy Blackmon Dance Company Fall Concert
,
November 5-6, 2026, Betsy Blackmon Dance Company Fall Concert, Koger Center for the Arts,
Join us as we kick off the 50th Season of Dance at USC with a special performance of the classic ballet Pas de Quatre, a work performed at the very first USC dance concert in 1976 being restaged by Professor Stephanie Milling. Also scheduled is original choreography by Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Kathryn Morgan (New York City Ballet), a reprise of José Limón's A Choreographic Offering (a work set on the Betsy Blackmon Dance Company by Limón Dance Company artist Savannah Spratt in April 2026), plus more choreographic surprises!
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Homecoming on the Horseshoe
Kick off Homecoming Weekend with an unforgettable night in the heart of campus for Homecoming on the Horseshoe. Reconnect with fellow Gamecocks under the oaks while enjoying Southern-inspired bites, drinks and live music from the Jebb Mac Band. Wear your garnet and black, bring your Gamecock spirit, and get ready to celebrate where it all began.
Link: https://uscalumni.com/horseshoe25/ .
Admission Cost: TBD.
Friday, November 6, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Betsy Blackmon Dance Company Fall Concert
,
November 5-6, 2026, Betsy Blackmon Dance Company Fall Concert, Koger Center for the Arts,
Join us as we kick off the 50th Season of Dance at USC with a special performance of the classic ballet Pas de Quatre, a work performed at the very first USC dance concert in 1976 being restaged by Professor Stephanie Milling. Also scheduled is original choreography by Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Kathryn Morgan (New York City Ballet), a reprise of José Limón's A Choreographic Offering (a work set on the Betsy Blackmon Dance Company by Limón Dance Company artist Savannah Spratt in April 2026), plus more choreographic surprises!
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Friday, November 6, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Opera at USC presents Alcina
Opera at USC invites audiences into a world of magic, passion and transformation. George Frideric Handel’s Alcina tells the story of a powerful sorceress who lures men to her enchanted island, only to transform them into animals or objects when their romance fades.
Purchase tickets online or at the door. Please note that online sales end at 3:00 p.m. on opening day. Tickets are available at the door one hour before the show. No refunds. Adults: $25; Seniors, USC Faculty & Staff, Military: $20; Students with ID: $10,
Drayton Hall Theatre.
Admission Cost: Adults: $25; Seniors, USC Faculty & Staff, Military: $20; Students with ID: $10.
Friday, November 6, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
Opera at USC presents Alcina
Opera at USC invites audiences into a world of magic, passion and transformation. George Frideric Handel’s Alcina tells the story of a powerful sorceress who lures men to her enchanted island, only to transform them into animals or objects when their romance fades.
Purchase tickets online or at the door. Please note that online sales end at 3:00 p.m. on opening day. Tickets are available at the door one hour before the show. No refunds. Adults: $25; Seniors, USC Faculty & Staff, Military: $20; Students with ID: $10,
Drayton Hall Theatre.
Admission Cost: Adults: $25; Seniors, USC Faculty & Staff, Military: $20; Students with ID: $10.
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
Opera at USC presents Alcina
Opera at USC invites audiences into a world of magic, passion and transformation. George Frideric Handel’s Alcina tells the story of a powerful sorceress who lures men to her enchanted island, only to transform them into animals or objects when their romance fades.
Purchase tickets online or at the door. Please note that online sales end at 3:00 p.m. on opening day. Tickets are available at the door one hour before the show. No refunds. Adults: $25; Seniors, USC Faculty & Staff, Military: $20; Students with ID: $10,
Drayton Hall Theatre.
Admission Cost: Adults: $25; Seniors, USC Faculty & Staff, Military: $20; Students with ID: $10.
Sunday, November 8, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
Embracing Public Scholarship: Connecting Your Research and the Public
Discover how to bridge the gap between academic research and public engagement in this workshop. Your work has the potential to make a meaningful impact beyond traditional academia. In this session, we’ll explore strategies, best practices, and examples to help you become an effective public scholar. Join in exploring how your scholarly expertise can contribute to public discourse and create positive change.
Register online: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/16871935.
Monday, November 9, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
See event description for more details.
Symphonic Winds: Visions 250
Jay Jacobs, conductor, Grant King, guest conductor,
Celebrating the United States Semi quincentennial, the USC Symphonic Winds presents a concert of American visions. Marie Douglas celebrates the vision of African American women band directors and conductor through Ascension. Experience the view of America through the lens of Ansel Adams in the music and accompanying film from composer Steve Danyew. The shaped-note tradition of 19th century hymns in America inspires Donald Grantham’s Star Spangled Heavens, and classic works by Aaron Copland and John Wiliams round out our concert and inspirational salute to 250 years.
Program: Douglas, Ascension, Copland, An Outdoor Overture, Danyew, This World Alive, Grantham, Star Spangled Heavens, Williams, The Cowboys.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Monday, November 9, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium, See Description for Event Location.
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, November 9, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
First-Gen Recognition Ceremony
Celebrate all things First-Gen during the 2026 First-Gen Celebration Week Recognition Ceremony. Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni will be recognized for their unique contributions to USC and beyond!
, Registration Required, https://uofsc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_agiOohYcO2rP3OC.
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Student Senate Weekly Session
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Russell House Theater.
Realities of Academic Data Sharing (RADS) Site Visit
The Realities of Academic Data Sharing (RADS) study is a collaborative research project funded by IMLS and undertaken by 12 universities across the US. This study focuses on understanding the costs and practices associated with providing research data management and sharing infrastructure. Now in its third phase, RADS builds on earlier work to identify strategic areas for institutional investment in data management and sharing.
This day-long event will share the outcomes of RADS Phase 2 with a wide range of campus stakeholders, including those who may not have been directly involved in the research project, contextualize the university's institutional data report, facilitate or enhance cross-unit connection, spark future planning conversations, and build momentum for ongoing engagement.
Admission Cost: 0.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Hollings Special Collections Library Program Room.
Mutual Expectations - November
Join us for FREE lunch and great conversation! Mutual Expectations is a program designed to help students and university faculty and staff to gain a deeper understanding of one another. By opening the lines of communication, we are better equipped to develop a more collaborative learning environment.
Open and free to all USC students, faculty and staff. An RSVP is required.
To see discussion topics and RSVP, please visit the Carolina Experience website. go.sc.edu/expectations.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM.
Russell House Room 322.
The Good, the Bad & the Naked of USC History: Historic Horseshoe History Tour
Have you ever been strolling along the Historic Horseshoe bricks and found yourself wondering about the history of Carolina and its traditions? Well, you're in luck! Meet University Archivist Elizabeth West in front of the Caroliniana for a Horseshoe history tour. Learn the origins of the Tiger Burn and what national record Gamecock students set in 1974! Free and open to the public.
Admission Cost: Free.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
South Caroliniana Library 910 Sumter Street.
Veterans Day Breakfast
Admission Cost: FREE.
Friday, November 13, 2026, 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM.
Russell House University Union 200 Lobby - Special Event.
First-Generation Celebration Week Tailgate & Connections Fair
Celebrate National First-Generation week on Greene Street with the First-Generation Center and campus partners!
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, November 13, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
ReproducibiliTea Discussion Series - Reproducibility Now
The Libraries’ ReproducibiliTea discussion series is designed to bring researchers together to explore the ideas, challenges, and practices shaping open and reproducible research. Our goal is to connect across disciplines, share experiences, and build a community committed to transparent, rigorous, and accessible science.
We will discuss the article linked below and recommend that you read it before the start of the session.
We will meet in Room 412 of Thomas Cooper Library.
Week Four Theme: Reproducibility Now: Why many studies are not reproducible,
Article: Estimating the Reproducibility of Psychological Science (link),
Registration: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17326281.
Friday, November 13, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Southern Exposure: Palmetto Saxophone Quartet
The Palmetto Saxophone Quartet will present a compelling program showcasing the remarkable breadth and vitality of contemporary music for saxophone quartet. Reflecting the ensemble’s commitment to championing new repertoire and innovative artistic voices, the concert features works by eight living composers, including the world premiere of a new composition by David Garner. Audiences will experience a rich variety of compositional styles, from introspective lyricism and expressive textures to exhilarating rhythmic energy and virtuosic interplay. Through this diverse program, the Palmetto Saxophone Quartet highlights the saxophone quartet’s extraordinary versatility and expressive potential as a dynamic medium for contemporary artistic expression.
* * *,
All Southern Exposure concerts are FREE, but patrons may reserve seats and support the Southeast’s most adventurous music series! A gift of $150 secures a seat for the entire 2026-27 season. To donate online, click here or contact Brad Martin at …
Admission Cost: FREE.
Friday, November 13, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
School of Music 206 Recital Hall.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Friday, November 13, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House,
Third Sunday of every month from 1 - 4 p.m. 4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29206,
Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. The open house is the third Sunday of every month with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester. ,
Nature walks every month. Meet at 1:30 in the Outdoor Classroom.
Find all our events and Book Club dates here.
Open Hours: Wednesdays & Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12 pm, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (Winter 3 - 5 p.m.).
Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. ---, 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…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, November 15, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Freeman Parker Chamber Music Concert Series
The USC School of Music’s renowned music faculty performs fresh and vibrant chamber music programs that pair canonic masterpieces alongside brand new works.
Admission Cost: $25 adults. Free for USC School of Music students, faculty and staff.
Sunday, November 15, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
School of Music 206 Recital Hall.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Sunday, November 15, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
Carolina vs Clemson Blood Drive
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, November 16, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom.
Carolina vs Clemson Blood Drive
40th Annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive: Rivals for a Cause! For four decades, Gamecocks and Tigers have battled for more than just bragging rights on the field – they’ve teamed up to make a life-saving impact through the annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive. This year, join us in celebrating the 41st anniversary of this fierce rivalry with a cause! The Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive is your chance to show your Gamecock pride and support those in need by donating blood. Your donation could make the difference between life and death for people across South Carolina, all while helping USC claim the coveted blood drive trophy from our friends in orange. Whether you’re a veteran donor or giving for the first time, we need you in this epic face-off! Let’s out-give, out-shout and outshine Clemson – one pint at a time!
Make your appointment at go.sc.edu/bloodbattle.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, November 16, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
SEC Conference Room, Russell House University Union 203, Russell House University Union 205, Russell House University Union 202 Lounge, Russell House University Union 204 Lounge.
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, November 16, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Carolina vs Clemson Blood Drive
40th Annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive: Rivals for a Cause! For four decades, Gamecocks and Tigers have battled for more than just bragging rights on the field – they’ve teamed up to make a life-saving impact through the annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive. This year, join us in celebrating the 41st anniversary of this fierce rivalry with a cause! The Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive is your chance to show your Gamecock pride and support those in need by donating blood. Your donation could make the difference between life and death for people across South Carolina, all while helping USC claim the coveted blood drive trophy from our friends in orange. Whether you’re a veteran donor or giving for the first time, we need you in this epic face-off! Let’s out-give, out-shout and outshine Clemson – one pint at a time!
Make your appointment at go.sc.edu/bloodbattle.
Admission Cost: Free.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
SEC Conference Room, Russell House University Union 203, Russell House University Union 205, Russell House University Union 202 Lounge, Russell House University Union 204 Lounge.
Carolina vs Clemson Blood Drive
Admission Cost: Free.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
University Band: We
Benjamin Pouncey, conductor, Featuring works by Brittin Chambers, Dello Joio, Thomas, Biedenbender, Sousa and Bernstein,
Join the University of South Carolina University Band for an evening of music in the Koger Center for the Arts. “We” is a celebration of the voices, traditions and musical styles that represent the story of America. Through works that reflect the richness and diversity of the American experience, this concert highlights the power of music to unite, inspire and remind us of the connections we share. From bold and energetic to reflective and heartfelt, the program showcases a vibrant tapestry of American composers and musical influences, offering something for every listener. All are invited to experience an evening that celebrates community, creativity and the enduring spirit of the music that brings us together.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium, See Description for Event Location.
Carolina vs Clemson Blood Drive
40th Annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive: Rivals for a Cause! For four decades, Gamecocks and Tigers have battled for more than just bragging rights on the field – they’ve teamed up to make a life-saving impact through the annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive. This year, join us in celebrating the 41st anniversary of this fierce rivalry with a cause! The Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive is your chance to show your Gamecock pride and support those in need by donating blood. Your donation could make the difference between life and death for people across South Carolina, all while helping USC claim the coveted blood drive trophy from our friends in orange. Whether you’re a veteran donor or giving for the first time, we need you in this epic face-off! Let’s out-give, out-shout and outshine Clemson – one pint at a time!
Make your appointment at go.sc.edu/bloodbattle.
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
SEC Conference Room, Russell House University Union 203, Russell House University Union 205, Russell House University Union 202 Lounge, Russell House University Union 204 Lounge.
Carolina vs Clemson Blood Drive
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom.
Student Senate Weekly Session
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Russell House Theater.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
Carolina vs Clemson Blood Drive
Admission Cost: Free.
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom.
Carolina vs Clemson Blood Drive
40th Annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive: Rivals for a Cause! For four decades, Gamecocks and Tigers have battled for more than just bragging rights on the field – they’ve teamed up to make a life-saving impact through the annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive. This year, join us in celebrating the 41st anniversary of this fierce rivalry with a cause! The Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive is your chance to show your Gamecock pride and support those in need by donating blood. Your donation could make the difference between life and death for people across South Carolina, all while helping USC claim the coveted blood drive trophy from our friends in orange. Whether you’re a veteran donor or giving for the first time, we need you in this epic face-off! Let’s out-give, out-shout and outshine Clemson – one pint at a time!
Make your appointment at go.sc.edu/bloodbattle.
Admission Cost: Free.
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
SEC Conference Room, Russell House University Union 203, Russell House University Union 205, Russell House University Union 202 Lounge, Russell House University Union 204 Lounge.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
Wind Ensemble: Rise
Cormac Cannon, conductor, Ryan Gonzales, guest conductor, Philip Bush, piano,
The USC Wind Ensemble takes flight! Emerging composer Noah Hudson-Camack’s exhilarating fanfare is contrasted with the haunting rising intervals of David Biedenbender’s Enigma. Adam Schoenberg’s Rise is a haunting an evocative journey, while Frank Ticheli’s new work Over the Moon is a joyous and imaginative trip into space. Faculty pianist Philip Bush takes center stage in Olivier Messiaen’s groundbreaking Oiseaux exotiques, based on bird calls from around the world.
Hudson-Camack, Fanfare and Flight, Biedenbender, Enigma Schoenberg, Rise Messiaen, Oiseaux exotiques Ticheli, Over the Moon .
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Carolina vs Clemson Blood Drive
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, November 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom.
Carolina vs Clemson Blood Drive
40th Annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive: Rivals for a Cause! For four decades, Gamecocks and Tigers have battled for more than just bragging rights on the field – they’ve teamed up to make a life-saving impact through the annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive. This year, join us in celebrating the 41st anniversary of this fierce rivalry with a cause! The Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive is your chance to show your Gamecock pride and support those in need by donating blood. Your donation could make the difference between life and death for people across South Carolina, all while helping USC claim the coveted blood drive trophy from our friends in orange. Whether you’re a veteran donor or giving for the first time, we need you in this epic face-off! Let’s out-give, out-shout and outshine Clemson – one pint at a time!
Make your appointment at go.sc.edu/bloodbattle.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, November 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
SEC Conference Room, Russell House University Union 203, Russell House University Union 205, Russell House University Union 202 Lounge, Russell House University Union 204 Lounge.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Friday, November 20, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
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, November 23, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.