This
hCalendar-compliant page
is optimized for search engines. View this calendar as published at
www.sc.edu.
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 10, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
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, August 13, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
South Caroliniana Library 910 Sumter Street.
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, August 16, 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, August 17, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
RHA Block Party
Kickoff the year with food, giveaways, and memories on Greene St!
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
Third Thursday Art Night: Isaac Udogwu
Artist Isaac Udogwu has lived in South Carolina for the majority of his life and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design. Udogwu’s art — which is best described as Afrofuturism — combines Black American Southern culture with fantasy and science fiction themes. The purpose of his work is to create a realm where Black people across the diaspora are free to live their lives as people.
For more information please call 803-777-7500 or email kogercenter@sc.edu.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
The Music of Ray Charles
The Koger Center and ColaJazz Foundation are excited to present to you the new 2026 Live in the Lobby Jazz season! Featuring 6 stunning performances, you can get your season tickets today to get every show for one low price.
Created as a partnership between the Koger Center for the Arts and the ColaJazz Foundation, Live in the Lobby 2026 will consist of six concerts held throughout the Koger Center facility. Join us to experience this one-of-a-kind series designed for audiences seeking premier jazz and specialty experiences in an exceptional setting.
About the Performers,
Created in 2015 after an epiphany Justin Varnes had while teaching a college Jazz History course, the Jazz Legacy Project combines education with entertainment. Each show features compelling stories about the artists and their influence on American music and culture woven in between authentic performances of popular jazz songs designed to engage casual audiences.
Jazz Legacy Project: Ray Charles ,
Ray Charles (1930-2004) was an…
Admission Cost: Tickets: $27 - $32.
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Video Games in Concert
Press Start and step inside the worlds you love. From the first note, the concert hall transforms into a cinematic gaming experience—where nostalgia, adrenaline, and storytelling collide. Journey through the music of Halo, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Final Fantasy 7, Tomb Raider, World of Warcraft, Kingdom Hearts, and more, alongside iconic themes from the early days of console gaming that helped define a generation. Whether you grew up with a controller in hand or simply love epic soundtracks, this is your chance to hear these unforgettable scores performed live. One performance only—no resets, no extra lives.
Before the music begins, level up your concert experience in the Koger lobby with a hands-on gaming activation presented in partnership with Midlands Gaming Coalition. This interactive space will feature a mix of retro classics and modern favorites, giving you the chance to play the very games whose music you’ll hear on stage. Open approximately 90 minutes before the performance (and during…
Admission Cost: Tickets: $16.50 - $69.
Saturday, August 22, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
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 24, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Start with Success
Plan out your semester while getting a better understanding of achieving your preferred GPA! Free snacks, school supplies, and prizes!
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Thomas Cooper Library Mezzanine - Student Success Center.
Discover Columbia Fair
Experience the best of Columbia all in one place! Browse local shops, restaurants, entertainment services, and community organizations, while connecting with businesses and people that make our city vibrant!
Thursday, August 27, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street, RHUU Greene Street - Stage.
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.
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.
Fall Student Org Fair
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Rutledge Chapel.
College Colors Day
It’s time to show your Gamecock pride! Join us on Greene Street for College Colors Day and celebrate all things garnet & black.
What’s Happening:
Spirit giveaways & free swag,
Fun photo ops with your friends,
Music, games, and surprise fandom moments,
A chance to win Gamecock-themed prizes,
Throw on your best garnet & black gear, bring your friends, and help us paint the street in Carolina pride!
Friday, September 4, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
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.
Hip Hop Wednesday
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
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 NINE at Columbia with Garnet Media Group 1
The Nine at Columbia offers resort-style amenities and first-rate apartments near the University of South Carolina. Schedule a tour today! https://the9columbia.com/.
Admission Cost: 0.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Davis Field I - RHUU Side Space 5.
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.
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.
The Standard w/ Garnet Media Group
The Standard at Columbia is a premier University of South Carolina off campus housing community designed to cater to the student lifestyle. Contact them today to schedule a tour or apply online to secure your spot at the hottest off campus housing community COLA has to offer! https://www.thestandardcolumbia.com/.
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Davis Circle Space 01.
The NINE at Columbia with Garnet Media Group 2
The Nine at Columbia brings together elevated design, outstanding amenities, and a welcoming community. It’s more than a student apartment, it’s inspired college living. Schedule a tour today! https://the9columbia.com/.
Admission Cost: 0.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Davis Circle Space 01.
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.
Success Brews Here - Breakfast with the Student Success Center
Join us to kick off Family Weekend by connecting with the Student Success Center team on the Mezzanine level of Thomas Cooper Library!
Discover how they support over 7,000 students annually through services like tutoring, study skill and time management preparation, and even money management. Explore the resources they offer and learn how they contribute to student success. Enjoy light refreshments, including coffee, as you engage in informative conversations.
Don't miss this chance to gain insights and ask questions about the services provided. Start Family Weekend on the right foot by joining us for this engaging event!
Location instructions: As you enter the main entrance of the library take the elevator to the Mezzanine (MZ) level, exit left down the hallway and the SSC event will be straight ahead. If you choose to take the main staircase to the left of the library entrance go up one floor, continue straight, take a right at the hallway, then a left and the SSC event will be at the end of the…
Admission Cost: 0.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM.
Thomas Cooper Library Mezzanine - Student Success Center.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stadium Suites w/ Garnet Media Group
Welcome to Stadium Suites—where comfort, community, and college life collide. Just minutes from campus and within walking distance of Williams-Brice Stadium,
Spacious Floor Plans
ALL inclusive, fully furnished, and newly renovated 3x3 and 4x4 units, https://www.scsuites.com/
.
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Davis Circle Space 02.
Hip Hop Wednesday
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
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.
AI in Media, Advertising and Public Relations Conference
,
AI in Media, Advertising and Public Relations Conference,
Date: Friday, Oct. 9, 2026,
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Russell House Ballroom, 1400 Greene St. Columbia, S.C. 29208,
Cost: $25 for professionals (early bird pricing available through Sept. 9; free for university students with advance registration),
More information and registration HERE,
Hosted by the University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications, this one-day conference explores how artificial intelligence is transforming journalism, advertising, public relations and corporate communications. Hear from industry leaders, participate in interactive workshops and breakout sessions, and network with peers while gaining practical strategies for integrating AI into your work. Featured speakers include executives from BBDO Worldwide, AT&T, FOX News Media and other leading organizations. Morning coffee, networking opportunities and a boxed lunch are included with registration. This event is open to students…
Admission Cost: Early bird professional pricing: $25
Students: FREE.
Friday, October 9, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
AI in Media, Advertising and Public Relations Student AI Challenge
,
AI in Media, Advertising and Public Relations Student AI Challenge,
Date: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Location: School of Journalism and Mass Communications, 800 Sumter St. Columbia, S.C. Cost: Free for university students with advance registration.
Information & registration here,
, Hosted by the University of South Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications, the Student AI Challenge brings together university students from across South Carolina to collaborate on a real-world communications challenge using leading AI tools. Working in interdisciplinary teams with guidance from AI coaches and industry mentors, participants will develop strategic solutions, present their recommendations to a panel of judges and compete for cash prizes. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments are included with registration.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
School of Journalism & Mass Communications Atrium.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Standard w/ Garnet Media Group
The Standard at Columbia offers spacious studio, one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom apartments, four-bedroom apartments, and five-bedroom apartments. You’re sure to find a layout you love! Contact them today to schedule a tour or apply online to secure your spot https://www.thestandardcolumbia.com/.
Admission Cost: 0.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Davis Circle Space 01.
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.
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.
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.
Hip Hop Wednesday
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
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.
HUB at Columbia with Garnet Media Group 2
Live The Hub Lifestyle By Core — Hub On Campus Apartments Are Made For All Aspects Of Life. Follow What Moves You. Spacious Floor Plans For Every Lifestyle. Schedule A Tour Today.
Admission Cost: 0.
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Davis Circle Space 01.
Charles Clary: Rewind Be Kind! Reception
Rewind Be Kind!
A McMaster Gallery Visiting Artist Exhibition Charles Clary, November 2-December 11, 2026, McMaster Gallery
Reception: November 5, 2026,
Artist Bio: Charles Clary, he/him, was born in 1980 in Morristown, Tennessee. He received his BFA in painting with honors from Middle Tennessee State University and his MFA in painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He has shown in exhibitions at Galerie EvolutionPierre Cardin in Paris, France, The Netherlands’ CODA Museum Paper Biennial in 2021, The Shanghai Paper Biennial in 2021, Art of Paper Fair in New York City, and many other international, national, and regional juried, group, solo, and museum exhibitions. Clary won Top Prize at the 2016 ArtFields Competition in Lake City, SC, and in 2019 he won both People’s Choice Award for 2D and the Merit Prize at ArtFields. He has also been named the South Arts 2024 South Carolina State Fellow and the South Carolina Arts Commission Fellow in Visual Arts for 2026. He recently sold three…
Admission Cost: Free and open to the public!
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
McMaster College.
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.
Forever to Thee with the CIC
,
Forever to Thee with the CIC Homecoming Celebration: USC225 Edition,
Date: Friday, November 6, Time: 5–7 p.m. Location: SJMC Rose Garden, 800 Sumter St. Columbia, SC 29208,
Join the College of Information and Communications for our Forever to Thee Homecoming Celebration! Reconnect with fellow alumni, faculty, staff and friends during an evening of community, conversation, and Gamecock spirit. Enjoy food, drinks, and interactive activities as we celebrate Homecoming together in the SJMC Rose Garden.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Friday, November 6, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 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.
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.