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SoulHaus Sessions with Cecil J. Williams
The next edition of SoulHaus Sessions features civil rights activist and photographer Cecil Williams. Join us for an intimate, one-on-one conversation exploring Williams’ lifelong work documenting the Civil Rights Movement, Black life in the South and the power of photography as historical witness.
Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Cecil J. Williams (born November 26, 1937) is an American photographer, publisher, author and inventor who is best known for his photographs documenting the civil rights movement in South Carolina.
In 2019, with wife Barbara, and sister Brenda, Cecil created South Carolina’s first and only civil rights museum. Before 12 years of age, his camera had captured the petitioners in Clarendon County as they lit the torch of freedom. In 10th grade, he photographed Thurgood Marshall coming to Charleston for the Briggs case, and again one year later, speaking at Claflin. In 1955, he became the youngest-ever JET Magazine photographer. In 2023, through a petition…
Admission Cost: $10.
Friday, February 27, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Koger Center Upstairs Gallery.
Opera at USC presents Les Mamelles de Tirésias
A surreal romp in an upside-down world! In French with English titles.
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, February 27, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
Orlando
,
February 26 – March 1, 2026, Orlando, By Sarah Ruhl, Adapted from the novel by Virginia Woolf, Directed by Patrick Michael Kelly, Benson Theatre, Sarah Ruhl’s adaptation of the “longest and most charming love letter in literature,” is a wild, fantastical trip through space, time and gender. Orlando’s story begins as a young man serving as courtier to Queen Elizabeth I, but his yearning for more takes him on a centuries-long adventure that finds him, in the 18th century, unexpectedly transformed into a woman. Orlando’s travels form the heart of a dazzling tale where gender and gender preferences shift regularly, with hilarious and heartfelt results. “…faithfully recreates the incidents Woolf uses to illustrate her ideas about the fluidity of gender and identity, and the great mysteries of time.” – New York Times,
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $10.
Friday, February 27, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Benson 214.
Echoes of Independence Open Gallery
Join Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Director Michael Weisenburg for a special Saturday presentation of University Libraries’ exhibit on our nation’s founding, with special attention to South Carolina’s pivotal role, and the ways it’s been commemorated over time.
Admission Cost: Free.
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Hollings Special Collections Library Brittain Gallery 121, Hollings Special Collections Library Irvin Dept Gallery 133.
Columbia Classical Ballet presents Project 27
When creativity and innovation come together; a collaboration of ballet, music, and more.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $32 - $39.
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Koger Center Large Rehearsal Room 128.
Opera at USC presents Les Mamelles de Tirésias
A surreal romp in an upside-down world! In French with English titles.
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, February 28, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
Orlando
,
February 26 – March 1, 2026, Orlando, By Sarah Ruhl, Adapted from the novel by Virginia Woolf, Directed by Patrick Michael Kelly, Benson Theatre, Sarah Ruhl’s adaptation of the “longest and most charming love letter in literature,” is a wild, fantastical trip through space, time and gender. Orlando’s story begins as a young man serving as courtier to Queen Elizabeth I, but his yearning for more takes him on a centuries-long adventure that finds him, in the 18th century, unexpectedly transformed into a woman. Orlando’s travels form the heart of a dazzling tale where gender and gender preferences shift regularly, with hilarious and heartfelt results. “…faithfully recreates the incidents Woolf uses to illustrate her ideas about the fluidity of gender and identity, and the great mysteries of time.” – New York Times,
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $10.
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Benson 214.
SC Philharmonic presents The Tchaikovsky Concert
Bedrich Smetana, Overture to “The Bartered Bride”
Piotr I. Tchaikovsky, Piano Concerto No. 1 in Bb minor, op. 23, Featuring Olivia Larco, piano (Winner 2024 Southeastern Piano Festival),
Piotr I. Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4 in F minor, op. 36,
ABOUT, Join us for a breathtaking evening featuring award-winning pianist Olivia Larco, First Prize winner of the 2024 Arthur Fraser Piano Competition.
We’ll launch the night with Smetana’s vivacious Overture to The Bartered Bride, its sparkling folk tunes setting the stage for what’s to come. Then, Olivia Larco takes the spotlight in Tchaikovsky’s thunderous Piano Concerto No.?1. Finally, the orchestra dives into Tchaikovsky’s dramatic Symphony No.?4, where fate’s ominous brass calls give way to sublime lyricism and a triumphant finale that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Don’t miss The Tchaikovsky Concert—an unforgettable fusion of star power, passion, and pure Romantic splendor!
For tickets, please visit…
Admission Cost: $11 - $71.
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Columbia Classical Ballet presents Project 27
When creativity and innovation come together; a collaboration of ballet, music, and more.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $32 - $39.
Sunday, March 1, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Koger Center Large Rehearsal Room 128.
Opera at USC presents Les Mamelles de Tirésias
A surreal romp in an upside-down world! In French with English titles.
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, March 1, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
Orlando
,
February 26 – March 1, 2026, Orlando, By Sarah Ruhl, Adapted from the novel by Virginia Woolf, Directed by Patrick Michael Kelly, Benson Theatre, Sarah Ruhl’s adaptation of the “longest and most charming love letter in literature,” is a wild, fantastical trip through space, time and gender. Orlando’s story begins as a young man serving as courtier to Queen Elizabeth I, but his yearning for more takes him on a centuries-long adventure that finds him, in the 18th century, unexpectedly transformed into a woman. Orlando’s travels form the heart of a dazzling tale where gender and gender preferences shift regularly, with hilarious and heartfelt results. “…faithfully recreates the incidents Woolf uses to illustrate her ideas about the fluidity of gender and identity, and the great mysteries of time.” – New York Times,
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $10.
Sunday, March 1, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 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, March 2, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
USC Symphony Orchestra: Rising Stars
Featuring winners of the 2025-26 Concerto-Aria Competition.
Join conductor Scott Weiss at 6:45 p.m. in the Koger Center for the Arts Grand Tier for a pre-concert talk.
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, March 3, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts, See Description for Event Location.
Hip Hop Wednesday
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
Getting Started in Research Workshop
The "Getting Started in Research" workshop is an interactive session designed to help students explore research opportunities across disciplines. Participants will identify their research interests, learn how to find and reach out to potential faculty mentors, and begin developing a roadmap for their research journey.
To register and learn more, visit https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/get-started/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
Russell House University Union 302.
The College Experiment(al Music)
Midterms got you down? Or are you looking for a change of pace during exam week? Come to the Greene Street Stage (Across from Garnet Station & Campus Store) at noon on March 5th for an hour of experimental music by USC’s own The Collective.
Location: Greene Street Change.
Admission Cost: Free.
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
"A Conversation on Faith, Family, and Feminism" ft. Erika Bachiochi
Join Erika Bachiochi, Professor of Practice at Arizona State University’s School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, for a discussion with Philosophy Department faculty members Leah McClimans and Mary Nickel.
This event is sponsored by The Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is suggested. The event will be video recorded. By registering, you agree to being filmed.
, REGISTER HERE, ,
Event Details,
Registration,
This event is free and open to the public. However, registration is suggested to reserve your seat, since we expect a high volume for this evening's conversation. The event will be video recorded. By registering, you agree to being filmed.
Check-In,
Check-in will open at 5 p.m. and we ask all guests to be seated no later than 5:45 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6…
Admission Cost: Free.
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Joseph F. Rice School of Law 103 - Judge Karen J. Williams Courtroom, Joseph F. Rice School of Law 101 Perrin Family Event Space.
Live from the 803: Women's Appreciation Show
About This Show
Live From The 803 is Black Nerd Mafia’s signature showcase—a multi-genre celebration of creativity that highlights the incredible talent South Carolina has to offer. More than just a concert, this event is a stage for all forms of art: music across every genre, visual art, poetry, film, fashion, comedy, and beyond. If it’s art, it belongs here.
What makes Live From The 803 different is the way it connects the audience to the artists. Every performance is paired with a chance to hear the story behind the work—the inspirations, the struggles, and the triumphs that shaped it. It’s about more than just watching talent on display; it’s about understanding the voices behind the art and building a genuine community around them.
Rooted in local pride, Live From The 803 is both a platform for emerging artists and a showcase of established talent. It’s where creativity meets culture, and where the 803 gets to shine for the world to see.
Tickets are available via EventBrite here.
Admission Cost: $18.75.
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Koger Center Upstairs Gallery.
The Donald L. Fowler Lecture in Political Science
The Department of Political Science and the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are pleased to present the inaugural Donald L. Fowler Endowed Political Science Lecture.
Danielle K. Brown presents Fire & Food: The Plating of Public Knowledge about Protests at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 6 in Thomas Cooper Library.
Brown, a professor at Michigan State University, will honor Donald L. Fowler’s legacy teaching and civic engagement by sharing her research about how the media represents social activism through narrative, framing and visual representation, as well as the intersection of journalistic coverage and social activism. She will also preview research in early stages regarding the role of food in social movements and protest politics.
This event is sponsored by the Department of Political Science, the Department of African American Studies, and the Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, University Libraries, and the College of…
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, March 6, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
SC Ballet presents Sapphire Ballet
South Carolina Ballet proudly presents Sapphire – a celebration of 65 years. Marking the company’s sapphire anniversary, this extraordinary production honors South Carolina Ballet’s rich history while revealing its vibrant future through a captivating evening of dance.
Sapphire features a dynamic blend of classical and contemporary works, highlighting the versatility and artistry of the company’s multi-talented professional dance artists. The program will include selections from the company’s extensive classical repertoire alongside innovative new choreography, mirroring the company’s commitment to both tradition and creative evolution.
Under the artistic direction of William Starrett, Sapphire Ballet honors the company’s legacy with breathtaking choreography, elegant costumes, and exquisite staging. Each piece has been carefully curated to capture the essence of South Carolina Ballet’s artistic journey — from its classical roots to its groundbreaking contemporary work.
The evening will feature a…
Admission Cost: $39 - $71.
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, March 9, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Shen Yun
About This Show
The gong resounds, the curtain opens, and fairies emerge from a sea of billowing clouds. Mongolians ride on horseback across grasslands as vast as the sky. Dynasties rise and fall—as ancient legends of love, loss, humor and valor unfold before your eyes.
We set out to create a performance so extraordinary, it would not only capture the grandeur of China’s ancient, divinely-inspired culture…
You just might catch a glimpse of heaven.
Each performance consists of about 20 pieces, quickly moving from one legend, region, or dynasty to the next. Themes range from the delicate elegance of Tang court ladies to the battlefield heroics of valiant generals, from the timeless philosophical works of Lao-Tzu to spectacular scenes of heavenly realms… transporting you to a magical world.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $91 - $195.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Shen Yun
About This Show
The gong resounds, the curtain opens, and fairies emerge from a sea of billowing clouds. Mongolians ride on horseback across grasslands as vast as the sky. Dynasties rise and fall—as ancient legends of love, loss, humor and valor unfold before your eyes.
We set out to create a performance so extraordinary, it would not only capture the grandeur of China’s ancient, divinely-inspired culture…
You just might catch a glimpse of heaven.
Each performance consists of about 20 pieces, quickly moving from one legend, region, or dynasty to the next. Themes range from the delicate elegance of Tang court ladies to the battlefield heroics of valiant generals, from the timeless philosophical works of Lao-Tzu to spectacular scenes of heavenly realms… transporting you to a magical world.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $91 - $195.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
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, March 12, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
South Caroliniana Library 910 Sumter Street.
SC Philharmonic presents The Dream of America
About This Show
Maurice Ravel, Alborada del gracioso,
Shaosheng Li, Wind Across a Cloudless Firmament,
Maurice Ravel, Bolero
Peter Boyer, Ellis Island – The Dream of America, A staged symphony with actors directed by Chad Henderson (The Chad Henderson Co.),
ABOUT, This epic evening begins the SCP’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary as we present Peter Boyer’s Ellis Island: The Dream of America. Actors and orchestra weave the immigrant experience into living tableau, melding music and drama to celebrate hope, struggle, and new beginnings under the baton of Morihiko Nakahara and the direction of Chad Henderson (The Chad Henderson Co.),
The concert features a double-bill of Ravel as the program begins with his sunlit Alborada del gracioso, and later features the composer’s highly popular orchestral experiment: Boléro .
The centerpiece for the night is the world premiere of Shaosheng Li’s Wind Across a Cloudless Firmament. Join us for The Dream of America—an unforgettable celebration of…
Admission Cost: $11 - $71.
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Arboretum Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House,
Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. Open House is the 3rd Sunday of every month, with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester.
4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29205,
Weekly Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (winter hours 3-5 p.m.), Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. Find all our Open House speakers and Book Club dates here. ---, Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail. Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient tulip trees in the ravine. Pause at the waterfall or other scenic stops and take in the gifts of nature, here…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, March 15, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Family Time with the Phil
About This Show
Get ready to embrace the magic of live symphonic music in a welcoming atmosphere where families can create lasting memories together. Freedom and fun abound with “Family Time with the Phil” – an inclusive concert-matinee that invites audiences to sing, dance, and enjoy the symphony without the expected barriers of a live performance. Whether you’re tapping your feet to lively tunes, singing along with the orchestra, taking a break to visit the quiet room or simply letting the music move you – this experience promises joy and excitement for the whole family. Did we mention there’s an instrument “petting zoo” and some off-duty service pups that you can meet!
Admission Cost: Free Admission.
Sunday, March 15, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Millionaire Mindset: Play Your Way to Wealth
Admission Cost: 0.
Monday, March 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Russell House Room 322, Demonstration Kitchen - Center for Health and Well-Being 219, Meeting Room - Center for Health and Well-Being 217.
U.S. Air Force Band Concert
About This Show
The U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band is coming to the Koger Center on March 16 at 7:30 p.m.! This concert is free and open to the public.
About the Ensemble
Activated in 1941, The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band has a rich history of inspiring public patriotism and enhancing esprit de corps among all the US military service branches. These world-class musicians are stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, VA. They travel throughout the Carolinas, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions, presenting over 350 events annually for the general public and in support of Airman morale and protocol events. The USAF Heritage of America Band remains at the forefront of communicating Air Force core values and preserving and enriching America’s military and musical heritage into the 21st century.
Admission Cost: Free Admission.
Monday, March 16, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, March 16, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Paint a Piggy
The SSC invites students to paint a piggy bank during Financial Literacy Week. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to paint a free piggy bank while learning about money management tips and strategies.
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Davis Field I - RHUU Side.
The Price is Right: Guess the Price, Win the Prize!
The Price is Right game will be done during the Student Success Center's Financial Literacy Week. It is open to all USC undergraduate and graduate students.
The game is meant to encourage all students in attendance to think about their finances through a critical lens while being engaging and fun. Students will guess prizes of common items and if they get close to the price they will win the item.
Admission Cost: 0.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom AB.
The McNair Conversations on the American South: Coach Frank Beamer
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina is pleased to welcome Frank Beamer as the 2026 Honoree for the McNair Conversations on the American South. The talk will be hosted by Mark Smith, Director of the Institute for Southern Studies and Carolina Distinguished Professor of History. Frank Beamer is a legendary American college football coach, best known for his highly successful 29-season tenure (1987-2015) at his alma mater, Virginia Tech, where he became the winningest coach in program history, leading them to numerous conference titles, 23 consecutive bowl games (including a BCS National Championship appearance in the 1999 season), and earning national acclaim for building "Beamer Ball". A former Hokies player, he began his head coaching career at Murray State before returning to Tech to build it into a national powerhouse, leaving a legacy of hard work, discipline, and consistent success, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018. Dad to… .
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Getting Started in Research Workshop
The "Getting Started in Research" workshop is an interactive session designed to help students explore research opportunities across disciplines. Participants will identify their research interests, learn how to find and reach out to potential faculty mentors, and begin developing a roadmap for their research journey.
To register and learn more, visit https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/get-started/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
Russell House University Union 302.
C.S. Lewis "The Screwtape Letters"
About This Show
A battle is being waged for your soul from an office in hell! Witness a fast-paced, tour-de-force performance in this acclaimed adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ satiric masterpiece.
This international hit offers a faithful stage adaptation of Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, following Screwtape, a senior tempter in Hell, as he schemes to capture the soul of an unsuspecting human on earth and reveals spiritual warfare in vivid, humorous and powerful ways.
The Screwtape Letters run time is 90 minutes with no intermission. It is recommended for ages 13 and older, and children under age 4 are not admitted.
Admission Cost: $76 - $86.
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
University Chorus Spring Concert
Join the University Chorus as they present their Spring concert.
Free and open to the public.
Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow Street, Columbia, SC.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
Vista Art Night: Cait Maloney
About This Show
As a member of the Vista Guild, the Koger Center for the Arts partnered with The Jasper Project to open a new rotating art space, titled The Nook. March 2026’s featured artist in The Nook is Cait Maloney.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
“I help businesses and individuals visually communicate through thoughtful, engaging and effective design.
I have had a passion for visual communication and carbohydrates as long as I can remember. Growing up in a small town in upstate New York, I was one of few with a serious interest in art and design, but I knew I could make a career of it when one of my early works was stealthily heisted from a maximum security bulletin board in high school. I went on to navigate the waters of art school and earned a BFA in illustration from Syracuse University.
I’m currently based in Columbia, South Carolina, working as senior art director for Flock and Rally while also doing specialty illustration, design and mural projects; creating new things every day and slowly sweating…
Admission Cost: Free Admission.
Friday, March 20, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
Koger Center Upstairs Gallery.
Celebrate Columbia's Cultural Leaders
About This Show
One Columbia for Arts and Culture is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of the Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award. After a brief hiatus, this prestigious honor is back to spotlight an individual whose passion, vision, and leadership have fundamentally shaped the arts, history, and cultural fabric of the City of Columbia.
Nominations are officially open for this distinguished award, which recognizes those who embody the generous spirit and dedication to civic vitality championed by Stephen G. Morrison, an early leader of One Columbia. The ideal recipient is someone who combines profound vision with actionable leadership to foster creative social change and leave a lasting mark on our society.
To nominate a visionary, submissions must include a formal nomination letter detailing specific examples of the nominee’s impact and leadership capabilities. All nomination materials must be submitted via email to info@onecolumbiasc.com by the deadline of February 28, 2026.
Admission Cost: Free Admission.
Friday, March 20, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts.
Southern Exposure: Holy Visions
A virtuosic all-female vocal new music super group, including USC's own Rachel Calloway, comes together in Columbia for a special night centered around John Zorn’s The Holy Visions.
Patrons may reserve seats and support the Southeast’s most adventurous music series! A gift of $150 secures a seat for the entire 2025-26 season. To donate online, click here or contact Brad Martin at brad.martin@sc.edu, 803-777-0704.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Friday, March 20, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
School of Music 206 Recital Hall.
LifeChance: Gala of the Stars
Bringing people together through the celebration of ballet and a special night when ballet's stars align!
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $17 - $39.
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Music for Entertainment from the Renaissance
A celebration of music from the Renaissance for keyboards, instrumental ensembles, and voices performed by USC School of Music faculty and students.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Sunday, March 22, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
School of Music 206 Recital Hall.
Wind Ensemble: O Earth O Stars
Cormac Cannon, conductor, David Warren, guest conductor, Jennifer Parker-Harley, flute, Claire Bryant, cello,
The Wind Ensemble celebrates the first week of spring with a program inspired by the Earth and the stars. D’un Matin De Printemps (“Of a Spring Morning”) was composed by Lili Boulanger, sister of the acclaimed composition teacher Nadia Boulanger. USC School of Music faculty Jennifer Parker-Harley and Claire Bryant are featured on David Maslanka’s reflective and stunningly beautiful O Earth O Stars, while Danyhew’s Magnolia Star elicits images of a mid-twentieth-century ride on a train of the same name. The concert concludes with a brand-new work by University of Michigan composition professor Erik Santos inspired the concept of “Pangea Proxima,” a future supercontinent configuration of Earth’s land masses.
Program:
Boulanger/Hontz, D’un Matin De Printemps, Maslanka, O Earth O Stars, Danyhew, Magnolia Star, Santos, Pangea Proxima (Consortium Premiere).
Admission Cost: FREE.
Sunday, March 22, 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, March 23, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
"Surrounded and Beset By Enemies": Eighteenth-century Catawba Women's Responses to War
Abstract: In the 1700s, Catawba women responded to the world around them by reshaping their lives in response to the crises occurring near their villages. However, they did not sit by complacently, waiting for history to happen to them. Instead, Catawba women pivoted in response to the profound societal upheavals and contributed their physical and emotional labor in caring for their people. Bauer will discuss how Catawba women reassessed foodways production, burial practices, and self-defense strategies because their families’ lives and the Nation's survival depended on such measures.
Bio: Brooke Bauer, Ph.D. is a citizen of the Catawba Nation in South Carolina and an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She is the author of the award-winning book Becoming Catawba: Catawba Indian Women and Nation-building, 1540-1840. She has published in the online Oxford Research Encyclopedia of American History and the Journal of the Early Republic, and…
Admission Cost: Free!
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Getting Started in Research Workshop
The "Getting Started in Research" workshop is an interactive session designed to help students explore research opportunities across disciplines. Participants will identify their research interests, learn how to find and reach out to potential faculty mentors, and begin developing a roadmap for their research journey.
To register and learn more, visit https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/get-started/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
Russell House University Union 302.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Friday, March 27, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, March 30, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Hip Hop Wednesday
Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Thursday, April 2, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Friday, April 3, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Friday, April 3, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Saturday, April 4, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Saturday, April 4, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Saturday, April 4, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Sunday, April 5, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked
About This Show
See it LIVE. Remember it forever.
Wicked, Columbia’s most popular musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz, transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/Online/default.asp.
Admission Cost: $95 - $135.
Sunday, April 5, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Koger Center Auditorium.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, April 6, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
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, April 9, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
South Caroliniana Library 910 Sumter Street.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Friday, April 10, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Limón Dance Company in performance with Betsy Blackmon Dance Company
,
April 11, 2026, Limón Dance Company in performance with, Betsy Blackmon Dance Company Koger Center for the Arts,
6:30pm,
Celebrating its 80th Anniversary season, the Limón Dance Company has been at the vanguard of dance since its inception, and is world-renowned for its dramatic expression, technical mastery and expansive movement. Company Artists will be in-residence at USC setting a classic Limón work on the Betsy Blackmon Dance Company, who will perform on an unforgettable, one-night-only program alongside Limón Dance Company and artists from The Joffrey Ballet. A gala fundraiser will accompany the performance.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
The Lanny and Sidney Palmer One-Act Opera Series
Opera at USC presents two one-act operas: Markheim by Carlisle Floyd, and Lo Scoiattolo in Gamba by Nino Rota.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
School of Music 206 Recital Hall.
The Antelope Party
,
April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre,
, All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York,
Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Symphonic Winds: Storybook Beginning
Jay Jacobs, conductor, Brenna Curtis, guest conductor,
Sousa, Easter Monday on the White House Lawn,
Bergman, Dream Machine,
Svanoe, The Author’s Suite, Brenna Curtis, conductor,
Schwantner, Recoil,
Gershwin/Brubaker, An American in Paris.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts, 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, April 13, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Chorales Community Collaboration Concert
The USC Chorales are joined by the Sandlapper Singers and Limited Time Only Chamber Choir to present the South Carolina premiere of “We Are Phoenix.” This new work by composer Timothy Takach calls humankind to draw hope and renewal from the beauty of the earth itself. Conceived as a collaborative effort for a wide range of singers, Takach’s beautiful and evocative music is accompanied by string orchestra. The performance will also feature pieces sung by the individual choirs.
This is a ticketed event.
General Admission: $15,
Students: free,
Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204.
Admission Cost: General Admission: $15
Students: Free.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
Hip Hop Wednesday
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
7th Annual Augusta Baker Lecture featuring author Emely Rumble
,
Location: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St. Columbia, SC 29201,
Author Emely Rumble will discuss her book "Bibliotherapy in the Bronx," a groundbreaking exploration of the healing power of literature in the lives of marginalized communities. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, Rumble masterfully intertwines storytelling with therapeutic insights to reveal how reading can be a potent tool for self-discovery, emotional transformation, and social change.
"To keynote the Augusta Baker Lecture is to stand in a lineage of Black librarians who believed stories could liberate, heal, and tell the truth about our lives. As a Black and Puerto Rican bibliotherapist, my work—Bibliotherapy in the Bronx, is rooted in honoring visionaries like Augusta Baker, whose devotion to children, storytelling, and justice made space for generations of readers to see themselves and survive." - Emely Rumble .
Admission Cost: FREE.
Friday, April 17, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Arboretum Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House,
Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. Open House is the 3rd Sunday of every month, with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester.
4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29205,
Weekly Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (winter hours 3-5 p.m.), Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. Find all our Open House speakers and Book Club dates here. ---, Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail. Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient tulip trees in the ravine. Pause at the waterfall or other scenic stops and take in the gifts of nature, here…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Ears Wide Open: Pre-Earth Day Bash
Looking for a pre-Earth Day celebration? The W. Gordan Belser Arboretum will be blooming with the sounds of Commercial Music Ensembles on April 19th from 1-4 p.m. Join Ears Wide Open and musicians from USC’s fastest growing academic program – Music Industry Studies – for an afternoon filled with music and surrounded by nature.
The arboretum is located at 4080 Bloomwood Rd, Columbia, SC 29205.
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
Freeman Sundays @3 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.
The April program includes Professor of Composition Man Fang’s Lullaby performed by Claire Bryant, cello; Rachel Calloway, mezzo-soprano; and Nicholas Susi on piano.
Next, Dominic Armstrong, tenor, and Omar Roy, piano, combine talents to perform selected songs by Hugo Wolf.
Ari Streisfeld, violin; Dan Sweaney, viola; Claire Bryant, cello; and Nick Susi, piano, conclude the afternoon’s concert with Piano Quartet in E? major, Op. 47 by Robert Schumann.
Come support the USC School of Music’s scholarship program by attending this concert featuring incredible talent! Tickets are available at the Koger Center for the Arts Box Office (803-251-2222) and at the door.
Admission Cost: $15 adults; $10 seniors, USC faculty and staff; $5 students. Free for USC School of Music students, faculty and staff.
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
School of Music 206 Recital 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, April 20, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
USC Symphony Orchestra and Choirs of Carolina: War and Peace
Dr. Alicia W. Walker leads the USC Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir and University Orchestra in a performance uniting war and peace. Accompanied by soloists Tina Milhorn Stallard, soprano; Serena Hill-LaRoche, soprano; Rachel Calloway, mezzo-soprano; Dominic Armstrong, tenor and baritone; and Jacob Will, bass, the musicians will perform Haydn’s Missa in tempore belli and Vaughan Williams’ Dona nobis pacem in a powerful close of the ensembles’ seasons.
Join USC Symphony conductor and music director Dr. Scott Weiss for a pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. in the Koger Center Grand Tier.
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, April 21, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Koger Center for the Arts, See Description for Event Location.
Discover USC 2026
Discover USC is the premier annual showcase of research, scholarship, leadership and creative projects by undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and medical scholars representing the entire USC System, from the Upstate to the Lowcountry. This annual event is proudly sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research. Visit the Discover USC website for complete details, registration, information on shuttles and parking, and much more: https://sc.edu/about/signature_events/discover_uofsc/index.php. This event is free and open to the public; no registration required to drop in. It will be located at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Friday, April 24, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Chamber Music Night with USC Chamber Music Ensembles
Student chamber music ensembles of diverse instrumentation (typically including string quartets, piano trios, wind quintets and mixed instrument groups) perform chamber music from Baroque to contemporary.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Friday, April 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
School of Music 206 Recital Hall.
Student Choreography Showcase
,
April 25-26, 2026, Student Choreography Showcase, Drayton Hall Theatre,
2pm daily,
We’ll end the season with a second showcase of original works that have been developed over the spring semester by our gifted student choreographers. The future of dance starts here!
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15- $22.
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Student Choreography Showcase
,
April 25-26, 2026, Student Choreography Showcase, Drayton Hall Theatre,
2pm daily,
We’ll end the season with a second showcase of original works that have been developed over the spring semester by our gifted student choreographers. The future of dance starts here!
Get Tickets.
Admission Cost: $15- $22.
Sunday, April 26, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
USC Wind Ensemble and Alumni Concert Band: Windows and Mirrors
Cormac Cannon, conductor, David Warren, guest conductor, Scott Herring, percussion,
The Wind Ensemble concludes their season in a shared concert with the USC Alumni Concert Band. The Wind Ensemble portion includes two new works commissioned in part by the USC Wind Ensemble. Professor of Percussion Dr. Scott Herring will be featured on Joseph Schwantner’s thrilling new concerto for percussion and wind ensemble, Fast Track. Also included is Brian Balmage’s epic new symphony for band, Windows and Mirrors. USC Bands Alumni will gather to rehearse, reminisce, and perform the second half of the program.
Program:
Kabalevsky/Hunsberger, Overture to “Colas Breugnon” Schwantner, Fast Track (Consortium Premiere), Balmages, Windows and Mirrors: Symphony for Band (Consortium Premiere), Alumni Concert Band program TBD.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Sunday, April 26, 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, April 27, 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, May 4, 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, May 11, 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, May 14, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
South Caroliniana Library 910 Sumter Street.
Arboretum Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House,
Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. Open House is the 3rd Sunday of every month, with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester.
4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29205,
Weekly Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (winter hours 3-5 p.m.), Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. Find all our Open House speakers and Book Club dates here. ---, Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail. Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient tulip trees in the ravine. Pause at the waterfall or other scenic stops and take in the gifts of nature, here…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.