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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.

IRIS SC Pride Tabling Event

Thursday, April 9, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. RHUU Greene Street, RHUU Greene Street - Stage.

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.

Breathe and Believe at USC

Explore the 8 Dimensions of Well-Being through interactive activities across campus! Get your "passport" stamped at each dimension , Complete your passport & receive a free t-shirt (while supplies last) , Enjoy food, drinks, music and giveaways. Admission Cost: none. Thursday, April 9, 2026, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. RHUU Greene Street, Greene Street Middle, RHUU Greene Street - Stage.

The Antelope Party

, April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party  by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre, , All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York, Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences. Get Tickets. Admission Cost: $15 - $22. Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Drayton Hall 141.

Colin Dodd: "Homage to Ukraine"

About This Show, Artist Statement, “It’s the artist’s duty to reflect the times in which we live.” – Nina Simone. This quote struck a chord with me, especially due to personal circumstances. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th, 2022 and by coincidence that was the day I had open heart surgery, following a heart attack on February 22nd!  I watched the footage on CNN of Russian tanks firing on civilian targets from my hospital bed.  I have since followed the war on an almost daily basis, strongly identifying with the cause of the Ukrainian people, and seeing in them a nation standing alone against a tyrant just as Britain did against Hitler’s Germany at the outset of World War II.  Ukraine has managed to survive, against all the odds, for four years. The imagery from FPV drone footage I found strangely alluring and fascinating, even beautiful, although the results and intended consequences were destruction and death.  This dichotomy is what led me to start painting images based on often distorted… Admission Cost: Free. Friday, April 10, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Koger Center for the Arts.

Vista Art Night: Sarah Scruggs

About This Show As a member of the Vista Guild, the Koger Center for the Arts partnered with The Jasper Project to open a new rotating art space, titled The Nook, in celebration of Third Thursday Art Night. April 2026’s featured artist in The Nook is Sarah Scruggs. ARTIST BIOGRAPHY Sarah Scruggs is a South Carolinian painter focusing in oil & watercolor. Her alla prima style is relaxed, playful with attention to color. Most always, her paintings are a celebration of storms, the ever changing clouds, flora & fauna. Many of her materials are hand ground pigments collected from local areas in the pursuit of play. Admission Cost: Free Admission. Friday, April 10, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM. Koger Center Upstairs Gallery.

The Antelope Party

, April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party  by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre, , All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York, Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences. Get Tickets. Admission Cost: $15 - $22. Friday, April 10, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Drayton Hall 141.

AFAM Sankofa Symposium

A symposium highlighting the research and creative work that reflects who we are and what we do in AFAM.     * RSVP Here. Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Close Hipp 836 Executive I, Close Hipp 837 Executive II, Close Hipp 839 Summit West, Close Hipp 840 Summit East, Close Hipp 841 Eastview, Lumpkin Auditorium, Close-Hipp 830B Reception, Close-Hipp 830C Reception, Close-Hipp 830D Reception, Close-Hipp…

The Antelope Party

, April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party  by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre, , All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York, Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences. Get Tickets. Admission Cost: $15 - $22. Saturday, April 11, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Drayton Hall 141.

Limón Dance Company in performance with Betsy Blackmon Dance Company

, April 11, 2026, Limón Dance Company in performance with, Betsy Blackmon Dance Company Koger Center for the Arts, 6:30pm, Celebrating its 80th Anniversary season, the Limón Dance Company has been at the vanguard of dance since its inception, and is world-renowned for its dramatic expression, technical mastery and expansive movement. Company Artists will be in-residence at USC setting a classic Limón work on the Betsy Blackmon Dance Company, who will perform on an unforgettable, one-night-only program alongside Limón Dance Company and artists from The Joffrey Ballet. A gala fundraiser will accompany the performance. Get Tickets. Admission Cost: $15 - $22. Saturday, April 11, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. See event description for more details.

The Antelope Party

, April 3-12, 2026 The Antelope Party  by Eric John Meyer, Directed by Jesse Jou Drayton Hall Theatre, , All is equal and good in the land of Equestria, the colorful kingdom in the classic children’s cartoon My Little Pony. But in an apartment in rural Pennsylvania, where Ben hosts a weekly gathering of “bronies” (cosplaying fans of My Little Pony), things are becoming decidedly less harmonious. An overzealous Neighborhood Watch has begun patrolling the streets, and as its political influence surges, fear and paranoia begin to creep into the bronies’ (and pegasisters’) circle of friendship. “Meyer’s story about a group of lonely outcasts reminds us that acceptance and community can indeed be magical – but sometimes magic can be dark.” – Time Out New York, Contains language and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences. Get Tickets. Admission Cost: $15 - $22. Saturday, April 11, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Drayton Hall 141.

The Lanny and Sidney Palmer One-Act Opera Series

Opera at USC presents The Lanny and Sidney Palmer One-Act Opera Series. The production includes Lo Scoiattolo in Gamba (The Clever Squirrel), a lyrical fairy tale in one act, featuring music by Nino Rota and libretto by Eduardo De Filippo, along with Markheim by Carlisle Floyd. Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s short story, Floyd’s opera explores themes of guilt, conscience and redemption. 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.

The Lanny and Sidney Palmer One-Act Opera Series

Opera at USC presents The Lanny and Sidney Palmer One-Act Opera Series. The production includes Lo Scoiattolo in Gamba (The Clever Squirrel), a lyrical fairy tale in one act, featuring music by Nino Rota and libretto by Eduardo De Filippo, along with Markheim by Carlisle Floyd. Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s short story, Floyd’s opera explores themes of guilt, conscience and redemption. Admission Cost: FREE. Sunday, April 12, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM. School of Music 206 Recital Hall.

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.

Civic Engagement, Voting Rights, and the Founding Documents

The Humanities Collaborative & the McCausland College of Arts & Sciences invite you to a conference on “Civic Engagement and the Constitutional Order.”  This conference, held on April 13-14, at the Karen J. Williams Courtroom at Joseph F. Rice School of Law is the capstone of a three-year Mellon-funded project examining “Civic Engagement, Voting Rights, and the Founding Documents at the University of South Carolina.” It will focus on the “civic engagement” element of this mandate, which is of special interest given the growth of civics education at USC and around the country.  Keynote speakers include Peter Levine (Tufts), Deva Woodly (Brown), Jed Purdy (Duke), Kate Andrias (Columbia), Jamila Michener (Cornell), Joan Blades (Living Room Conversations), and journalist / filmmaker Astra Taylor (Debt Collective).  Their talks, and the surrounding discussions, will address the tensions and complementarities between two equally critical forms of civic engagement: building organized power among allies, and… Admission Cost: Free. Monday, April 13, 2026, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM. See event description for more details.

SoulHAUS Sessions with Preach Jacobs

About This Show, The next edition of SoulHaus Sessions with Preach Jacobs features Michael Twitty, an African-American Jewish writer, culinary historian and educator. He is the author of The Cooking Gene, which won the 2018 James Beard Foundation Book Award for Book of the Year as well as the category for writing. Tickets available to purchase at:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soulhaus-sessions-w-preach-jacobs-feat-michael-twitty-tickets-1984136167689?aff=oddtdtcreator. Admission Cost: $12.51. Monday, April 13, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Koger Center Upstairs Gallery.

Stargazing at the Melton Observatory

This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104. Admission Cost: Free. Monday, April 13, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Melton Observatory 201.

Civic Engagement, Voting Rights, and the Founding Documents

The Humanities Collaborative & the McCausland College of Arts & Sciences invite you to a conference on “Civic Engagement and the Constitutional Order.”  This conference, held on April 13-14, at the Karen J. Williams Courtroom at Joseph F. Rice School of Law is the capstone of a three-year Mellon-funded project examining “Civic Engagement, Voting Rights, and the Founding Documents at the University of South Carolina.” It will focus on the “civic engagement” element of this mandate, which is of special interest given the growth of civics education at USC and around the country.  Keynote speakers include Peter Levine (Tufts), Deva Woodly (Brown), Jed Purdy (Duke), Kate Andrias (Columbia), Jamila Michener (Cornell), Joan Blades (Living Room Conversations), and journalist / filmmaker Astra Taylor (Debt Collective).  Their talks, and the surrounding discussions, will address the tensions and complementarities between two equally critical forms of civic engagement: building organized power among allies, and… Admission Cost: Free. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. See event description for more details.

Beetlejuice: The Musical

About This Show, Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!” For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp. Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Koger Center Auditorium.

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.  Free and open to the public, $15 suggested donation may be made at the concert or ahead of time here. 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.

Beetlejuice: The Musical

About This Show, Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!” For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp. Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111. Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Koger Center Auditorium.

Beetlejuice: The Musical

About This Show, Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!” For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp. Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111. Thursday, April 16, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Koger Center Auditorium.

AI in Action: Business Innovation and Workforce Transformation

AI in Action: Business Innovation and Workforce Transformation Thursday, April 16-Friday, April 17, Gateway 737, Columbia, SC, Get more info and register to attend, AI in Action convenes industry leaders, university partners, and faculty to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming business, workforce needs, and organizational strategy across South Carolina. The summit will feature a keynote address, panels in energy resilience, healthcare operations, and risk and legal liability, as well as conversations about industry-university partnerships. Admission Cost: $100. Friday, April 17, 2026, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. See Description for Event Location.

Perspective from the Pacific-NW: Nick Brown

Friday, April 17 10 a.m. Karen J. Williams Courtroom , Co-sponsored by the Joseph F. Rice School of Law and McCausland College of Arts and Sciences   Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown  will discuss his career trajectory and the opportunities and challenges of being an attorney general in today’s political climate.    A Harvard Law School graduate, Brown began his legal career in the Army JAG corps, where he gained experience as both a prosecutor and defense lawyer. He was awarded a Bronze Star in 2005.    He was lead council for Washington State’s governor and was in private practice. Later, he worked as a prosecutor in Washington State until he was nominated in 2021 to become the U.S. Attorney for Western Washington and left that post to seek the office of Attorney General, becoming their 19th AG in 2024.   RSVP here. Admission Cost: Free. Friday, April 17, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Joseph F. Rice School of Law 103 - Judge Karen J. Williams Courtroom.

The Road to Discover USC

Get ready for Undergraduate Research Week with us at this outdoor kickoff event celebrating Gamecock discovery and innovation. Connect with undergraduate research ambassadors, hear real student research stories, and find out how you can take your ideas further. Get inspired and get ready for Discover USC on April 24. Admission Cost: 0.00. Friday, April 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. See event description for more details. Davis Field I - RHUU Side Space 1, Davis Field I - RHUU Side Space 2, Davis Field I - RHUU Side Space 3, Davis Field I - RHUU Side Space 4, Davis Field I - RHUU Side Space 5.

Book Talk + Signing with Barry Markovsky: "Everyday Extraordinary"

Barry Markovsky, professor emeritus of sociology, will discuss his new book Everyday Extraordinary at 6 p.m. Friday, April 17, at All Good Books, 734 Harden St, Columbia, SC. About the Book Most people have had unusual experiences and encountered weird claims about phenomena such as ghosts, UFOs, ESP, and miracle cures. Everyday Extraordinary tells eighteen true stories, diving into these and other peculiar phenomena with empathy, humor, and a critical eye. It makes sense of experiences that at first seem inexplicable, showing how most are remarkably commonplace and reveal the workings of our bodies, minds, and cultures. Barry Markovsky is a social psychologist who studies social influences on beliefs and behavior. He received his Ph.D. from Stanford University, served on the faculties of the University of Iowa and the University of South Carolina, and directed the Sociology Program at the National Science Foundation. His recent publications include a series of popular articles at… Admission Cost: Free. Friday, April 17, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM. See event description for more details.

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.

Beetlejuice: The Musical

About This Show, Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!” For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp. Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111. Friday, April 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Koger Center Auditorium.

Beetlejuice: The Musical

About This Show, Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!” For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp. Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111. Saturday, April 18, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM. Koger Center Auditorium.

Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series

About ghis Show, The Koger Center for the Arts is excited to host the Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series, a free outdoor concert series sponsored by the Levitt Foundation. Dedicated to amplifying the cultural landscape of our city, the Levitt AMP Columbia Music series aims to provide free varied and engaging entertainment for the residents of Columbia and the Midlands. Our concert dates for the 2026 Season are set: stay tuned to find out the acts! All concerts will take place on the outdoor Plaza Stage, with our rain location being the lobby of the Koger Center. SCHEDULE – All concerts take place from 5-7 p.m. April 18, 2026 - River Shook Duo, Soda City Brass Band, , April 25, 2026 - Sunny War, Death Ray Robin, , May 2, 2026 - Five OHM, Rock & Roll MF's, , May 9, 2026 - Carolyn Wonderland, Philip Thomas. Admission Cost: Free Admission. Saturday, April 18, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Koger Center Plaza Stage.

Beetlejuice: The Musical

About This Show, Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!” For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp. Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111. Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Koger Center Auditorium.

Arboretum Open House

W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House, Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. Open House is the 3rd Sunday of every month, with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester. 4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29205, Weekly Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (winter hours 3-5 p.m.), Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. Find all our Open House speakers and Book Club dates here. ---, Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail. Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient tulip trees in the ravine. Pause at the waterfall or other scenic stops and take in the gifts of nature, here… Admission Cost: Free. Sunday, April 19, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Beetlejuice: The Musical

About This Show, Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!” For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp. Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111. Sunday, April 19, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM. Koger Center Auditorium.

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.

Beetlejuice: The Musical

About This Show, Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOUL!” For tickets, please visit https://secure.kogercenterforthearts.com/online/default.asp. Admission Cost: $23.50 - $111. Sunday, April 19, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Koger Center Auditorium.

Stargazing at the Melton Observatory

This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104. Admission Cost: Free. Monday, April 20, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Melton Observatory 201.

Who Can You Trust?: Journalism in a Chaotic Information Age with Gina Smith

, In an era of misinformation, political polarization, and rapidly evolving media platforms, how do audiences decide what and whom to trust? In “Who Can You Trust?: Journalism in a Chaotic Information Age,” Gina Smith, founder and director of SC Investigate and a 2024 to 25 Nieman Fellow at Harvard, will discuss the role of investigative journalism in strengthening accountability and rebuilding public trust. With more than two decades of experience reporting on government accountability, public health, education, and political influence, Smith is widely known for breaking the 2009 story revealing Gov. Mark Sanford’s secret trip to Argentina, reporting that sparked a national political scandal and demonstrated the power of local investigative journalism. Register for the event here. Admission Cost: FREE. Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. School of Journalism & Mass Communications 318.

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.

2026 Buchheit Family Lecture: "Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of The Murdaugh Dynasty: A Distinctly South Carolina Story"

, Please join the College of Information and Communications for the Buchheit Family Lecture on Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. Valerie Bauerlein, National Affairs Reporter at The Wall Street Journal, will deliver this year’s lecture, “Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of The Murdaugh Dynasty: A Distinctly South Carolina Story.” It will be held in the Campus Room at Capstone (902 Barnwell St. Columbia, SC 29208). Bauerlein is the author of the instant New York Times bestseller The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty and host of the Spotify/The Journal podcast series Camp Swamp Road. Please note that while this event is free, tickets are required to attend and seating is limited. We recommend arriving early. Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-buchheit-family-lecture-featuring-valerie-bauerlein-tickets-1983480813507. Admission Cost: FREE. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Capstone 101 - Campus Room.

Live in the Lobby Jazz: Mar Vilaseca

About This Show The Koger Center and ColaJazz Foundation are excited to present to you the new 2026 Live in the Lobby Jazz season! Featuring 6 stunning performances, you can get your season tickets today to get every show for one low price. Created as a partnership between the Koger Center for the Arts and the ColaJazz Foundation, Live in the Lobby 2026 will consist of six concerts held throughout the Koger Center facility. Join us to experience this one-of-a-kind series designed for audiences seeking premier jazz and specialty experiences in an exceptional setting.  About the Artist Vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Mar Vilaseca was born in 1998, in Barcelona, Spain. Mar grew up in a musical environment and learned how to play and sing at a very young age, being exposed to a wide variety of music. She was classically trained in piano and traditional harmony at the Conservatorio del Liceo. At the age of 14, she started singing professionally in her father’s band, where she began her career… Admission Cost: $27.00 to $32.00. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Koger Center for the Arts.

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.

Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series

About ghis Show, The Koger Center for the Arts is excited to host the Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series, a free outdoor concert series sponsored by the Levitt Foundation. Dedicated to amplifying the cultural landscape of our city, the Levitt AMP Columbia Music series aims to provide free varied and engaging entertainment for the residents of Columbia and the Midlands. Our concert dates for the 2026 Season are set: stay tuned to find out the acts! All concerts will take place on the outdoor Plaza Stage, with our rain location being the lobby of the Koger Center. SCHEDULE – All concerts take place from 5-7 p.m. April 18, 2026 - River Shook Duo, Soda City Brass Band, , April 25, 2026 - Sunny War, Death Ray Robin, , May 2, 2026 - Five OHM, Rock & Roll MF's, , May 9, 2026 - Carolyn Wonderland, Philip Thomas. Admission Cost: Free Admission. Saturday, April 25, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Koger Center Plaza Stage.

Student Choreography Showcase

, April 25-26, 2026, Student Choreography Showcase, Drayton Hall Theatre, 2pm daily, We’ll end the season with a second showcase of original works that have been developed over the spring semester by our gifted student choreographers. The future of dance starts here! Get Tickets. Admission Cost: $15- $22. Sunday, April 26, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Drayton Hall 141.

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.

USC String Project Spring Concert

The USC String Project Concert celebrates the dedication and musical growth of our student and adult musicians. This performance features ensembles from across the String Project program, showcasing players at a variety of stages in their musical journeys. Tickets are $5 for children (ages 2–17) and $10 for adults. Tickets purchased online will be available at Will Call on the evening of the concert under the name provided at checkout. Tickets may also be purchased at the concert. Admission Cost: $5 students, $10 adults. Monday, April 27, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 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, April 27, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Melton Observatory 201.

World Ballet Company - Swan Lake

About This Show The World’s MOST Iconic Ballet – With a LIVE Orchestra! , The legendary tale of Swan Lake takes flight in a breathtaking production from World Ballet Company, as fate and magic entwine in a timeless battle between good and evil. Performing with a Live Orchestra, and featuring a cast of 50 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, and stunning hand-crafted sets, this spellbinding ballet captures every heart-pounding moment – from the Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés, and every pirouette in between.  With Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score soaring through the air and played LIVE, immerse yourself in this mesmerizing journey where dreams, heartbreak, and hope unfold right before your eyes. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission), Audience: For ages 5 & over, World Ballet Company – Ballet Everywhere, Ballet For All. Based in Los Angeles, and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, World Ballet Company presents the… Admission Cost: $57.00 - $131.00. Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Koger Center Auditorium.

The Music of Hans Zimmer and Others – A Celebration of Film Music

About This Show The symphonic world of Hans Zimmer with music from James Bond, The Lion King, The Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, Top Gun, Dune and more! “The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others” is an unforgettable concert and audiovisual experience for all age groups, film enthusiasts, music lovers, and families. The best music will be performed by the Hollywood Film Orchestra in an impressive show with light installations, laser projections, and selected film clips. Star soloists from the Original Broadway Production will perform excerpts from “The Lion King” Zimmer’s most beloved box office smash hit. No other composer has influenced the film world in the past two decades as much as the Oscar-, Globe- and Emmy-winning composer Hans Zimmer with his staggering compositions for films such as “James Bond” “The Lion King” “Pirates of the Caribbean” “Gladiator” “The Dark Knight” “Man of Steel” “Inception” and “Interstellar”. Hans Zimmer wrote the film… Admission Cost: $27.45 - $98.90. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Koger Center Auditorium.

Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series

About ghis Show, The Koger Center for the Arts is excited to host the Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series, a free outdoor concert series sponsored by the Levitt Foundation. Dedicated to amplifying the cultural landscape of our city, the Levitt AMP Columbia Music series aims to provide free varied and engaging entertainment for the residents of Columbia and the Midlands. Our concert dates for the 2026 Season are set: stay tuned to find out the acts! All concerts will take place on the outdoor Plaza Stage, with our rain location being the lobby of the Koger Center. SCHEDULE – All concerts take place from 5-7 p.m. April 18, 2026 - River Shook Duo, Soda City Brass Band, , April 25, 2026 - Sunny War, Death Ray Robin, , May 2, 2026 - Five OHM, Rock & Roll MF's, , May 9, 2026 - Carolyn Wonderland, Philip Thomas. Admission Cost: Free Admission. Saturday, May 2, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Koger Center Plaza Stage.

Stargazing at the Melton Observatory

This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104. Admission Cost: Free. Monday, May 4, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Melton Observatory 201.

Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series

About ghis Show, The Koger Center for the Arts is excited to host the Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series, a free outdoor concert series sponsored by the Levitt Foundation. Dedicated to amplifying the cultural landscape of our city, the Levitt AMP Columbia Music series aims to provide free varied and engaging entertainment for the residents of Columbia and the Midlands. Our concert dates for the 2026 Season are set: stay tuned to find out the acts! All concerts will take place on the outdoor Plaza Stage, with our rain location being the lobby of the Koger Center. SCHEDULE – All concerts take place from 5-7 p.m. April 18, 2026 - River Shook Duo, Soda City Brass Band, , April 25, 2026 - Sunny War, Death Ray Robin, , May 2, 2026 - Five OHM, Rock & Roll MF's, , May 9, 2026 - Carolyn Wonderland, Philip Thomas. Admission Cost: Free Admission. Saturday, May 9, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Koger Center Plaza Stage.

Stargazing at the Melton Observatory

This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104. Admission Cost: Free. Monday, May 11, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Melton Observatory 201.

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.

Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical

About This Show On sale to the public on March 13, 10 a.m. Get ready for the ultimate rock experience as BAT OUT OF HELL roars back to North America in 2026! The iconic music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf will once again shake the stage, delivering an electrifying journey that will ignite your love for rock like never before. This heart-pounding experience, with a powerhouse eight-piece live band on stage, delivers a new production with sprawling multi-level platforms to transport you from Raven’s bedroom to the underground world of the Lost in a visual feast that pushes the boundaries of live theatre, Featuring songs from one of Meat Loaf’s best-selling albums, Bat Out of Hell, this cast will bring these anthems to life, including I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), Paradise By The Dashboard Light, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, Dead Ringer For Love, and, of course, Bat Out of Hell. Brace yourself for a legendary night of rock ‘n’ roll as BAT OUT OF HELL: The Musical explodes back onto the… Admission Cost: $26.00 - $106.00. Thursday, May 14, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Koger Center Auditorium.

Arboretum Open House

W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House, Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. Open House is the 3rd Sunday of every month, with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester. 4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29205, Weekly Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (winter hours 3-5 p.m.), Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. Find all our Open House speakers and Book Club dates here. ---, Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail. Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient tulip trees in the ravine. Pause at the waterfall or other scenic stops and take in the gifts of nature, here… Admission Cost: Free. Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Stargazing at the Melton Observatory

This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104. Admission Cost: Free. Monday, May 18, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Melton Observatory 201.

Vista Art Night: Kathryn Morganelli

About This Show As a member of the Vista Guild, the Koger Center for the Arts partnered with The Jasper Project to open a new rotating art space, titled The Nook, in celebration of Third Thursday Art Night. May 2026’s featured artist in The Nook is Kathryn Morganelli. Artist Biography Kathryn Morganelli holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina. With postgraduate studies in Textile Design and Animation, she has built a solid foundation in the arts. Admission Cost: Free Admission. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM. Koger Center Upstairs Gallery.

John Crist Live

About This Show John Crist is one of today’s fastest-rising stand-up comedians, earning more than one billion video views, more than 7.9 million fans on social media and sold-out shows from coast to coast and continuously charts as one of Pollstar’s Top 10 Global Touring Comedians. John has sold out the majority of his 2025 U.S. ‘Jokes For Humans’ dates and recently launched a Fall extension – which kicked off at Las Vegas’ Encore Theater and will visit cities like Austin, Louisville, Cleveland and more later this year. His latest comedy special John Crist: Emotional Support (February 18), showcases his skills in delivering witty, pop culture commentary through clean humor. Filmed just six miles from his childhood home in Lilburn, GA, John Crist: Emotional Support sees the viral comedian diving into the ever-changing dynamics of growing up Christian in the 90s, navigating family group texts, mediating fights on the neighborhood Facebook page and more. In its first three weeks, the special earned more than… Admission Cost: $17.87 - $161.75. Sunday, May 31, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Koger Center Auditorium.

Stargazing at the Melton Observatory

This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104. Admission Cost: Free. Monday, June 1, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Melton Observatory 201.

Tribute to Dr. Johnnie McFadden and the McFadden Endowment

Dr. Johnnie McFadden, USC Benjamin E. Mays Distinguished Professor Emeritus and First African American Tenured Faculty of the 20th century, has made a number of wonderful contributions to the University of South Carolina, Columbia. On Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. we will gather to pay tribute to Dr. McFadden as well as announce the Grace Jordan and Johnnie McFadden Endowment which was established to benefit the Grace Jordan McFadden Professors Program. The program will be held at the Campus Room of the Capstone Building (898 Barnwell St.). Please indicate if you can accept our invitation to attend this special program. RSVP at the link below by Jan. 23. A reception will immediately follow the program. Register for the Event here -- https://McFaddenTribute2026.eventbrite.com. Admission Cost: Free. Friday, June 5, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Capstone 101 - Campus Room.

Stargazing at the Melton Observatory

This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104. Admission Cost: Free. Monday, June 8, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Melton Observatory 201.

Stargazing at the Melton Observatory

This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104. Admission Cost: Free. Monday, June 15, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Melton Observatory 201.

Arboretum Open House

W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House, Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. Open House is the 3rd Sunday of every month, with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester. 4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29205, Weekly Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (winter hours 3-5 p.m.), Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. Find all our Open House speakers and Book Club dates here. ---, Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail. Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient tulip trees in the ravine. Pause at the waterfall or other scenic stops and take in the gifts of nature, here… Admission Cost: Free. Sunday, June 21, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Stargazing at the Melton Observatory

This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104. Admission Cost: Free. Monday, June 22, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Melton Observatory 201.

Stargazing at the Melton Observatory

This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104. Admission Cost: Free. Monday, June 29, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Melton Observatory 201.