Lucky you. You just found COLAtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events taking place throughout Columbia each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading into November. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
Festivals
Korean Festival | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free | A full-day cultural celebration featuring Samulnori, traditional fan dances, taekwondo, and a Korean wedding ceremony on stage.
9th Annual Fall Back Fest | Friday, Nov. 7 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | State Street, West Columbia | Free | Enjoy live music from Civil Remedy and Lola Grace & the Night, interactive mural painting, local food and drinks, and the Meeting Street Artisan Market Night Edition.
Jam Room Music Festival | 12-10 p.m. | Finlay Park | Free | Celebrate the opening of Finlay Park with the Jam Room Music Festival featuring 10 bands on two stages, including headliners DIIV, White Denim, and Steve Ray Ladson.
Finlay Park Grand Re-Opening | Saturday, Nov. 15-Sunday, Nov. 16 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Finlay Park | Free | Check out the park and enjoy Jam Room Music Festival on Saturday, and Day Two Festival on Sunday with Shovels and Rope.
Theater
Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey | Monday, Nov. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $37+ | Join travel guru Rick Steves live and in person with your SC Phil on a spectacular musical journey through Europe.
Broadway in Columbia presents Mrs Doubtfire | Tuesday, Nov. 11 | Tuesday, Nov. 11-Thursday, Nov. 13 | 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | Koger Center | $26+ | Based on the beloved film, MRS. DOUBTFIRE tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids.
The Importance of Being Earnest | Friday, Nov. 7-Sunday, Nov. 16 | 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | Longstreet Theatre | $15+ | Filled with absurdist plot twists and Wilde’s acerbic wit, this “trivial comedy for serious people” is a masterpiece of farce that The Telegraph said “has a claim to being the most perfect high comedy in the English language.”
Into the Woods | Friday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | Trustus Theatre | $40+ | James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece… and a rare modern classic.
Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque | Sunday, Nov. 23 | 3:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, Irmo | $40 | Watch as acrobats execute gravity-defying moves and human pyramids, accompanied by the contemporary sounds of live Afro-jazz, percussion, and kora.
Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Ballet | Wednesday, Nov. 26, Sunday, Nov. 30 | Times vary | Township Auditorium | $50+ | Enjoy a Family Classic with Glittering Snowflakes and Waltzing flowers.
Concerts
JONAS BROTHERS - JONAS20: LIVING THE DREAM TOUR | Thursday, Nov. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | All American Rejects opens the night so get there early.
Wanda Sykes: Please & Thank You Tour with Special Guest Keith Robinson | Thursday, Nov. 6 | 7 p.m. | Township Auditorium | $104 | You’re guaranteed laughs at this one, and maybe a cameo from Coach Dawn Staley.
Cameron Whitcomb - I’ve Got Options Tour | Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $35 | A St. Pat’s in Five Points festival vet, the Canadian somersaulting-songwriter rose from American Idol.
Militarie Gun | Friday, Nov. 14 | 7 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, West Columbia | $55 | Check out this fast-rising band in the alternative rock realm.
9th Annual Toys For Tots ft Patrick Davis and his Midnight Choir | 8:30 p.m. | The Senate | $55 | The Midlands country songwriter returns with his band for this annual fundraising event.
Sports
Gamecocks Women’s Basketball vs. Clemson University Tigers | Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 6 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $15 |
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Clemson Tigers | Saturday, Nov. 29 | 12 p.m. | Williams-Brice Stadium | $281+ | The annual showdown returns to the Capital City.
Gamecock Men’s Basketball schedule
Gamecock Women’s Basketball schedule
Seasonal
Sesqui Artisan’s Market | Sunday, Nov. 9 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sesquicentennial State Park | Explore handmade crafts and fine art while enjoying live music and delicious food at the Sesqui Artisan’s Market — free with park admission.
Midlands Christmas Arts & Crafts Market | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | South Carolina State Farmers Market, West Columbia | Free | This event will host over 150 vendors, crafters, and local businesses from all over the Midlands.
Vista Lights | Thursday, Nov. 20 | 6 p.m. | Kick off the holiday season with live music, local vendors, and the annual tree lighting near Lincoln Street.
Arts & Draughts | Friday, Nov. 21 | 6-10 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $15 | Party with art, live music, food trucks, hands-on activities and late-night museum vibes.
Carolina vs Clemson Blood Drive | Thursday, Nov. 20-Friday, Nov. 21 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | University of South Carolina | For four decades, Gamecocks and Tigers have battled for more than just bragging rights on the field – they’ve teamed up to make a life-saving impact through the annual drive.
For the fam
First Thursday on Main Street in Downtown Columbia | Thursday, Nov. 6 | 6 p.m. | Main Street | Free | Head to the monthly celebration for local food trucks, live music, and a silent disco.
NEON Joy in Five Points | Friday, Nov. 21 | 6-9 p.m. | Five Points Fountain | Free | The holiday laser light show will take place in the Five Points Mural Lot with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in attendance.