January PlanAhead: Your Columbia events calendar

Happy January + welcome to 2022, Cola. 🎉

Whether your resolutions involve getting fit, learning something new, growing professionally, or just getting out on the town — there are events for all.

So, dust off that new year mood, grab your 2022 planner, and start marking your calendar. Note: COVID-19 protocols are changing rapidly to curb the spread of the Omicron variant in MKT. Please make sure to check event listing pages + venue websites for the most up-to-date information.

Saturday, Jan. 1

• Charlie Wilson | Sat., Jan. 1 | 8 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $69+ | Charlie Wilson is headed to Cola with New Edition and Jodeci on “The Culture Tour.” 🎶
• Noel Lindler and the Bank Walkers | Sat., Jan. 1 | Doors open at 5 p.m. | Skyline Club, 100 Lee St. | $5+ | The show officially starts at 9 p.m.
• Music of Clark Terry | Sat., Jan. 1 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Joint, 1710 Main | Free 🎶
• New Years Day Brunch | Sat., Jan 1 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Woody on Main | Traditional New Year’s Day meals, including collard greens, black eyed peas, ham or Turkey, plus live music from Brooks Herring starting at noon.

Sunday, Jan. 2

• UofSC Women’s Basketball vs. Ole Miss | Sun., Jan. 2 | 1 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $6+ 🏀
• First Sunday at South Carolina State Museum | Sun., Jan. 2 | 12-5 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $1 admission + $5 | 4-D movies + planetarium shows.

Monday, Jan. 3

• Sew Devine: A Gathering of Crafters | Mon., Jan. 3 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Virtual Richland Library | Free 🪡

• Red Cross Blood Drive | Mon., Jan. 3 | 1:30a.m.-4:30 p.m. | The Ballentine Family YMCA | Click here to make an appointment and enter sponsor Code: BALLENTINE.

Tuesday, Jan. 4

• UofSC Men’s Basketball vs. Auburn | Tues., Jan. 4 | 6:30 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $10+ 🏀
• Outdoor Family Storytime | Tues., Jan. 4 | 10 a.m. + 10:30 a.m. | Richland Library Sandhills | Free

Wednesday, Jan. 5

• Focal Points: An Artist Epiphany | Wed., Jan. 5 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | This is an ongoing series of gallery talks featuring topics + themes the tour guides of CMA love to talk about.
• Outdoor Family Storytime | Wed., Jan. 5 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Richland Library Main | Free

Thursday, Jan. 6

• Riley Green: We Out Here Tour | Thurs., Jan. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $37.50+ | Add-on packages like meet + greets are available for purchase. 🎶
• Terror, Pain of Truth, Living in Fear, Your Spirit Dies | Thurs., Jan. 6 | 6 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern | $20 | Tickets will increase if you buy them at the door.
• Free First Thursday at the CMA | Thurs., Jan 6 | Columbia Museum of Art | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Free | Free admission + extended hours courtesy of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. ⛲
• Beyond the Headlines : USC Presidential Search at a Crossroads | Thurs., Jan. 6 | 12-12:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Post and Courier Columbia Editors + reporter Jessica Holdman will discuss the progress of the search for UofSC’s next president.
• Karaoke with Party Jesus | Thurs., Jan. 6 | 8-11:59 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern | Free in advance, $5 at the door | Ages 21+ only.

Friday, Jan. 7

• Succulent + Sangria Workshop | Fri., Jan. 7 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $38 | Guests must be paid for in advance and 16+. 🪴
• Third Eye (Tool Tribute) at Main Course | Fri., Jan. 7 | 9 p.m. | The Main Course, 1624 Main St. | $15+ | Enjoy a tribute to Tool, featuring band members Brian Kelly on lead vocals, Andrew Sullivan on guitar, Dave Johnson on bass, and Ben Owens on drums. 🎵*
• Amos Hoffman Trio | Fri., Jan. 7 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Joint at 1710 Main | Free
• Party Girls Paint Class x Summer Doodles | Fri., Jan. 7 | 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Columbia, 1619 Pendleton St. | $60 | Paint the Party Girl of your dreams on a 12x16" canvas, cheers bracelet from Pawmetto Pup, champagne + photo opportunities.
• Archer Ave Showcase | Fri., Jan. 7 | Doors open at 7 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern | $10 | A lineup featuring Ben Walker, Pullover, Whistler, and Paisley & the Birdwalkers.

Saturday, Jan. 8

• Focal Points: Boisterous Black Angels | Sat., Jan. 8 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free with admission or members | This is an ongoing series of gallery talks featuring topics + themes the tour guides of CMA love to talk about.
• Sugar, Charlotte’s System of a Down Tribute | Sat., Jan. 8 | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $15+
• Jimbo Chapman | Sat., Jan. 8 | 7-10 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works | Free
• 22nd Annual Millrace Massacre and Iceman Championships | Sat., Jan. 8 | 10 a.m. | Saluda Riverwalk | Free
• 2022 Astrological Planning Workshop | Sat., Jan. 8 | 3-6 p.m. | femme x COLUMBIA, 1501 Richland St. | $45 members + $65 non-members
• COLAlaughs Standup Comedy | Sat., Jan. 8 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Noma Warehouse | $10.50 | Local stand-up comedian Allie Johns will host and has put together a lineup including Jenn Snyder, Erin Lok, and Mona Bender.

Sunday, Jan. 9

• UofSC Women’s Basketball vs. Kentucky | Sun., Jan. 9 | 1 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $6+ 🏀
• Citizen Cope | Sun., Jan. 9 | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $31+ 🎶
• BrideCityShows.com Bridal Expo | Sun., Jan. 9 | 1-5 p.m. | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | $12 | Calling all Cola brides — see the latest wedding trends and get ideas for your wedding.
• Stagbriar, Jenny Besetzt | Sun., Jan. 9 | Transmission Arcade | 10 p.m. | Free 🎶
• Tommy Stinson Solo Show | Sun., Jan. 9 | Cola Town Bike Collective, 711 Elmwood Ave. | 7-10 p.m. | $25+ | American rock musician who came to prominence as bass player for The Replacements.
• Terrarium Basics | Sun., Jan. 9 | Sage Studios, 1117 B Ave. | 1 p.m.-3 p.m. | $45 | Materials are included for the in-person terrarium making class. 🪴

Monday, Jan. 10

• Stargazing at the Melton Observatory | Mon., Jan. 10 | 7- 9 p.m. | Melton Observatory | Free | See the Moon, planets, stars, and clusters through its telescopes. 🔭

Tuesday, Jan. 11

• Table for Six: Cola on the Move | Tues., Jan. 11 | 6-8 p.m. | Ratio | $40+ | This event will focus on leaders who are helping move Columbia forward, and tickets include two drinks + dinner from Ratio.
• Dedication of New Peace Pole Structure | Tues., Jan. 11 | 10 a.m. | 900 block of Senate Street | The Columbia Peace Pole Initiative, in collaboration with One Columbia for Arts and Culture, commissioned Columbia artist Eileen Blyth to create a unique, artistic version of a peace pole.
• CMA Chamber Music on Main Columbia Museum of Art | Tues., Jan. 11 | 6-7 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $42 | The CMA and Andrew Armstrong welcome back previous artistic director Edward Arron and a second pianist, Jeewon Park, for the third iteration of this year’s Chamber series. 🎶

Wednesday, Jan. 12

• Menopause The Musical | Wed., Jan. 12 | 7 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $33+ | This show will be one night only.
• Art Class: Oil Painting | Wed., Jan. 12 | 6-9 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $140 | Explore the process of oil painting to better understand color blending, brushwork, and glazing in this three-part painting class.
• Urban Birding with Congaree National Park | Wed., Jan. 12 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Richland Library Ballentine | Free

Thursday, Jan. 13

• The grand opening of Sports & Skate Station | Thurs., Jan. 13 | 6-9 p.m. | Sports & Skate Station — where the old Skate Station USA used to be | Free | The grand opening day (and weekend) will include special events such as DJs, skating competitions, and other activities.
• UofSC Women’s Basketball vs. Texas AM | Thurs., Jan. 13 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $6+ 🏀
• Tall Oaks Boutique Ribbon Cutting + Happy Hour | Thurs., Jan. 13 | 4:45 p.m. | 128 State st. | Free | Free parking will be available at 127 State St + along Court Street.
• Research Roundtable: We’re Here! Preserving Columbia’s LGBTQ+ Stories | Thurs., Jan. 13 | 12 a.m.-1 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion + Virtual | Free members + $10 non-members

Friday, Jan. 14

• MLK Freedom Fest | Fri., Jan. 14 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $73+ | Line up featuring Rod Wave, Moneybagg Yo, Latto, and Young Bleu. 🎶
• Festival of Laughs | Fri., Jan. 14 | 8 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $59+ | Laugh at a lineup of 5 comedians.
• Emo Night Columbia | Fri., Jan. 14 | 8 p.m. | The Senate | $10+ | It’s Columbia’s meetup for ages 18+ that never really left the Black Parade once they were welcomed into it.
• Moss Wall Workshop | Fri., Jan. 14 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | The PlantHouse crew will walk you through how to attach moss to an in-set frame, then choose from an array of accessories to make your moss wall uniquely yours.

Saturday, Jan. 15

• Beethoven and Blue Jeans | Sat., Jan. 15 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $22+ | Wear your favorite pair of blue jeans for a comfortable experience with world-class music. 🎶
• UofSC Men’s Basketball vs. Florida | Sat., Jan. 15 | 1 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $15+ 🏀
• More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series With Dr. Tony McNeill | Sat., Jan. 15 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $10+ | An aggregation of choral music educators, enthusiasts, and vocal artists from the Carolinas and Georgia
• Winter Desolation | Sat., Jan. 15 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Art Bar | Price of purchase | The cool place to be in famously hot colatown
• Bang Back Winter High Stakes Tournament | Sat., Jan. 15 | 1-10 p.m. | Bang Back Pinball Lounge, 741 Saluda Ave. | $50
• Yoga at Indah Coffee | Sat., Jan. 15 | 7-7:45 a.m. | Indah Coffee, 2238 Sumter St. | $20

Sunday, Jan. 16

• 7Sunday 3 Year Anniversary “The Harder They Fall” | Sun., Jan. 16 | 8-11 p.m. | USC Alumni Center | $85+ | This event will be filmed for television, so preferred attire is cowboy costumes, boots, and hats.
• Nixil, Paezor, Bathe, Prosperity Gospel | Sun., Jan. 16 | 7 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern | $10 🎶

Monday, Jan. 17

• Bank of America Family Day | Mon., Jan. 17 | 10 a.m-5 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Enjoy free admission all day courtesy of Bank of America
• Invisible No More Book Launch and Roundtable | Mon., Jan. 17 | 4-6 p.m. | Pastides Alumni Center | Free | celebrate the release of Invisible No More: The African American Experience at the University of South Carolina.

Tuesday, Jan. 18

• Richland County Economic Development 2021 Annual Report Launch | Tues., Jan. 18 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | 701 Whaley — Granby Room | Free | Hear about some of Richland County’s successes and where there are new opportunities for growth.
• Renovation Rodeo: Seminary Ridge | Tues., Jan. 18 | 6-7:30 p.m. | TBD | $10 members + $15 non-members

Wednesday, Jan. 19

• Cheat Codes | Wed., Jan. 19 | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $22+
• Outdoor Family Storytime | Wed., Jan. 19 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Richland Library Main | Free

Thursday, Jan. 20

• Young Leaders Society Oyster Roast | Thurs., Jan. 20 | 5-8 p.m. | City Market, 705 Gervais St. | $40+ | The event will feature live music from Prettier than Matt, food stations and an open bar.
• Yacht Rock Revue | Thurs., Jan. 20 | 8 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $28+ 🦪

• Succulent + Sangria Workshop | Thurs., Jan. 20 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $38 | You’ll be able to select your succulents + decor to make your own terrarium. 🪴
• LCAA 24th Annual Leadership Summit | Thurs., Jan. 20 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Capital City Club - Columbia | $50+, free for members | This half-day conference will highlight the work that local Midlands businesses are doing to make Columbia a leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Young Leaders Society Oyster Roast | Thurs., Jan. 20 | 5-8 p.m. | City Market Place, 705 Gervais St. | $40-50 per person | Shuck oysters, groove to Prettier Than Matt + give back through the silent auction or raffle, benefitting Be a Book Bunny — cold-weather donations are encouraged.*

Friday, Jan. 21

• Alabama 50th Anniversary Tour | Fri., Jan. 21 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $25+ | This concert was originally scheduled for April 24, and all previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new performance date.
• Columbia Baroque Concert: The Musical World of Shakespeare’s Plays | Fri., Jan. 21 | 7-9 p.m. | USC School of Music | $20 | Listen to music from Shakespeare’s most popular plays.
• Free Throw, Worst Party Ever, Bad Luck, and Camp Trash | Fri., Jan. 21 | Doors open at 6 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern | $15+ | This is rescheduled from the postponed show, and all previous tickets will be honored. 🎶
• Mixology 101 | Fri., Jan. 21 | 6:30 p.m. | Capital City Club — Columbia | $10 | Learn how to make four healthy(ish) cocktails that won’t crash your diet.
• KC + the Sunshine Band | Fri., Jan. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $36+

Saturday, Jan. 22

• 9th Annual Pig and Oyster Roast City Roots | Sat., Jan. 22 | 12-5 p.m. | City Roots | $65+ | Your ticket will cover all you can eat, expertly roasted whole hog pulled pork, clusters of SC oysters, F2T Mac n’ Cheese, local collards, cornbread, slaw and baked beans. 🦪
• UofSC Men’s Basketball vs. Georgia | Sat., Jan. 22 | 3:30 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $14+ 🏀
• Britt + Gould Acoustic — Oyster Roast | Sat., Jan. 22 | 6:30-9 p.m. | River Rat Brewery | Free 🦪
• Buckcherry | Sat., Jan. 22 | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $27+ 🍒
• Boo Hag — Final Show | Sat., Jan. 22 | 7 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern | $10+ 🎶
• Shakespeare In the Raw: Two Gentlemen of Verona | Sat., Jan. 22 | 7 p.m. | Brookland Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall, 541 Meeting St. | Free | Shakespeare in the Raw: A 70-minute Community Project features an abridged version of the comedy “Two Gentlemen of Verona.”

Sunday, Jan 23

• Jersey Boys | Sun. Jan. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $43+ | Experience The Four Seasons in the Tony Award-winning true-life musical phenomenon.
• Freeman Sundays | Sun., Jan. 23 | 3-4:30 p.m. | School of Music 206 Recital Hall | $5+ | The concert features the university’s renowned music faculty

Monday, Jan. 24

• UofSC Women’s Basketball vs. Vandy | Mon., Jan. 24 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $6+ 🏀
• Stargazing at the Melton Observatory | Mon., Jan. 24 | 7-9 p.m. | Melton Observatory 201 | Free | See the Moon, planets, stars, and clusters through its telescope. 🔭

Tuesday, Jan. 25

• Vision Board Night | Tues., Jan. 25 | 6-8 p.m. | The Well Collective, 3000 Rosewood Dr. | $11 members + $22 non-members

Wednesday, Jan. 26

• UofSC Men’s Basketball vs. Vandy | Wed., Jan. 26 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $7+
• Bookbinding Workshop | Wed., Jan. 26 | 7 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St | $65 | Learn about the Coptic Stitch bookbinding method and create your own handbound journal or sketchbook from start to finish.
• Coffee & Canvas | Wed., Jan. 26 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Painting with a Twist | $33 |
• Columbia Young Shag Night | Wed., Jan. 26 | 8-10 p.m. | Tin Roof | Free | All ages 18+ are invited to learn the SC state dance, the Carolina shag, every Wednesday night.
• Britt & Gould Acoustic | Wed., Jan 26. | 6-9 p.m. | Gervais and Vine | Free
• AiR Presents: Mary How - Weekly Office Hours | Wed., Jan. 26 | 10 a.m. | Free
• Teen Book Club Meeting | Wed., Jan. 26 | 5:30 p.m. | Richland Library Online | Free
• Bookin’ It in Ballentine | Wed., Jan. 26 | 6:30 p.m. | Richland Library Online | Free

Thursday, Jan. 27

• UofSC Women’s Basketball vs. Ole Miss | Thurs., Jan. 27 | 6 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $20+
• Zoso | Thurs., Jan. 27 | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $16+ | The ultimate Led Zeppelin experience.
• Ryley Walker | Thurs., Jan. 27 | 8 p.m. | if ART Gallery, 1223 Lincoln St. | $15 | On tour in support of his latest release, Course In Fable.
• The Ribbon Cutting for Always Original Bakery | Thurs., Jan. 27 | 5-6 p.m. | 501 Meeting St. | Free | Celebrate the long-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony + enjoy 10% off your entire purchase. 🧁
• Site Specific featuring Sanders Pace Architecture | Thurs., Jan. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $10 | This event is free to members of the Columbia Design League.
• International - Book Discussion Group | Thurs., Jan. 27 | 6:30 p.m. | Richland Library Online | Free

Friday, Jan. 28

• Niko Moon | Fri., Jan. 28 | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $16+
• Eddie Griffin | Fri., Jan. 28 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Comedy House, 2768 Decker Blvd. | $48.50
• Amos Hoffman Trio | Fri., Jan. 28 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Joint at 1710 Main | Free
• BLSD with Tre Smith | Fri., Jan 28 | 5-9 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing | Free | Grab a brew and enjoy live music by Tre Smith.
• Mark Rapp Funktet | Fri., Jan. 28 | 7-10 p.m. | Jazz on Dargan | TBD | …
• Winter Sidewalk Sale | Fri., Jan. 28-Sun., Jan. 30 | All day | Devine St. | Free
• Let’s Speak English | Fri., Jan. 28 | 11 a.m. | Richland Library One | Free

Saturday, Jan. 29

• The Contemporaries Present the Interstellar Soirée | Sat., Jan. 29 | 7-11 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $100+ | Spend the evening underneath the stars at Contemporaries’ annual fundraising ball in your most elegant celestial attire.
• Columbia City Ballets’ Swan Lake | Sat., Jan. 29 | 3 p.m. + 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $25+
• Succulent & Sangria Workshop | Sat., Jan. 29 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $38 | Sangria not included in ticket price.
• Capital City Clogging Classic 2022 | Sat., Jan. 29 | 8 a.m. | Jamil Shrine Circus, 206 Jamil Rd. | Free
• It’s a GULLAH GEECHEE Celebration! | Sat., Jan. 29 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Ave. | Free
• Yoga with Valentine Click | Sat., Jan. 29 | 9 a.m. | Athleta, 720 Cross Hill Rd. | Free | Participants receive a $15 Athleta shop card for purchases the day of.
• Swan Lake | Sat., Jan. 29 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $25+
• Cooperative Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Soda City | Sat., Jan. 29 | 9 a.m. | Richland Library St. Andrews | Free
• It’s a GULLAH GEECHEE Celebration | Sat., Jan. 29 | 11 a.m. | Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Ave. | Free

Sunday, Jan. 30

• The Palmetto Opera presents Rigoletto | Sun., Jan. 30 | 3 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $45+ | A classic tale of tragedy, Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto is one of the most famous operas ever written.

Monday, Jan. 31

• Stargazing at the Melton Observatory | Mon., Jan. 31 | 7-9 p.m. | Melton Observatory 201| Free | See the Moon, planets, stars, and clusters through its telescope.