What to do in Columbia during USC’s Family Weekend
McKissick Museum is located on the Horseshoe in the center of the USC campus. | Photo by COLAtoday
USC’s Family Weekend will begin, on Friday, Sept. 22, and run through Saturday, Sept. 23. It’s an opportunity for the families of USC students to experience the true essence of the Carolina community while exploring USC’s campus.
This year’s Family Weekend offers a lineup of signature events filled with entertainment, the chance to meet USC’s president, and a traditional tailgate party ahead of the football game against Mississippi State.
But don’t just limit your visit to campus activities; we’ve got a few local recommendations to help you make the most of your time in Columbia.
Soda City in fall | Photo by COLAtoday team
Sightseeing
A trip to Cola wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic State House. Consider stopping by after attending our local Saturday market, Soda City. For a deeper understanding of Columbia, consider taking a local tour.
Take a picture at the Five Points Postcard mural, perfect for a group photo. Columbia boasts an impressive collection of public art, with around 200 pieces scattered throughout the city. Be sure to check out One Columbia’s public art directory or our mural guide, featuring 36 captivating art displays.
Pair your evening with an alfresco drink on Smoked’s front or back patio | Photo via SmokedSC Facebook Page
Food + Beverages
As the sun sets, elevate your experience at one of the city’s rooftop bars, such as Hendrix, Black Rooster, or Savage Craft Ale Works. Pro tip: If you’re not attending the game but still want a game-time atmosphere, River Rat Brewery has a rooftop bar with a view of Williams-Brice Stadium.
For the caffeine aficionados who need a morning boost, read through our coffee guide and before you head home, don’t skip on a local Sunday brunch.
We’ve got you covered with plenty of recommendations to help you navigate Columbia’s diverse culinary scene:
Follow this guide and we think you’ll love Columbia as much as we do.
Events
Thursday, Sept. 21
Concert in the Gardens | Thursday, Sept. 21 | 5-7 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia | $20 | Bring your own blanket or chairs, and pack a picnic if you’d like.
Daddy’s Beemer, Sunhouse, Slow Funeral, Travel Therapy | Thursday, Sept. 21 | 6-11 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia | $12-$15 | Charleston indie rock band Daddy’s Beemer returns with support from several outstanding local acts.
The ART of Real Estate | Karma Keg Social | Thursday, Sept. 21 | 4:30-7 p.m. | Craft and Draft, 2706 Devine St., Columbia | Free | Show up, make a donation, enjoy free beer, and celebrate community by supporting a local nonprofit.
Friday, Sept. 22
2023 Therapalooza: The Greatest Show in the Southeast | Friday, Sept. 22 | 6:30-10:30 p.m. | The Goodman Building, 1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia | $105-$275 | The event features live music, food, and tickets will benefit Therapy Place programs.
Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop | Friday, Sept. 22 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | PlantHouse - Columbia, 702 Cross Hill Rd. #400B, Columbia | $35 | Your pumpkin will be the center of attention after this workshop.
Saturday, Sept. 23
Gamecocks Football vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Williams-Brice Stadium, 1174 George Rogers Blvd., Columbia | $75-$130 | Head to Willy B. and watch the Gamecocks take on Mississippi State at home.
Cornhole Tournament | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 4-8 p.m. | Capital City Cornhole, 1223 Franklin St., Columbia | $50 per team | This tournament is for all skill levels.
Spice Wing — a chicken wing restaurant offering a variety of spices, unique flavors, and different styles of fries — announced on its social media that it will be coming soon to 4400 Fort Jackson Blvd., suite 600B. This will be the first SC location and an opening date has not been set.
Sports
South Carolina women’s basketball announced their 2023-24 non-conference schedule, featuring 13 games, with seven hosted at Colonial Life Arena. The season begins in Paris against Notre Dame on Nov. 6 + tipoff times will come later. (Gamecocks Online)
Civic
Columbia City Council approved an ordinance to increase council members’ salaries from $13,350 to $20,350 annually in a 5-2 vote. The change aims to attract candidates from diverse economic backgrounds and will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. (The State)
Soda Citizens
Two USC student-athletes, Jalen Clark and Misa Malkin, participated in New York Fashion Week as part of an educational experience offered by CLC (Collegiate Licensing Company) + IMG (the operator of New York Fashion Week). This opportunity provided insights into the fashion industry and confirmed their career interests. (Gamecocks Online)
Eat
Restaurant Week Midlands — a time when local restaurants will offer special deals to encourage people to try new restaurants and eat locally — will begin on Thursday, Oct. 5, and will run through Sunday, Oct. 15. Participating restaurants will feature new dishes, fan favorites, and multi-course menus.
Festival
Cayce’s annual Fall Fest — a free, family-friendly event — will take place at Granby Gardens Park on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 12 to 6 p.m. Enjoy live music, local food and drinks, dance to a DJ, and keep the kids entertained with various activities like face painting, a petting zoo, and inflatables.
On February 14, 2022, we posted on our Instagram that Bitty and Beau’s Coffee — a coffee shop that aims to employ and include those with disabilities — was coming to Columbia. Over 2,000 people liked the post and 74 people commented, mostly showing excitement about the new shop.
Yesterday, the shop announced its location; 1001 Gervais St., where Marble Slab Creamery used to be. The date has not been announced, but the coffee shop encourages locals to follow along on social media for coming updates.
This will be Bitty and Beau’s Coffee shop’s second location in SC, with the first located in Charleston.
If you’re visiting Cola this weekend, welcome! Our guide will make sure you’ll be living like a local. My personal pro tip would be to read through our Gamecock gameday guide so you’re up to date on all things gameday — parking, tailgating, tickets, and more.
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