USC and the Columbia area has a lot more to offer than meets the eye when it comes to culture. Here are a few methods to make the most of your time here.
On Campus
From plays or operas at Longstreet Theatre (1300 Greene St.) and Drayton Hall Theatre (1214 College St.) to everything in between at the Koger Center (1051 Greene St.)There are many options on campus to catch your fill for live performance. Both Longstreet and Drayton Hall theatres offer a wide variety of plays throughout the year, usually geared toward the season or upcoming holidays. The next play is “The Threepenny Opera” and will run from Oct. 2 to 10 in the Longstreet Theatre. Ticket prices range from $12 for students to $18 for the general public.
The Koger Center is the arts hub of Columbia, hosting university, local and international groups such as the Columbia City Ballet, South Carolina Philharmonic, USC Symphony Orchestra and many more. Ticket prices can range from $5 to $50 depending on the event, and if it is a university-sponsored event, students may be able to attend free of charge with the use of their CarolinaCards. A quick walk by the Koger Center’s scrolling events calendar is an easy way to keep up-to-date on new shows and events.
Off Campus
If you have more time, venture off campus to see some of Columbia’s many venues. For an inexpensive night out with family or friends, a quick bite in the Vista and a movie at the Nickelodeon (1607 Main St.) is the way to go. The Nick offers unique and independent films as well as time for conversations before and after a movie is shown. Tickets generally run between $8 and $10 depending on the time of the showing.
The museum lovers in your family may have difficulty choosing from Columbia’s great options. On campus, the McKissick Museum (816 Bull St.) offers rotating exhibitions that showcase southern community and culture.
For those with a burgeoning artistic side, there's the Columbia Museum of Art (1515 Main St.), with exceptional collections and exhibitions throughout the year. They also offer hands-on learning sessions or speaker events, several of which are free. The admission is $5 for students and $12 for adults Tuesday through Saturday and free on Sundays.
Historic Columbia Foundation (1601 Richland St.) has a wide variety of options from seasonal events to tours of historic homes such as the Woodrow Wilson Family Home or the Robert Mills House and Gardens. On the third Sunday of every month, a historical property is featured and can be toured for $1.
Columbia offers many opportunities; chances are you'll find keep finding new things to experience for the time you're here.