Oktoberfest: Incarnation Lutheran Church

Friday October 14, 2011 - Saturday October 15, 2011

Holy Schnitzel! Look at this menu - Sauerbraten - marinated beef roast braised w/savory gravy Bratkartoffeln; German fried potatoes w/bacon and onion; Holy Schnitzel breaded pork w/lemon, fried Viennese style Jaeger Schnitzel in rich mushroom gravy; Spatzle traditional German noodles; Apfel Kuchen apple cakes... it goes on and on! Check out the menu here.
Add in a German Beer on Tap and a German Bakery, live music by The German Connection Band and The Happy Musicians and you just saved yourself airfare to the Mutterland. An authentic Oktoberfest right here in Columbia! Come out and help the folks at Incarnation Lutheran Church turn this into an annual celebration!

Visit the festival website.
Incarnation Lutheran Church
3005 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
803-256-2381

Boo at the Zoo: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Friday October 14, 2011 - Sunday October 16, 2011

I know your kids are begging you to wear their halloween costumes to school, to church, to go see Nana, to visit the grocery store... well here's a weekend well ahead of the traditional Halloween where that attire is absolutely appropriate. And Halloween costumes cost too much to just use 'em one time! It’s Boo at the Zoo in the Zoo at night!
Festivities include a marching in the nightly costume parade, enjoying a marshmallow roast, foaming it up in Frankenstein's Foam Zone, getting lost in the Mysterious Maze and doing the Monster Mash at Mummy’s Eeky Freaky Dance Party and much much more. Visit the Boo at the Zoo webpage for details.

Family Fun Night - A Spooktacular Night at the Museum: Columbia Museum of Art

Saturday October 15, 2011 - 5pm - 9pm

Wear your costume and enjoy A Spooktacular Night at the Museum. Adults and their children can enjoy spooky tours of the Museum's collection, decorate pumpkins, create their own works of art and have dinner and treats with a variety of food and drinks for purchase.

Scheduled activities: Stories from beyond the Grave - Storytelling in the "graveyard" by Darion McCloud; John Tudor Magic Show; Spooky Tour

On going:

§ Art Stations:

§ Decorate a Pumpkin

§ Little Ghosts and Goblins make a Halloween painting

§ Mask Making Station

§ Face Painting Station

§ Haunted Garden - enjoy a stroll through the Haunted Garden

Free with admission or membership. Visit the Columbia Museum of Art for details.

USMC Ultimate Challenge Mud Run: Registration Still Open

Saturday October 15, 2011

The USMC Mud Run is a 5.2-mile course with 36 obstacles that each 4-person team needs to maneuver requiring team work and loads of determination. The 5.2-mile course is an all-terrain race conducted on trails to included mud holes, walls, trenches, and other challenging obstacles that require swimming, crawling, climbing and jumping. Since 1993, the Greater Columbia Marine Foundation has hosted the USMC Ultimate Challenge Mud Run which has grown to attract participants from all across the United States. In 2010. the USMC Ultimate Challenge Mud Run reached capacity with 3,600 teams and over 14,000 participants, making this the LARGEST Mud Run in North America. Because of the overwhelming response the Foundation made the decision to host two events per year, one in the fall and one in the spring. This will allow organizers to provide a higher quality event for everyone involved. Visit the USMC Mud Run website for registration and details.

The Lexington County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale

Saturday October 15, 2011

Let's enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend and let's work outside and plant! The Lexington County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale will be Oct 15 from 8AM till Noon at the Lexington County Museum, 231 Fox St., Lexington. Shrubs, perennials, house plants, small trees, miscellaneous garden items and container gardens will be for sale. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions. Proceeds benefit the Sam Cheathum Scholarship Fund. Visit the Master Gardeners' website.

Fifth Annual Furball Moonlight Gala: Pawmetto Lifeline

Saturday October 15, 2011

Mark your calendar and join us for fun, frolic and fancy at the Pawmetto Lifeline Fur Ball Moonlight Gala. Cocktails, heavy hors d'oeurves and dancing fill the evening along with live and silent auctions, and plenty of entertainment to keep your tail wagging all night! We have over 200 exciting items to bid on the night of Fur Ball! View a sample of our auction items here and start bidding!
Tickets are $100 each. Call (803)407-0991 extension 1004 or email furball@pawmettolifeline.org / Visit the Furball webpage for details.

Haunted History: Lexington County Museum

Thursday October 20, 2011 and Friday October 21, 2011

Haunted History Halloween Program
See the Lexington County Museum offers a rare and unforgettable experience – the chance to see and touch a way of life gone forever... literally! Take the night time spooky tour of its structures and learn about some haunting aspects of the early history of Lexington County. The Museum complex, located in the heart of Lexington, encompasses seven acres and features 36 historic structures.

Lexington County Museum
231 Fox Street
Lexington, SC
October 20 and 21, 2011
Tours start at 7, 7:30, 8, and 8:30 p.m.

Clinton Sease Farm Corn Maze

Now through November 20, 2011

The Dark Ages wait to be explored by knights and ladies. Learn the customs and life in medieval Europe in the Age of Chivalry as you embark on a fantastic journey through the Corn Maze. We extend a special welcome to you, as you make this part of your fall family tradition. Along the way you will find clues, pictures, and games. Maize-o-Vision secret decoders help you navigate the multi-acre puzzle. Can you find your way out? The Maize at Clinton Sease Farm is a great way for families, scouts, schools, youth groups, and corporate parties to enjoy victory together! Visit the Clinton Sease Farm website!

The Robert B. Ariail Collection of Historical Astronomy: South Carolina State Museum

The South Carolina State Museum and the University of South Carolina are joint recipients of a world-class collection of historic telescopes and astronomy books, documents and equipment donated by a Midlands resident. Astronomy collector Robert B. Ariail of Columbia has given the institutions his collection of more than 5200 books, documents, historic and modern telescopes, plus binoculars, lenses and other scientific equipment related to the study of the universe. More on the State Museum website.

Steam Train Rides: South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro SC

Saturday & Sunday - October 15, 16, 22 and 23, 2011

Hear the bellow of the engine and the whine of the whistle in October at the SOUTH CAROLINA RAILROAD MUSEUM. A new engine is being featured this year - the Lehigh Valley Coal Co. #126. You'll love it! Download the flyer here.

Dollar Sunday at Historic House Museums

Sunday October 16, 2011

Enjoy touring one of Columbia's well-preserved historic homes this Sunday for the incredible admission price of just $1! Visit the Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion or the Mann-Simons Cottage. Visit the Historic Columbia Foundation for details.

SHOP AT SHANDON!

Tuesday, October 18 from 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Get a head start on your holiday shopping ... and support local merchants. Join us for our third annual Shop at Shandon Extravaganza. Local merchants include:

§ Alicia’s Gifts and Invites

§ Paws-Atively the Best

§ Beijo Purses

§ Pixie Handmade Jewelry

§ The Carousel

§ Private P.O.

§ Dr. Energy Savers

§ Shine

§ Imagine This Boutique

§ Thirty-one Gifts

§ Miss Cocky

§ Tigerchics

§ Nancy Reynolds by Design

§ V.I.P. Exclusives ...and many more!

Shandon United Methodist Church
3407 Devine Street
Dunn-Smith Ministries Center
Supports Shandon Preschool and Shandon United Methodist Children’s Ministries. Sponsored by Shandon United Methodist Preschool.

Fabulous Ongoing Events, Upcoming Events, News and Special Offers!

Through Fiery Trials: Religion in the Civil War | South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum
Now - May 12, 2011

An estimated 3,694 Union and Confederate chaplains served during the Civil War with an estimated 150,000 Confederate conversions or baptisms during the war and a similar number of revivals on the Union side. “Through Fiery Trials” will examine the experiences of chaplains, soldiers and citizens while challenging guests to assess the similarities in the role that religion played for both Northerners and Southerners during the War. The exhibit will highlight Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish faiths and feature rare religious objects owned by some of the most storied figures from the war. Among the exhibit’s items are bibles that belonged to generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, a crucifix carried into battle by general George Pickett of the famous Pickett’s charge, a Jewish sweet meat bowl and a soldier’s bible that was struck by a bullet and has the resulting hole through it and much more. Visit the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum's website for more information.

Save the Dates! August Osage County: Trustus Theatre
Opens Friday October 21, 2011

Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award. A vanished father. A pill-popping mother. Three sisters harboring shady little secrets. When the large Weston family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. Mix in Violet, the drugged-up, scathingly acidic matriarch, and you've got a major new play that unflinchingly—and uproariously—exposes the dark side of the Midwestern American family. This show will leave you breathless as it unfolds before your eyes! Shows at Trustus Theatre in the Vista on Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Friday & Saturdays at 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 3:00 PM. Tickets Prices: Thursdays $20 Fridays & Saturdays $22.50 Sundays $17.50

Oktoberfest Lake Cruise: Spirit of Lake Murray
Friday October 28, 2011

Hearty German cuisine is the main attraction on this special dinner cruise aboard Lake Murray's only dinner-cruise yacht, the beautiful Spirit of Lake Murray! The menu includes Cucumber Salad, Sauerbraten-Roast Beef, Mustard Pork Chops, Boiled Potatoes, German Style Green Beans and Quark Pudding for dessert! A cash bar will allow diners to treat themselves to their favorite beer, wine or cocktail. Cruise the lake for 2.5 hours and enjoy a lovely sunset, see the moon and stars reflect in the water and feel a refreshing breeze! You're going to love it! Visit the Spirit of Lake Murray website for details.

Columbia Welcomes A New Comedy Club: The Comedy Zone!
Friday Nights

The Comedy Zone comes to Columbia, South Carolina! The largest comedy club network in America, each show features two great comedians touring the Southeast. Now we'll be able to enjoy top tier comedy acts too... and this Friday night, October 14, you'll be rolling with the comedy of Jerry Farber and Roger Keiss. Two shows - 8pm and 10pm. For details, visit The Comedy Zone on the web.

Parents' Night Out
Every Friday Night

Bring your children to Lake Murray Gymnastics for a great evening of fun they'll be talking about for weeks - while you enjoy some "me" time. Parents' Night Out is held every Friday evening at our brand new, state of the art, 10,000sq ft. gymnastics training center in Irmo. Along with supervised activities on our equipment, including trampoline, kids will build confidence and meet new friends. We have been teaching gymnastics in the Columbia area since 2005.
For more information, visit the Lake Murray Gymnastics website.

Save the Date! 4th Annual Italian Festival & Bocce Tournament
Saturday October 22, 2011

Italians love to have a good time... and you can join them for one of Columbia's best outdoor parties! From 10am - 10pm on Main Street in downtown Columbia, you'll be treated to delicious Italian foods like their signature pepperoni rolls, pizza and dolce (out-of-this-world pastries), gelato... an Italian Fresh Market, learn about Italian-American culture, delight in this year's main attraction - Ray Massa's EURORHYTHMS, the best Italian-American band in the USA! Participate in a bocce tournament, learn to dance the Tarantella, let your kids play games, listen to stories, and stomp grapes! Your entire family will love this really great event, hosted by the Bella Italia Lodge 2808. Visit the Italian Festival website for details and mark this one on your calendar!

The Chili Cookoff: Five Points
Saturday October 22, 2011

The Chili Cookoff is an annual charity event which donates to a number of charities. It's a production of Group Therapy in Five Points and will be held on Saturday, October 22. This year's charities are Columbia's own CAMP KEMO (a program run by Palmetto Health), and The Disabilities Board Of Charleston County. Each year the event becomes larger than the previous year and in the heart of it all are the incredible chefs and cooks who donate their time, ingredients, recipes and talent. Visit the Chili Cookoff website for details.

Save the Date! Lexington Oktoberfest!
Saturday October 22, 2011

Lexington's Oktoberfest is sure to have something for everyone. Admission is FREE! Visit the "German Village" from noon to 5pm where you will find arts and craft vendors, free giveaways, and activities for the little ones, like "bouncy castles" , face painting, crafts, balloons and more! Local businesses will be providing an eclectic mix of activities, giveaways and services for the whole family to enjoy! At the center of it all will be the "Oompah Tent" with authentic German food, German beer & live German music from noon until 10pm. After 5pm Oktoberfest is going to be joined by it's good friend Rocktoberfest, brought to you by Main Street Cafe of Lexington! Several bands will be playing live on an outdoor stage. Details online at the Lexington Oktoberfest website.

Save the Dates! Tricks and Treats at the State Museum
Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011 and Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Chills, thrills and frightful fun!
Watch out for ghosts, ghouls and goblins as the museum presents its annual Halloween event for families, “Tricks and Treats at the State Museum!”

Offering safe Halloween fun the last two Saturdays of October, children will enjoy:

• “Peanuts” characters from Carowinds on Saturday, Oct. 22;
• Piggly Wiggly’s Mr. Pig (both weekends!);
• Haunted Halloween Party with “goblin games” and spooky prizes for everyone;
• Haunted gallery scavenger hunt with prizes;
• Balloon art by Nick Propst with his Catalina macaw, Trixie;
• “Creepy” crafts and coloring;
• Face painting ($2);
• Pumpkin painting ($2);

All activities are FREE with Museum admission or Membership unless otherwise noted.
Come in costume for “Tricks and Treats” and receive $1 OFF regular Museum admission. Don’t miss it! Visit the State Museum website for details.

Freak Show: Unbound Dance
Thursday October 27, 2011

Get your freak on Thursday, October 27 for Unbound Dance’s third annual Carpe Noctem FREAK SHOW. This freaky fundraising event includes performances from UNBOUND Dance, Columbia Alternacirque and Party Time Gurls featuring Carla Cox. DJ Lola will pump rocking music on the dance floor while emcee Alex Smith carries the audience through the FREAK SHOW experience. Be sure to put on your craziest carnival costume for a chance to win the FREAK SHOW Costume Contest. In addition, there will be freaky carnival attractions, light food and cash bar. Carpe Noctem FREAK SHOW will be hosted at 701 Whaley, Columbia, SC 29201. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online, www.unbounddance.com.

Save the Dates! Dracula: Columbia City Ballet
October 27, 2011 - October 29, 2011

Already known as the coolest dance show yet to play the Koger Center, Columbia City Ballet’s Dracula: Ballet With A Bite returns with new blood for this “must see” Halloween favorite. Count Dracula and his Brides of Darkness are back with new choreography, costumes and palpitating music in this cutting-edge production. Dracula is always a favorite with its haunting visuals, graphic special effects and pulsating rock/jazz musical score composed by the late Thomas E. Semanski.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Halloween:
October 27 (Student Night- all students with ID get a $10 ticket, any seat), October 28, and October 29th (Adult Costume Contest Night) all at 7:30 pm

Visit the Columbia City Ballet for all the info!

Save the Dates! Friday October 28 & Saturday October 29, 2011

The 2011 Balloons, Blues and BBQ will kick off on Friday, October 28 at 3 p.m. The colorful and brilliantly decorated hot air balloons will light up the sky as darkness falls across the land. If you haven’t witnessed the breathtaking spectacle of a collection of giant balloons, don’t miss this opportunity. The event is held on the scenic and spacious private property adjacent to the Blythewood Community Center, 311 Blythewood Road. Last year’s event drew an incredible response and this year’s two day event promises to be even better with 20 colorful hot air balloons, 18 competing professional BBQ teams and array of Blues Music. On Friday night, come for the “Sampling”. Guests will enjoy a variety of food from the BBQ contestants when they serve “Anything Butt” – meaning anything but BBQ as they prepare for the next day’s Bar-B-Que competition. The cost for sampling six items is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. On Saturday bring your kids in their Halloween Costumes for spooky stories, Trick or Treat, a costume competition (for both kids and adults) Tethered balloon rides that go 25 to 30 feet up in the air will be available Friday and Saturday. The official BBQ Cook Off will begin as Friday evening’s events conclude. With over 8,000 people expected to attend this two day event, Saturday’s festivities begin at sunrise with “The Hare and the Hound” balloon race. Each hot air balloon will navigate towards a painted ‘X’ in the field and try to drop a bag of grits onto the mark. The balloonist whose bag is closest to the ‘X’ wins a cash prize. The fun continues throughout the day with food, vendors, tethered balloon rides. Visit the Blythewood festival website for details.

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