Thursday

Chef showdown

The second annual Famously Hot Chef Showdown will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the WLTX Stage at the South Carolina State Fair. The featured chefs, chosen by Facebook vote, who will be racing against each other — and a clock: Travis Ellis, Thirsty Fellow; Carlos Brown, Momo’s Bistro; and Daniel Wood, Blue Marlin. Darren McGrady, former chef to Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and other royal family members, is the head judge. UNBOUND Dance Company will perform its “Thriller” choreography during the judging deliberations. For more, visit www.scstatefair.org.

Friday

Oktoberfest

Incarnation Lutheran Church will host its second annual Oktoberfest, a three-day celebration of German food and culture. The food: Weiner schnitzel, Jaeger schnitzel and bratwurst with sides of spaetzle, sauerkraut or brat kartoffeln (fried potatoes with bacon and onion), as well as lighter fare and deserts. The beer: German beer on tap includes Widmer Brothers’ Okto Festival Ale, Magic Hat’s Hex Ourtoberfest and Hoegaarden. Domestic brews will also be available. The entertainment: Die Lustigen Musikanten (The Happy Musicians) and The German Connection Band. For the kids: bounce castles, face painting and a playground. On Sunday, there will be lectures at 2 and 4 p.m. The event will be held 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-7:30 p.m. Sunday. The church is at 3005 Devine St. Free; (803) 256-7456

Saturday

Mud Run

The USMC Ultimate Challenge Mud Run, the now bi-annual mud-slinging event, will start at 7:30 a.m. at The Leatherneck, the course in Sandy Run. If you’re not running but are curious about why people choose to climb over — and under and through, really — physically-draining obstacles, you should check this out. Just don’t wear your good shoes. Walking anywhere near the course is liable to get you muddy. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to register for the spring competition. For more, visit www.usmcmudrun.org.