Go Columbia: A week of event picks, Nov. 19-25

THURSDAY

MARCH OF DIMES SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION

A cocktail reception, silent auction and generous samplings of signature dishes from Columbia-area restaurants precede a live auction with culinary and entertainment packages. Tickets are $200, with proceeds supporting March of Dimes’ programs for healthy babies.

36TH ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SOUPER

Another good cause, the annual Souper benefits the Women’s Shelter. It’s a great event to grab a few friends for a simple meal of chicken soup, provided by Chick-fil-A of Columbia, and fellowship. All Souper guests guests will receive a Chick-fil-A food coupon. Tickets are $5.

2ND ANNUAL OYSTER AND BBQ BASH

This event kicks off a weekend of events for the Colonial Cup and will feature live music by Second Nature, oysters, barbecue with all the fixings, and beer and wine. Catered by The Catery on Broad. Tickets are $40.

FRIDAY

GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY CRAFT SHOW AND SALE

Check out the bling at this show, featuring jewelry, beads, loose stones, fossils, minerals, gold, silver and more. Geodes will be sold and cut, and rock collections will be exhibited. South Carolina amethyst on display. Adults, $5; 16 and younger and all military and dependents, free with adult.

JAZZ ON MAIN

Special guest trombonist Ron Westray, a Columbia native, joins artistic director Noel Freidline and his trio at the Columbia Museum of Art. Westray is best known for his work as lead trombonist with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. $35; members, $28; students, $5.

HOLIDAY HOME TOURS

Historic Columbia opens its doors for holiday tours of its historic house museums. Guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Tours run through Sunday, Jan. 3 at Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion. Proceeds benefit the Historic Columbia Foundation. Adults, $9; youth ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and under and Historic Columbia members, free; AAA adults, seniors 65 and older, college students w/ ID, and active military, $6; AAA youth, $4.

Saturday

SANTA SIGNING DAY

Get a jump on holiday shopping with a one-day storewide sale of 30 percent off, including holiday décor and gift items. And, get a glimpse of Victorian Santa, as he signs free holiday greetings and takes photos. Enjoy cookies and drinks and register for giveaways at this free event.

THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS MUSICAL

Christmas time at north Florida’s Armadillo Acres means everyone’s filled with warmth and beer. But when a freak bout of amnesia strikes Darlene, the trailer park Scrooge, neighborly love is put to the test. Adults, $35; seniors and military, $33; students with valid ID, $25.

Sunday

GREATEST HITS

The Palmetto Concert Band kicks off its 2015-16 season with a free concert featuring some of what the group calls “the greatest composers for band.” Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to Harvest Hope Food Bank.

HITS OF THE BIG SCREEN

Join the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra for some of the greatest music from “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Band of Brothers,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Titanic,” “Jurassic Park,” “Star Trek,” “Master & Commander,” “The Magnificent Seven,” “Dances with Wolves” and “The Empire Strikes Back.” Free, but donations accepted.

‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’

One of America’s favorite holiday movie classics closes its run at Town Theatre. Adults, $25; seniors 65 and older, active-duty military and full-time college students, $20; youth 17 and younger, $15.

Monday

18TH ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN FILM AND VIDEO FESTIVAL OF THE SOUTHEAST

This five-day community-based event presents the richness and variety of indigenous cinematic expressions, educating folks about contemporary Native American talent and issues and discussing film and its power to entertain while telling Native stories by Native people.

SLEIGH BELL STROLL AND TROT

A unique nighttime family fun walk and 5K run amid the decorative light displays of Holiday Lights on the River, the Midlands largest drive-through lights show. Participants enjoy a sneak preview of more than 1 million sparkling lights. Proceeds benefit the Saluda Shoals Foundation.

Tuesday

‘GEORGIA O’KEEFFE: HER CAROLINA STORY’

An exhibition of 14 works examining American painter Georgia O’Keeffe’s intimate artistic epiphany experienced in South Carolina. The exhibition celebrates the 100th anniversary of O’Keeffe’s time teaching at Columbia College and the untold story of her development as modernist. $12

SECOND SHIFT TWOSDAYS

In a celebration of the the history of its building and the mill workers who decades ago worked the second shift, the State Museum is extending its Tuesday hours. Each Tuesday the museum will feature something different, which may include programs, planetarium shows, 4-D movies, lunar observing, exhibit previews, food and beverage events, discounts and more.

Wednesday

‘THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM’

This full dome planetarium experience takes viewers back in time to Jerusalem and Bethlehem to investigate ideas about the “Christmas Star.” The show presents historical and scientific facts to unravel this 2,000-year old mystery through a special audiovisual display featuring popular Christmas carols. Show runs select days and times through Jan. 3. $11.95-$13.95.

CAROLINA BALLET’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’

Carolina Ballet, founded by Ann Brodie (who also founded Columbia City Ballet), is a perfect treat for the Thanksgiving weekend. The production features talented community dancers, and is a great way to support local performers and get into the spirit with this holiday favorite. Admission, $12.50-$20.50.

‘US: A CIVIL WAR’

Dan Smith’s new body of work includes mixed media paintings, as well as photographs and installations inspired by the American Civil War. The artist traveled throughout the United States visiting specific Civil War, many presented 150 year-old re-enactments. Along with extensive reading, the sites became inspiration for Smith’s artworks.

This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 10:58 AM.