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  • A group of students doing a yoga pose with goats walking around.

Thursday After Dark

Have you heard of TAD? Thursday After Dark (TAD) is your source for late-night entertainment every Thursday throughout the semester. Like escape rooms? Bowling? Trivia? Or baseball games? Many TAD events are at venues off-campus (transportation is provided) so you have an opportunity to get off campus and experience Columbia as a source for entertainment and fun with friends!

Fall 2025 Calendar 

🎬 RecFlix N Chill
📍 Wellness & Fitness Center Fields
🕣 August 19 | 8:30 PM

Kick off the semester with an evening full of fun, food, and fan-favorite entertainment—all for FREE! 🎉

What's Happening:

🎲 Campus Recreation activities and games across the fields!
🍿 Tasty snacks and refreshments provided!
🌌 Outdoor movie screening under the stars!

This year’s feature film, How to Train Your Dragon, begins at 8:30 PM - bring a cozy blanket, lawn chair, or your comfiest lounge gear!

Grab your friends, rep your garnet & black, and join us for one of the first big events of the semester!

  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

⚾ Take Me Out to the Ballgame - Fall Edition!

Fall is here, and there's no better way to spend a crisp evening than under the lights at Segra Park! Join us for a night at the ballpark with our hometown team, the Columbia Fireflies.

Grab your friends, throw on your favorite hoodie, and enjoy a classic night of baseball, snacks, and school spirit!

🕖 Game starts at 7:00 PM

🚌 Shuttles loop continuously from the Horseshoe from 6:00–11:30 PM.

Your FREE ticket will be available at the Gamecock Entertainment tent located near the box office.

  • Tickets are first come first serve.
  • After tickets run out, you may purchase one for a discounted price at the box office.
  • There is parking available, however, there is a fee.
  • A shuttle will be available to and from The Horseshoe starting at 6pm.
  • Cash is not used at the ballpark so please plan accordingly!
  • The stadium adheres to a STRICT clear bag policy.
  • If you have any other questions about the stadium, you will find the answers here.
  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

Cocky’s Quest 

🗓️ September 2 
🕖 7:00–10:00 PM 
📍 Start at the Russell House Patio

🗺️ Grab your team and get ready to race across campus in this high-energy scavenger hunt! Solve clues, complete challenges, and explore iconic spots as you compete for prizes and bragging rights.

🕵️‍♂️ Whether you’re in it to win it or just looking for a fun way to see campus, Cocky’s Quest is the ultimate way to spend your Tuesday night!

  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

Thursday After Dark: Outdoor Laser Tag

🕖 Thursday, September 4, 2025 
7:00 PM 10:00 PM 
📍 Blatt Field

Join us for an action-packed night of outdoor laser tag on Blatt Field! The area will be set up with inflatable barriers and laser tag equipment for fast-paced games under the lights. Play with friends or jump in with other students—everyone is welcome, no experience necessary.

  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

📍 Par Tee Golf Center, West Columbia, SC 
🗓  Wednesday, September 11 
7:0010:00 PM

Join us for a fun-filled night at Par Tee, Columbia’s glow-in-the-dark mini golf experience! Whether you're showing off your short game or just vibing with friends, this event promises great photo ops, music, and laid-back fun. All equipment is provided — just bring your game face and your CarolinaCard! 

  • 📝 Sign up required. 
  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🕖 7:00–10:00 PM 
📍 South Carolina State Museum 
🚌 Shuttles loop continuously from the Horseshoe throughout the event

Explore the South Carolina State Museum—After Hours!

Experience one of Columbia’s coolest spots like never before with a special night just for USC students!

Wander through four floors of exhibits, enjoy interactive experiences, and dive into South Carolina’s history, science, and art.

Whether you’re into dinosaurs, space, or just snapping cool photos, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss this unique opportunity!

  • 🚌 Shuttles loop continuously from the Horseshoe throughout the event.
  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🎨 Summer Doodles: Painting Class  
📍 Capstone 101 
🕖 7:00–10:00 PM

Unleash your creativity at this step-by-step painting class led by a local artist: Summer Doodles! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, this relaxing and fun session is for everyone. All supplies are provided—just bring yourself and your friends.

Come create something beautiful and take home your very own masterpiece! 

  • 📝 Sign up required.
  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

Sweet Success: A Night at Ally & Eloise Bakeshop 

🗓️ October 2 
🕕 6:00–10:00 PM 
📍 Ally & Eloise Bakeshop 
🚌 Shuttles available to and from the event

Join us for a cozy evening at one of Columbia’s favorite local spots! Decorate your own cupcakes, enjoy sweet treats, and hear from the team behind Ally & Eloise about entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and building a brand from scratch.

We’ll also have trivia, prizes, and plenty of photo-worthy moments!

Space is limited—sign up is required to reserve your spot.

  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🎉 Bustle at the Russell 
📍 Russell House 
🕖 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

We’re throwing a birthday bash for Russell House’s 70th—and you’re invited! 🎂🎈

Come celebrate with events and activities happening on every floor of the building. From games and giveaways to crafts, treats, and surprises, there's something for everyone! 

Let’s make this milestone unforgettable—don’t miss the party of the semester! 🎁🥳

  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ October 30 
🕘 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM 
📍 Blatt Student Recreation Center

Hey Gamecocks, we’ve got pumpkin to talk about...Everyone’s favorite spooky event is back! Join us (if you dare) at Blatt for an eerily irresistible night of thrills and chills!

🎃 Groups of 5 or fewer will be allowed to enter together
🎃 CarolinaCards required for entry
🎃 Full or partial Halloween masks & face paint are not permitted
🎃 No props, including costume weapons
🎃 No outside food or drink allowed
🎃 USC clear bag policy will be strictly enforced

  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

⚠️ Warning: This event contains strobe lights, sudden loud noises, and theatrical fog/haze. If you’re prone to photosensitive seizures, please take precautions.

Want to volunteer? Reach out to Gamecock Entertainment at ge@mailbox.sc.edu for more info.

Music Bingo at Village Idiot

🗓️ November 6 
🕘 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM 
📍 Village Idiot, Five Points

Bring your friends and test your music knowledge skills at Village Idiot! Enjoy  food and drinks while you compete in a night full of fun and friendly competition—all right in the heart of Five Points.

  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🕘 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM 
📍 Lucky Strike Cayce 
🚌 Shuttles run continuously from the Horseshoe starting at 8:30 PM until 1:30 AM

This week’s Thursday After Dark will be right up your alley 🎳
Grab your friends or come solo to Lucky Strike Cayce to practice your strike! This event is first come, first serve.

  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

📍 Russell House Underground 
🕕 7pm-10pm

Think You Know It All? Prove It at TAD Trivia Night!

Grab your friends and head to the Underground for a night of fast-paced trivia, free snacks, and fun prizes. Whether you're a pop culture pro, history buff, or just in it for the vibes—there’s a place for you. No team? No problem—we’ll match you up!

  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

❄️ Thursday After Dark: Winter Village 
📍 Russell House 322 & Davis Field 
🕕 December 4 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Step into the magic of the holiday season at our cozy Winter Village! 🎄
Enjoy an evening filled with festive fun, twinkling lights, and all the holiday vibes. ✨

☕ Warm up with hot cocoa
🎨 Make holiday crafts
🎶 Enjoy music, games, and more!
🍪 Don’t miss the sweet treats and cozy atmosphere

Whether you’re feeling festive or just want to unwind before finals, there’s something for everyone. Come celebrate with us!

  • 🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

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