Historic Columbia’s upcoming programs & events
September 2, 2026
Thursday, September 10 and 24 | 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. | Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion | 1615 Blanding Street
Keep your eye to the sky and join Historic Columbia to learn how to identify local and migratory birds by sight, sound, and behavior. This free walk is led by HC’s “Resident Bird Nerd” John Tjaarda and Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong, who will offer tips and tricks for attracting feathered friends to your home this fall.
Admission: Free; please reserve a ticket in advance
Free Sunday at the Hampton-Preston Mansion
Sunday, September 20 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | 1615 Blanding Street
Enjoy free admission to one of Columbia’s most visited historical sites. Our semi-guided tours at 1, 2, or 3 p.m. explore the lives of those who lived and worked at the Hampton-Preston site during its 208-year existence. Space is limited and admission is first come, first served.
Admission: Free
Sunday, September 27 | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | 1515 Main Street
South Carolina’s Main Street has evolved into a thriving neighborhood that blends the past with the present. See the sites and learn the stories of Main Street this month with Historic Columbia.
Admission: $5 HC members; $10 general admission; Free youth 17 and under
Concert in the Gardens
Tuesday, September 29 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion | 1615 Blanding Street
Performers from the South Carolina Philharmonic will join Historic Columbia for a concert in the Gardens at the Hampton-Preston Mansion. In honor of Oktoberfest, this concert’s musical selections will include festive tunes from Germany and Central Europe. Pack a picnic and join us!
Admission: $20 HC members; $25 general admission. A limited number of pre-sale tickets are available. Additional tickets sold at the gate in the event of favorable weather.
SAVE THE DATE:
Fall Plant Sale | October 9 – 10
Monumental Undertakings | October 15, 16, and 17
Behind-the-Scenes: Seaboard Vista | Thursday, October 22
Trunk or Treat | Monday, October 26
VISIT HISTORIC COLUMBIA:
Explore over 200 years of local history at Historic Columbia! Tickets to our historic house museums may be purchased online or at the Welcome Center at Robert Mills, located at 1616 Blanding Street.
Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens | 1615 Blanding Street
- Wednesday – Saturday | 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
- Sunday | 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.
The Museum of Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home | 1705 Hampton Street
- Wednesday – Sunday | 1:30 p.m.
Robert Mills House & Gardens | 1616 Blanding Street
- Wednesday – Saturday | 12:00 p.m.
- Sunday | 3:00 p.m.
Plan a visit to downtown’s premier public gardens! Historic Columbia offers 14 acres of historically-informed landscapes in the heart of Robert Mills Historic District, which include interpretive signage to help bring history to life. The gardens are free and open to the public seven days a week.
Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion | 1615 Blanding Street
- Monday – Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Gardens of the Robert Mills House | 1616 Blanding Street
- Monday – Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Seibels House & Gardens | 1601 Richland Street
- Monday – Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Gardens of the Woodrow Wilson Family Home | 1405 Hampton Street
- Monday – Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
BECOME A MEMBER:
Membership helps Historic Columbia create educational and entertaining historical programming that pulls people together and builds strong bonds within our community. Learn more about the perks of membership, including corporate membership opportunities, at historiccolumbia.org/membership.
ABOUT HISTORIC COLUMBIA:
Historic Columbia has spent more than six decades preserving the places and stories that shape Columbia and South Carolina. Founded in 1961 by a group of citizens determined to save the Ainsley Hall House, now known as the Robert Mills House, from demolition, the organization has evolved to steward six historic properties in Richland County and works to connect the community to local history through preservation, education, tours, programs, and events. A leader in historic preservation and interpretation, Historic Columbia continues to make history relevant for new generations. Visit historiccolumbia.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.
