FRIDAY, SEPT. 27

50^th Okra Strut
The time has come again for the town of Irmo’s biggest annual celebration, the Okra Strut, which celebrates its 50^th year this time around. Bring the family to Irmo Community Park (7473 Church St.) for rides, carnival games,  family fun, live music, food and drink, and “all the goodness that is Okra.” This event is presented by the Lexington Medical Center and is free to attend, though individual fees might apply with vendors, games and rides. Visit okrastrut.com for more information.

Annual Harvest Dinner
The FARM 1780 (1127 Corley Mill Rd.) hosts one of their most popular events, the annual Harvest Dinner. The meal features ingredients grown and raised on The FARM with additional produce sourced directly from local farms. Guests receive a welcome cocktail and a guided walking tour of the property. The dinner will follow, served family-style with wines selected to complement each dish, poured at the table. Partnering for this event is Chef Danté Serra, Executive Chef of The Hollow in Columbia, S.C. This event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and admission is $97. Visit thefarm1780.com for more information.

Riverbanks ZOOfari
The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) hosts their ZOOfari fundraising event. ZOOfari is a fun-filled night of cocktails and cuisine that raises money for wildlife conservation. Guests can bid on an array of items and one-of-a-kind Zoo and Garden experiences. Proceeds support the care and conservation of the animals and plants at Riverbanks and beyond. Tickets are $80 for Riverbanks members and $100 for the general public. This event kicks off at 7 p.m. Visit riverbanks.org for more information.

The Millhands (concert)
Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor (710 Meeting St.) welcomes The Millhands to their stage. The quintet plays classic bluegrass from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is a $10 donation, and the snack bar is open. Visit billsmusicshop.com for more information.

Saluda Shoals Jazz Series: Reggie Sullivan & The Congaree Saints (concert)
Saluda Shoals Park (5605 Bush River Rd.) continues their Saluda Shoals Jazz concert series with a performance from Reggie Sullivan & The Congaree Saints. Sullivan, one of the Midlands' most well-known performers, plays a mix of classic R&B and soul jazz from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the show. Visit icrc.net for more information.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28

Corn Maze
Clinton Sease Farm (382 Olde Farm Rd.) invites you and the kids to run through their corn maze. In addition to having fun finding your way out of the maze, your admission price also includes all playground activities, an obstacle course, unlimited wagon rides and a spin through the pumpkin patch. Visit the farm between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. to enjoy but remember that ticket sales end one hour prior to closing. Admission is $16 online and $18 at the door for ages 3 to adult. Children aged 2 and under get in free. Visit clintonseasefarm.com for more information.

Oktoberfest: Axes & Ale
What mixes better than alcohol and pointy things? That’s why Savage Craft Ale Works (430 Center St.) is throwing its Oktoberfest: Axes & Ale event. Feast on a German-themed menu featuring smoked turkey legs and other traditional favorites, take in some live music or watch sword fighting demonstrations, jousting, face painting, a Renaissance fair, and much more. This event is free to attend and runs from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Visit  facebook.com/savagecraftaleworks for more information.

Play That Band (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.) and Play That Band present “A Night Of Soul Jazz Grooves.” Expect to hear hits and classics by Lionel Richie, El DeBarge, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Maze, Isley Brothers, The Gap Band, and many more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $30. Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 29

Civil War Tour
12,000 Year History Park (1120 Ft. Congaree Tr.) invites you to a Sunday afternoon history lesson with their Civil War Tour. Walk the battlefield and visit the earthworks, learn about the strategies and tactics used by both sides as Sherman marched through South Carolina on his way to Columbia. This light historical hike begins at 2 p.m. and takes about two hours. It is free to attend. Visit cayce12000years.com for more information.

MONDAY, SEPT. 20

Taylor Nation (concert)
If you couldn’t get tickets for the Eras tour, the Icehouse Amphitheater (107 W. Main St.) might have the next best thing. Say hello to Taylor Nation, the tribute show. Embark on a musical odyssey that spans the entire spectrum of Taylor Swift’s career, from the country-infused melodies of Taylor’s early albums to the chart-topping pop hits that followed. Showtime is  6 p.m. and tickets are $26. Visit icehouseamphitheater.com for more information.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2

Mary’s Mobile Market
Head over to Artistic Aspirations (7336 Woodrow St.) for the arts and crafts fest Mary’s Mobile Market. Enjoy delicious bites from Cheese and Thank You Food Truck, and a selection of unique creations from artisan vendors. The event also features Kimberly from Artistic Aspirations, offering opportunities to create your own art or craft. This event is free to attend and runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visit artistic-aspirations.com for more information.

Across the county line

Bierkeller Columbia (600 Canalside, Ste. 1009) continues their series of Oktoberfest celebrations on Friday, Sept. 27. It’s the second of three full weekends of festive fun at Columbia’s original riverfront biergarten, brewery and restaurant. Each edition of this event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit bierkellercolumbia.com/events for more information.

The Township Auditorium (1703 Taylor St.) hosts “Off The Wall and Onto The Stage: Dancing The Art Of Jonathan Green,” created and presented by the South Carolina Ballet, on Friday, Sept. 27. The ballet brings Green’s Gullah-inspired paintings to life through creative choreography and innovative sets. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. and tickets cost between $61 and $152. Visit thetownship.org for more information.

Come out to the Palmetto Peanut Boil at 2900 block of Devine St. on Saturday, Sept. 28. Now in its 17th year, the Palmetto Peanut Boil has grown from a small backyard affair to an annual outdoor festival drawing thousands of attendees from all over the Midlands. The peanut boil competition and the festival also offers live music, food and kids’ entertainment. This event is free to attend, but all proceeds from the sale of food and beverages benefit Animal Mission. It runs from noon to 6 p.m. Visit animalmission.org/palmetto-peanut-boil for more information.

It’s time to both stare in awe and wonder what the heck you’re watching with Cirque du Soleil’s production, OVO at Colonial Life Arena (801 Lincoln St.) on Sunday, Sept. 29. The movement of life is the theme of the show, with creatures flying, leaping, bounding and crawling. This stunning show requires over 40 performers and technicians to mount. Showtime is 1 p.m. and tickets cost between $38 and $130. Visit coloniallifearena.com for more information.  

The Enoree River Winery (1650 Dusty Rd.) invites you to another edition of their “Unpack The Porch” Fall concert series on Sunday, Sept. 29. Enjoy live music from rockers One More Round and grab some grub from Suzi’s Snack Stand’s on-site food truck. This event is free to attend and runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visit enoreeriverwinery.com for more information.