Things to do: Oktoberfest, block parties, 'Little Women' and pumpkin hunting
Fall is finally here, and this weekend is set to kick things off with lots of fun, good food, live music and more than a few reasons to kickstart the season.
1. Oktoberfest at Riverwalk Park
Celebrate the beginning of fall with a pint or two, a plate of sausage and sauerkraut and other local craft beer enthusiasts as Columbia celebrates its biggest Oktoberfest yet.
The third annual Oktoberfest will take place at Riverwalk Park, 102 Riverside Drive, starting at 6 p.m. Friday, featuring craft beer tastings, pub games, food trucks and a whole lot more.
Proceeds from this year's event will once again benefit Westminster Presbyterian Chuch's Room In The Inn homeless shelter. Tickets are $40 and are available at www.EventBrite.com.
Activities will include games such as a keg toss, keg roll, stein hold and even a "Running of the Wieners" race and costume contest for Dachshund pet owners.
2. A Worthy Cause block party
Bring the kids to the New South Marketplace parking lot, 402 S. Garden St., this Saturday for a day of music, food and lots of fun for a good cause.
A Worthy Cause nonprofit, which aims to reach children regarding subjects like personal health, nutrition and mindfulness, and is prepping for a big day for all ages to enjoy, while also promoting its service to the community's youth.
Activities will include a kids zone with an inflatable obstacle course and bounce houses, as well as yard games like cornhole, giant connect 4, checkers and dodgeball, which are provided by Villages Child Development and Profectus Jiu Jitsu.
There will also be a "SlowK" from 10 a.m. to noon, which will take participants through downtown Columbia. Participants will also be entered in a special raffle, with the first 30 to finish receiving a race medal..
The block party will kick off at noon, featuring live bands, food trucks and local vendors.
3. Watershed presents 'Little Women The Musical'
Watershed Public Theatre will bring Louisa May Alcott's timeless classic "Little Women" to the stage this weekend.
"Little Women The Musical" will debut at Columbia State Community College's Cherry Theater, with performances at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a 3 p.m. matinee Sunday.
"Little Women" follows the story of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy, growing up during Civil War-era America. The production is suitable for all ages and will last approximately two hours and 15 minutes.
Tickets are $20 for general admission, $18 for seniors and $10 for students and children. Discounts are also available for groups of ten or more by contacting info@watershedtheatre.org.
4. Pumpkin Paradise at Satterwhite Farm
The fall isn't complete without an afternoon of pumpkin hunting, and Satterwhite Farm invites visitors this weekend for its month-long Pumpkin Paradise event.
Satterwhite Farm, 3005 Sheegog Lane, will host its Pumpkin Paradise event each weekend throughout October. Admission is $8.75 per person and $27.50 for a season pass.
In addition to picking out the right pumpkin to carve up this season, Pumpkin Paradise will feature a hay maze, climbing tires, a pedal track and a lot more. Also be sure to stop by farmer's garden to see what's been growing this year.
The farm is also accepting bookings for fall birthdays and other private events, with more information available by calling (931) 626-5118.
5. Live entertainment
Comedian Jeff Allen will perform at The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St., starting at 8 p.m. Friday. Tickets range from $35-40 and are available at www.TheMulehouse.com.
The Brian Golden Blues Experiment will perform at Bad Idea Brewing, 307 W. 11th St. in the Columbia Arts Building, starting at 6 p.m. Friday.
Big Daddy Todd will perform at The Boondox, 3543 Highway 431, starting at 8 p.m. Friday.
Sharlow's Garage will perform at Big Shake's, 822 S. Main St., starting at 7 p.m. Saturday.
What The Funk will perform at The Boondox starting at 9 p.m. Saturday.
Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 794 Ridgetop Road, will host Music On The Ridge featuring Box of Rox starting at 3 p.m. Saturday. Tennessee River Pirate Cooking Team will also provide food starting at 3 p.m.
Amber Fall's will host another Music On The Ridge with Martin Lane, who will perform from 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Bull's BBQ & Catering will also be serving food starting at 1 p.m.
Krooked Jester will perform at The Rebel Bar and Grill, 307 Riverside Drive, starting at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Jay Powell covers events and entertainment for The Daily Herald. Contact him at jpowell@c-dh.net or follow him on Twitter @JayPowellCDH.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Things to do: Oktoberfest, block parties, 'Little Women' and pumpkin hunting
