First Thursday on Main

First Thursday on Main Helps LIGHT the Way for Survivors

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and First Thursday on Main is proud to partner with the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault to kick off the month and promote the 2026 Porch Lights campaign on Thursday, October 1.

Visit the SCCADVASA table during First Thursday to learn more about the campaign and pick up a Porch Lights Luminary Kit. Kits are available with a $25 donation while supplies last and include everything needed to participate in the statewide lighting event on October 8.

On October 8, individuals, businesses, neighborhoods, and organizations across South Carolina will light luminaries as visible symbols of hope, support, and solidarity with survivors of domestic violence.

Every light matters. Every donation makes a difference.
SCCADVASA Porch Lights - October 8, 2026 | South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

After a few very hot First Thursdays, we’re excited to share everything coming to the Boyd Plaza Main Stage at Columbia Museum of Art this October as we officially enter the Fall!

🎧 DJ Marah On The Wall 🪞 🪞5-9pm

An open-format DJ with a passion for bringing people together through music, DJ Marah on the Wall began her journey producing beats. Her goal is to create an atmosphere where people can connect, enjoy the moment, and create memories that last long after the music ends.

💋 Rocky Horror Picture Show by Arts Center of Kershaw County 💋 5:30pm

“Give yourself over to absolute pleasure” as this cult classic comes to life on the Boyd Plaza stage!

Starring the cast from Art Center of Kershaw County’s Rocky Horror Picture Show, get a sneak peak on Main Street before their opening night at Wood Auditorium on October 16th.

💃 Columbia Contra Dance 🕺 6:15pm

Clear your head, get some exercise, meet new people, and enjoy some incredible live music! Every dance is taught before you do it and uses only a few easily learned movements, performed at a walking pace and directed by a caller.

If you can walk, you can contra dance! No partner necessary. New dancers are always welcome. Invite your friends! Bring your family!

🍄 The Morel Support Group 🍄 7:45pm

Combining the songwriting talents of Casey Dianne and Sierra Knotts with the multi instrumental talents of Lalon Swaney and Bunny, Morel Support Group delivers a melange of styles and genres from Rock to Americana, Folk, and more. 

It’s an inclusive, eclectic blend of the various influences each band member brings to the party.

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Connect with the artists and organizations involved this month by following the links in our bio!

Thanks to all who visited SCCADVASA's Soda City Market table on Saturday to learn more about Porch Lights, make a donation to support our work, and get a Porch Lights luminary kit to shine a light of hope, support, and solidarity for survivors across South Carolina on October 8! ✨

➡️ Didn't make it? There’s still time to participate!

💜 Donate $25 and pick up a Porch Lights luminary kit (while supplies last) at a Porch Lights participating partner location.

💜 Visit SCCADVASA's booth at Columbia’s First Thursday on Main on October 1 as we kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

💜 On October 8, join individuals, businesses, and neighborhoods across South Carolina by placing Porch Lights luminaries or other purple lights outside your home or business to light the way for survivors.

Learn more about Porch Lights including participating partner locations: sccadvasa.org/porch-lights

We had such a great time with Columbia Traditional Music and Dance - ContraCola at First Thursday on Main last year, and we’re excited to welcome them back this October! 🎻💃

Contra dancing is a lively, social form of folk dancing featuring live music and a caller who guides dancers through each step—no experience necessary. Come enjoy the live band, join the dancing, and be part of the fun on Main Street!

📅 First Thursday on Main | October 1

🎨Many thanks to the super talented visual artist Michael Krajewski for coming out and live painting for us last night! It was so cool to see the process in person, and we so appreciate his donation of this awesome piece for us to raffle off. Congratulations to the lucky winner! 🖌

Ever been to the pocket park between Tapp’s and Cyberwoven on Main Street?

Ever been to a stand up comedy show hosted outside next to a ping pong table?

Get the chance to do both this evening with Comedy @ the Pocket Park, a new show with First Thursday on Main 🎤

Our first show is hosted by Rodney Butler, featuring Joel Dolinger, and headlined by Christian Williams.

Show starts at 8:30pm! Walk on down a block after the music finishes on the Boyd Plaza main stage at the Columbia Museum of Art

TONIGHT!!!

Catch DJ Kris Alexander , Milah, and EZ⚡PT on Boyd Plaza’s main stage at Columbia Museum of Art from 5-9pm tonight!