Step into a world of magic at the South Carolina State Museum’s most anticipated fundraising event of the year! “Once Upon an Enchanted Evening: A Fairytale Gala” invites you to leave reality behind and immerse yourself in a night of wonder and community spirit. This spectacular evening promises to transform the museum into a fairytale setting where dreams come true and imaginations soar. Join fellow community members for an unforgettable night that supports a cherished Columbia institution while creating beautiful memories.
Mark your calendars for Friday, October 17, 2025, as the South Carolina State Museum opens its doors for an extraordinary evening of enchantment from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Located at 301 Gervais Street in Columbia, this renowned cultural institution will transform into a fairytale wonderland for one magical night. Guests are encouraged to embrace the fairytale theme with creative attire inspired by beloved stories and characters. Whether you envision yourself as royalty, a magical creature, or a storybook hero, this is your chance to bring fantasy to life while supporting a wonderful cause.
- Join us for a fairytale-themed evening at the South Carolina State Museum on October 17, 2025. Source: scmuseum.org
The museum’s four floors will become a canvas of wonder, with each exhibition space reimagined to transport you to different worlds of fantasy. As you wander through the transformed galleries, you’ll discover surprises around every corner – from enchanted forests to royal ballrooms. The planetarium and observatory will offer stargazing opportunities with a magical twist, while the 4D theater will feature special fairytale-themed experiences throughout the evening. This immersive approach ensures that every moment of your gala experience will feel like stepping into the pages of your favorite childhood storybook.
More than just a themed party, the gala invites you to express your creativity through fashion. Let your imagination run wild with your interpretation of “fairytale fits” – whether that means elegant formal wear with magical accessories, full character costumes, or subtle nods to beloved stories. The dress code encourages personal expression while maintaining an atmosphere of elegant charm. Need inspiration? Think sparkling gowns, mythical creature elements, storybook character inspirations, or fantastical formal wear that would be at home in any castle ballroom.
- Support the South Carolina State Museum Foundation by attending this magical gala evening. Source: scmuseum.org
By attending this magical evening, you’ll be playing a vital role in supporting the South Carolina State Museum Foundation, the nonprofit organization that helps fund educational programs, exhibition development, and artifact preservation at our state’s premier museum. Your participation directly contributes to the foundation’s mission of providing enriching cultural and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. Tickets for this enchanted evening are $125 per person or $225 per couple, with special VIP packages available at $300 that include early entry, exclusive experiences, and recognition in the evening’s program.
The gala will feature a variety of special activities throughout the evening, including silent auction items, delightful food and beverage stations, live music and dancing under the stars, interactive storytelling experiences, and surprise character appearances. Community participation is essential to the success of this fundraising event – not only does your attendance support the museum financially, but it also strengthens our community bonds by bringing neighbors together for a common cause. By sharing this magical evening with friends, family, and colleagues, you help ensure that the South Carolina State Museum can continue to be a place of wonder and learning for generations to come.
