The manager took issue with our clear stadium bags, even though they fully complied with the size requirements listed on the venue's own website. We specifically purchased these bags to meet their stated policy, yet he insisted they were too large and initially told us we would not be allowed entry. What made the situation even more frustrating was the way it was handled. Even after we showed him the venue's own specifications proving the bags were permitted, he refused to acknowledge the mistake and continued to treat us disrespectfully. Rather than resolving the issue professionally, he chose to double down and create an unnecessarily hostile experience. As you can see in the images, it fits their criteria. Because of this interaction alone, I will not attend another event at this location. read more

The Senate - Music Venues Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

See all

I appreciate that this is a smaller venue, but my friend was sent away because she had a small fanny pack on her. When she told the security guard that she needed the bag to hold her tampons and she didn't have pockets so what was she supposed to do, the guy responded with "figure it out". We had to walk all the way back to the parking deck to leave both of our small bags and put whatever we could fit into my jean pockets. I guess some men don't understand that women's clothing isn't always made with pockets and we have something called a menstrual cycle, so it may not be so simple to "figure it out". Very glad I was there with her. And that I had pockets! Otherwise, the concert was great. But I don't think I'll be seeing another one here again. read more

The Senate - Bag Policy - Music Venues Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

This is a SMALL venue, so don't stress too much if you have a general admission ticket because there were probably only 30 rows of people (standing room only). They do have a full bar though, so there's that. I went to watch Pop Evil & didn't want to lose my front row spot to get a drink or have to pee. Sound system is on point you will feel the bass in your bones! You might want to wear earplugs though because wow, your ears will be ringing for a while after the show Oh they are pretty strict about the size of your clear bag. I would say put your ID & credit card on a lanyard and just have a few things in your pocket like keys, phone, chapstick. read more

I have been trying to contact someone at this facility since Saturday to let them know that they overcharged my debit card and nobody is responding. Nobody is answering. The people were very rude. I need to know what to do and who can I contact about a refund read more

This place severely ripped us off. They had huge signs up saying mixed drink singles $6 I ordered two singles and my total was $24?????!!!!! I said why is it $24 when your sign says $6 mixed drinks. She says inflation. Lying bartender just stole our money. We won't be buying any more drinks at this ripoff. read more

New name "The Senate", I believe they remodeled also. Ive been here a few times for events. I attended the 2nd annual Jazz Fest, which was a blast. Online ticketing was easy enough, no issues. We listened to 4 Jazz grps, very organized and on time. Thankfully we had seating which was a plus. Seating is dependent on the show you are seeing that evening, Next yr I will do VIP seating for various reasons... Tip: Get there early, free parking lot beside venue, parking decks all over town, free parking on the streets if you can get. No long lines, get there early, staff was professional and fast with entrance. Food line was short, bar was open, bathrooms clean. I normally ask the venue beforehand what time the main artist will show up, this helps us oldie but goodies patrons on timing. Great place to catch live music in the COLA. The promoter for this event did a awesome job, sold out for 2yrs in a row! Not sure what ticket company they used, but fees are expensive as usual. The norm I guess.. I had a awesome time! read more

See all

Ty was our bartender most of the night for the Ella Langley concert. My friend and I were a bit nervous after looking at negative reviews but found nothing but positive notes after our experience tonight. Ty made sure our drinks were full and that we had plenty of water on the side. Very friendly staff and great experience overall read more

My friends and I went Saturday night and bought tix at the door which btw is right next to the check in area. The bouncer saw us buy the tix and we walked immediately over to check In with him. After we paid he said sorry clear bag policy. Gal at ticket counter didn't say a word about this. We said we don't have a clear bag he said sorry but again he watched us pay and walk over to him. We asked for our cover charge back they said we don't refund money. What a racket they're running. Thank goodness our hotel was Nextdoor and we could take our purses back. While we were finally able to go in there were 200 plus people in there with 2 bartenders. It was a joke and would absolutely not recommend this venue read more

It was an awful concert venue. Do not attend if you don't need to. Security was hostile and watched people cut the line outside before the show started and did absolutely nothing. Yelled at us to back up, but there was no room to move. Over three people passed out during the concert, and it was HOT in there even without the body heat. I felt it as soon as I went inside the venue. They also decided to split the line 10 minutes before doors opened, leading to an unfair advantage of people who did not wait as long as others to move to the front. I will never return after this terrible experience and will not be recommending it to others. read more

Went to the Senate to see a performance. The space was great, plenty of room for dancing, a helpful and friendly staff. Security did great to make sure everyone was safe during the performance. A great place to go with friends to see a favorite band. read more

The Senate - Seeing "the devil wears Prada" perform at the senate - Music Venues Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Security NO PURSE policy enforcement costs me $65 ticket. Discrimination not having awareness of Covid draconian change in effect 2023 NO PURSE. My purse was an empty bag, for groceries carrying that I dropped earlier in the day and only found as I went to catch bus. It is brand new. read more

One of the smaller venues we've been to but we've seen so many good shows there. Last night we saw Hot Mulligan and The Wonder Years and it was a blast. There is an outside patio area for the warmer months. read more

Cool little venue for concerts in Columbia, SC. It holds about a thousand people. Tonight we saw the Wedding Band, a side project of Kirk Hammett and Rob Trujillo of Metallica, ex Ugly Kid Joe singer Whitfield Crane, and the drummer from Queens of the Stone Age. What a great show, playing their favorite cover songs from bands that influenced them. Great night!!! read more

See all

Terribly managed venue. No one to help patrons locate seats (the tickets had row, section, and seat numbers which were not clearly marked by the "chalk") and several patrons were totally confused about the seating. Folding chairs to sit in which were not big enough for some patrons. I sat there for 1.5 hours with a strangers thigh on top of my leg because the chair was too small for her. Bar situation was terrible with lines so long we were pressed against seated patrons. More bar lines were then open with no notice to patrons who had been standing in line. Such a poorly managed venue. read more

The one security staff is horrible and rude, I brought a clutch bag with a strap that was the acceptable dimensions according to their website (I measured my bag and it was 4x5 inches) and got repeatedly bullied away by him as well as other venue goers -- I understand a bag policy, but it's ridiculous if they don't correspond with what is written online (apparently allowed 4.5x6.5 inches). Especially when I finally got back into the venue after throwing my bag away, there were patrons who had bigger bags than mine (that weren't clear either!) that were allowed in. They need to update their website and put only wallet-size or clear bags only policy if they are going to turn around almost everyone with a small bag. read more

I went to the Senate with a group of friends and definitely overpaid for a ticket. Per usual, we were checked in with security with metal detectors and proceeded to walk in the front doors. As a side note I am well over 21 years old, and decided I was not going to drink that night as I was the DD. There was a separate line that I assumed was another ticketing line to my right, but didn't know that the line was to get a "wristband" which enabled you to get drinks at the bar without an ID. The line was incredibly long so I decided to skip it and if I wanted a drink I could always show my ID to the bartender. 20 minutes into the concert my friend offered me a sip of her drink, thinking it was a water, I took a sip and realized it was alcoholic. All of the sudden a woman in a "security" shirt came busting through the crowd and proceeded to shine her flashlight on me, and my two other friends, and walked us out of the venue. While outside, I explained the situation to the security guard - that I was over 21 and was not informed that I "needed" a wrist band and that it was optional. I handled the situation very personably and professionally and made sure she saw my ID to verify that I was over the legal drinking age. She proceeded to look at my ID, while cursing at me and using profane obscene language told me to "get the f*** out". This was totally uncalled for and blatantly disrespectful! I do understand that's her job to catch underage drinking, but this was simply not the case. Especially to have such a nasty tone and attitude with me was so unnecessary and shows what kind of low class individuals that are hired by the Senate. This was frankly the least of their concern as I saw blatant drug use, including the consumption marijuana, and nose inhalant drugs of all kinds being consumed all around the crowd. I could understand the concern if I was a teenager, but I am a fully grown woman. This extremely under qualified "security" representative went out of her way to treat me with such utter, blatant, disrespect and it was absolutely appalling and mortifying to me and my friends! That being said I will never be returning to the mud ridden, putrid, and disgusting venue that is the Senate. It simply is a poorly ran business that cuts corners on quality, ridden with dirt and must, and staffed with incompetent, degenerate, low class people! If ever presented with the opportunity to go to the Senate, STAY CLEAR! I hope this review dissuades anyone from ever returning to this God awful place, and hope you find a better, cleaner, and better managed alternative! read more

My visit to Music Farm was not just to Music Farm, but it was for a Kemopalooza event. I was volunteering there. I didn't see much of the inside, but I do know that the inside is huge. Cant really say much more about it. read more

I went there about a week ago to see Third Eye Blind. There was a super long line that stretched all the way around the block simply to scan your tickets to allow you access. We were in line for a good 45 minutes. At the end of the line, they finally tell you that there are no purses allowed. I was with my sister and girlfriend who each had purses, so we were told to go put them back in the car and that we could cut the line and go straight to security when we got back. My sister took the two purses to the car to drop them off; luckily we had parked in a garage across the street. What if we had taken Uber and had no car to leave our stuff in? I'll tell you: I noticed a lot of women simply leaving their purses outside. Not a safe option, but you gotta do what you gotta do. So finally they get back from the car and are told they need to show ID to get in or else there is a $3 surcharge for each person who does not have ID. My sister and girlfriend each left their ID's in their purses which were now in the car. So we say "screw it, let's pay the surcharge." Apparently the surcharge is cash only. We only have credit cards. So now we have to go back to the car again to get the ID's. Finally an hour after arriving, we enter the building. Long story short, why wasn't there notice on the tickets that purses weren't allowed and ID is required? Why weren't there at least signs around the block with this information? The line to get in was ridiculously slow, you need to do something to make the ordeal easier. 45 minutes to for a block long line! If you're going to pull this nonsense, just have bag check. Problem solved. Also you need four guys at security when you enter, not two. Make the line take 20-25 minutes. I hate how if you forget your wallet but have already paid money for the tickets, you may not be allowed entrance. Once we got in, the experience was much better. Pretty hip and enjoyable venue and the bar has a surprising amount of choices. I'm a bit of a beer snob, so Bud Light, Stella, etc. won't do it for me. But they actually had some local craft beers! Not to mention the bartenders work super fast and yet still remain friendly. They do a great job! The venue itself is relatively small, so everyone feels close to the stage. The sound quality is also pretty good. I'm not much of a Third Eye Blind fan, but I definitely have a better appreciation for them now. Once you're inside it's a great experience. But getting inside is an absolute nightmare. read more

I was there last Saturday for a concert - I would have given them 3-4 stars, however, I just checked my bank account and realized one of the bartenders decided to give him/herself a little extra tip. I ordered 1 liquor drink for $7.00 and tipped $1.00 - my friend had an open tab and paid for drinks the rest of the night and she left a 15-20% tip. It was a slow night and there were 4 bartenders that I am guessing had to split the tips at the end of the night. My bank account had a $14 charge on it - I am guessing the 1 was changed to a 7. I don't have my receipt and its not worth the trouble to ask for my money back. Just want to let everyone know to keep an eye on this if you go there! Not my fault, you were overstaffed! Doesn't mean it is OK to steal from me! read more

These rip-off artists. Charging a surcharge for people with no ids who've already paid for expensive concert tickets to this DUMP! read more

The Senate - Music Venues Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

See all

New music establishment that recently opened in Columbia (I believe there is a location in Charleston as well). Another option for music events in Columbia, but don't think big name music bands will be on tap anytime soon --- it's more for local bands and such. Space was adequate, but be prepared to stand ---- there is limited seating (if any). And any seats were towards the back of the venue - so if you are sitting in any of the few tables you can get a hold of - you may not be able to see the show all that well. This is connected to the Tin Roof - and there is a bar at the Music Farm, but no food service (I think). Parking is limited (Tin Roof more than likely will not be an option). There is a parking lot dedicated to the Music Farm, but not that big. There is (metered) street park (free after 6 M-S, free on Sundays), but when I was here last week, The Transiberian Orchestra was playing at the nearby Colonial Life Arena, making any street park next to impossible. read more

In general, a good venue. Large enough, a great outdoor space, a large bar inside, a bar outside, and attentive bartenders. My biggest reason for 3* is the crazy drink prices. $4 for a Budweiser, $7 for house liquor, I don't even want to imagine what a fireball shot or craft beer costs. At a concert last night, at the request of the band, all beers were served in plastic cups, okay not a big deal....the big deal is paying $4 for a beer that is sloppily poured into the cup, allowing foam to gush over the top, and getting it handed to you only to find the can of beer had NEVER seen an ice bucket or the inside of a refrigerator. Asked the bartender for a cold beer, or at least something that didn't feel like it had been sitting out for 8 hours, and was told he would charge for it even though I was trying to give the other beer back. Really disappointed at the insane tab we had for 5 domestic beers (1 that was warm), and 5 well liquor drinks. If you want to enjoy a concert here, you definitely will. If you want to have beer and enjoy a concert here.....you're in for a big tab! read more

Saw Ella Man this weekend....the famously hot of Columbia got the best of me but what a cool spot to visit.

Huge music venue that brings in awesome old school bands! I've seen more shows than I can count and won't be stopping anytime soon. Pumped for Newfound Glory this Fall! Sarah makes the best drinks! read more

This was our first time at this venue, although we've already purchased tickets to upcoming shows. It was awesome. The staff was very friendly, it wasn't packed, and it was super clean. It has a very modern, urban feel. The bar service was quick, friendly and knowledgeable. Overall, a nice space with great acoustics, good drink prices, and nice people. We're very excited about this addition to the Vista. read more

Tonight I saw Young the Giant and Music Farm has great sound and is a large open warehouse. Several columns in the middle of the view if you are further than 20 people back. Only one bar open to full public inside which is hard to access from opposite side of the venue during shows. Great lights during the show! read more

Saw a show here last weekend, and we had a great time. It was sold out, standing room only. It provided an intimate enough environment, and it wasn't shoulder-to-shoulder uncomfortable. The bartenders were quick and efficient. read more

Great space for live music in Columbia. Beer isn't incredibley expensive.

I saw Dawes here and the venue was outstanding. There is no seating so don't let that surprise you. The place had a really neat vibe, parking was easy, we walked from dinner and the music sounded great! read more

Awful place. Waited in line for hours for no good reason. Overpriced and looks as trashy as New Brookland. Tried to see Riff Raff and had to wait for hours for him to get on stage and he was awful. Saw people getting kicked out for no good reason. One guy hot kicked out for smoking even though he had not been. Seemed like they just wanted to finds reasons to get less people inside and just threw people out. The staff was rude and the bouncers looked inadequate to stop anyone. Avoid this place if you can. New Brookland is a better hole in the wall and cheaper too. It was a mistake building this place. read more

IF YOU ARE GOING TO HOST EVENTS HAVE A LEGITIMATE WAY TO CHECK IDS. IVE HAD THE SAME ID SINCE I WAS 18 (will be 24 in one month) SO ITS 6 YEARS OLD AND THE "security" TOOK IT AND PUT IT IN HER POCKET TO KEEP BECAUSE THE PICTURE WAS FADED......my id is old i get it but if you're going to check ids for 21 and up maybe consider having a legit way to verify them so people who are over 21 but have good genes that make them look younger aren't pissed the fuck off that they paid to go to a concert they can't drink at. read more

Love music farm! Bringing the country stars to us and a lot of times for FREE!! Ps Sara Boyer is an awesome bartender!! Never waited very long for a drink and was always very friendly!! read more

I went to The Senate for a private event and was wrongfully kicked out within 20 minutes of my arrival. There were two lines, one for 21+ and one for under, and everyone under 21 went in the appropriate line. While standing at a table with people who were 21 and wearing their wristbands, me and three other other underage people were kicked out by a woman on staff because it was "suspicious" that we were at the same table as people who had bought beers. Even though we paid for entrance it was money wasted because this woman aggressively escorted us out with no regard for what we had to say. Terrible experience. Several people who were 21+ also were kicked out because they were "suspected" of providing alcohol to the underage guests, even though, again, they did nothing against the rules and were fully cooperative despite the bitter attitude of the woman. read more

I went to the senate for a function and went in underage meaning I didn't get a drinking wristband. I was sitting at a table eating food and drinking a water when a women who worked there with short hair came up to the table and told me I needed to leave. I asked why and she claimed that ppl at my table were buying beers for me even though I was drinking a water and had no beer in front of me. She said that since a person at my table ordered 2 beers it was suspicious and she kicked everyone at the table out even the 21 year olds. I will never go back to the senate and there are so many other places in the vista to go I would not recommend going there either to avoid this unpleasant experience. The girl with short hair should be fired for wrongfully removing multiple people from the venue. Terrible experience! read more

I come here frequently for concerts. It's really easy to get a drink, and the bartenders are very friendly. Awesome place to see a show, and the beer selection is solid. Clean restrooms too! read more

Tin Roof always has a great atmosphere! Ashley is the best bartender around and always provides great service!

What an all around horrible place! My 16 year old daughter begged me for weeks to be able to go to the Waka Flocka concert on Thursday. I finally relented (renting a room at the nearest hotel as we had to drive an hour to get there). An hour after I drop her off I get a call and she's sobbing. Turns out she and some of her friends were on their way into the ladies room when a bouncer grabbed them by their wrists and threw them out. Only after having dragged the three girls across the floor and slamming the door behind him did he tell them that they were not allowed back in because their x's on their hands (over 21 get wristbands while underage kids got x's) were smudged so they must have tried to wipe them off. They tried to explain that they had washed their hands, sweated, and had water tossed on them but no one would listen. I don't know why it would matter if the x's were gone considering they needed a wristband to purchase alcohol anyway. When I pulled up to pick up my daughter there was a group of about 25 other kids with similar stories, many of the girls crying from being manhandled by the bouncers. I would not be surprised to find out this was all a scam to get rid of kids they are no longer profiting from since they are underage and not buying drinks. I will make sure everyone I know knows not to go this venue. read more

The venue and staff/service is great, but I don't understand why they built this place if they decided not to book anything worth going to. I was so excited when they built this place, thinking that I would have an alternative to traveling to Charlotte or Charleston for bigger shows. Music Farm Charleston is half the capacity, yet is constantly selling out with bands like ADTR, The Front Bottoms, etc. Stuff I actually have traveled there to see. Yet Columbia music farm is mainly booking tribute/cover bands and acts that I have no idea how they profit off of. I go to two or three concerts a month, only twice have I decided it was worth it to come here. There has been some bigger bands but it's still very one-sided and not very adventurous with booking. Very few shows have been booked here that have had any appeal to me. New Brookland Tavern books bigger bands more regularly and they only hold 250 people! That's why it sells out so often! Guess I'll have to keep going there and traveling to Music Farm Charleston and Charlotte venues like Fillmore and Amos. At least Against Me is coming there soon. I might check that out, haven't listened to them in a while, but could be cool. read more

I was at Music Farm Columbia last night for the Aer show. I got there at about 6:30 because I had to buy tickets and I assumed there would already be a long line. There were only about 8 people ahead of us but we all waited together. The doors opened at 8. It started to rain very hard so we stood in the Tin Roof next door until more people started showing up, we had to claim our spots back. They had a tent set up just a few feet away from where the line starts so we all went under the thing to stand under it. The staff of Music Farm then pushed us all back in the pouring rain. While they did this they took pictures and videos of us. When they walked by us they'd yell "Stay dry ladies" It was all very rude and unprofessional. I was very disappointed not because my hair and make up got ruined but because of the way we were treated. Once inside the concert was awesome. I was front row with a couple friends and my little sister. It was all fun until Aer was about to come on and someone started pushing someone else into me. I was screaming Help to the closest guard I could see (about 2 yards away) and I understand that he might not have heard but he didn't even look over or anything. Finally another guard came over, by that time I was crying. About 5 minutes into Aer's performance I got pushed all the way to the back. I've been to plenty of gen admission concerts similar and I have never experienced anything like this and usually I'm the type if girl to hold my own but you cant hold your own when a whole group of girls is pushing you. When I finally caught up with my 14 year old sister and her best friend, they told me how there were guys behind them and they wouldnt let go of them after being asked to stop multiple times. Most of my complaints were about the people and not the venue and Im aware of that but I feel the staff was overall very rude and not helpful at all. I must say that the performances were very good I just wish I could have enjoyed them without fearing for my safety. read more