Are you looking for this to do this month or weekend in Columbia, SC? There is so much for your family to enjoy, from special events and children’s programming to theatre shows and sporting events. We gathered all of the best family-friendly events happening this month near you!
We are highlighting Cola’s best events throughout the month, so you can have the most fun each week. Be sure to check out our full event calendar for more fun around the Midlands!
Thank you to our sponsors. Sponsored events are marked as “featured.”
Our sister site, Kidding Around Greenville hosts our library of travel content, and we sure do have a wide variety of ideas for every family! Here are this month’s travel highlights:
You can easily plan out your next vacation with these Unique, Best Places to Visit in the Southeast. You’ll find reviews with things to do, places to stay, and so much more in this handy guide!
Are you looking for a school for your child that has a strong community and values a Classical Christian education? Then Heritage Christian Academy is the perfect choice for your family! Learn more about what sets Heritage apart from other schools in the Columbia area, and how your child’s education will flourish thanks to the strong community they have created.
A special thank you to Heritage Christian Academy for sponsoring this article.
What Sets Heritage Christian Academy Apart?
Commitment to a Classical Christian Education
Figuring out the type of education we want our children to have can be overwhelming, however, many of us know we want them to thrive in their educational environment. At Heritage Christian Academy, your child will do just that thanks to the framework of their curriculum. Heritage educates with a Classical Christian education model, merging a millennia-old learning process with Christian values.
What is a Classical Christian Education
For almost 30 years, Heritage Christian Academy has committed to raising critical thinkers with enthusiastic educators. Teachers who pride themselves in teaching through a Classical Christian education model intertwined with Christian values. The approach models The Trivium, which focuses on the three ways of learning: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. These learning stages naturally complement your child’s development. The academy teaches children PK-8th in the grammar and logic portions of The Trivium to prepare them for higher education and the real world.
The Christian Biblical worldview is then interconnected in all of the fields of study through daily biblical readings and worship. Students learn the core subjects of grammar, writing, literature, math, art, history, classical music, and Latin in addition to a plethora of special interest subjects.
Laurie Jimenez, the Director of Admissions and Records at Heritage Christian Academy, says “Every day we are here is to glorify God and thank Him for the opportunity to help children grow in His way and His Word, and that is the central focus. Everything else is just an additive.” The education your child will receive at Heritage will allow them the “ability to grow individually” while “gaining skills they don’t know that they need yet”. Throughout their education, each child will have valuable opportunities to “articulate in front of peers, think logically through problems, recognize truth, and have confidence” while learning and practicing from a young age.
A Supportive Learning Environment
One key thing that sets Heritage Christian Academy apart is its supportive learning environment for all students. Class sizes are small, so teachers can engage with each student to ensure their academic success. Teachers also provide time after school for additional support, so no child gets left behind in their educational journey.
Along with their core curriculum, students have the opportunity to engage in special interest programs, including chess club, Latin, tennis, Quiz Bowl, spelling bees, Math Bowl, educational field trips, and even a music festival where the children get to participate and showcase their interests. There is even an exciting talent show that the children can be a part of, which is a fun way for students and families to come together as a community while learning more about one another.
Another fun way students receive support is through semester projects that help bring learning alive. Children in grades 1-5 have the opportunity to connect what they are learning in class with their chosen project. Through this hands-on learning approach and support from educators, children excel. The education at Heritage embraces a structured and challenging learning environment so that each child can grow as an individual with the support of their peers and educators.
Building a Strong Community
An education at Heritage goes far beyond academics! Built into the mission of Heritage Christian Academy is a strong community between teachers, administrators, and parents. Teachers walk alongside the parents, because “God gave the ultimate story to the parents”. Here, parents can be a part of social committees, school lunches, and other activities with the school.
Parental Involvement in Academics
The small class sizes allow teachers to recognize a child struggling and allow them to connect with parents. In addition, parents are given guidance on how to help their children be successful at home. Community is vital to Heritage, guiding all students to excel academically and in life.
Learn More About Heritage Christian Academy
You can find more information about leadership, admission and tuition rates, academics, and athletics on the Heritage Christian Academy website. The academy welcomes families who show interest in attending, and school walk-throughs can be scheduled throughout the year.
Are you looking for fresh eggs around the Columbia, SC area? Nothing beats fresh eggs! They seem to cook better, taste better, and the bright orange yoke of pasture and free-range eggs is an excellent sign of the egg’s nutrient density. We have rounded up some of the best places to find eggs near Columbia, from farms to farmer’s markets. You will not have to travel too far to grab a carton or two for your grocery list.
Markets and Farms to Buy Fresh Eggs Near Columbia, SC
2803 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC Open Monday – Saturday 8 am – 8 pm; Sunday 10 am – 6 pm This local natural foods store and deli offers farm fresh eggs from local suppliers, including Paradise Acres, Sylvan Farm, and Maypop farm.
1300-1600 Main Street, Columbia, SC Open Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm; Yearround Market This year-round, producer-only market is huge, with everything from produce and fresh meat and free range local eggs, to vintage items and handmade goods. Eggs sell out fast at Soda City, so get there early enough to grab a dozen or so eggs if you need them.
8126 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC Order quail eggs online Maybe you’re wanting to venture out of the regular old chicken egg and add local quail eggs? Manchester Farms boasts a great reputation for quality quail eggs that can be purchased through their website, and they are right here in Columbia, SC! You can purchase a 90-count of eggs for $30.
5300 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington, SC Open Monday – Friday; 8 am – 7 pm Open Saturday 10 am – 7 pm; Open Sunday 12 pm to 6 pm 14 Carrot Whole Foods is a health food store with everything you could need to fill your grocery cart with top-tier groceries, supplements, bulk items, organic meats and produce, and of course, eggs!
You can purchase farm fresh, hormone-free, free-range eggs directly from Bees and Trees Livestock and Crops. Their eggs are 18 eggs for $7 or 12 eggs for $5! They will deliver eggs for an extra $1, or you can pick them up from the farm.
2101 Cedar Creek Road, Blythewood, SC 803.873.7739 Doko Farm specializes in heritage meats that are pasture-raised, but they also have some very high-quality eggs that can be purchased. You must preorder to pick themup from the Doko Farm Stand, and you can also find them at the Blythwood Farmers Market and the Owen’s Field Farmers Market on select dates throughout the year.
1108 Union Church Road, Leesville, SC Call ahead @ 803.727.6947 If you are willing to travel a little, you can purchase free-range chicken and duck eggs directly from Utopia Farm in Leesville, SC. Just make sure you give them a call before you head over to make sure someone can assist you when you arrive. They also occasionally sell Angus grass-fed beef in addition to fresh seasonal produce throughout the year.
Terra Kotta Farms is a practicing sustainable farm that offers free-range eggs, mostly from heritage breed hens. In addition, seasonal produce is available for each season. They also sell processed humanely raised chickens that are raised in an organic pasture. They also have goats!
1860 Martin Smith Road, Leesville Online Shop Located in Leesville, just 30 minutes from Columbia, Hidden Hills Farm practices humane treatment of their animals. Their high-quality treatment of their chickens helps make their eggs healthier! You can order a dozen eggs online for $6 per dozen. They also offer an assortment of processed meats for sale.
450 Kenal Road, Ridgeway, SC 843.475.6294 This small farm offers humanely raised beef, pork, chicken, goat meat, and eggs! If you are wanting to start your own flock, you can also purchase backyard chicks and chickens.
B&P Farm Fresh Eggs Facebook Group Join this public Facebook group, you will be connected directly with local, farm fresh eggs in Kershaw County. $3 a dozen with local delivery available.
Farmers Markets Near Columbia, SC to Buy Fresh Eggs
There are some excellent farmer’s markets near Columbia, SC throughout the year! Some are year-round, and many are from spring to fall. You can find everything from fresh produce to homemade goods at these markets, but you will always find locally produced fresh eggs. Many of the eggs are supplied by the farms above and offer free-range eggs or pasture-raised eggs. Eggs sell out quickly at markets, so make sure you get to the market early if you are wanting to grab a dozen or two!
You can find more information about the farmer’s markets in the area when they are held, and some of the things they offer in our list of The Best Farmers Markets All Around Columbia, SC! Our list is growing, and currently includes the Soda City Market, Clemson Sandhill Market, Blythewood Farmers Market, Lake Carolina Farmers Market, and the South Carolina State Farmers Market.
Where is your favorite place to pick up fresh, local eggs?
Are you looking for free Christmas things to do in Columbia, SC? The holidays may drain your pockets when it comes to gift-buying and hosting parties, but these free events, parades, and tree-lighting ceremonies will help you feel a little more jolly, merry, and bright! There is also the added bonus of your kid getting to see Santa around town. Check out our list of the best free events in the Columbia area to get the holiday season started.
Looking for more to do during the holidays? Check out our super festive holiday guide!
Go see some awesome lights for free! We took some of the very best decorated homes in the Columbia area and put them together into Epic Columbia Christmas Light Driving Routes. Our 2023 lists are coming soon!
December 1, 2023, 6 pm to 8 pm 201 North Avenue, Cayce (Cayce Riverwalk)
Live music, refreshments, and festive Christmas Caroling all along the Cayce Riverwalk! Local church choirs and musicians will be spread throughout the first half-mile. Parking will be available at Brooklyn-Cayce High School.
December 1, 2023, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Icehouse Amphitheater – 107 West Main Street, Lexington
Join the Town of Lexington at Icehouse Amphitheater to light the tree (6:30 pm), sing Christmas carols and take photos with Santa (4 pm – 8 pm)! Food will be available for purchase.
December 2, 2023, 6 pm to 9 pm Cayce Historical Museum
Take in the sights and sounds of Christmas at the Cayce Historical Museum’s “Christmas Olde and New”. Rooms of the museum will be decorated for Christmas along with live entertainment and refreshments. There will also be an outdoor Christmas market!
December 2, 2023, 1 pm – 5 pm Icehouse Amphitheater – 107 West Main Street, Lexington
Enjoy the annual festival with face painting, letters to Santa, balloon art, and rides to enjoy. The carnival will also feature a showing of the movie, Santa Clause, at 5:30 pm.
Free fun for the whole family plus a coloring station, hot chocolate and cookies while you wait. Bring your camera and be ready to capture all the smiles!
Experience historic Christmas decor, with period decorations and demonstrations. There will be light refreshments that are historically accurate to the 19th century, such as hot cider and gingerbread. There will be blacksmithing on-site, cooking demonstrations, and more!
Head downtown for the 70th annual Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade to enjoy the state-broadcasted parade! There will be marching bands, local churches, drill teams, and decorated floats before Santa Claus comes to town! The parade will start at the intersection of Sumter Street and Laurel Street and will head toward the USC Horseshoe and Senate Street.
The Town of Lexington and the Lexington Jaycees will host the annual Christmas Parade, featuring floats and more. The parade will begin promptly at 3 pm.
This wildly popular parade features ANYTHING, as long as it’s covered in lights! The parade starts at 5:30 sharp at the front of the Cayce Municipal Complex and will travel down 12th Street until ending at Highway 1 and 12th Street in West Columbia. Crowds are large, so arrive early and plan ahead!
December 10, 2023, 2 pm – 4 pm Main Street, Blythewood
The parade will start at the EMS Station on Main Street, travel along Blythewood Road, Langford Road, and end at Doko Meadows Park. Be sure to arrive early!
December 1, 2023, @ 6:30 pm 107 West Main Street, Lexington
Enjoy a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, listen to Christmas carols, and get your photo with Santa at the annual Carolighting Ceremony at Icehouse Amphitheater.
The Christmas parade will begin at 4 pm with a tree lighting ceremony held at Town Hall to follow.
Cheap Holiday Things to do for $5 or less
Coffee Shop Hot Cocoa and Festive Treats
Visit one of our favorite coffee shops in Columbia for a cup of hot cocoa or maybe a peppermint mocha. Much cheaper than going out for a meal, but still loaded with all the holiday cheer.
Select Saturdays and Sundays from November 26th through December 23th, 2023 All Regal Cinema Locations
Enjoy these classic holiday films at your local Regal Cinemas for only $5! November 26, 2023- Elf December 2nd, 2023- Polar Express December 3rd, 2023- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation December 10th, 2023- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
November 21, 2023, from 6 pm to 8 pm Saluda Shoals Park East 6071 St Andrews Road, Columbia
For $5 per person, you can explore the park on a 2-mile nighttime walk as it is decorated in festive light displays along the river. Children 2 and under are free.
Totally Free Christmas Activities Worth the Drive
Day trips are sweeter when they are filled with free things to do. If the free Christmas events and things to do we already listed aren’t enough for you, try one of these awesome, and totally free, holiday events within just an hour or two of Columbia.
See Santa at Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops. You’ll leave with a totally free 4×6 professional quality photo and some fun treats, plus enjoy some activities while you’re there! Head up to Greenville, SC for the nearest Cabela’s.
Greenville’s Festival of Trees is a not-to-miss Upstate event. Visit beautifully decorated trees throughout Downtown Greenville hotel lobbies, especially the Hyatt on Main Street. It’s totally free.
Watch Free Holiday Movies at NCG Cinemas. The nearest NCG Cinema is in Spartanburg, SC. So, if you’re heading up to the Upstate for one of the previously mentioned events, catch a movie while you’re there!
If you are looking for resources and services in Columbia, SC to help your family flourish, then we can help! Our growing collection of reader-recommended services, family-minded resources, and researched listings in convenient guides to the Columbia, South Carolina area will help make your life easier.
Services and Resources for Columbia, SC Families
These researched and reader-recommended services and resources are great for the Columbia area family! Life can be hectic, especially with growing kids and careers. As we continue to add to our list, feel free to recommend your favorite places and services you utilize regularly that help make your life more manageable.
Mighty Kidz, a Columbia, SC area therapy clinic, works with neurodiverse children to help them flourish.
Enchanted Closet has adorable kid’s clothes, profile silhouette art, and pastel portrait sessions for kids.
Guides and Listings for Columbia Families: Find The Information You Need, in One Place!
These guides offer valuable information for whatever your family may need. With information about Columbia, South Carolina organizations and businesses, including their contact information, addresses, and the locations they service, you won’t have to look far to find what you need.
Are you looking for holiday pies in Columbia, SC? Whether you need a delicious dessert for your holiday gathering, or just want a scrumptious slice as a special treat for yourself, you can find the perfect pie at these local bakeries.
Many of the bakeries below sell pie throughout the year but take special preorders for holidays and special events. Reach out to them through their contact information before heading to their shop to ensure they have the pie you need!
930 Gervais Street, Columbia | 803.550.9979 If you are looking to purchase a whole pie or by the slice, then the pie selection at Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe is just what you need. Whole pies start at $32 each, and there are currently several options on the menu. You can order classic pies like apple, cherry, and coconut cream in addition to more decadent options like chocolate mousse and tollhouse pie. If you are in need of a holiday pie, bourbon pecan may be the perfect fit. You can preorder for pick up, or head into the shop for a slice of your favorite pie for $6.50. Preorders require a 48-hour notice.
9704 Two Notch Road, Columbia | 803.736.2253 If you have a preference for the pie you want, Tiffany’s Sweets, Eats, and Meeting Place can make it! They pride themselves on creating their pies with original recipes. A few of the options that Tiffany’s has are apple, boysenberry, key lime, and pecan. They even offer quiches, so you can experience the savory side of the pie world while complimenting your holiday meal!
501 Meeting Street, Columbia | 803.977.0034 The menu at Always Original Bakery is constantly changing, but consistently offers pies! They can create anything that you need, including gluten-free, eggless, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and sugar-free options upon request. It is best to contact them ahead of time if you are looking for a specific type of pie or need it for a special occasion.
3307 North Main Street, Columbia | 803.563.5009 This small, family-owned bakery sells lots of delicious treats, including pie! Main Street Bakery currently has three pie choices listed on its website, including coconut pie, pecan pie, and sweet potato pie. The pecan pie is the only pie listed as a whole pie order through their online ordering system, but I am sure with enough time ahead they can make full custom pies from what they offer. The deadline to order pies for Thanksgiving 2023 is November 11 so get your orders in ASAP!
2507 Devine Street, Columbia | 803.673.6374 Silver Spoon offers tons of baked goods that are sure to make your holidays extra sweet. Thanksgiving preorders will begin on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at 2 pm and pickup is November 21st, 2023 from 2 pm – 6 pm.
902 Sumter Street, Columbia | Purchase a pie Every November, The University of South Carolina’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management Department annually hosts Pie Day. Students perfectly bake hundreds of McCutchen House Chocolate Walnut Pies or Tomato Pie Kits to sell to the public for their holiday feasts. For 2023, pies can be picked up on Friday, November 17th, Monday, November 20th, or Tuesday, November 21st in the parking lot of McCutchen House. The pies have to be preordered through a form, and you must bring your receipt to pick them up. All pies are handmade, and can even be frozen if you want to buy multiple ones to enjoy later. Prices are $13 to $15 per pie
Bonus: Thanksgiving Cakes from Kalleigh’s Kakery
Columbia, SC Kalleigh’s Kakery is a locally-owned bakery that offers pies for the holidays. Be sure to get your orders in quickly to reserve your sweet treats. There are several pie flavors and other desserts to choose from!
Are you ready for fall festivals in Columbia, SC? State fairs, farm days, Halloween celebrations, and pumpkin spice everything added to a backdrop of color-changing leaves make the season so special. These events are a wonderful way to mingle with the community while making memories with your family. Check out our list of fall festivals near Columbia that celebrate all the wonderful things the season has to offer!
Information about individual events is subject to change. Please check the festival’s website or social media page for updates regarding ticket pricing, rescheduling due to weather, changes to scheduled events, and more.
September 16th – 17th, 2023 from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday and 12 pm to 4 pm on Sunday State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, Columbia SC Features art, food trucks, woodworking, lawn & garden, clothing boutiques, crafts, and so much more Free parking and admission
September 29th and 30th, 2023 Irmo Community Park, 7507 Eastview Dr. Irmo, South Carolina 29063. Live music, Saturday morning parade, crafts, art, amusement rides, and lots of food! Free admission
September 30th, 2023 from 10 am to 5 pm The Farm, 1127 Corley Mill Road, Lexington SC Family-friendly fall fun on a local farm with tons of games and activities Tickets available now for $25, limited availability
October 1st, 2023 from 1 pm to 4 pm Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin SC Grab your furry friends and have some family fun with games, vendors, food trucks, adoptions, raffles, and much more $5, however pets and children under 12 are free
October 6th – October 8th, 2023, from 8 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm South Carolina State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC Festival and sale of plants and flowers for Fall and in preparation for other seasons.
Saturday, October 7th, 2023, beginning at 5 pm Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia SC Fun fall concert with country music singers Chris Janson and Brooks Herring Tickets on sale now, prices vary
Saturday, October 7th, 2023 Granby Gardens Park, 1800 12th Street, Cayce SC Featuring live music, food, drinks, a children’s area, and more. Free admission
Saturday, October 7th, 2023, from 11 am to 6 pm 901 S Holly St, Columbia, SC 29205 Celebration of art, music, and southern culture through family-friendly activities. Free admission
October 11th – October 22nd, 2023 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29201 Major attractions, carnival rides, food, entertainment, animals, crafts, art, stage shows, and much more! Ticket sales begin September 12th online – Early bird ticket pricing is $10; Prices during the fair are $20 for ages 6 – 54 and $15 for 55+.
Here’s everything you need to know about the SC State Fair from a local mom.
October 20th – October 22nd, 2023, from 11 am to 10 pm Incarnation Lutheran Church, 3005 Devine Street, Columbia Celebration of German culture with authentic food, drinks, dancing, and more. There will be a kid’s area with face painting, balloon art, a playground, and activities. Free admission
October 21st, 2023, from 2 pm to 8 pm Columbus Meeting Hall, 1623 Marion Street, Columbia SC 6th annual fall fest including crafts, vendors, food, music, and more
Dates TBA Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, 219 Salem Lane, Salley SC Pumpkin patch, corn maze, fall activities, kids games, Parakeet adventure, pony rides, petting zoo, and paintball shooting. Admission is an additional $26 per car of 6 guests to the original $36 per car fee for Drive Thru Safari Check out our review of Eudora Farms
Dates TBA Doko Meadows Park, 100 Alvina Hagood Circle, Blythewood SC An all-day family-friendly event complete with food and beverages, children’s games, yodeling contest, keg toss, 5K, and so much more Free admission
Do you have a favorite fall festival in Columbia, SC that you just can not miss? Let us know in the comments!
Find More Fall Fun in Columbia, SC
The Ultimate Guide to Halloween Events & Trick-or-Treat in Columbia, SC
Premier Family Guide: The (2023) South Carolina State Fair
10 Parent-Hacks for Amazing & Memorable Trips to the Farm this Fall
Looking forward to picking a pumpkin at The Nix Pumpkin Patch in Hendersonville, NC? This u-pick pumpkin patch allows you to cut the pumpkin right off the vine. We visited The Nix Pumpkin Patch and had so much fun searching for the perfect pumpkin, visiting their market, drinking apple cider, and making a lot of memories!
The Pumpkin Patch is open from September 9th, 2023 until late November.
The Nix Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned and operated pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Situated amongst a plethora of orchards and farms, you’ll find one of the only u-pick patches in the Hendersonville area. There is just something about cutting your pumpkin right off that vine that makes it so much better!
