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Get Festive! Fall Festivals in Columbia, SC

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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! 

South Carolina State Fair Rides

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.


Fall activities in Columbia, SC

Love fall?

We have a huge fall guide. Don’t miss all the amazing fall activities near Columbia!


Fall Festivals In and Near Columbia, SC 

Fall Arts and Crafts Market

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

Irmo Okra Strutt 

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

Harvest Festival

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

Fall Fido Festival 2023

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

Midland Plant and Flower Festival 

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. 

Big Red Barn Retreat 2023

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

Cayce Fall Festival

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

Rosewood Art and Music Festival

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

SC State Fair Midway

South Carolina State Fair

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+.

South Carolina State Fair

Here’s everything you need to know about the SC State Fair from a local mom.

Oktoberfest Columbia

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

Fall Festival of Columbia

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

Boo at the Zoo 

October 20th – October 30th , 2023
500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC
Trick or Treat through the Riverbank Zoo! 
See our Mom Review of Boo at the Zoo

Trick or Treating at Boo at the Zoo Riverbanks Zoo

Eudora Wildlife Safari Park Fall Festival

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

Harvest Festival

Dates TBA
Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, West Columbia, SC
Featuring Trunk or Treat, food, hay rides, and more.
Free admission

Blythewood Oktoberfest

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!

Bluey is Coming to you Live at the Koger Center in Columbia, SC

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Bluey is coming to Columbia, SC! Bluey, the wildly popular, Emmy award-winning cartoon featuring the loveable Aussie family of Heelers, will be coming to the Koger Center on May 9th and 10th, 2023. And get ready, because tickets go on sale on now!

If you have Bluey-obsessed kids like we do, then attending the theatrical adaptation of “Bluey’s Big Play” will probably become a core memory of their childhood. The production is to feature crafted puppets of the Heeler family and is sure to explore many of the silly and wisdom-loaded themes the Bluey series regularly delves into.

Bluey
Bluey toy set: The Heeler family
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10+ Places Where You Can Buy Local Fresh Eggs: Columbia, SC

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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

Rosewood Market

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.

Soda City Market

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.

Manchester Farms

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. 

14 Carrot Whole Foods

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!

Bees and Trees Livestock and Crops

524 Portia Road, Blythwood, SC
803.463.3303

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.

Doko 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 them up 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.

Utopia Farm

1108 Union Church Road, Leesville, SC
Call ahead @ 803.307.1189

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

2412 Lewie Road, Leesville, SC
803.580.9642

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!

Hidden Hills Farm

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 $5 per dozen. They also offer an assortment of processed meats for sale.

Crazy Chic Heritage Farm

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

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?

20+ Totally FREE Holiday Things to Do & Christmas Activities in Columbia, SC

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Are you looking for free things to do this holiday season 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.

This article includes:
Free Holiday Events Near Columbia
Christmas & Holiday Parades Near Columbia
Tree Lighting Ceremonies & Caroling Near Columbia
Bonus: Cheap Holiday Things to do for $5 or less
Bonus: Free Holiday Things to Do Worth the Drive

Free Christmas Lights Driving Routes

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 3 epic Columbia Christmas Light Driving Routes.

Free Holiday Events Near Columbia

Seasons Greetings in Five Points

November 20, 2022, @ 1 pm
532 Congaree Avenue, Columbia

There will be photos with Santa by the fountain from 1 pm to 3 pm, holiday music, from 3:30 pm to 5 pm, and the Holiday Lighting of the Fountain from 5 pm to 5:30 pm. The event will also have giveaways, Santas Elves will be attending, and lots of cookies and cocoa!

Photos with Santa at Hotel Trundle

November 27, 2022, 1 pm to 3 pm
1224 Taylor Street, Columbia

Totally free, visit Santa at Hotel Trundle. You’ll get 10 minutes with Santa to take as many photos as you’d like, plus enjoy hot cocoa, games, and other holiday fun while you’re there. The event is first come, first served, so plan to arrive early! FREE admission.
Photos With Santa at Ho-Ho-Hotel Trundle

Looking for more places to see Santa in Columbia? Here’s our list of Where to See Santa in Columbia, SC.

Christmas in Cayce Drive Through

December 1, 2022, 6 pm to 8 pm
1800 12th Street, Cayce (Cayce City Hall)

A drive-thru event with thousands of lights, animated displays, musical performances, and a visit from Santa! You are invited to bring nonperishable food items to donate to the “Cayce Cares” food drive in co-op with The Women’s Club of Cayce.

Cayce Historical Museum’s Annual Christmas Traditions Open House

December 3, 2022, 6 pm to 9 pm
1800 12th Street, Cayce (Cayce City Hall)

This annual event features live entertainment, refreshments, and an all-around essence of the Christmas spirit. There will be docents dressed in 18th-century period attire while the Hall will showcase decorated trees and historical crafts. 

Snowball Festival Carnival and Movie

December 3, 2022, 1 pm – 5 pm
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 Elf at 6 pm. 

Holiday Cookie Decorating with Embellished Dough LLC

December 5, 2022
Richland Library Northeast, 3 pm – 4 pm or 6 pm – 7 pm

Ages 12 and older can learn to decorate holiday cookies with professional bakers! You will get to take home 3-4 decorated cookies Registration is required.

Lexington County Museum Christmas Open House

December 11, 2022, 1 pm to 4 pm

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!

Movie Matinee- How the Grinch Stole Christmas

December 16, 2022, 3 pm – 5 pm
Richland Library North Main

Enjoy a screening of the holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Storytime Songs by the Campfire

December 20, 2022, @ 6 pm
Richland Library Southeast

Enjoy holiday sing-a-longs, stories, and more family-filled fun to usher in the week before Christmas.

Christmas parade with Santa in Columbia, SC

Holiday Parades Near Columbia

Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade

December 3rd, 2022, @ 9:45 am
Downtown Columbia

Head downtown for the 69th 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.

Town of Pine Ridge Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 3, 2022, @ 4 pm

Along with the parade, there will be a tree-lighting ceremony, lots of festive activities to enjoy, and a visit from Santa. The parade will start at Congaree Baptist Church and move toward Town Hall.

Town of Lexington Christmas Parade

December 4, 2022, @ 3 pm
Main Street, Lexington 

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. 

Holiday Parade of Lights

December 10th, 2022, @ 5:30 pm
Cayce, SC

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!

Christmas Parade – Town of South Congaree

December 10th, 2022, @ 10 am
669 Main Street, West Columbia

Enjoy the family-friendly holiday parade with lots of sights and sounds for children to enjoy!


Tree Lighting and Caroling Near Columbia

Vista Lights

November 17, 2022, @ 6 pm
807 Gervais Street, Columbia

Along with the tree lighting at the corner of Gervais and Lincoln Street, over 60 galleries, restaurants, and local shops will be open and in the holiday spirit! There will be live entertainment and performances at the River Runner Outdoor Center, live music, and a toy drive for Toys for Tots. The event starts around 6 pm, with the tree lighting ceremony at 7 pm. 

Governor’s Carolighting

November 20, 2022, @ 6 pm
1100 Gervais Street, Columbia (South Carolina State House)

Join Governor Henry McMaster and his family for the 56th annual lighting of the state Christmas tree, along with a message from the Governor, special performances, and more.

Blythewood Christmas Tree Lighting

November 27, 2022, 5 pm to 6:30 pm
Blythewood Town Hall

Join the town of Blythewood for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. There will be food, lots of fun, and the opportunity to meet Santa!

Carols Along the Riverwalk

December 2, 2022, 6 pm to 8 pm
201 North Avenue Entrance of the Cayce Riverwalk

Holiday music will fill the air as you walk through the trees. This “reverse caroling” event will feature local musicians and church choirs that will be at various points throughout the half-mile walk. There will be a free trolley from Brookland Cayce High School. 

Carolighting Ceremony

December 2, 2022, @ 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. 

Town of Pine Ridge Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 3, 2022, @ 7 pm

Following the Christmas parade, there will be a tree-lighting ceremony held at Town Hall at approximately 7 pm.

Visit with Santa in Columbia, SC

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.

$5 Holiday Classics at Regal

Select Saturdays and Sundays from November 27th through December 24th, 2022
All Regal Cinema Locations

Enjoy these classic holiday films at your local Regal Cinemas for only $5!
November 27, 2022- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
December 3rd & 4th, 2022- The Grinch
December 10th & 11th, 2022- Elf
December 17th & 18th, 2022- Polar Express
December 24th- How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Sleigh Bell Stroll

November 22, 2022, 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. You can register for the event. 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.

After Christmas! Winter Break and New Year’s

The fun continues with many free and low-cost options in Columbia!

Time to celebrate the start of 2023! We have lots of ideas to help you celebrate and stay busy. Some of them are totally free!

Winter break camps and things to do in Columbia, SC

Stay Busy! Columbia’s
Winter Break Bucket List

Don’t be bored over winter break! This bucket list has 20 ways to have fun over winter break in Columbia, SC and some of them are totally free, too!

Sweeten Your Holiday With Pie: Bakeries in Columbia, SC

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Are you looking to buy some pie 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.

holiday pies in Columbia, SC

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!

Check out our Ultimate Holiday Guide to Columbia, SC to find everything you need for a wonder-filled holiday season with your family!

Bakeries That Sell Pie Near Columbia, SC

Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe

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 $30 each, and there are currently 6 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.

Tiffany’s Sweets, Eats, & Meeting Place

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!

Always Original Bakery

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.

Main Street Bakery & Gift Shop

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 pies start at $12, with the whole pecan pie being $16.

McCutchen House Dining

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 2022, pies can be picked up on Friday, November 18th, Monday, November 21st, or Tuesday, November 22nd 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 offering pound cakes and cheesecakes for Thanksgiving. Get your orders in by November 17th, 2022. Flavors include a seasonal sweet potato pound cake, butter pecan pound cake, red velvet cheesecake and much more.

What else do you need to celebrate the holidays in Columbia?

Do you know of an excellent pie baker in Columbia? Let us know in the comments!

Pick Your Pumpkin Off the Vine at Nix Pumpkin Patch in Hendersonville, NC

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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.

Nix Pumpkin Patch sign

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! 

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