Events in Columbia, SC: Don’t Miss a Thing
Looking for the best kid-friendly Columbia, SC events? You’re in the right place. The Kidding Around Columbia Events Page is your go-to guide for family-friendly events in Columbia, SC, including events this weekend and upcoming favorites.
Sponsored events
Thursday, October 8
Explore spooky tales together and create eerie crafts inspired by suspenseful stories. (families with children)
Friday, October 9
The Midlands Plant & Flower Festival brings the area’s largest selection of fall plants and decorations to the SC State Farmers Market, with free admission and parking.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: SC State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC
👉 Read more
Bring the kids out for a hands-on Fall Farm & Golf Day that blends farm chores with golf basics. Campers will care for the farm animals (mini cows, goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, and Gracy the donkey), fish the stocked pond, take a nature walk, and learn golf fundamentals — full swing, chipping, putting, driving, and course etiquette — with coaching from George Bryan Golf Academy. Full-day and half-day morning/afternoon options are available. Kids should bring a packed lunch and water, and all campers must sign a waiver.
🎟️ Cost: $140 (full day) / $90 (half day).
📍 Location: George Bryan Golf Academy & Carpenter Farms, 1108 Mount Vernon Church Road, Chapin, SC 29036
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🧒 Ages: 6-15
What happens when dinosaurs from different tales meet? The Columbia Marionette Theatre brings its newest puppet show to the library, as an unexpected mix of storybook dinosaur characters find themselves wrapped up in a brand-new adventure.
Just in time for the fall holidays: DIY Halloween and Thanksgiving cake-decorating step-by-step techniques. Guided instruction for creating DIY projects. We provide the supplies; you supply the creativity!
📍 Location: Richland Library Eastover, 608 Main Street, Eastover, SC 29044
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Learn about South Carolina’s amazing snakes with local expert Brandon Eargle, including which habitats they live in and how to stay safe around them. There will be live snakes to observe and touch!
📍 Location: Richland Library Ballentine, 1200 Dutch Fork Road, Irmo, SC 29063
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Create hauntingly fun art projects in this kid-friendly spooky craft hour — no tricks, just treats. (grades K–5)
📍 Location: South Congaree-Pine Ridge Branch Library, 200 Sunset Drive, West Columbia, SC 29172
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🧒 Ages: Elementary
Things are getting spooky at the library. Enjoy eerie stories, fun games and wander the stacks for tricks or treats.
Pack the car for a seasonal drive-in movie the whole family can enjoy. Watch from your car or set up tailgating chairs; the parking area opens at 6:30 pm and the movie starts after sunset, around 7:15 pm. Food trucks and concessions will be on site.
🎟️ Cost: $25 per car; $35 per 12+ passenger van.
📍 Location: Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212
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🧒 Ages: All ages
Drive up and settle in for a spooky-fun outdoor movie night at Saluda Shoals Park, part of Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission’s October Halloween Events lineup.
Saturday, October 10
The Midlands Plant & Flower Festival brings the area’s largest selection of fall plants and decorations to the SC State Farmers Market, with free admission and parking.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: SC State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC
👉 Read more
The South Carolina State Museum invites individuals, families, and groups to Accessibility Mornings (the second Saturday of each month)—a free, sensory-friendly museum experience designed for guests who are neurodiverse or have other disabilities. The morning offers a calmer environment with optional activities, open gallery exploration, accessibility supports including ASL interpretation, sensory-friendly shows, and a dedicated sensory room. Activities are free, with limited space for shows, and guests are welcome to explore at their own pace.
👉Click here to learn more information and register
2026 Characters
- January 10, 2026: The Pigeon from The Pigeon Books
- February 14, 2026: The Red Crayon from The Crayon Books
- March 14, 2026: Disability Celebration Day!
- April 11, 2026: Cookie Mouse from “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”
- May 9, 2026: Pete the Cat
- June 13, 2026: Rainbow Fish
- July 11, 2026: Penelope the Dinosaur
- August 8, 2026: Elephant and Piggy
- September 12, 2026: Taco Dragon from “Dragons Love Tacos”
- October 10, 2026: Jasper Rabbit
- November 14, 2026: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- December 12, 2026: Clifford the Big Red Dog
Come enjoy Soda City, a weekly farmers market that is open rain or shine! The Soda City Market features over 150 vendors each week, with items including produce, maker’s goods, food, and so much more!
Open every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm
*Note: some holidays may interfere with market hours. Check the Soda City Farmers Market Facebook for updates.
Check out our extensive list of Farmer’s Markets Near Columbia, SC for more weekend shopping throughout the year!
Spend a cozy morning fall-crafting at the library. Everything you need to make colorful, seasonal masterpieces is provided — just bring your creativity.
Join a good-morning storytime and a slideshow of everything your stuffed animals got into overnight at the library! This continues the Stuffed Animal Sleepover — drop off your stuffed friend at the goodnight storytime on Friday, October 9.
Art & Rec Connect returns for the Fall Edition! Enjoy nature, ignite creativity, and discover your community’s history, all in one day! Registration is required.
The wait is over — after 11 years, the Italian Festival is back in Columbia! Bring the whole family to Finlay Park for a joyful day of authentic Italian food, live music, cultural celebrations, and community fun. This beloved Columbia tradition returns with flavors, performances, and activities honoring Italian heritage, plus opportunities to connect with local vendors and the community that’s brought this festival back to life.
★ FeaturedReady to see your kids step up and discover what they’re truly capable of? In our supportive market, they’ll try new things, push through challenges, and be lifted by real customer encouragement along the way. Join the Kids Markets event at Cottle Strawberry Farms Fall Festival for an unforgettable experience! Sign your kids up today and watch them shine.
9560 Garners Ferry Road Hopkins, SC 29061
The Columbia Marionette Theatre presents Winnie the Pooh, a puppet show about the beloved bear who loves having stories told about him. Performances at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Join the Barnes & Noble – Shoppes at Woodhill in store this weekend, dressed in your favorite Halloween costume, for a LEGO Halloween themed mini build event; dressing up is optional. This event is perfect for ages 10+ and LEGO enthusiasts of all ages are welcome! Kits are limited. Contact their store for more information on how to reserve a spot for this event.
📍 Location: Barnes & Noble – Shoppes at Woodhill, 6090 Garners Ferry Road Suite C, Columbia, SC 29209
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🧒 Ages: 10+
Come dressed in your best Halloween costume to trick-or-treat along the path at Leo’s Landing Inclusive Playground, then stay to enjoy the playground. Tickets are limited, so purchase in advance.
Join the Barnes & Noble – Columbiana in store this weekend, dressed in your favorite Halloween costume, for a LEGO Halloween themed mini build event; dressing up is optional. This event is perfect for ages 10+ and LEGO enthusiasts of all ages are welcome! Kits are limited. Contact their store for more information on how to reserve a spot for this event.
📍 Location: Barnes & Noble – Columbiana, Columbiana Centre, 100 Columbiana Cir #1222, Columbia, SC 29212
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: 10+
Village Square Theatre is hosting a Trunk or Treat event on October 10th from 6–8 p.m. Enjoy entertainment, trunk or treating, a costume contest, and other fun activities. Admission is free!
Sunday, October 11
The Midlands Plant & Flower Festival brings the area’s largest selection of fall plants and decorations to the SC State Farmers Market, with free admission and parking.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: SC State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC
👉 Read more
Monday, October 12
Bring the kids out for a hands-on Fall Farm & Golf Day that blends farm chores with golf basics. Campers will care for the farm animals (mini cows, goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, and Gracy the donkey), fish the stocked pond, take a nature walk, and learn golf fundamentals — full swing, chipping, putting, driving, and course etiquette — with coaching from George Bryan Golf Academy. Full-day and half-day morning/afternoon options are available. Kids should bring a packed lunch and water, and all campers must sign a waiver. 🎟️ Cost: $140 (full day) / $90 (half day).
📍 Location: George Bryan Golf Academy & Carpenter Farms, 1108 Mount Vernon Church Road, Chapin, SC 29036
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: 6-15
About the Kidding Around Columbia calendar
✨Our Calendar Includes:
- Events for all ages
- Weekend events in Columbia, SC
- Family-friendly festivals
- Theatre shows and performances
- Seasonal and holiday events
We do our best to keep details accurate, but always check the event’s website for current pricing, times, and weather-related updates. Details may change!