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.
Wednesday, October 14
How do different animals survive in their habitats? Investigate animal adaptations with Rosemary from Richland County 4-H — there may even be some live examples!
Enjoy the fun of the fall season with pumpkin painting. Wear paint-friendly clothes.
📍 Location: Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC
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🧒 Ages: Elementary
Friday, October 16
EdVenture Columbia invites families to enjoy the museum in a sensory-friendly environment, with reduced lighting, limited crowd size, educational programming, and resources for parents. Admission is free with advance registration.
Saturday, October 17
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!
Join in watching Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride and create a sculpture of the iconic scene in which Victor recites his wedding vows and places his wedding ring on Emily’s skeletal hand. (2005, PG, 77 min.).
📍 Location: Richland Library Edgewood, 2101 Oak Street, Columbia, SC 29204
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🧒 Ages: Teens 12-18
The Italian Festival returns to Columbia, moved to Saturday, October 17 due to weather! Enjoy Italian food, live music, vendors, Ferraris, family activities and more at Finlay Park.
🎟️ Cost: Free admission
📍 Location: Finlay Park, 930 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201
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Celebrate the season with multicultural stories, crafts, piñatas, STEAM and activity stations and open play. Partnered with Lexington County School District One Family Center.
Lexington BMX is hosting their Fall Festival at the Lexington BMX Track – a fun-filled evening with music, food trucks, vendors and craft booths, bounce house and kids zone, BMX track riding, games, and a trunk or treat! Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: Lexington BMX Track (Red Bank Arena), 1159 Nazareth Road, Lexington, SC 29073
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🧒 Ages: All ages
Sunday, October 18
Visit the W. Gordon Belser Arboretum during its Monthly Open House on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 1–4 PM. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
This 10-acre nature preserve features diverse native plant communities across multiple habitats, peaceful walking paths, a botanical garden, a waterfall, and unique outdoor exhibits, offering a quiet, educational escape into nature right in Columbia.
Wednesday, October 21
Make cauldrons bubble and potions swirl in this spooky STEAM program that’s perfect for young witches and wizards.
📍 Location: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
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🧒 Ages: School-age children
Thursday, October 22
Discover how gross things can actually be really cool science in this hands-on STEAM program. (grades K–5)
Get ready, Columbia — Jeni’s Ice Creams is coming to the BullStreet district for the first time! Join the celebration on Thursday, October 22 from 6–10 p.m. at Jeni’s brand-new shop at 2156 Pickens Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Enjoy FREE scoops all night long (yes, really!), featuring Jeni’s signature flavors like Brambleberry Crisp, Gooey Butter Cake and Double Dough, alongside seasonal and limited-time flavors, including Jeni’s new fall lineup.
Even sweeter, five lucky guests will win free ice cream for a YEAR — that’s 52 scoops! Simply download the Jeni’s app, join Jeni’s Splendid Rewards and scan your app at the event to enter.
Bonus: The first 50 people in line will score exclusive Jeni’s swag!
Mark your calendar and bring your friends — it’s going to be a sweet night you won’t want to miss!
Friday, October 23
Celebrate the spooky season with a screening of Hocus Pocus 2 (rated PG, 1 hour 44 minutes), plus a snack and a craft.
📍 Location: Richland Library North Main, 5306 North Main Street, Columbia, SC 29203
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🧒 Ages: Families
Saturday, October 24
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!
Use plastic skulls, floral foam and crushed glass to create a Halloween treasure. (grades 9–12).
📍 Location: South Congaree Branch, 200 Sunset Dr, South Congaree, SC 29172
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🧒 Ages: Grades 9-12
★ Featured🎉 Join us for a day of celebration and creativity at the Greer Arts & Eats Festival on October 3rd from 11 am – 8 pm, taking place in the heart of downtown Greer! This vibrant event promises a delightful fusion of arts, music, culinary delights, and family-friendly fun.
🎶 Groove to the Rhythm: Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere as we bring the streets of Greer alive with live music performances. Our carefully curated lineup of talented musicians will provide the perfect soundtrack for your day of festivities. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair!
👨👩👧👦 Creation Station: Bring the little ones along because we have an array of free kids’ activities that will keep them entertained from 11am – 3pm. From face painting to interactive crafts, there’s something for every age group.
🎨 Artisans Galore: Discover the creativity of over 80 artisans showcasing their unique and handcrafted treasures. Whether you’re looking for art, jewelry, home decor, or one-of-a-kind gifts, you’ll find it here.
🍔 Culinary Extravaganza: Satisfy your taste buds with an incredible selection of over 40 food vendors offering a diverse range of cuisines. From savory to sweet, there’s something to please every palate.
🍻 Craft Beer Haven: For the beer enthusiasts, we’ve got you covered! Explore our craft beer area and sample a variety of brews from The Southern Growl.
🌟 So Much More: Beyond the music, art, food, and beer, the Greer Arts & Eats Festival is an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Expect surprises, interactive art installations, and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the rich culture of our community.
Save the date, and make sure to invite your friends and family to this unforgettable day of entertainment and culture. Admission is free, and the festival runs from 11am – 8pm. Come join us for a day filled with creativity, delicious flavors, and endless fun in downtown Greer on October 3rd! We can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with you. 🎉
Get ready for Halloween fun with spooky DIY crafts! Kids will enjoy creating festive decorations and creative projects while exploring their imagination and celebrating the Halloween season.
📍 Location: Richland Library Eastover, 608 Main Street, Eastover, SC 29044
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🧒 Ages: School age children 6-12
TNT Martial Arts & Fitness and Cayce’s Best After School and Summer Camp present their 9th annual Halloween Party and Trunk or Treat! Expect a bounce house, food trucks, games, a costume contest, trunk or treat, and much more. Registration is requested — register your family today through the event link.
📍 Location: TNT Martial Arts & Fitness, 1330 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033
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Sunday, October 25
Join Lexington United Methodist Children’s Ministry for Trunk or Treat in the large parking lot beside the church! Enjoy hot dogs (while supplies last), games, candy, and prizes. This is a Teal Pumpkin event with allergy-friendly options at each trunk.
📍 Location: Lexington United Methodist Church, 309 East Main Street, Lexington, SC
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Monday, October 26
Historic Columbia’s Trunk or Treat, presented by Legacy Traditional Schools, returns Monday, October 26, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Put on your costume and join Historic Columbia for a safe, fun, and FREE Halloween experience for the whole family. Community members and local organizations throughout the city of Columbia will meet on the grounds of Robert Mills House to pass out candy to local Columbia kids, and DJ Roy Neptune will be there playing family-friendly music to keep the party going!
The costume contest returns this year, with prizes awarded in the following categories: ages 0–5, 6–10, 10+, and group costumes. The contest will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the DJ booth.
Tuesday, October 27
Meet an archaeologist from SC DNR and excavate a tabletop archaeology unit to uncover mock artifacts. You’ll learn the steps archaeologists take in the field and how they analyze their finds back in the lab.
Celebrate Halloween with this fun, seasonal library experience featuring glow-in-the-dark games, activities and crafts. (families with children)
Use Mod Podge to create a spooky lantern with dried flowers/fake leaves, Halloween-themed cutouts, and glass jars. Guided instruction for creating DIY projects — ideal for experienced crafters and DIY newbies alike. Registration required.
📍 Location: Richland Library Edgewood, 2101 Oak Street, Columbia, SC 29204
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Wednesday, October 28
Richland Library Wheatley’s fourth annual Halloween celebration is packed with costumes, candy, Halloween games, and DIY crafts. It starts at 4 pm with a family-friendly, not-too-scary storytime and wraps up with a costume trick-or-treat parade — arrive on time!
Fellowship Baptist Church Lexington is hosting a FREE Community Trunk or Treat on October 28 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Come out for lots of candy and games — all are welcome!
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: Fellowship Baptist Church, 4238 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29073
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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!
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