Events in Columbia, SC: Don’t Miss a Thing

Step into the Creepy Crawly Pathway, where Halloween fun slithers, scurries, and sneaks around every corner! Follow the spooky-lit trail through the park and stop at each decorated station to collect candy and surprises from our community partners. Along the way, watch out for glowing spiders, fluttering bats, and friendly costumed characters who make the pathway come alive with Halloween spirit. Bring your best costumes, your candy buckets, and a little bit of courage — the Creepy Crawly Pathway is full of sweet (and slightly spooky) fun for the whole family!

Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.

📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
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This beautiful autumn, spark your child’s independence at the Kids Markets at Northwest Family YMCA Family Pumpkin Run and Fall Festival. They’ll operate their own mini business, sell their creations, keep the profits, and gain real skills in a fun, supportive setting. Watch them glow with pride and entrepreneurial spirit. Sign up for this golden opportunity!

Northwest Family YMCA

1501 Kennerly Rd

Irmo, South Carolina 29063

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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The Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party offers a frightfully fun night with exclusive access to Ndoki Lodge, a buffet dinner, and Halloween-inspired desserts. Admission includes a Spooky Rides Pass and special mascot visits.

Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more

The Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party offers a frightfully fun night with exclusive access to Ndoki Lodge, a buffet dinner, and Halloween-inspired desserts. Admission includes a Spooky Rides Pass and special mascot visits.

Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more

Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia’s gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion. More than 100 species of resident and migratory birds can be spotted here, and you’ll learn to identify them by sight, sound, and behavior. Meet at the front gate on Blanding Street. Binoculars encouraged, not required. Registration required; the program won’t take place in rain or winds over 25 MPH.

Bring a bag and your best costume for a Trick-or-Treat Trail (6 to 7:30 pm) along the walking trail and a Halloween carnival (6 to 8:30 pm), with a free hayride back to the parking lot. Everyone attending must be registered.
🎟️ Cost: $5 per person in advance; $7 per person day of; ages 1 and under free.
📍 Location: Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin, SC 29036
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🧒 Ages: All ages

The Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party offers a frightfully fun night with exclusive access to Ndoki Lodge, a buffet dinner, and Halloween-inspired desserts. Admission includes a Spooky Rides Pass and special mascot visits.

Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more

Bring your pup for Howl-O-Ween at the Bark, a Halloween celebration for dogs and their families at Crooked Creek Park, part of Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission’s October Halloween Events lineup.

The Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party offers a frightfully fun night with exclusive access to Ndoki Lodge, a buffet dinner, and Halloween-inspired desserts. Admission includes a Spooky Rides Pass and special mascot visits.

Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more

Paddle the Saluda River during peak fall color on a guided tour where you’ll learn about local natural history, explore a river island, and watch for wildlife. All equipment is included; plan for about 30 extra minutes for shuttling. Weather and river conditions permitting.

The Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party offers a frightfully fun night with exclusive access to Ndoki Lodge, a buffet dinner, and Halloween-inspired desserts. Admission includes a Spooky Rides Pass and special mascot visits.

Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more

Trick-or-treat meets entrepreneurship at Goals and Ghouls Halloween Event! Expect lots of excited families searching for crafts, treats, and cute spooky creations. Your child will enjoy busy sales, friendly interactions, and a big boost of confidence. Give them an unforgettable fang-tastic experience — register today!

West Columbia Soccer Complex

760 Old Barnwell Rd

West Columbia, South Carolina 29170

Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia’s gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion. More than 100 species of resident and migratory birds can be spotted here, and you’ll learn to identify them by sight, sound, and behavior. Meet at the front gate on Blanding Street. Binoculars encouraged, not required. Registration required; the program won’t take place in rain or winds over 25 MPH.

Unplug, create, and grow — the old-fashioned way. Your kids will dive into real work, face challenges, celebrate wins (big or small), and come home glowing with new skills and stories. Reserve your spot at the Barnyard Flea Market: Kids Markets event! Sign your kids up today for this hands-on adventure.

Barnyard Flea Markets

4414 Augusta Rd

Lexington, South Carolina 29073