What’s Happening for Free: Family Events in the Midlands
Looking for fun and free events happening in and around Columbia? You’re in the right place! This list is updated almost daily with local events where your family can play, explore, and make memories — without opening your wallet. From outdoor concerts and storytimes to seasonal festivals and community celebrations, these events are easy to enjoy and perfect for all ages.
Bookmark this list and check back often — we’re always adding new ways to have fun for free!
Free Events
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
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
👉 Read more
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
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Elementary
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!
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
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: 10+
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!
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
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
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Elementary
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.
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
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Teens 12-18
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
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
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.
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
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: School-age children
Discover how gross things can actually be really cool science in this hands-on STEAM program. (grades K–5)
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
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Families
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
👉 Read more
🧒 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
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: School age children 6-12
Did you love this list? There’s a lot more to explore.
- Free Things to Do in Columbia: a list of great things to do that are free or very cheap
- Find more family-friendly events on our Kidding Around Columbia Calendar