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
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 🆓 | August 29, 2026
7:00 am - 11:00 am |
Yard Sale at Crooked Creek Park
at Crooked Creek Park, Chapin SC |
| 🆓 | August 29, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Soda City Market
at Soda City Market, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 2, 2026
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm |
Meet the Author: Tiffiny Mariano
at Pelion Branch Library, Pelion SC |
| 🆓 | September 4, 2026
9:30 am - 10:30 am |
Mommy n Me Rolll'n/Stroller Roll
at Finlay Park, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 4, 2026
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm |
Outdoor Movie Night - Moana 2
at Crooked Creek Park, Lexington SC |
| 🆓 | September 4, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
Outdoor Movie Night: Moana 2
at Crooked Creek Park, Lexington SC |
| 🆓 | September 5, 2026
9:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Home Depot In-Store Kids Workshops
|
| 🆓 | September 5, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Soda City Market
at Soda City Market, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 5, 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Backyard Saturday - A Way With Wild Things
at Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 8, 2026
3:30 pm |
Play Freely: Treasure Scavenger Hunt
at Richland Library Sandhills, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 9, 2026
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm |
Crafternoon: Pony Bead Friendship Bracelets
at Richland Library Sandhills, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 12, 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am |
Accessibility Mornings- SC State Museum
at South Carolina State Museum, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 12, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Soda City Market
at Soda City Market, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 12, 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Hiking 101 - Girl Scouts Love State Parks
at Sesquicentennial State Park, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 12, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Lowe's Kids Workshop: Haunted House
at Lowe’s N.E. Columbia, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 17, 2026
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
East Bay Deli 25th Anniversary Celebration
at East Bay Deli, Cayce SC |
| 🆓 | September 19, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm |
2026 Midlands Fall Arts & Crafts Market
at South Carolina State Farmers Market, West Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 19, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Soda City Market
at Soda City Market, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 20, 2026
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House - USC
at W. Gordon Belser Arboretum, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 26, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Soda City Market
at Soda City Market, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 26, 2026
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
Palmetto Peanut Boil (19th Annual)
at 2900 Block of Devine Street, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | October 3, 2026
9:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Home Depot In-Store Kids Workshops
|
| 🆓 | October 3, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Soda City Market
at Soda City Market, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | October 10, 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am |
Accessibility Mornings- SC State Museum
at South Carolina State Museum, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | October 10, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Soda City Market
at Soda City Market, Columbia SC |
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