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 | |
|---|---|---|
| 🆓 | September 17, 2026
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
East Bay Deli 25th Anniversary Celebration
at East Bay Deli, Cayce SC |
| 🆓 | September 18, 2026
9:00 am - 7:00 pm |
Sprout Style Swap Fall Sale — 50% Off Day
at Jamil Shrine Center, Columbia 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 19, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm |
Sprout Style Swap Fall Sale — 50% Off Day
at Jamil Shrine Center, 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 20, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Newberry Fire Department Kids Fun Day
at Newberry Recreation Complex, Newberry SC |
| 🆓 | September 21, 2026
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm |
Build a Thon: Legos and More
at Richland Library Sandhills, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 25, 2026
6:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Irmo Okra Strut - Friday Opening Night
at Moore Park, Irmo SC |
| 🆓 | September 25, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
Opening Reception: From the Vault - Art from the Museum's Collection
at South Carolina State Museum, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | September 26, 2026
9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Irmo Okra Strut Festival & Parade
at Moore Park, Irmo 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 9, 2026
8:00 am - 6:00 pm |
Midlands Plant & Flower Festival
at SC State Farmers Market, West Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | October 10, 2026
8:00 am - 6:00 pm |
Midlands Plant & Flower Festival
at SC State Farmers Market, West 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 |
| 🆓 | October 11, 2026
10:00 am - 4:00 pm |
Midlands Plant & Flower Festival
at SC State Farmers Market, West Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | October 17, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Soda City Market
at Soda City Market, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | October 17, 2026
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm |
Teen Makers: Corpse Bride Movie Watch + Sculpture
at Richland Library Edgewood, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | October 18, 2026
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House - USC
at W. Gordon Belser Arboretum, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | October 24, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Soda City Market
at Soda City Market, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | October 24, 2026
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Crafternoon: Spooky Halloween Craft
at Richland Library Eastover, Eastover 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