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 12, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
Build-a-thon: Lego
at Richland Library St. Andrews, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | August 13, 2026
2:30 pm - 5:00 pm |
Play Freely: The Summer Side-Quest
at Richland Library Eastover, Eastover SC |
| 🆓 | August 15, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Soda City Market
at Soda City Market, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | August 16, 2026
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House - USC
at W. Gordon Belser Arboretum, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | August 18, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am |
Little Sprouts
at Richland Library Cooper, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | August 19, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am |
Puppetpalooza for Families
at Richland Library Main, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | August 19, 2026
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm |
STEAM Studio: Marble Mazes
at Richland Library Main, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | August 21, 2026
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm |
Sensory Night at EdVenture
at EdVenture Children’s Museum, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | August 22, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Soda City Market
at Soda City Market, Columbia SC |
| 🆓 | August 24, 2026
9:30 am - 11:30 am |
Monday Morning Makers
at Richland Library Ballentine, Irmo SC |
| 🆓 | 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 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 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 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 |
| 🆓 | 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 |
| 🆓 | October 17, 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