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
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!
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!
Head to ANY Home Depot on the first Saturday of each month for a free, in-person kids workshop. All supplies are provided, but may run out.
Registration not required, but highly encouraged!
🔗Click HERE for more detailed information about Home Depot Kids Workshops, plus which themed kit you’ll build each month!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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