👻What’s Inside: Trick-or-treat events & trunk-or-treat events, Halloween decorations driving tour, haunted houses & trails, and EVERYTHING Halloween in Columbia, SC.
Looking for the best trick-or-treat and Halloween events in Columbia, SC? Halloween is on a Saturday this year, so grab your costumes and get ready for family-friendly fun across the Midlands!
From Trunk or Treat celebrations at Richland Libraries to Boo at the Zoo at Riverbanks Zoo, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy costume contests, spooky activities on October evenings, and plenty of treats on Halloween night. Don’t miss the biggest list of Halloween things to do in South Carolina! Being updated for 2026.
Use these buttons to navigate & find your favorite Halloween activities near you!
Try a haunted house or farm. How about a Halloween getaway to a haunted hotel or a day trip Halloween adventure? Go trick-or-treating in Downtown Columbia! We have all the events, details, and Halloween fun right here. Have the best Halloween in Columbia ever!
There are a lot of Halloween events around Columbia and we’ll be updating throughout the season. Don’t forget that many events will be announced in October as Halloween gets closer, so bookmark this page to check back often.
- Halloween Driving Tours are here! Check out these Spooky Halloween Houses in Columbia, SC
- Find all the Kids Eat Free Meals & Treats Halloween Deals in Columbia, SC!
- Have a baby or toddler? Check out this list of Halloween Events perfect for little ones!
Halloween Events in Columbia, SC
What are the most popular and largest Halloween events in Columbia? These events have lots of things to do for kids and families, with food, music, and more.
Halloween Hoopla at EdVenture Columbia, October 30th, 2026
Costumed kids take over EdVenture after hours Friday, October 30, 5:30–7:30 p.m. for Halloween Hoopla, with decorating trick-or-treat bags, playing games, crafting, and collecting candy. Tickets are required and cost $5 for members and $20 for non-members.
Boo at the Zoo at Riverbanks Zoo, October 16th – 30th, 2026
This popular family Halloween event includes trick-or-treating around the zoo, plus fun activities. Get your tickets in advance!
Here’s our local mom review of Boo at the Zoo! Here’s our local mom review of Boo at the Zoo!
South Carolina Railroad Museum, Pumpkin Patch Express, October 17th and 24th, 2026:
Ride a train to the pumpkin patch! Pick a pumpkin, decorate it, and enjoy games and a maze before heading back to the depot aboard the train.
Check out our visit to Ride the Pumpkin Patch Express at the SCRM.
Halloween Fun for Free at Richland Libraries in Columbia
Check out the Richland County Library Holiday Event Calendar for fun Halloween events! You’ll find everything from craft events, to costume story times, teen Halloween events, and lots more! Here are a few of the Halloween-themed events going on at your local library. Some of our favorites include:
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Richland Library Halloween Events (Columbia, SC – October 2026)
- Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 – 3:00 p.m. | Richland Library North Main
Make and Create: Halloween Garlands
Make a garland that fits the creepy and spooky season! (Audience: Adults) - Friday, Oct 9, 2026 – 2:30 p.m. | Richland Library Eastover
Make and Create: Cake Decorating – Fall Theme
Guided instruction for creating DIY projects. We provide the supplies; you supply the creativity! (Registration opens 9/1/2026) - Monday, Oct 12, 2026 – 10:30 a.m. | Richland Library Sandhills
Hands on Science
Help a Scientist reverse the spell of a witch and save Countess Megg — creepy potions, floating eyeballs, and Mad Science’s Preschool Halloween. (Audience: Preschoolers 3-5; Registration opens 9/14/2026) - Saturday, Oct 17, 2026 – 12:30 p.m. | Richland Library Edgewood
Teen Makers: Corpse Bride Sculpture
Come make a spooky sculpture while watching a Halloween favorite! (Audience: Teens 12-18; Registration opens 10/1/2026) - Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 – 11:00 a.m. | Richland Library Sandhills
Money Smarts: Personal Finance
A financial expert from SAFE Federal Credit Union shares best personal finance practices for Halloween fun and other special occasions. (Registration opens 9/24/2026) - Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 – 3:00 p.m. | Richland Library Eastover
Crafternoon: Spooky Halloween Craft
Kids enjoy creating festive decorations and creative projects while exploring their imagination. (Audience: School age children 6-12) - Sunday, Oct 25, 2026 – 2:30 p.m. | Richland Library Main
Make and Create: Favorite Season Zine Workshop
It’s finally fall! Let’s celebrate by making a zine! (Audience: Adults) - Tuesday, Oct 27, 2026 – 5:30 p.m. | Richland Library Edgewood
Make and Create: Halloween Fall Lanterns
Celebrate the arrival of Fall with this crafty DIY project, now with a Halloween twist! (Registration opens 9/10/2026) - Saturday, Oct 31, 2026 – 2:00 p.m. | Richland Library Eastover
Play Freely: A Cold Case of Murder and Mystery
A Halloween evening filled with costumes, candy, and mystery.
Trick-or-Treat & Trunk-or-Treat in Columbia
Where should we trick-or treat in Columbia, SC? Fill up those candy buckets or pillowcases at these trick-or-treat and trunk-or-treat events near Columbia.
Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more
Bring a bag and your best costume for a Trick-or-Treat Trail (6 to 7:30 pm) along the walking trail and a Halloween carnival (6 to 8:30 pm), with a free hayride back to the parking lot. Everyone attending must be registered.
🎟️ Cost: $5 per person in advance; $7 per person day of; ages 1 and under free.
📍 Location: Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin, SC 29036
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
Spring Hill High School’s Student Council hosts its annual Haunted House and Trick-or-Treat night with games, candy and prizes for the whole family.
🎟️ Cost: Haunted house $5; trick-or-treat free.
📍 Location: Spring Hill High School, 11629 Broad River Road, Chapin, SC 29036
👉 Read more
The Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party offers a frightfully fun night with exclusive access to Ndoki Lodge, a buffet dinner, and Halloween-inspired desserts. Admission includes a Spooky Rides Pass and special mascot visits.
Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more
TNT Martial Arts & Fitness and Cayce’s Best After School and Summer Camp present their 9th annual Halloween Party and Trunk or Treat! Expect a bounce house, food trucks, games, a costume contest, trunk or treat, and much more. Registration is requested — register your family today through the event link.
📍 Location: TNT Martial Arts & Fitness, 1330 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033
👉 Read more
The Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party offers a frightfully fun night with exclusive access to Ndoki Lodge, a buffet dinner, and Halloween-inspired desserts. Admission includes a Spooky Rides Pass and special mascot visits.
Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more
Join Lexington United Methodist Children’s Ministry for Trunk or Treat in the large parking lot beside the church! Enjoy hot dogs (while supplies last), games, candy, and prizes. This is a Teal Pumpkin event with allergy-friendly options at each trunk.
📍 Location: Lexington United Methodist Church, 309 East Main Street, Lexington, SC
👉 Read more
The Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party offers a frightfully fun night with exclusive access to Ndoki Lodge, a buffet dinner, and Halloween-inspired desserts. Admission includes a Spooky Rides Pass and special mascot visits.
Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more
Trick-or-treat meets entrepreneurship at Goals and Ghouls Halloween Event! Expect lots of excited families searching for crafts, treats, and cute spooky creations. Your child will enjoy busy sales, friendly interactions, and a big boost of confidence. Give them an unforgettable fang-tastic experience — register today!
West Columbia Soccer Complex
760 Old Barnwell Rd
West Columbia, South Carolina 29170
Historic Columbia’s Trunk or Treat, presented by Legacy Traditional Schools, returns Monday, October 26, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Put on your costume and join Historic Columbia for a safe, fun, and FREE Halloween experience for the whole family. Community members and local organizations throughout the city of Columbia will meet on the grounds of Robert Mills House to pass out candy to local Columbia kids, and DJ Roy Neptune will be there playing family-friendly music to keep the party going!
The costume contest returns this year, with prizes awarded in the following categories: ages 0–5, 6–10, 10+, and group costumes. The contest will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the DJ booth.
Richland Library Wheatley’s fourth annual Halloween celebration is packed with costumes, candy, Halloween games, and DIY crafts. It starts at 4 pm with a family-friendly, not-too-scary storytime and wraps up with a costume trick-or-treat parade — arrive on time!
Fellowship Baptist Church Lexington is hosting a FREE Community Trunk or Treat on October 28 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Come out for lots of candy and games — all are welcome!
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: Fellowship Baptist Church, 4238 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29073
👉 Read more
Bring the whole family for an evening of food, fun, fellowship, and plenty of candy. There is something for children and families of all ages to enjoy!
📍 Location: Red Bank Baptist Church, 1357 S. Lake Drive, Lexington, SC
Airport High School Student Council hosts a free community Trick or Treat Lane with trick-or-treating, games, and family fun!
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Airport High School, 1315 Boston Avenue, West Columbia, SC 29170
👉 Read more
Join Lexington Baptist Church for their beloved fall favorite! Enjoy trunk-or-treat, a live DJ, inflatables, rides, food trucks, and more. Bring the whole family and dress the kids in their favorite costumes. Admission and attractions are free; food available for purchase.
🎟️ Cost: Free admission (food available for purchase)
📍 Location: Lexington Baptist Church (LBC), 308 East Main Street, Lexington, SC
👉 Read more
Providence Lutheran Church’s preschool invites the community to their Annual Trunk or Treat! This event is open to the public — everyone is welcome to join in for fun, games, and lots of candy.
★ Featured🎃 EdVenture’s Halloween Hoopla
Dress up. Dream big. Discover more!
Get ready for a Halloween EdVenture you don’t want to miss! Step into a night of make-believe, discovery, and after-hours fun at EdVenture’s annual Halloween Hoopla.
Kids can come dressed as their favorite characters, heroes, or dreamers—whether they’re pretending to be a firefighter, doctor, scientist, chef, farmer, pilot, or anything in between—and explore the museum in a whole new way.
Throughout the evening, families can enjoy hands-on crafts and activities, festive games, creative play, and interactive experiences throughout the museum. Stop by community partner activity stations to play and explore while collecting stickers for your event map. Then, once you’ve visited all your stops, bring your completed map to the Treat Station for a sweet stash of Halloween candy to take home!
With exclusive after-hours access to the museum, costumes, creativity, hands-on fun, and plenty of treats, Halloween Hoopla is the ultimate Halloween celebration for the whole family!
🎃 Costumes • 🍬 Candy • 🎨 Crafts • ✨ Activities • 🦖 Exclusive Museum Fun!
Friday, October 30, 2026
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Space is limited, so grab your tickets and get ready for a Halloween night full of curiosity, creativity, and fun!
Tickets: Members $5 / Non-Members $20
A big Thank You to our event sponsors
Presenting Sponsor – Publix
Treat Station Experience Sponsor – Prisma Health
Candy and treats available while supplies last.
We encourage kid-friendly costumes for children only. Masks are not permitted.
Burn Boot Camp Lexington’s annual Trunk or Treat is open to the community! Family fun, candy, and costumes, plus a trunk contest (Kid’s Choice, Most Spooktacular, and Most Creative).
📍 Location: Burn Boot Camp Lexington, 217 Saluda Springs Rd, Suite C, Lexington, SC
👉 Read more
Saturday, October 31st
11:00 AM–5:00 PM
504 Lexington Ave, Chapin, SC 29036What neighborhoods and areas are good for trick-or-treating?
Looking for the old-fashioned door-to-door trick-or-treating? First, remember to stay safe. Halloween should be fun spooky, not truly scary. Parents remember that you make the call about what is safe for your kids and what’s not. That said, we’ve seen KACOLA readers and Columbia residents recommend the following neighborhoods and places for Halloween trick-or-treating on October 31st, 2026.
- Wales Garden and Rosehill
- Hampton’s Ridge
- Shops at Five Points
- Windermere
- Lake Carolina (Harborside)
- Ashley Oaks
When do we trick-or-treat in Columbia, SC? 2026 Trick-or-treating times around Columbia, SC
When does Columbia trick or treat door to door? While some areas of the country move Halloween trick-or-treating to a convenient weekend day, in Columbia, most people will trick-or-treat on Halloween evening, Saturday, October 31st, 2026. There will be plenty of trunk-or-treat style events, usually on Saturdays throughout October, and ramping up with dozens closer to Saturday, October 31st.
Be safe! Trick or Treat and Halloween safety tips from the City of Columbia Police Department
All Halloween Events Near Columbia, SC
From trunk or treating to fun crafting events, spooky movie nights to spectacular haunted theatre experiences, here you will find a collection of Halloween-themed events throughout the month of October near Columbia, SC, and the surrounding area.
Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more
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
Bring a bag and your best costume for a Trick-or-Treat Trail (6 to 7:30 pm) along the walking trail and a Halloween carnival (6 to 8:30 pm), with a free hayride back to the parking lot. Everyone attending must be registered.
🎟️ Cost: $5 per person in advance; $7 per person day of; ages 1 and under free.
📍 Location: Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin, SC 29036
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
Spring Hill High School’s Student Council hosts its annual Haunted House and Trick-or-Treat night with games, candy and prizes for the whole family.
🎟️ Cost: Haunted house $5; trick-or-treat free.
📍 Location: Spring Hill High School, 11629 Broad River Road, Chapin, SC 29036
👉 Read more
The Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party offers a frightfully fun night with exclusive access to Ndoki Lodge, a buffet dinner, and Halloween-inspired desserts. Admission includes a Spooky Rides Pass and special mascot visits.
Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more
Dance the night away at a Halloween-themed Zumbathon at Seven Oaks Park, part of Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission’s October Halloween Events lineup.
Bring your pup for Howl-O-Ween at the Bark, a Halloween celebration for dogs and their families at Crooked Creek Park, part of Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission’s October Halloween Events lineup.
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
Something strange is stirring at The Creature Room! Bring the whole family for The Creature Carnival — a gathering for those who love the strange and unusual, with local vendors, delicious food and treats, animal encounters, raffles, and more. Don’t forget to wear your best Halloween costume!
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
Make your space spooky with this frightfully fun Halloween craft of witch and ghost portraits. (ages 16+).
TNT Martial Arts & Fitness and Cayce’s Best After School and Summer Camp present their 9th annual Halloween Party and Trunk or Treat! Expect a bounce house, food trucks, games, a costume contest, trunk or treat, and much more. Registration is requested — register your family today through the event link.
📍 Location: TNT Martial Arts & Fitness, 1330 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033
👉 Read more
The Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party offers a frightfully fun night with exclusive access to Ndoki Lodge, a buffet dinner, and Halloween-inspired desserts. Admission includes a Spooky Rides Pass and special mascot visits.
Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more
It’s finally fall! Celebrate by making a zine about a favorite season — Halloween costume ideas, horror movie picks, spooky recipes, or spring/summer/winter favorites. All supplies provided; bring your creativity. This is an Adult event, but teens are welcome if accompanied by their adult.
Join Lexington United Methodist Children’s Ministry for Trunk or Treat in the large parking lot beside the church! Enjoy hot dogs (while supplies last), games, candy, and prizes. This is a Teal Pumpkin event with allergy-friendly options at each trunk.
📍 Location: Lexington United Methodist Church, 309 East Main Street, Lexington, SC
👉 Read more
The Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party offers a frightfully fun night with exclusive access to Ndoki Lodge, a buffet dinner, and Halloween-inspired desserts. Admission includes a Spooky Rides Pass and special mascot visits.
Gather your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, catch Ray’s Moonlight Magic, dance to the Eeky Freaky DJ, and ride the Haunted Carousel or Riverbanks Express (additional charge). Most animal residents will be off-exhibit for the night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more
Trick-or-treat meets entrepreneurship at Goals and Ghouls Halloween Event! Expect lots of excited families searching for crafts, treats, and cute spooky creations. Your child will enjoy busy sales, friendly interactions, and a big boost of confidence. Give them an unforgettable fang-tastic experience — register today!
West Columbia Soccer Complex
760 Old Barnwell Rd
West Columbia, South Carolina 29170
Historic Columbia’s Trunk or Treat returns for a safe, fun Halloween experience for the whole family. Put on your costume, collect candy from local organizations, enjoy music from DJ Roy Neptune, and join the costume contest at 6 p.m. Games and activities at the Robert Mills Carriage House. Rain date: Thursday, October 29, 5:30–7 p.m.
Historic Columbia’s Trunk or Treat, presented by Legacy Traditional Schools, returns Monday, October 26, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Put on your costume and join Historic Columbia for a safe, fun, and FREE Halloween experience for the whole family. Community members and local organizations throughout the city of Columbia will meet on the grounds of Robert Mills House to pass out candy to local Columbia kids, and DJ Roy Neptune will be there playing family-friendly music to keep the party going!
The costume contest returns this year, with prizes awarded in the following categories: ages 0–5, 6–10, 10+, and group costumes. The contest will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the DJ booth.
Class is in session! Teens mix and brew magical potions that are sure to transform any space.
Halloween Day Trips
Want to take a festive Halloween day trip? There are lots of ideas near Columbia with something that’s a great fit no matter the ages in your group. Carowinds near Charlotte is pretty much a perfect Halloween daytrip, which offers both Scarowinds for older teens and adults and the Tricks & Treats for families, happening from September 11th – November 1st, 2026.
Check out all the ideas in our list of Halloween Day Trips and our special Kidding Around Review of Scarowinds.
Like to be scared? Spooky Things to Do in Columbia
Stay Overnight Somewhere Haunted: The Spookiest Stays in the Southeast
Looking for a chance to see a real ghost this Halloween? Book one of these haunted vacation rentals or hotels. These spots have been widely reported as haunted, making them perfect for a festive Halloween night.
Discover the haunted places in Columbia, SC
Columbia is full of ghost stories. Our Haunted Places in Columbia article lists 13 places you might see ghosts along with the stories of those ghosts.
Visit a Haunted House, Farm, or Haunted Trail
If you and your crew like to be scared, then you might be considering a trip to a haunted house or trail. In Columbia, you’ll find everything from haunted castles to haunted farms where you can take a haunted wagon ride. There’s even a place where you can shoot zombies with lasers. These definitely go way beyond a plain traditional haunted house. Lots of these places are highly NOT recommended for children. Use the listings below to pick the perfect spot to be scared. Click the purple button below to find haunted trails near Columbia, SC.
Where are those pumpkin patches? How about a corn maze?
Need a pumpkin to carve for Halloween night? Pick one up at these farms near Columbia! Or, if traditional corn mazes are more your Halloween speed, try one of these farms with a corn maze. Have some family-friendly fall festive fun. Click the buttons below to see all the pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the Midlands.
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