Looking for fun things to do in Columbia, SC this weekend or month? Whether you’re planning a family outing or just need ideas to keep the kids entertained, Columbia is full of exciting, family-friendly events! From special children’s programs and festivals to live theatre and sports, we’ve rounded up the best local events happening this month, so you don’t miss a thing.
⭐Bookmark this page so you have a handy guide to the best things to do this month in the Columbia area!
Things to Do This Month: Columbia, SC
We are highlighting Cola’s best events throughout the month, so you can have the most fun each week. Be sure to check out our full event calendar for more fun around the Midlands!
Thank you to our sponsors. Sponsored events are marked as “featured.”
Holiday Events
November is a time for family and friends (and then Santa is also coming to town and holiday lights are kicking off). Check out this growing list of holiday events near Columbia.
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Events This Weekend: November in Columbia, SC
Is the weekend here, and you are not quite sure what to do? Check out these excellent family-friendly events near Columbia, SC! This month features some interesting things, so get out and explore as we head into the fall season!
Events November 1, 2026
On the first Sunday of every month, guests can enjoy general admission for just $1.
🔗Link to the SC State Museum website
Tickets for blockbuster exhibits, the planetarium, and the 4D theater are available for an additional cost.
SC State Museum
Events November 6 – 8, 2026
Join Moe of Let’s Get Roll’n SC, LLC on the First Friday of the month at Finlay Park for a FREE Rollerskating Lesson geared towards Moms/Dads/Caregivers and their child(ren) ages 0-4. Rollerskating is a great cardio workout, enhances social skills, builds confidence and is fun. Create a lifelong bonding experience by learning to skate together. If your child is too young to participate, no worries!!! Bring their stroller and your willingness to learn (stroller can be used as a balance aid).
#letsgetrollnskateclasses #thingstodoincolumbiasc #outdoorskatinginsc #mommynmerollnclass #beginnerskaters #meetnewpeople #getactive #buildselfconfidence
🎄 The Holiday Market is back! 🎄
Hosted by Lexington One SEPAC, this special market proudly features vendors with disabilities, giving them an opportunity to showcase and sell their products, talents, and creations to the community.
📅 Friday, November 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📅 Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍 Rosenwald Community Learning Center
420 Hendrix Street, Lexington, SC 29072
🎅🏻 Santa will be visiting!! Get your camera ready and stop by his workshop for your holiday photo ops. We are thrilled to be partnering with Santa’s Heroes again this year to bring you a sensory friendly holiday experience.
Bring your friends and family, shop local, and help us celebrate the incredible talents of our vendors! ❤️🎁
The PB&J Players present Alice in Wonderland JR., a topsy-turvy musical adventure — tumble down the rabbit hole, sip tea with the Mad Hatter and survive the Queen of Hearts’ croquet match. Fun for kids and grown-ups alike.
📍 Location: Brookland-Cayce High School, 1300 State Street, Cayce, SC 29033
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Families
A 5K run/walk plus a Kids Fun Run (8:45 AM) benefiting Columbia Children’s Theatre, open to all ages from 10 and under to 70+.
📍 Location: Central Energy, 2030 Gregg Street, Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
Cost: $15-$30
On November 7, 2026, AND November 8, 2026, The South Carolina State Farmers Market in conjunction with The Midlands Crafters Association will host a FREE family event for the community. This event will host over 150 vendors, crafters, and local businesses from all over the Midlands. This event is always FREE Admission, FREE Parking and Pet Friendly; everyone is welcome.
Event Hours:
Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 9AM until 4PM
Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 12PM until 4PM
FREE ADMISSION! FREE PARKING! PET FRIENDLY!
Where: South Carolina State Farmers Market – 3483 Charleston Highway (South Farmers Shed)
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!
A little paint, a little holiday magic! Join Kathy’s Kreations to paint your own Nora Fleming mini. Bring a friend, get creative, and add your own colorful touch to the season. Sign-up is requested through the registration form.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Kathy’s Kreations, 7591 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo, SC 29063
👉 Read more
Celebrate Día de los Muertos on Boyd Plaza with a community altar, arts and crafts, live music, folkloric dance and a live painting session honoring Latino artists and traditions.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with stories, a special guest and an activity for the whole family at this Saturday morning storytime.
The PB&J Players present Alice in Wonderland JR., a topsy-turvy musical adventure — tumble down the rabbit hole, sip tea with the Mad Hatter and survive the Queen of Hearts’ croquet match. Fun for kids and grown-ups alike.
📍 Location: Brookland-Cayce High School, 1300 State Street, Cayce, SC 29033
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Families
The PB&J Players present Alice in Wonderland JR., a topsy-turvy musical adventure — tumble down the rabbit hole, sip tea with the Mad Hatter and survive the Queen of Hearts’ croquet match. Fun for kids and grown-ups alike.
📍 Location: Brookland-Cayce High School, 1300 State Street, Cayce, SC 29033
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Families
$15
Browse locally made ceramics, jewelry, fine art, photography and more at this juried arts and crafts festival, with food and music in the park. A family-friendly day out for all ages!
The robotics teams of Ben Lippen High School will join us on November 8, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. They will set up their robots with interactive activities in our Space/Draw Alive exhibit.
Meet members of all three robotics teams: MountainTop (31981), Falcon Force (9121), and Falcon Fury (24250).
EdVenture Columbia only.
📍 Location: EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more
Cost of admission to EdVenture
The PB&J Players present Alice in Wonderland JR., a topsy-turvy musical adventure — tumble down the rabbit hole, sip tea with the Mad Hatter and survive the Queen of Hearts’ croquet match. Fun for kids and grown-ups alike.
📍 Location: Brookland-Cayce High School, 1300 State Street, Cayce, SC 29033
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Families
$15
Events November 13 – 15, 2026
Join Richland County Recreation Commission to celebrate the beginning of the Kelly Mill Nature Trail project with a ground breaking celebration.
A WOW Studio One/Destined2WOW Foundation teen stage play about a group of teenagers trapped in their high school by a hurricane, where rivalries, secrets and friendships all surface. Billed as family-friendly.
🎟️ Cost: General $25; VIP $40 (preferred seating plus a free WSO tumbler).
📍 Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC 29063
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Teens and families
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
Unplug, create, and grow — the old-fashioned way. Your kids will dive into real work, face challenges, celebrate wins (big or small), and come home glowing with new skills and stories. Reserve your spot at the Barnyard Flea Market: Kids Markets event! Sign your kids up today for this hands-on adventure.
Barnyard Flea Markets
4414 Augusta Rd
Lexington, South Carolina 29073
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!
Share stories, songs and more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
📍 Location: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Ages 0–5 and families
FREE
MedElem is a group of USC undergraduate students who are studying for future health careers such as Nursing, Medicine, Physical Therapy, Dentistry and Pharmacy. They have developed hands-on activities to teach elementary students about ten different body systems. In learning about systems such as the cardiovascular or digestive system and its organs, participating children can learn about taking care of their own health as well as meeting future health care providers. MedElem activities are included with admission.
November 14, 2026, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at EdVenture Columbia.
📍 Location: EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more
A WOW Studio One/Destined2WOW Foundation teen stage play about a group of teenagers trapped in their high school by a hurricane, where rivalries, secrets and friendships all surface. Billed as family-friendly.
🎟️ Cost: General $25; VIP $40 (preferred seating plus a free WSO tumbler).
📍 Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC 29063
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Teens and families
Visit the W. Gordon Belser Arboretum during its Monthly Open House on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 1–4 PM. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
This 10-acre nature preserve features diverse native plant communities across multiple habitats, peaceful walking paths, a botanical garden, a waterfall, and unique outdoor exhibits, offering a quiet, educational escape into nature right in Columbia.
A WOW Studio One/Destined2WOW Foundation teen stage play about a group of teenagers trapped in their high school by a hurricane, where rivalries, secrets and friendships all surface. Billed as family-friendly.
🎟️ Cost: General $25; VIP $40 (preferred seating plus a free WSO tumbler).
📍 Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC 29063
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Teens and families
Events November 20 – 22, 2026
The sun is setting earlier, so let’s explore the night sky! A hands-on morning for little ones and their grown-up in the Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.
Stroll the Zoo after dark among more than 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lanterns, with nightly snowfall, activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through Dec. 23). Wild Lights runs on select nights Nov. 20 – Jan. 10; this listing is the opening night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
★ FeaturedOver 2 million twinkling lights, a train ride, Santa visits, crafts, and more. Fireflies Holiday Lights presented by Lexington Health returns to Prisma Health Park for an affordable holiday tradition the whole family will love.
Event details:
- Dates: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026 through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027
- Hours: 6-9 pm nightly (last entry 8:30 pm)
- New Year’s Eve: Special hours, 5-8 pm
- Closed: Thanksgiving Day (11/26), Christmas Day (12/25), and New Year’s Day (1/1)
- Location: Prisma Health Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201
- Tickets: firefliestickets.com
- Cost: $12+
- More info: firefliesholidaylights.com | 803-726-4487
Nightly activities:
- Visits with Santa: Share your wish list nightly through Dec. 23.
- Scavenger Hunt: Find the hidden gems in the lights for a chance to win a prize.
- Crafts at Santa’s Workshop: Kids can make a holiday craft, thanks to The Home Depot.
- Fireflies Express: The beloved train ride, presented by Thermal Technologies, is $5 per rider for kids 12 and under. It has an ADA-accessible car, and seating is first come, first served.
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!
Share stories, songs and more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Join them every Saturday!
Operation Honor: Rural Salute SC 26 in partnership with the SCDVA is bringing FREE military and veteran family fun to West Columbia on Saturday, November 21 from 11A to 5P!
The day is focused on family entertainment and fun with a bounce house, games, face painting and more. The first 500 military connected people can receive a free Mission BBQ sandwich and drink!
There will be craft vendors, music and veteran resources the whole day as well!
Event location is: Phillips Market Center 117 Ballard Ct, West Columbia, SC 29172
We hope to see you there!
Events November 27 – 29, 2026
Drive through three miles of sparkling animated lights, with a tube slide, hayride, train ride, laser light show, and letters to Santa.
Runs nightly Nov. 25 – Dec. 31; this listing is for opening night (activities not offered on Thanksgiving night, Christmas Eve or Christmas night).
Meet Santa!
No holiday experience is complete without a visit from Santa Claus! He’ll be at the Holiday Lights on select dates, providing an opportunity for professional photos and photo packages. Capture the joy of the season with a memorable photo with Santa!
Santa Dates: Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-7, Dec. 11-13, Dec. 17-23
🎟️ Cost: $25 per car – $25 per car
📍 Location: Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
Santa Claus is coming to Kathy’s Kreations! Bring your little ones, their Christmas wish lists, and your camera for sweet memories with Santa. Take your own photos, no appointment needed.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Kathy’s Kreations, 7591 St. Andrews Rd., Irmo, SC 29063
👉 Read more
Stroll the Zoo after dark among more than 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lanterns, with nightly snowfall, activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through Dec. 23). Wild Lights runs on select nights Nov. 20 – Jan. 10; this listing is the opening night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
Over 2 million twinkling lights, a train ride, Santa visits, crafts, and more. Fireflies Holiday Lights presented by Lexington Health returns to Prisma Health Park for an affordable holiday tradition the whole family will love.
Event details:
- Dates: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026 through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027
- Hours: 6-9 pm nightly (last entry 8:30 pm)
- New Year’s Eve: Special hours, 5-8 pm
- Closed: Thanksgiving Day (11/26), Christmas Day (12/25), and New Year’s Day (1/1)
- Location: Prisma Health Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201
- Tickets: firefliestickets.com
- Cost: $12+
- More info: firefliesholidaylights.com | 803-726-4487
Nightly activities:
- Visits with Santa: Share your wish list nightly through Dec. 23.
- Scavenger Hunt: Find the hidden gems in the lights for a chance to win a prize.
- Crafts at Santa’s Workshop: Kids can make a holiday craft, thanks to The Home Depot.
- Fireflies Express: The beloved train ride, presented by Thermal Technologies, is $5 per rider for kids 12 and under. It has an ADA-accessible car, and seating is first come, first served.
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!
Meet Santa at the museum and enjoy holiday fun with friends and family. Santa meet-and-greets, plus Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D and the Áróra planetarium show (shows cost extra).
🎟️ Cost: Included with museum admission (adults $13, seniors $11, ages 3–12 $10, under 3 free); 4D and planetarium shows extra.
📍 Location: South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
A holiday variety show with live music and puppets, created with the Cola Jazz Foundation. Blacklight-lit puppets and a live jazz band bring the swing to beloved holiday songs.
🎟️ Cost: $15 per person, ages 2 and up.
📍 Location: Columbia Marionette Theatre, 401 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Ages 2 and up
Stroll the Zoo after dark among more than 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lanterns, with nightly snowfall, activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through Dec. 23). Wild Lights runs on select nights Nov. 20 – Jan. 10; this listing is the opening night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
Celebrate the season at the Town of Blythewood’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting in front of Blythewood Town Hall. Pre-ceremony music begins at 4:30 p.m.
Stroll the Zoo after dark among more than 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lanterns, with nightly snowfall, activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through Dec. 23). Wild Lights runs on select nights Nov. 20 – Jan. 10; this listing is the opening night.
📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
Plan Your Day!
Check out our Guide to Things to Do Near Columbia, SC
Fill up Your Weekend With These Things to Do Near Columbia, SC
- Plan our your Thanksgiving dinner from these local restaurants.
- Check out these Indoor Things to Do!
- Take a day trip to Toccoa Falls in Georgia!
- Plan out your next date night that’s not boring!
- Head to BJ’s Restaurant for a night out.
- Spend Thanksgiving break having a fun time with family.
- Visit Seven Oaks Park.
- Explore Crooked Creek Park this summer!
- Enjoy one of these local 19 playgrounds and parks.
- Visit Swan Lake in Sumter, SC.
- Enjoy a family night out.
- Take a day trip!
- Check out all the FREE programming at Richland County Library.
- Bring the kids for a stroller stroll at these local parks.
- Dine out at Columbia’s best restaurants!
- Here are 50+ FREE things to do around the area.
Theatre, Shows, and Sporting Events
Enjoy some live performances, from marionette shows to concerts, right here in Columbia, SC!
A WOW Studio One/Destined2WOW Foundation teen stage play about a group of teenagers trapped in their high school by a hurricane, where rivalries, secrets and friendships all surface. Billed as family-friendly.
🎟️ Cost: General $25; VIP $40 (preferred seating plus a free WSO tumbler).
📍 Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC 29063
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Teens and families
A WOW Studio One/Destined2WOW Foundation teen stage play about a group of teenagers trapped in their high school by a hurricane, where rivalries, secrets and friendships all surface. Billed as family-friendly.
🎟️ Cost: General $25; VIP $40 (preferred seating plus a free WSO tumbler).
📍 Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC 29063
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Teens and families
A WOW Studio One/Destined2WOW Foundation teen stage play about a group of teenagers trapped in their high school by a hurricane, where rivalries, secrets and friendships all surface. Billed as family-friendly.
🎟️ Cost: General $25; VIP $40 (preferred seating plus a free WSO tumbler).
📍 Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC 29063
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Teens and families
★ FeaturedGet ready to dance! DJ Raphi brings his high-energy Hype Tour USA 2.0 to The Underground in Charlotte for an all-ages dance party packed with crowd-pleasing beats. It’s a general admission, standing-room-only show, so wear comfy shoes and come ready to move.
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., show starts at 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Underground, Charlotte, NC
Ages: All ages welcome
GIVEAWAY: Enter to win tickets here
Tickets: General admission only, with a limit of 8 tickets per order. Prices go up on the day of the show, so buy early. Service fees apply at all points of purchase.
Accessibility: Guests needing accessible accommodations should purchase a general admission ticket and will be accommodated at the venue.
Dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.
A holiday variety show with live music and puppets, created with the Cola Jazz Foundation. Blacklight-lit puppets and a live jazz band bring the swing to beloved holiday songs.
🎟️ Cost: $15 per person, ages 2 and up.
📍 Location: Columbia Marionette Theatre, 401 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Ages 2 and up
Part of the Town of Lexington’s Snowball Festival, the craft fair features 66 local vendors with handcrafted gifts, home decor and holiday goods. Stay for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. with a Riverbluff High School choir performance, then a showing of ELF at 7:30 p.m.
🎟️ Cost: Free admisison
📍 Location: Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 W. Main St, Lexington, SC
👉 Read more
A holiday variety show with live music and puppets, created with the Cola Jazz Foundation. Blacklight-lit puppets and a live jazz band bring the swing to beloved holiday songs.
🎟️ Cost: $15 per person, ages 2 and up (purchase ahead of time in case of time changes)
📍 Location: Columbia Marionette Theatre, 401 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Ages 2 and up
Columbia Children’s Theatre brings Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens’ musical retelling of Dickens’ holiday classic to the Harbison stage — a family-friendly night of ghosts, redemption and Christmas spirit.
🎟️ Cost: $15.
📍 Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC 29063
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Family-friendly
Columbia Children’s Theatre brings Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens’ musical retelling of Dickens’ holiday classic to the Harbison stage — a family-friendly night of ghosts, redemption and Christmas spirit.
🎟️ Cost: $15.
📍 Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC 29063
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Family-friendly
Columbia City Jazz Conservatory’s modern rewrite of the Nutcracker story follows two friends named Clara and their Christmas adventures through the years. Appropriate for the whole family.
🎟️ Cost: $25 adult; $17.50 ages 8 and under.
📍 Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC 29063
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
Free Things Happening This Month
- Soda City Farmers Market, Weekly
- Home Depot FREE Kids Workshop
Lords and ladies, travel back in time for crafts, games and medieval fun at the library’s tiny but mighty Ren Faire.
📍 Location: Lexington Main Library, 5440 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC 29072
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Grades K–5
FREE
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!
Share stories, songs and more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
📍 Location: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Ages 0–5 and families
FREE
Visit the W. Gordon Belser Arboretum during its Monthly Open House on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 1–4 PM. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
This 10-acre nature preserve features diverse native plant communities across multiple habitats, peaceful walking paths, a botanical garden, a waterfall, and unique outdoor exhibits, offering a quiet, educational escape into nature right in Columbia.
Put on your dancing shoes and join a fun, interactive family program full of music and movement.
📍 Location: Lexington Main Library, 5440 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC 29072
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Families with children
A story, gallery time and a hands-on studio activity themed around artful eats, designed for young children and their caregivers.
🎟️ Cost: Free (registration required)
📍 Location: Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Ages 2–5 with a caregiver
Enjoy stories with Willow, a therapy dog who travels with Tanee and Macey of Uplift Lexington. Willow loves to listen and give kisses.
📍 Location: Pelion Branch Library, 206 Pine Street, Pelion, SC 29123
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Families with children
Kick off the holidays at the 41st Annual Vista Lights! More than 60 galleries, shops, and restaurants open late, plus a free Kid’s Zone on Lincoln Street with face painting, balloon art, reindeer snacks, and visits with Santa.
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!
Cheap Fun is the BEST Fun!
There are lots of Free Things to Do Near Columbia, SC
Our Top Picks: Don’t Miss These Events This Month Near Columbia, SC
Our list is growing and full of options. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed, try one of these top picks. These are the events chosen by the Kidding Around® team!
Catch a FREE event at the Richland Libraries. We love their free movies!
Travel Highlight
Sometimes a magical weekend getaway during the holidays in exactly what you need to make it even more amazing. Plan a weekend in Greenville, SC during December, with Christmas tree displays, holiday parades, and more!
Plan a weekend in Greenville, SC (perfect for the upcoming holidays!)
Don’t Miss These Things to Do This Month, Updated With Your Family In Mind!
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