Things to Do This Month: Columbia, SC

Deck out your bike or trike with glow sticks and fairy lights and join a family-friendly evening ride through Saluda Shoals Park. Check-in begins at 6 pm and the ride rolls out at 6:45 pm, followed by a celebration with music, food trucks, and prizes for the best-decorated bikes.

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!

Backyard Saturday gets a literary twist! Enjoy Ranger Rachel’s Storytime at 10:30 am and 11:15 am featuring Are You a Cheeseburger? by Monica Arnaldo, then explore a story-inspired hike, sensory play bins, a hands-on science table, and a creative imagination station. You can even trade books at Saluda Rudy’s Mobile Little Free Library.

The Columbia Marionette Theatre presents Winnie the Pooh, a puppet show about the beloved bear who loves having stories told about him. Performances at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Discover the beauty of Chinese calligraphy in this hands-on program! Local expert Hannah Min teaches young artists how to hold a traditional brush, create simple strokes, and write a few Chinese characters. All supplies are provided and kids take their artwork home.
Ages: Ages 6–12

Make a garland that fits the creepy and spooky season!
📍 Location: Richland Library North Main, 5306 North Main Street, Columbia, SC 29203
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🧒 Ages: Adults

On the first Sunday of every month, general admission to the South Carolina State Museum is just $1! Explore four floors of South Carolina art, cultural history, natural history, and science, including the Boeing Observatory. Planetarium shows and 4D theater films are available for an additional price.

EdVenture Columbia joins the South Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Office for Tame the Flame, its annual fire and life safety event in partnership with local fire departments. Kids can meet local firefighters and enjoy a day of fun and learning.

Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College welcomes the South Carolina Philharmonic to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a live performance of the music of John Williams, a family-friendly program of beloved film scores.

The Midlands Plant & Flower Festival brings the area’s largest selection of fall plants and decorations to the SC State Farmers Market, with free admission and parking.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: SC State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC
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Bring the kids out for a hands-on Fall Farm & Golf Day that blends farm chores with golf basics. Campers will care for the farm animals (mini cows, goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, and Gracy the donkey), fish the stocked pond, take a nature walk, and learn golf fundamentals — full swing, chipping, putting, driving, and course etiquette — with coaching from George Bryan Golf Academy. Full-day and half-day morning/afternoon options are available. Kids should bring a packed lunch and water, and all campers must sign a waiver.

🎟️ Cost: $140 (full day) / $90 (half day).
📍 Location: George Bryan Golf Academy & Carpenter Farms, 1108 Mount Vernon Church Road, Chapin, SC 29036
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🧒 Ages: 6-15

What happens when dinosaurs from different tales meet? The Columbia Marionette Theatre brings its newest puppet show to the library, as an unexpected mix of storybook dinosaur characters find themselves wrapped up in a brand-new adventure.

Just in time for the fall holidays: DIY Halloween and Thanksgiving cake-decorating step-by-step techniques. Guided instruction for creating DIY projects. We provide the supplies; you supply the creativity!
📍 Location: Richland Library Eastover, 608 Main Street, Eastover, SC 29044
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Learn about South Carolina’s amazing snakes with local expert Brandon Eargle, including which habitats they live in and how to stay safe around them. There will be live snakes to observe and touch!
📍 Location: Richland Library Ballentine, 1200 Dutch Fork Road, Irmo, SC 29063
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Create hauntingly fun art projects in this kid-friendly spooky craft hour — no tricks, just treats. (grades K–5)
📍 Location: South Congaree-Pine Ridge Branch Library, 200 Sunset Drive, West Columbia, SC 29172
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🧒 Ages: Elementary

Things are getting spooky at the library. Enjoy eerie stories, fun games and wander the stacks for tricks or treats.

Pack the car for a seasonal drive-in movie the whole family can enjoy. Watch from your car or set up tailgating chairs; the parking area opens at 6:30 pm and the movie starts after sunset, around 7:15 pm. Food trucks and concessions will be on site.
🎟️ Cost: $25 per car; $35 per 12+ passenger van.
📍 Location: Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212
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🧒 Ages: All ages

Drive up and settle in for a spooky-fun outdoor movie night at Saluda Shoals Park, part of Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission’s October Halloween Events lineup.

The Midlands Plant & Flower Festival brings the area’s largest selection of fall plants and decorations to the SC State Farmers Market, with free admission and parking.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: SC State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC
👉 Read more

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!

Spend a cozy morning fall-crafting at the library. Everything you need to make colorful, seasonal masterpieces is provided — just bring your creativity.

Join a good-morning storytime and a slideshow of everything your stuffed animals got into overnight at the library! This continues the Stuffed Animal Sleepover — drop off your stuffed friend at the goodnight storytime on Friday, October 9.

Art & Rec Connect returns for the Fall Edition! Enjoy nature, ignite creativity, and discover your community’s history, all in one day! Registration is required.

The wait is over — after 11 years, the Italian Festival is back in Columbia! Bring the whole family to Finlay Park for a joyful day of authentic Italian food, live music, cultural celebrations, and community fun. This beloved Columbia tradition returns with flavors, performances, and activities honoring Italian heritage, plus opportunities to connect with local vendors and the community that’s brought this festival back to life.

The Columbia Marionette Theatre presents Winnie the Pooh, a puppet show about the beloved bear who loves having stories told about him. Performances at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Join the Barnes & Noble – Shoppes at Woodhill in store this weekend, dressed in your favorite Halloween costume, for a LEGO Halloween themed mini build event; dressing up is optional. This event is perfect for ages 10+ and LEGO enthusiasts of all ages are welcome! Kits are limited. Contact their store for more information on how to reserve a spot for this event.

📍 Location: Barnes & Noble – Shoppes at Woodhill, 6090 Garners Ferry Road Suite C, Columbia, SC 29209
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: 10+

Come dressed in your best Halloween costume to trick-or-treat along the path at Leo’s Landing Inclusive Playground, then stay to enjoy the playground. Tickets are limited, so purchase in advance.

Join the Barnes & Noble – Columbiana in store this weekend, dressed in your favorite Halloween costume, for a LEGO Halloween themed mini build event; dressing up is optional. This event is perfect for ages 10+ and LEGO enthusiasts of all ages are welcome! Kits are limited. Contact their store for more information on how to reserve a spot for this event.
📍 Location: Barnes & Noble – Columbiana, Columbiana Centre, 100 Columbiana Cir #1222, Columbia, SC 29212
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🧒 Ages: 10+

Village Square Theatre is hosting a Trunk or Treat event on October 10th from 6–8 p.m. Enjoy entertainment, trunk or treating, a costume contest, and other fun activities. Admission is free!

The Midlands Plant & Flower Festival brings the area’s largest selection of fall plants and decorations to the SC State Farmers Market, with free admission and parking.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: SC State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC
👉 Read more

EdVenture Columbia invites families to enjoy the museum in a sensory-friendly environment, with reduced lighting, limited crowd size, educational programming, and resources for parents. Admission is free with advance registration.

Step into the Creepy Crawly Pathway, where Halloween fun slithers, scurries, and sneaks around every corner! Follow the spooky-lit trail through the park and stop at each decorated station to collect candy and surprises from our community partners. Along the way, watch out for glowing spiders, fluttering bats, and friendly costumed characters who make the pathway come alive with Halloween spirit. Bring your best costumes, your candy buckets, and a little bit of courage — the Creepy Crawly Pathway is full of sweet (and slightly spooky) fun for the whole family!

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
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Celebrate the arrival of fall with a special outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus on the historic USC Horseshoe! Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs and settle in under the stars. Arrive early for complimentary popcorn and ice cream, and keep an eye out for Cocky! The film starts shortly after sunset, around 7:15 p.m. Free street parking after 7 p.m. Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome.

🎟️ Cost: $5 per adult; children free
📍 Location: USC Horseshoe, 900 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages

This beautiful autumn, spark your child’s independence at the Kids Markets at Northwest Family YMCA Family Pumpkin Run and Fall Festival. They’ll operate their own mini business, sell their creations, keep the profits, and gain real skills in a fun, supportive setting. Watch them glow with pride and entrepreneurial spirit. Sign up for this golden opportunity!

Northwest Family YMCA

1501 Kennerly Rd

Irmo, South Carolina 29063

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!

Take a self-guided tour through a variety of self-regulatory tools in a low-stimulation auditorium with gentle lighting. Calming materials like fidgets and noise-reducing headphones are available, and staff trained in accommodations are on hand for support.

The Columbia Marionette Theatre presents Winnie the Pooh, a puppet show about the beloved bear who loves having stories told about him. Performances at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Come one, come all, to Aiken State Park’s Sandhills Spooktacular Fall Festival! Enjoy carnival games and trunk-or-treating from noon to 4pm, plus s’mores and hayrides from 3-4pm, with food trucks onsite for seasonal treats. Free after park admission.

Join in watching Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride and create a sculpture of the iconic scene in which Victor recites his wedding vows and places his wedding ring on Emily’s skeletal hand. (2005, PG, 77 min.).
📍 Location: Richland Library Edgewood, 2101 Oak Street, Columbia, SC 29204
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Teens 12-18

The Italian Festival returns to Columbia, moved to Saturday, October 17 due to weather! Enjoy Italian food, live music, vendors, Ferraris, family activities and more at Finlay Park.

🎟️ Cost: Free admission
📍 Location: Finlay Park, 930 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201
👉 Read more

Celebrate the season with multicultural stories, crafts, piñatas, STEAM and activity stations and open play. Partnered with Lexington County School District One Family Center.

Lexington BMX is hosting their Fall Festival at the Lexington BMX Track – a fun-filled evening with music, food trucks, vendors and craft booths, bounce house and kids zone, BMX track riding, games, and a trunk or treat! Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: Lexington BMX Track (Red Bank Arena), 1159 Nazareth Road, Lexington, SC 29073
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

The Columbia Marionette Theatre presents Winnie the Pooh, a puppet show about the beloved bear who loves having stories told about him. Performances at 11:00 am only.

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

Paddle the Saluda River during peak fall color on a guided tour where you’ll learn about local natural history, explore a river island, and watch for wildlife. All equipment is included; plan for about 30 extra minutes for shuttling. Weather and river conditions permitting.

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