October 2026 Events in Columbia, SC: Fall Festivals, Halloween Fun & Things to Do
Updated October 8, 2026
Looking for things to do in Columbia this October? The Midlands calendar is filled with fall festivals, pumpkin patches, outdoor concerts, Halloween activities, and the South Carolina State Fair.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night, or a weekend exploring a nearby town, there’s plenty to enjoy throughout Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, Chapin, Blythewood, and beyond. We’ve organized upcoming events by weekend, followed by ongoing attractions and seasonal markets to help you plan your month.
Event schedules, prices, and ticket availability can change. Follow the linked event pages for the latest information before heading out.
October 8–11: Oktoberfest, Outdoor Music & Fall Festivals
Free Thursday Concerts in Columbia and Lexington
Thursday, October 8
Start the weekend early with a free outdoor concert. Sam Morrow performs at the Koger Center Plaza Stage, 1051 Greene Street, from 5–7 p.m. An indoor rain location is available.
In Lexington, Civil Remedy takes the stage at Icehouse Amphitheater at 6:30 p.m. as part of Icehouse Live.
Sam Morrow concert details | Icehouse Live details
Oktoberfest Columbia
October 9–11 | Incarnation Lutheran Church, Columbia
Enjoy German food, beer, and entertainment at 3005 Devine Street. Admission is free, with food and beverages available for purchase.
Hours are 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon–6 p.m. Sunday. Food service ends one hour before closing. Leave pets at home and follow posted restrictions when using nearby street parking.
Midlands Fall Plant & Flower Festival
October 9–11 | South Carolina State Farmers Market, West Columbia
Pick up plants, pumpkins, produce, and handcrafted items at 3483 Charleston Highway. Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions.
Admission and parking are free. Hours are 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday. Bring a wagon if you have one—available wagons are limited.
Boo-vie in the Park
Friday, October 9 | 6:30–9:30 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park East
Settle in for an outdoor showing of Hocus Pocus, with the movie expected to begin around 7:15 p.m. Watch from your vehicle or bring chairs.
Admission is $25 per car or $35 for a van carrying 12 or more passengers. Concessions will be available.
Top Dawg Tavern Oktoberfest
Friday, October 9 | Northeast Columbia
Top Dawg Tavern at 498 Town Center Place hosts an Oktoberfest celebration from 11 a.m.–11 p.m., with live music by Walker Gainey from 8–11 p.m.
Entry is free; food and beverages are purchased separately.
Southern Gothic Festival
October 9–10 | Camden
Make a fall day trip to Camden for author conversations, storytelling, music, theater, and historic ghost tours.
Many programs are free, while selected experiences require tickets. Options include a Friday lantern tour from 6:30–8:30 p.m. for $10 and Saturday’s Haunts & Spirits event from 7–8:30 p.m. for $25.
ArtLinc
Saturday, October 10 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Columbia’s Vista
Help turn the Vista Greenway into an outdoor art display during this community chalk-art event. Admission and chalk are free, and all ages are welcome.
Find the event at the greenway entrance beneath the Elmwood overpass.
Columbia Italian Festival
Saturday, October 10 | Finlay Park, Columbia
Spend part of your Saturday enjoying Italian food, music, and cultural activities at Finlay Park. The festival begins at 11 a.m.
Check the festival’s current schedule
Newberry Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 10 | Enoree River Winery, Newberry
Head to 1650 Dusty Road for a fall winery outing with live music, vendors, food, and wine.
Published admission is $40 for adults and $10 for children. Adult admission includes wine tickets; food costs extra. Check the event page for arrival times and remaining ticket options.
Saluda Shoals Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail
Saturday, October 10 | 2–4:30 p.m.
Enjoy daytime trick-or-treating near Leo’s Landing at Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Road.
The event is recommended for children 12 and under, with all ages welcome. Admission is $5 per child in advance or $7 the day of the event. Capacity is limited.
Pups & Pints: Halloween Edition
Saturday, October 10 | Noon–3 p.m. | West Columbia
Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center Street, hosts a Halloween-themed adoption event and donation drive with Columbia Animal Services.
Costumes are encouraged, and adoption fees are waived. If you’re planning to adopt, bring a collar and leash.
October 15–18: State Fair Opening, Food & Wine, and Outdoor Adventures
South Carolina State Fair
October 15–25 | 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia
October wouldn’t feel complete without fair food, rides, agricultural exhibits, and live entertainment. The South Carolina State Fair returns for an eleven-day run.
Advance admission through October 14 is advertised at $10 at participating Circle K locations or $11 online. Regular admission varies by date, and rides cost extra. Children 5 and under are free.
Opening-day admission is $5, and the calendar includes special promotions and a sensory-friendly morning on October 22. Gate and ride hours vary, so check your chosen date.
Daily fair schedule | Advance-ticket information
Irmo Food and Wine Festival
Thursday, October 15 | 5–8 p.m. | Moore Park
Enjoy food, wine, beer, and live music at 7473 Church Street, Irmo.
Tickets are $50 per person, and this event is strictly for ages 21 and older. Chairs are welcome, but children, pets, and coolers are not permitted. The festival is scheduled rain or shine.
Festival information and tickets
Creepy Crawly Pathway
Friday, October 16 | 6–7:30 p.m. | Seven Oaks Park
Bring the children to 200 Leisure Lane for an evening trick-or-treat trail designed for ages 12 and under.
Child admission is $5 in advance or $7 on the day of the event.
Famously Hot SC Pride
October 16–17 | Downtown Columbia
Main Street hosts a weekend of Pride celebrations, with Friday parade festivities followed by Saturday’s festival.
Check the event’s latest schedule for parade times, performances, and attendance details.
YMCA Pumpkin Run & Fall Festival
Saturday, October 17 | Northwest Family YMCA, Irmo
Start your Saturday with a run and seasonal activities at 1501 Kennerly Road.
The children’s run begins at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m. Festival activities continue until 10 a.m., with costumes, crafts, food trucks, and the Spooky Bus.
Race fees vary by category and registration date.
Walk for Life & Famously Hot Pink 10K + 5K
Saturday, October 17 | Segra Park, Columbia
Join walkers and runners supporting breast-cancer care at 1640 Freed Street. Check the current registration information for your selected distance, starting time, and entry fee.
Congaree National Park’s 50th Anniversary
October 17–18 | Hopkins
Celebrate a Midlands natural treasure with a free weekend of ranger talks, guided hikes, wildlife programs, and presentations.
Programs take place at or depart from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, 100 National Park Road. Saturday includes a 5:45 p.m. Owl Prowl, while Sunday begins with a 9 a.m. Big Tree Hike. Both require sign-up.
See the National Park Service schedule
October 22–25: Halloween Performances, Races & Community Celebrations
Not-So-Spooky Halloween Stroll
Thursday, October 22 | 2–5 p.m. | Downtown Columbia
Explore participating Main Street businesses and Richland Library Main during an afternoon Halloween stroll.
The library is at 1431 Assembly Street. Nonfood Teal Pumpkin treats are available, and accommodation requests should be made in advance.
Arts & Draughts
Friday, October 23 | 7–11 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art
Plan an evening of art, live music, activities, and craft beer at the museum.
This event is 18+. Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door, or $10 for members.
Halloween at the Park
Friday, October 23 | 6–8:30 p.m. | Crooked Creek Park, Chapin
Visit 1098 Old Lexington Highway for a trick-or-treat trail, outdoor carnival, and hayride.
Admission is $5 per person in advance or $7 on the day of the event, with ages 1 and under free. All attendees need registration. The trick-or-treat trail closes at 7:30 p.m.
Blacklight Halloween Zumbathon
Friday, October 23 | 7–9 p.m. | Seven Oaks Park
Dance for a cause during this costume-friendly fundraiser benefiting ICRC Meals on Wheels.
Admission is $15 per person, and participants must be 13 or older. A prize will be awarded for the best costume.
The Witching Hour
Friday, October 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, Irmo
Southern Gothic Opera Company combines Halloween storytelling, classical influences, and rock music in this seasonal performance at 7300 College Street.
Tickets are $35, with $30 tickets for qualifying students, seniors, and military personnel.
Dracula: Ballet with a Bite
October 23–24 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center, Columbia
South Carolina Ballet brings its Halloween production to 1051 Greene Street.
Tickets are listed at $35–$60. The production carries PG-13 guidance for mature content, and Saturday’s performance includes a costume contest.
Performance details and tickets
Blythewood Fall Classic Rodeo
October 23–24 | Prisma Health Arena, Blythewood
Make your way to 10433 Wilson Boulevard for two evenings of rodeo competition.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. Published admission ranges from $12–$20; check ticket categories before purchasing.
Mayor’s Walk and Run Against Domestic Violence
Saturday, October 24 | Finlay Park, Columbia
Support Sistercare and raise awareness during this community event at 930 Laurel Street.
The 5K begins at 8 a.m., followed by the walk at 9:15 a.m.
Event information and registration
Nightmare in Elmwood 5K & Kids Fun Run
Saturday, October 24 | Elmwood Park, Columbia
Put your costume to work during a neighborhood race near 2204 Park Street.
The children’s run begins at 9:30 a.m. for ages 2–12, followed by the 5K at 10 a.m. Published registration is $20 for the children’s run and $40 for the 5K.
Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome. The event is rain or shine, and participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations.
Race registration and parking information
Movie in the Park & Trunk or Treat
Saturday, October 24 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. | Elgin
Awaken Church hosts a free public event at Blaney Elementary School, 1621 Smyrna Road.
Enjoy trunk-or-treating, carnival games, crafts, popcorn, food trucks, and a showing of Monsters, Inc.
Haunted Library in Blythewood
Saturday, October 24 | 3–5 p.m.
Stop by Richland Library Blythewood for a drop-in afternoon of Halloween games, crafts, and treats.
Hocus Pocus Halloween Market
Sunday, October 25 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Lexington
Browse more than 35 vendors at Flora & Fauna Marketplace, 4773 Sunset Boulevard.
The outdoor market features handmade goods, seasonal décor, food trucks, and photo opportunities. Admission is free, costumes are encouraged, and friendly dogs are welcome.
October 26–31: Halloween Week Around the Midlands
Historic Columbia Trunk or Treat
Monday, October 26 | 5:30–7 p.m.
Robert Mills Gardens, 1616 Blanding Street, hosts a free family celebration with candy, music, games, and a 6 p.m. costume contest.
USC Ghost Tours
Tuesday, October 27 | Departures from 6:30–8 p.m.
Hear campus ghost stories on a tour departing from McKissick Museum, 945 Bull Street. The final departure is at 8 p.m.
Lexington Police Department Fall Festival
Tuesday, October 27 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. | Icehouse Amphitheater
Enjoy rides, games, food, and a costume contest at this community festival.
Admission is $5 for ages 6 and older, while children 5 and under are free. Capacity is limited. Costume contest registration runs 5:30–6:30 p.m., with the contest beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Festival information and ticket link
Halloween Fun at Richland Library
October 28–29 | Multiple Columbia branches
Add a library stop to your Halloween plans:
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Witchy Wednesday: Oct. 28, 4–5:15 p.m., Wheatley, 931 Woodrow Street. Free storytime, games, and a costume parade. Details
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Halloween Celebration: Oct. 29, 3:30–5 p.m., Cooper, 5317 North Trenholm Road. Crafts, dancing, face painting, and trick-or-treat activities. Details
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Edgewood Spookapalooza: Oct. 29, 3:30–4:30 p.m., 2101 Oak Street. Games, pumpkins, and dancing. Details
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Southeast Fall Festival: Oct. 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m., 7421 Garners Ferry Road. Family activities; weather-dependent. Details
Check each program page for registration and attendance information.
Blythewood Trunk or Treat
Thursday, October 29 | 4–7 p.m. | Doko Meadows Park
Wear a costume and visit decorated trunks at 171 Langford Road.
The event is free for families to attend. The separate $5 vehicle fee applies only to participants entering a decorated trunk.
Revolutionary Ghosts with Tally Johnson
Thursday, October 29 | 6–7:30 p.m. | South Carolina State Library
Explore South Carolina history through Revolutionary-era ghost stories with author and storyteller Tally Johnson.
The program is free, with registration requested.
Program details and registration link
Halloween Hoopla at EdVenture
Friday, October 30 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Columbia
Enjoy an after-hours museum evening with costumes, hands-on activities, crafts, and treats.
Published admission is $5 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Capacity is limited. Children may wear costumes, but masks are not permitted.
EdVenture event information and booking
Crescent City Voodoo: A New Orleans Masquerade
Friday, October 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center
Celebrate Halloween with New Orleans-style brass, jazz, and funk during this ColaJazz performance at 1051 Greene Street.
Go Leo Halloween Run
Saturday, October 31 | Saluda Shoals Park East
Start Halloween with a 5K at 8:30 a.m., a family mile at 8:35 a.m., or the free LionHeart Dash for special and exceptional athletes at 9:15 a.m.
The event takes place at 6071 St. Andrews Road. Adult registration is $30, and registration for ages 12 and under is $20, plus processing fees. Online registration closes October 30 at 4:59 p.m.
Columbia Korean Festival
Saturday, October 31 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate Korean culture at Korean Community Presbyterian Church, 1412 Richland Street.
Enjoy cultural performances, K-pop, taekwondo, and Korean food. Admission is free; food and official merchandise are sold separately.
Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes & Ongoing Fall Attractions
Clinton Sease Farm — Lexington
Visit 382 Olde Farm Road for a corn maze, pumpkin patch, wagon rides, playground activities, and more.
Remaining October dates: October 9–11, 16–18, 23–25, and 30–31.
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Fridays: 6–10 p.m.
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Saturdays: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
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Sundays: 2–7 p.m.
Maze and playground admission is $20 for ages 3 and older, with ages 2 and under free. Pumpkins cost extra. Patch-only admission is also available, with different hours and inclusions.
No pets or outside food/coolers. Bring a flashlight for an evening visit.
Farm hours, admission, and policies
Cottle Fall FunPark — Hopkins
Head to 9560 Garners Ferry Road for a pumpkin patch, corn maze, slides, jumping activities, and other farm attractions.
Remaining October dates: October 9–11, 16–18, 23–25, and 30–31, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Last ticket sales are at 5 p.m.
Admission for ages 2 and older is advertised at $15 online plus fees or $18 at the gate. Some activities cost extra.
Lever Farms — Pomaria
Enjoy a corn maze, wagon rides, animals, and seasonal farm activities at 5057 SC Highway 34.
Remaining October Saturdays: October 10, 17, 24, and 31, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is $10 for ages 2 and older; younger children are free with a paying adult.
The October 24 craft fair runs 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and October 31 trunk-or-treat activities run 2–4 p.m.
Boo at the Zoo — Columbia
Riverbanks Zoo’s family Halloween event runs every evening October 16–30, from 6–9 p.m., at 500 Wildlife Parkway.
Children under 2 are free, and capacity is limited. Check the ticket selector for current member and public prices.
Optional upgrades include a $6 Spooky Rides Pass for train and carousel rides, plus separately priced dinner and private igloo experiences.
Boo at the Zoo information and tickets
Holmes and Watson — Chapin
Catch the remaining October performances at Chapin Theatre, 830 Columbia Avenue:
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October 8–10: 7:30 p.m.
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October 11: 3 p.m.
Advance tickets are $20, with door prices varying by age category. The production carries PG-13 guidance.
Production details and tickets
Outdoor Concerts & Markets Throughout October
There are plenty of ways to enjoy an afternoon outside without planning around a major festival.
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Finlay Fridays: Free outdoor concerts at Finlay Park on October 9, 16, 23, and 30, from 6–9 p.m. Details
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Soda City Market: Main Street, Columbia, on October 10, 17, 24, and 31, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Free entry. Details
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Community Artisans & Farmers Market: North Springs Park, 1320 Clemson Road, on October 13, 20, and 27, from 2–6 p.m. Free entry. Details
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Forest Acres Farmers Market: Gills Creek Memorial Park, 24 Forest Lake Place, on October 14, 21, and 28, from 2–6 p.m. Free entry. Details
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Blythewood Farmers Market: Doko Meadows Park, 171 Langford Road, on October 14, 21, and 28, from 4–7 p.m. Free entry. Details
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Lake Carolina Farmers Market: Parkside Center at Lake Carolina on October 8, 15, 22, and 29, from 3–7 p.m. Details
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Seeds of Hope Farmers Market: Shandon United Methodist Church’s east lawn on October 10, from 8–11 a.m., for the final scheduled market of the season. Free entry. Details
Make the Most of October in the Midlands
Before heading out, check the organizer’s latest update, purchase required tickets, and confirm the correct entrance or meeting location. For outdoor events, look for weather announcements. Farm admission, pumpkin purchases, fair rides, and food may be priced separately.
From a Saturday morning market to a small-town festival or an evening at the fair, these outings offer a chance to get to know the communities that make the Midlands home.
Thinking about making a move to Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, or a nearby community? The team at J King Real Estate would be happy to help you explore the area and find a place that fits your life.
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