October in Columbia is full of fun – from pumpkin patches to hayrides, Halloween events, storytimes, art activities, outdoor events, and more! Get out your calendars and make a note of all there is to do.
Don’t forget to check out our other local guides – apple picking patches, parks & playgrounds, indoor play areas, birthday parties, kids eat free, and more!
*Please note – While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can correct them.
Oct
2
Monday Morning Makers
Feed that drive to create and rediscover your sense of wonder and excitement. Discover something new with our projects of the week, which are appropriate for those 6 or more
Oct
2
AiR Presents: Pirates of Penzance Sing-A-Long Rehearsals
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sing in an opera chorus? Columbia Operatic Laboratory will be hosting 3 rehearsal dates for anyone in the community to
Oct
3
Little Sprouts
The littlest gardeners can enjoy nature stories and get hands-on experience with soil and plants. Dress for a mess!
Oct
3
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Oct
4
Gladys’ Gang Toddler Edition: In a Sense
We can see art all around us in museums, but how can we use our other senses (and our imaginations) to bring the art to life? Key topic: senses. This
Oct
5
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. We will have a craft time after! This event is free and open
Oct
5
Free First Thursday at the CMA
Enjoy free admission courtesy of Dominion Energy and extended hours. Take a tour of the CMA Collection at 6:00 p.m. Last gallery entry at 7:30 p.m. Be on Boyd Plaza in the
Oct
6
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Oct
6
Play Freely: Think Move Chess Program
Think Move presents a chess club for school age children and teens that offers guided instruction. Come by from 4-6 to play casual games, learn some new moves, and receive
Oct
7
Fall for Seven Oaks Craft Fair
Shop for unique gifts, charming decorations and one-of-a-kind items including paintings, handmade jewelry, and more at the the Fall Craft Show. All Ages Free Admission
Oct
7
Pumpkin Patch at The Farm
Join us for the following (bring money for food, beverages, and more): You-Pick Pumpkin Patch Children’s Play Area Barnyard Bounce House Pumpkin Putt-Putt Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe Pumpkin Painting Station Fall Selfie
Oct
7
Backyard Saturday – Saluda Rudy Day
Join us at Leo’s Landing Playground for Backyard Saturday. Through play, families can experience nature at Saluda Shoals Park. Each program will celebrate a nature awareness day through fun activities,
Oct
7
Fall Family Farm Day
Come out and visit a real working farm! Our Fall Family Farm Day will have so many fun activities going on! Corn pool, hayride, hay maze, games, horseback rides, bluegrass
Oct
7
Fall Festival
Come support our family owned farm! Bring the family out for a fun time & also support a local business. Horse rides, hayrides, face painting, feed the animals, bounce house,
Oct
7
Becoming A Juggler
Ever wanted to be the star entertainer by continuously tossing several objects in the air while holding others? Here is your chance to learn to become…The Juggler. Join the Juggling
Oct
7
HalloScream Laser Lights
This popular, family friendly planetarium experience returns for spooky, spectacular fun! Guests will experience a dynamic show featuring dancing lasers in the museum’s digital dome planetarium. Watch as colorful lights
Oct
7
Cayce Fall Fest
Join us at Granby Gardens Park for an afternoon of family fun and live music! This free event will feature live music from Willie Wells & the Blue Ridge Mountain
Oct
7
Drive-In Movie Night – GHOSTBUSTERS
It a spooky fun October Drive-in Movie night featuring the original Ghost Busters! Purchase tickets at the event (first come, first serve). Food trucks will have food for purchase from
Oct
11
South Carolina State Fair
From corn dogs and blue-ribbon roses to roller coasters and prize-winning pigs, the South Carolina State Fair is best known for bringing 12 days of exhibits, competitions, food, midway rides
Oct
13
Paint the Town Garnet and Black Block Party
Meet us at the Five Points Mural Lot Friday Evening for the most spirited night of the year! Complete with food, live music by The Ramblers Band, games, USC Swag,
Oct
14
Accessibility Morning – Pete the Cat
This program provides free access for families of children, teenagers, young adults and adults who would benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly and disability-adapted experience at the museum. Guests who are
Oct
20
Halloween at the Park
Bring your little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treating on our outdoor trick-or-treat trail through the park from 6:30–7:30 p.m. followed by an outdoor movie showing of Casper at 7:30 p.m.
Oct
20
Boo at the Zoo
Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!
Oct
21
Howl-O-Ween at the Bark
Local pets can finally get in on the Halloween action in an event designed just for furry family members. Dress your pet in a costume or their cutest collar for
Oct
21
3rd Annual Fall-O-Ween
Join us for our 3rd Annual Fall-O-Ween! Trick or Treat, 35 vendors, free games and prizes for the kiddos. Food truck and live DJ!
Oct
21
Stroller Tour: Rendez-Vous
Take a tour of featured exhibition Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous with infants in tow! Bring your little ones along for the ride on a stroller-friendly tour for caregivers with
Oct
21
Halloween at Saluda Shoals Park
Join us at Saluda Shoals Park for some Halloween Fun! The Trick-or-Treat Trail will be held at Leo’s Landing Playground! Tickets are limited and should be purchased in advance at
Oct
21
International Observe the Moon Night
Come celebrate International Observe the Moon Night with us! We will discuss moon science and exploration with the Artemis Space launches. There will be an opportunity to observe deep space
Oct
24
LPD Foundation Fall Festival
Chief Terrence Green is excited to announce our annual Lexington Police Department Foundation Fall Festival on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Icehouse Amphitheater
Oct
25
Fall Fest
Join us for dinner and a fun evening of fall activities — crafts, games, and family fun! We can’t wait to see you! Mark your calendars now!
Oct
25
Fall Family Festival
Trunk-or-Treat, Touch a Truck, and Free Hot Dog Dinner! Non-scary costumes welcome! Kids can “trick or treat” at the decorated trunks and explore the “Touch a Truck” area with first
Oct
25
Trunk or Treat
Grab your costume and join Historic Columbia for a safe, fun, and FREE Halloween experience on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Community members and local organizations throughout the
Oct
25
Boorific: Community Trick or Treat
We invite the Columbia Community to join us for a Trick-or-Treat and carnival game extravaganza on The Green!
Oct
26
Bite Size Chefs Club
Themed after-school program for kids age 7 – 12. October theme: Healthy Halloween November theme: Happy, Healthy Holidays Call Seven Oaks Park at 803-772-3336 to register.
Oct
26
A Fall Celebration
Who says you have to be scared out of your wits on Halloween? Bring your family, wear your costumes to this fun-filled family event! Yahoo! Play Fall BINGO, eat the
Oct
26
Chapin’s Fall Night Out
We’d like to invite everyone over to Chapin Town Hall for our Fall Night Out! Come and meet the deputies and officers who serve your local community will also enjoying
Oct
27
Boo at 2
OCTOBER 27TH FROM 4-6 PM: BOO AT 2!Bring the whole family out in their favorite costumes to R2i2 for lots of sweet treats! 763 Fashion Drive.
Oct
27
Trunk R Treat
Put on your costume and join us at Providence Presbyterian Church for a spooktacular Trunk R Treat! This event is free and open to all families who would like to
Oct
27
Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat
Join us from 6pm – 8pm at our little cabin in the woods for our annual Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat. We’ll have free food for your whole family,
Oct
27
Fall Festival
Sandy Level’s Fall Festival Please invite your friends, everyone is welcome! The best things is, you won’t have to cook dinner that night, we will do the cooking for you,
Oct
27
Free Fall Festival 2023
Food and fun for the entire family! Vistors are welcome! Bring a friend!
Oct
27
South Carolina Ballet’s Dracula: Ballet with a Bite (Columbia City Ballet)
Columbia City Ballet, now South Carolina Ballet, presents Dracula: Ballet With A Bite at the Koger Center this Halloween Weekend! This eerie and sensual ballet, based on Bram Stoker’s classic
Oct
28
Fall Foliage Guided Paddle
Interested in learning more about the Lower Saluda? Looking for a great time on the water? Join us to learn about the natural history of our local area. Explore one
Oct
28
Halloween Monster Mash
We will be hosting our fourth annual Halloween Monster Mash on Saturday, October 28th, from 10am-12pm! We have a fun-filled morning that includes access to our attractions, safe trick-or-treating, a
Oct
28
Not So Spooky Family Storytime and Craft
**New Start time: 11am!** Storytime and fun craft for the whole family! Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
Oct
28
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live!
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live will visit Colonial Life Arena on October 28th and 29th for 3 epic performances! Tickets on Sale NOW! The show continues to offer affordable prices
Oct
28
Harbison Trick or Treat Trail
Bring your little ghosts and ghouls to trick-or-treats in a safe and controlled environment. An event with a few tricks and tons of treats from local vendors on Saturday, October
Oct
28
Five Points Trick or Treat
Calling all you ghouls and goblins! Dress in your scariest, silliest or funniest best and make plans to join us in the district for a howling good time! Our annual
Oct
28
Harbison Trick or Treat Trail
Bring your little ghosts and ghouls to trick-or-treats in a safe and controlled environment. An event with a few tricks and tons of treats from local vendors on Saturday, October
Oct
28
Zombie Run
Learn simple special effects and zombie makeup techniques. Audience(s): 9-12 years, Teens (12-18 years)
Oct
28
Fall Festival
Make a monster mask, decorate a treat bag, enjoy fall treats, and much more. Audience(s): School age children (6-12 years), 6-8 years, 9-12 years, Teens (12-18 years)
Oct
28
Fall Festival
No Cost Event! Join us on October 28, (3:00-6:00 pm)- Fall Festival Fun Filled Family Event Bouncy Houses Hay Rides Horse Shoe Corn Hole Piñata Craft and many more activities….
Oct
28
Haunted Mini Greens
Start your Halloween weekend out right by bringing your family for a monster scavenger hunt. Walk through the ghoulishly decorated mini-golf course solving riddles and clues to find the Halloween
Oct
28
Fall Festival
You are invited to a night filled with Games, Prizes, Food and so much more! Bring a friend and allow your children to enjoy a halloween alternative! As we have
Oct
28
Trick or Treat with A&A Rockshop
Come dressed in your Halloween best and get free candy and free rocks! The Cave Mine will be Mine a pound and get a pound for FREE! There will also
Oct
28
Trick or Treat Lane 2023
Join us for some fun trick or treating, games and lots and lots of fun!
Oct
29
HALLOWEEN AT HOGWARTS
OUR HIT HALLOWEEN CONCERT EVENT IS BACK! Join us for a family-friendly Halloween celebration as we transform the Koger Center into that famous school of witchcraft and wizardry. Enjoy a spooktacular
Oct
29
Fall Festival
October 29th 4-6 pm 411 Western Lane Join us for trunk or treat, bouncy houses, games, food and snacks! Seacoast.org/irmo
Oct
29
Village FallFest
Join us for our annual community event, Fall Fest, on Sunday, October 29th, from 4-6 p.m. at The Farm at Ridgeway. We will have games, hayrides, horses, bounce houses, food
Oct
29
WeCo River District’s 2nd Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat
WeCo River District’s 2nd Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat at Moseley’s Funeral & Cremation, Parking Lot, 914 Meeting Street, West Columbia, SC, 29169 on Sunday, October 29, 2022, 4-6PM. **
Oct
30
Halloween Kick-Off Celebration
Come show off your costume and have some fun at Richland Library Wheatley on the Eve of Halloween! Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2
Oct
30
Teen Makers: Spooky Charm Bracelets
Come have fun, be creative, and make new friends! Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Oct
30
Create Freely: Teen Spooky Craft
Lets Get Spooky and create some Spooky Crafts Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Oct
30
Puppetpalooza
See your favorite shows performed by the SE puppets. Audience(s): Adults, Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5), School age children (6-12
Oct
31
Family Storytime – Not-So-Spooky Edition
Get in the Halloween spirit with some not-so-spooky stories and songs! Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
Oct
31
Halloween at Surge
Get ready for the Halloween party of the year! Join us at our Halloween Bash on Tuesday, October 31st all day long! Enjoy thrilling activities, win exciting prizes, and jump
Oct
31
Not-so-Spooky Halloween Stroll
Dress your family in their costumes and head downtown to celebrate Halloween with a trick-or-treat stroll through the library and to participating businesses and organizations in the Main Street District.
Oct
31
Halloween Spooky Skele-bration
Show off your spooky and fantastical costumes at the Phantom Photo Booth and use the Makerspace to create creepy crafts. Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Oct
31
Watch Freely: Hocus Pocus
Join us as we celebrate Halloween with a special screening of Hocus Pocus! Three 17th-century Salem witches are conjured up by unsuspecting children on Halloween night!
