Columbia Events – Fun Things to Do in Columbia, South Carolina

Southeastern Piano Festival
Nightly concerts, international piano competition, pre-college pianists training

Columbia Fashion Week
4-days of runway shows, a vendor village, mixers, networking, and after-parties

A Midsummer Night's Swing
Jazz event in celebration of international Make Music Day, pre-concert activities include food trucks, wine tasting, local musicians performances

Bands 4 Better
Live music, food and drink available - benefits Dickerson Children's Advocacy Center

South Carolina Fire-Rescue Conference
Training, education, exhibit hall, competitions

Miss South Carolina Pageant
Preliminaries held Tuesday through Thursday with finals on Friday and Saturday night - Miss South Carolina Teen and Miss South Carolina will be crowned

4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray
Boat parade then evening fireworks launched from Spence Island and Dreher Island State Park to choreographed music airing on local radio

Lexington County Peach Festival
Parade, food, entertainment, 'peachy' recipe contest, antique car show, fireworks

Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival
Music, contests (including tomato bobbing and homegrown tomato contest), vendors, activities for kids

Reggaetronic
Outdoor music festival with live bands - accessible by boat only

Wild Summer's Night Auction & Wild Game Feast
Event will include live and silent auctions, prize drawings and games, wild game feast, open bar - benefits the SC Wildlife Federation

Jailbreak Escape Urban Challenge Run
3.1 mile run with obstacles and crossfit-style exercises - benefits the Lexington County Sheriff's Foundation

Colour of Music Festival
5-days includes events at various venues that highlight the impact and historical significance of black classical composers and performers on culture

Cocktails & Cockabooses
Tailgate at two Cockabooses for the University of South Carolina versus the University of Alabama football game - benefits Curing Kids Cancer

Riverbanks ZOOfari
Live entertainment, enjoy cuisine and cocktails, behind-the-scenes view of the zoo - benefits Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture
Hands-on demonstrations from artists and craftsmen, live music, and vendors with African-influenced and traditional merchandise

Party with PAALS - an UN-Gala
Food, entertainment, silent and live auctions, games, adult beverages, casual dress - 21+ only - benefits Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services

Okra Strut Festival
2-day event includes live bands, lots of food, amusement rides, bounce houses, an okra eating contest

Teal Day 5K
Run or walk 5K - benefits the Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Central South Carolina

Peace in the Park
11 religions will each have activity area plus common area with entertainment, nature walks - hosted by Interfaith Partners of SC and UofSC Interfaith Initiatives

SC Pride Festival and Parade
Friday night parade on Main Street and Saturday festival - supporting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community

Rock Around the Clock Festival
2-day festival features a car show, food trucks, children's amusements, and main events all day!

American Revolution Symposium
Theme is State of Rebellion: South Carolina's Place in the American Revolution

Fur Ball Moonlight Gala
Event features a cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, dinner, raffles - benefits Pawmetto Lifeline

Ray Tanner Home Run
12K run, 5K run/walk 1-mile run, and kids' fun run plus post race party - benefits the Ray Tanner Foundation

South Carolina State Fair
Midway rides and games, exhibits, live entertainment, food, livestock, exhibits

Igniting Innovation Gala
Keynote speaker, live entertainment, black-tie optional - benefits Future Entrepreneurs Foundation

Oktoberfest Columbia
German beer, homemade German food and treats, entertainment for all ages

Walk For Life + Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon
Take a 3.1-mile walk through historic Columbia, or run in the Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K - benefits the Palmetto Health Breast Center

Trinity Bazaar
Children's carnival, homemade foods, crafts, plus new and used clothing and furniture, musical instruments, household decor - benefits five local charities

Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show
More than 20 dealers and displays

Palmetto Half Marathon
Events include half marathon, 5K run/walk, youth half marathon, kids' fun run - benefit

SC Rivalry Run
5K race, pick either garnet or orange when you register - benefits the Frye Foundation's fight against diabetes

Holiday Market
Shopping event at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds - Junior League event to raise funds for local projects

Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade
Starts at Bull and Gervais - floats, bands, performances

Basketball Bash
Elite high school basketball showcase featuring 13 teams - benefits Home Works of America

Holiday Parade of Lights
12th Street in Cayce and West Columbia - all entries will be lit

MGC Long Run 15K | 5K
Plus kids' fun run, road races are followed by a family-friendly party - benefits USO South Carolina

Heart & Sole Women's Five Miler
Run or walk 5 miles or walk 3 miles to raise heart disease awareness plus post-race events - charity event

Kinetic Derby Day
Parade of kinetic sculptures (human-powered, handmade floats), adult and child soapbox derby racing, food trucks - hosted by City of West Columbia

Rosewood Crawfish Festival
Lots of fresh crawfish and other tasty treats, live music, arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides, 5K crawdaddy dash run, and more

Governor's Cup Road Race
2-days of racing with the Main Street Mile on Friday evening with kid's open and elite divisions then on Saturday is the half marathon and 5K events

Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale
Stretching 44 miles along SC 23 from Batesburg-Leesville to Modoc

4 Legged 4K
4K walk/run for owners and their pets plus special pet vendors, prizes, pet adoptions and more - benefits Homeward Bound Pet Rescue

Ancient Order Of Hibernians Ceili
Enjoy all things Irish - music, beer, food, dancing

Archaeological Society of SC Fall Field Day
Gathering of archaeologists, prehistoric and historic skills demonstrators, story tellers, and others present

Arkhaios Film Festival
3-day event showcasing the discovery of past cultures gained from archaeological research and illustrated by documentary films

Bar Stool Classic
8 hole putt-putt bar crawl through Five Points bars and restaurants - benefits The Babcock Center Foundation

Bark to the Park Walk for the Animals
Walk followed by After Paw-ty - benefits Pawmetto Lifeline

Big Nosh
Sample popular Jewish foods and experience cultural events and activities

Blythewood DOKO Rodeo
An IPRA championship rodeo, live music, rides for kids, food vendors - benefits local organizations

Cayce Festival of the Arts
Featuring artists, crafters and authors from around the region - net proceeds to benefit a local charity selected by the Cayce Avenues Neighborhood Association

Chapin Labor Day Festival
3-day event includes parade, live music, vendors, food, classic car show, benefit 5K run/walk, children's carnival

Chili Cook-Off
Over 30 different chilis to sample, local brews and beverages, live music, children's area, food truck rodeo

City of Stars Charity Fashion Show
Cocktails, food, and 100+ models showcasing SC based designers - benefits ColaJazz's music education programs for children

ColaJazz Crawl: International Jazz Day
Multiple area venues will be hosting local and international jazz musicians - hosted by ColaJazz

ColaJazz Festival
Hear the sounds of Grammy-award winners, internationally known artists, and celebrated local talent plus gumbo and jambalaya

Columbia Buddy Walk
1.5 mile walk plus bounce houses, food, games, music - celebrating the Down syndrome community

Columbia International Festival
2-day event includes performances, demonstrations, food, exhibits, artifacts from various cultures and countries

Columbia Open Studios
Self-guided tour of artists' studios in the Greater Columbia area

Columbia's Greek Festival
4-day event with live music, dances, church tours, and lots of Greek food

Conference of the Urban History Association
The conference theme is "Cities at the Crossroads" and offers networking, panels and roundtable discussions

Doko Film Fest
SC high school film makers, ages 15-18, present and explain their films to a live audience and receive reaction and comment on their work

DokoFest
Live Bluegrass music, free eye exams for those in need, vendor and food booths - bring your lawn chairs - hosted by the Blythewood Lion's Club

Emerging Choreographers Show
Emerging artists present their works - hosted by Yuhas & Dancers, Tapp's Arts Center, and SC Arts Commission

Fallen Firemen 5K
Run or walk - benefits the Jeff Chavis House at the Southeastern Burn Center

Famously Hot New Year
Live concerts, countdown to midnight, fireworks

Festival of Gardens
Visit eight private gardens in the Forest Lake neighborhood - a Columbia Green event

Festival of Trees
Decorated trees and other holiday items are up for bid during a weekend-long silent auction plus other activities - benefits Prisa Health Midlands Foundation

Festival of the Arts
Large variety of arts groups and other non-profit organizations display their performance and visual works

Fire Truck Pull for Curing Kids Cancer
Teams of 10 play tug of war with a 35,000 lb. fire truck - benefits the Cancer & Blood Disorders Clinic at Palmetto Richland Children's Hospital

Fundable
Heavy hors d'oeuvres, open bar, silent auction, 90s music, and empowering entertainment - benefits Able South Carolina

Gilbert House of Terror
Traditional outdoor haunt with 13 terror filled scenes - proceeds benefit four local charities

Girls on the Run Columbia 5K
Non-timed 5K with post-run celebration

Government Finance Officers Association of SC Spring Conference
Seminars, networking

Great Amazing Race
1.5-mile adventure run/walk for adults and kids - benefits pediatric cancer foundations

Harbor Side Lights 5K
Run or walk USATF certified course, kids fun run - benefits the YMCA

Healthy Kids Fun Fair
Features fun learning about healthy eating, exercising, and healthy lifestyles, plus screenings and entertainment - hosted by Junior League of Columbia

Holiday House Tours
Tour two historic homes with guides providing stories of holidays past in Columbia (no tours on Mondays) - hosted by Historic Columbia

Holiday House Tours
Tour two historic homes with guides providing stories of holidays past in Columbia (no tours on Mondays) - hosted by Historic Columbia

Holiday Ice
Celebrate the holiday season at this outdoor ice skating rink - hosted by the City of Columbia (closed December 25th)

Holiday Lights on the River
More than a million sparkling lights with music, wetland wonderland walking trail, laser light show, plus other activities at Saluda Shoals Park

Holiday Lights on the River
More than a million sparkling lights with music, wetland wonderland walking trail, laser light show, plus other activities at Saluda Shoals Park

Home for the Holidays Tour of Homes
Tour holiday decorated homes in the Shandon and Hollywood-Rose Hill neighborhoods - benefits the neighborhoods' four schools

Indie Grits Festival
The Nickelodeon presents films from new media makers and pros plus workshops and education opportunities

Jam Room Music Festival
Come down to Main Street and enjoy two stages of live music, kid's zone, and cycling events

JerryFest
Celebrate the life and art of Jerry Garcia with live music, arts & crafts vendors, food vendors and family friendly activities for the kids

Junior League of Columbia's Clean Sweep
Rummage sale benefiting community projects - cash only

Kemopalooza
Live music, food, silent auction - benefits Camp Kemo programs of Prisma Health Children's Hospital

Kick-Off to St Pats in Five Points
Irish-themed entertainment plus children can help dye the fountain green and go on a scavenger hunt through Five Points

Kid's Day of Lexington
Learn about health, safety and environmental awareness through booths, activities, live performances

Korean Festival
Celebrate the Korean community's rich heritage, culture and traditions with food, music and special attractions - benefits several local charities

Lake Murray Dam Run
10K and 5K - benefits the St Andrews-Columbia Rotary Club

Lemonade II
Living. Every. Moment. Optimistically. NonStop. And. Defying. Expectations is a cultural day party celebrating culture and arts - 21+ only at Hampton Preston Mansion

Lexington Wine Walk
Wine tastings, complimentary wine glass, hors d'oeuvres, live music - benefits the Lexington Beautification Foundation

Lights Before Christmas
Riverbanks Zoo - visit with Santa, warm up by the Jingle Bell Bonfire, see nearly one million twinkling lights!

Lights Before Christmas
Riverbanks Zoo - visit with Santa, warm up by the Jingle Bell Bonfire, see nearly one million twinkling lights!

LoCo Craft Beer Jam
Live bands, wide range of craft beers, local cuisine, children's rides and local cuisine - raising money for community improvements

Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival
Parade, live music, carnival rides, arts and crafts, health fair and more

MLK Celebration
4-days of events including commemorative breakfast, day of service, and Social Justice Awards - hosted by the University of South Carolina

Martha's Market
2-day vendor market - hosted by Union United Methodist Church - benefits Lexington 5 Snack Pack Program

Metropolitan Bridal Expo
Plan the wedding of your dreams with vendors from the area inspiring you on the different aspects of wedding planning

PAALS Team Graduation
Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services ceremony for teams which have been matched during the previous year

Palate Party
Food and wine pairings, open bar, live music, dance floor, dress is upscale casual - benefits Epworth Children's Home

Palladium Fall Tour
2-day event with a 1970s-themed party and tour on Friday then Main St tours, biergarten and food trucks on Saturday - benefits Historic Columbia

Palmetto Peanut Boil
20 teams battle for the championship trophy plus live music, other food, kids entertainment - benefits the Animal Mission

Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic
Hunting, fishing, and outdoors show, over 300 exhibitors - benefits the Harry R.E. Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund

Power of the Purse
Auctions of designer purses, spa packages and more - Women in Philanthropy event to raise money for women and children in need

Pumpkin Run
5K run/walk on USATF certified course, kids fun run - benefits the YMCA

Quarry Crusher Run
Run approximately 3.72 miles at 475' below sea level at the Columbia Quarry - benefits Olympia Education Community Foundation

Read-In
Schools across the state celebrate reading and libraries at the SC State House

Red Shoe Run
10K run or 5K walk/run - benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia, SC

River Rocks Festival
Live music, food, beverages, kids activities and environmental education - benefits Congaree Riverkeeper

Rosewood Art & Music Festival
Enjoy multiple stages of live entertainment, visual artists, fine crafters, performing arts, authors, poets and more

Run Hard Marathon
Marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 5K, kids marathon - benefit

SC Guard Air & Ground Expo
2-day event featuring more than 100 ground displays of military equipment from past and present, plus aerial and ground demonstrations

SC Tour de Cure
Bicycling event with choice of 5 distances - benefits the American Diabetes Association

See Spot Run
5K run/walk with food and vendors at the finish line, leashed dogs welcomed - benefits The Humane Society

She Festival
Professional, amateur, and emerging female artists ages 13+ and share their talents including visual artists, poets, dancers, singers and more

She Festival
Professional, amateur, and emerging female artists ages 13+ and share their talents including visual artists, poets, dancers, singers and more

Snowball Festival
3-day event with concert, carnival, tree lighting, Christmas movies, parade

Snowball Festival
3-day event with concert, carnival, tree lighting, Christmas movies, parade

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo
Exhibits, workshops, speakers - open to the public

South Carolina Cornbread Festival
Day of entertainment, food, carnival rides, bounce houses, corn hole tournament, cornbread cook off, cornbread eating contest - benefits two local charities

South Carolina Federation of Museums Conference
Celebrate the impact that museums have made on SC and learn from fellow museum professionals

South Carolina Historic Preservation Conference
Workshops and lectures on a variety of historic preservation issues and research

South Carolina Poultry Festival
3-day event includes parade, contests, car show, live music, 5K, carnival rides, street dances, fireworks, best chicken cooking contest

South Carolina Square & Round Dancers Convention
For all levels of dancers - several dances plus clinics, workshops and more

St. Nicholas Festival
Visit with St. Nicholas, Russian food, crafts, choral performances

St. Pat's in Five Points
Get to the Green Race, parade, live music, shag area, children's carnival - a portion of money made during the festival goes to local organizations

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk
With pre and post-event party with live music, family-friendly activities, food - benefits the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Sustainable Holiday Celebration and Market
Shop works of local artisans and craftspeople, live entertainment, food from local chefs, and wine bar - hosted by Sustainable Midlands

Sweet & Savory Chef's Competition
A night of sweet treats, savory hors d'oeurves, live music and vote for your favorite dishes - benefits Palmetto Place Children's Shelter

Tartan Day South
4-day event includes music, dance, athletic competitions, pipe bands and demonstrations - benefiting the River Alliance

The Cinderella Project
Gathers donations of gently worn formal gowns, shoes and accessories for disadvantaged high school students - click link for donation and boutique details

The Nutcracker
The holiday classic performed by Ann Brodie's Carolina Ballet and the Columbia Festival Orchestra

Vista Lights
Family celebration of food and arts, tree lighting, stage performances

Walk A Mile In Their Shoes
Walkers are encouraged to wear the opposite gender's shoes, but not required - leashed dogs allowed - hosted by Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands

Walk MS
1-mile and 3-mile routes, Walk MS connects people living with MS and those who care about them

Walk to End Hydrocephalus
Help raise money for hydrocephalus research, education, advocacy, and community support networks

WildMayhem Golf Tournament
Golf tournament, auction and raffle - hosted by The Honor Project to benefit Happy Wheels and the SC Autism Society

Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden
Plus food from local chefs, micro-brew, live music - benefits Riverbanks conservation and education efforts