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

Irmo Okra Strut Festival
Free to the public thanks to our sponsors - family fun, live music, individual fees apply for rides, amusements and food/drink - at Irmo Community Park

Rock 4 Recovery with Taylor Dayne
Substance-free concert to raise awareness and funds for recovery services of the LRADAC Foundation

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

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

ColaJazz Fest
2-day event featuring live bands performing blues, Latin, gypsy, swing, fusion, groove to straight-ahead jazz

Fall Fido Festival
Adoptions, photo ops, games, vendors, food trucks, demonstrations - dogs will need to register for event

ColaJazz Fest
2-day event featuring live bands performing blues, Latin, gypsy, swing, fusion, groove to straight-ahead jazz

JerryFest
Outdoor concert featuring multiple bands performing Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead music, vendors - family and pet friendly

Blythewood Oktoberfest
2-day event with live music, 5K, yodeling contest, keg rolling contest, food, biergartens, children's games

Cayce Fall Fest
Live music, DJ, dance floor, local food and drink, kid's area, face painters, balloon artists, petting zoo, inflatables

Archaeological Society of SC Fall Field Day
Gathering of archaeologists, prehistoric and historic skills demonstrators, story tellers, and the community for a family-friendly day of activities and demonstrations

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

Fur Ball Moonlight Gala
Gourmet food, open bars, live music, dancing, live and silent auctions - benefits Pawmetto Lifeline

Gervais Street Bridge Dinner
Enjoy sunset dinner, dessert, and drinks with live entertainment and dancing - 21+ only event - benefits local charities

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

Walk For Life & Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon + 5K
In person 5K/3.1-mile walk or run + half-marthon - virtual option - benefits the Prisma Health Breast Center

Famously Hot SC Pride Festival & Parade
Festival supporting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community with parade and concert on Friday

Oktoberfest Columbia
Two biergartens with German beer, homemade German food and treats, kinderzone, entertainment for all ages

Hush No More Domestic Violence Awareness Walk
5K walk, community outreach, vendors, live performances, Domestic Violence Survivor tribute + virtual option - benefit for Hush No More

Braelyn Aubrey Foundation 5K
Run or walk the 5K - benefits the Braelyn Aubrey Foundation's mission to advocate for children with impairing conditions and special needs

Blythewood Fall Championship Rodeo
Eight pro events, patriotic parade, food vendors

Biscuits & Bluegrass
Biscuit brunch, craft beer, mimosas, live music, corn hole tournament - benefits Senior Resources

Trinity Bazaar
Homemade foods, crafts, plus new and used clothing and furniture, musical instruments, household decor - benefits local charities

SC Underground Film Festival
Celebrates all genres of independent film with films from all over the globe being featured

Pelion Peanut Party
2-day event with lots of peanuts, live music, crafts, parade, car show, festival food, amusement rides

Christmas Arts & Crafts Market
Over 150 crafters and vendors with unique items - hosted by the Midlands Crafters Association

Jam Room Music Festival
Enjoy live music at the intersection of Main and Hampton streets in Downtown Columbia

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

Dare2Care
Dinner, drinks, special guests - benefits Leeza's Care Connection

Run Hard Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Courses USATF certified - plus virtual option - benefits the Run Hard nonprofit organization

Fireflies Holiday Lights
Over one million LED lights, featuring 10 themed areas plus kids crafts and activities, holiday-themed food and drinks - not open November 20, 23, and 27

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

Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show
More than 20 dealers and displays with jewelry, beads, loose stones, fossils, minerals, gold, silver, tools, geodes sold and cut

Festival of Trees
Decorated trees and other holiday items are up for bid at the silent auction, live music - benefits Prisma Health Children's Hospital

American Revolution Symposium
Speakers, programs and exhibits on the American Revolution in SC - hosted by SC Archives and History Foundation

Gravel Road 10K
Most of the run is on the gravel road, finishing on trail - to raise funds for Harbison State Foresst

Turkey Day Run
5K run/walk, 1K family fun run/walk plus virtual 5K option - benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands

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

Fireflies Holiday Lights
Over one million LED lights, featuring 10 themed areas plus kids crafts and activities, holiday-themed food and drinks - not open Christmas Day

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

Carolina Lights
Drive-thru holiday light show at the SC State Fair grounds

Cupid's Chase Columbia
Run, walk or roll this 5K - benefits Community Options support of people with disabilities

USC Jazz Festival
2-days with performances by regional high school and middle school jazz students plus concerts with featured special guest

Cottontown Art Crawl
Visit with local artists and listen to live music while strolling the historic Cottontown neighborhood

Carolina Classic Home and Garden Show
The show will be fun for the whole family with mini-golf, biergarten and beer tastings, food trucks, live music and local vendors

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

Taste of Lake Murray
Enjoy cuisine made by local chefs, live music, vote for your favorite chefs - event raises funds for the Lake Murray July 4th Fireworks Show

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

Soiree on State
Artists, kid's area with bounce courses, face painting and a balloon artist, food vendors, variety of musicians - hosted by the City of Cayce

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

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

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

Arts & Draughts
Live music, food vendors, craft beer, scavenger hunts and art activities - hosted by the Columbia Museum of Art

SC Historic Preservation Conference
Speakers present educational sessions that cover a variety of preservation, history, and research topics - hosted by the SC Department of Archives and History

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

Drift Jam
Boats tie up near Spence Island for a day of live music on Lake Murray - benefits OperationHomefront.org

24-Hour Musical
Actors and volunteers will produce a musical that is announced and rehearsed in just 24 hours - presented by Town Theatre - benefits a local charity

4 Legged 4K
4K walk/run for owners and their pet - benefits Homeward Bound Pet Rescue

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

52 Windows: An Evening of Art
Event includes art auction, food, open bar and live music - benefits Mental Illness Recovery Center

A Night to Celebrate Community
A spring soirée benefiting the statewide network of local First Steps nonprofits that directly serve young children, their families and communities

Ag + Art Tour
Self-guided tour of farms featuring local artisans, farmer's markets, and live music

Ag + Art Tour
Self-guided tour of farms featuring local artisans, farmer's markets, and live music

Art Blossoms
4-day event featuring flowers and art with special events, classes, demonstrations, and more - benefits the Columbia Museum of Art

Art on State
Local artists with live demonstrations, artisan market, live cover bands, sidewalk chalk for kids, local food and beverages

Artista Vista
3-day event with gallery crawl, live music, demonstrations, pop-up exhibits and galleries, visual art performances

Autumn Faire Arts Festival
Celebrate the arts in SC with 50+ fine art and fine craft participants from potters, jewelers, photographers, sculptures, painters, dance and live music

Bark to the Park
1.7 mile walk, with or without your dog, followed by After Pawty with music, vendors, contests - benefits Pawmetto Lifeline

Black Expo Columbia
2-day event with Taste of Black Columbia on Friday and expo with seminars, workshops, live entertainment, youth activities, vendors on Saturday

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

Colaroo Micro-Music Festival
Opening DJ, live band - organized by USC students

Columbia Fashion Week
Runway shows, a vendor village, mixers, networking, and after-parties

Columbia Food and Wine Festival
5-day event at various locations with dinners, tasting featuring samples from local chefs and mixologists

Columbia Open Studios
2-day event of self-guided tours of artists' studios in Richland and Lexington counties

Columbia VegFest
Live music, a family fun zone, education, vendors, food trucks, and lots of vegan food

CreateAthon
Riggs Partners pulls an all-nighter providing pro bono marketing services to support Midlands and Upstate nonprofits - application deadline February 10

CreateAthon
Riggs Partners pulls an all-nighter providing pro bono marketing services to support Midlands and Upstate nonprofits

Curing Kids Cancer Fire Truck Pull
Teams of 10 (or 12 if all female or all under 18) will see who can pull a fire truck the fastest - benefits Prisma Health Children's Hospital Midlands

DOKO Rib Fest Cookoff
2-day event includes cook-offs, live music, other food trucks, vendors, 5K - hosted by the Blythewood Chamber of Commerce

Dam Boat Run at Lake Murray
Powerboats from across the country will come together for a show of power and performance touring Lake Murray - benefits Big Red Barn Retreat

Festival of Gardens
Visit private gardens in the Shandon neighborhood - a Columbia Green event

Fort Jackson Independence Day Celebration
Children's carnival rides, multiple food trucks, live music, and fireworks - general public welcome

Freedom Festival International
Showcasing 65+ independent films by filmmakers from around the world - hosted by Carolina Film Network

Game & Garden Soiree
Cocktails, small plates from local chefs, silent auction, live music - benefits Congaree Land Trust's land conservation efforts

Government Finance Officers Association of SC Spring Conference
Seminars, networking

Happy Campers Oyster Roast
Steamed oysters, chicken bog, wine, and beer, live music, and bid on a collection of auction items - benefits Camp Cole

Holiday House Tours
Tour two historic homes decorated for the season with guides providing stories of holidays past in Columbia - hosted by Historic Columbia

Holiday House Tours
Tour two historic homes decorated for the season with guides providing stories of holidays past in Columbia - hosted by Historic Columbia

Holiday Lights on the River
Journey through colorful lights and over 400 animated light displays of all shapes and sizes at Saluda Shoals Park

Holiday Lights on the River
Journey through colorful lights and over 400 animated light displays of all shapes and sizes at Saluda Shoals Park

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

Hot Summer's Night
5K run/walk evening road race and 1/4 non-competitive youth fun run

Irish Ceili
A celebration of Irish music, food, dance, and culture - hosted by The Ancient Order of Hibernians to benefit education causes

Irmo International Festival
Family fun with international foods, live musical entertainment, dancers, vendors and booths, art exhibits, kids' activities

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

Kid's Day of Lexington
Learn about health, safety and environmental awareness through booths, activities, live performances - benefits local children's charities

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

Lexington County Peach Festival
Parade, food, live entertainment, car show, arts and crafts, fireworks

Light the Fight 5K GLOW Run/Walk
Walkers, runners, and strollers are all welcomed - benefits Lighthouse for Life, a non-profit organization that is fighting against sex trafficking

Lisznyai Christmas House
Enjoy the display and dancing lights from the comfort of your car or from the walking paths - donations for SC Make-A-Wish

Lisznyai Christmas House
Enjoy the display and dancing lights from the comfort of your car or from the walking paths - donations for SC Make-A-Wish

Main Street Latin Festival
Showcasing the Latin culture through food, art, dance and music in a fun, family-oriented environment

March for Meals 5K & 1-Mile Senior Walk
5K certified course at Timmerman Trail - dog and stroller friendly - benefits Meals on Wheels and other senior nutrition programs at Senior Resources

Mardi Gras Columbia
Mardi Gras parade followed by a music festival on 3 stages, food trucks, vendors - family and dog friendly - hosted by Krewe de Columbi-Ya-Ya

Midlands Christmas Cantata
Music performed by the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church Music Ministry together with local choirs and vocalists - at the SC State House

Miracles in Motion: 5K Walk, Run & Roll
Heroes walk, run and roll for TTP Kids, 5K, 1 miler plus family-friendly after party - benefits The Therapy Place

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

Outfest Columbia
Focuses on the LGBT community, showcasing local talent, vendors, and businesses - hosted by SC Pride

Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival
A celebration of local farmers, food, live music, kids activities, arts, sustainability, and tomatoes - hosted by Sustainable Midlands

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

Power of the Purse
Live music, one-of-a-kind auction items, designer handbags and more - hosted by United Way's Women in Philanthropy benefiting women and children's causes

Read-In
Schools across the state celebrate reading and libraries at the SC State House with a parade, reading in small groups

Reggaetronic
Outdoor music festival with live bands - accessible by boat only - benefits the Shriners Children's Hospital

Rockin' Red White and Blue Celebration
Live music, food truck, fireworks - hosted by the Town of Blythewood

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

Run With All Your Heart 5K
Fun run open to all ages and running abilities - benefits Curing Kids Cancer's mission to fund innovative research and treatments for childhood cancers

SC Black Pride Week
4-day event includes Cultural Arts & Wellness Festival, Unity Block Party, welcome reception

SC Cornbread Festival
Cornbread cook-off, live entertainment, food trucks, children's play area, cornbread eating contest, vendors, Little Miss Muffin pageant

SC Oyster Festival
Oysters in various ways, other food, beer all available to purchase, music - bring chairs, oyster knives - some proceeds to Christ Central Hannah House

Snowball Festival
4-day event includes carnival, craft fair, holiday movies, tree lighting, parade

Solfest Rollfest
Sustainable and environmentally conscious music festival with two stages of live music, one of which is powered by bicycles plus beer and more

South Carolina Carnival
4-day event of culture blending experiences of the Caribbean American heritage with parade, block party and events at various venues

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

Spring Arts and Crafts Show
Crafters and vendors with unique items, food trucks - silent auction to benefit Prisma Health Children's Hospital - hosted by the Midlands Crafters Association

Spring Fair Food Drive-Through
Drive-through at the state fairgrounds and enjoy many of your favorite fair foods - Friday and Saturday movie night, bring chairs, blankets

St. Nicholas Festival
Visit with St. Nicholas, Eastern Euroropean and American food, children's activities, crafts, gifts, choral performances - benefits local charities

Starry Night Senior Prom
Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, music and dancing under the stars - benefits Leeza's Care Connection

Sweat It Out 5K
5K run/walk, kids fun run + virtual option - benefits National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias

The Bash
A three-day, national elite high school basketball showcase with 13 teams

The Big Nosh
Jewish Food festival features favorite noshes and a bake sale

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 Rainbow Gala
Gala will honor LGBTQ+ community members, supporters, and allies across SC for their contributions - live entertainment, cash bar - hosted by SC Black Pride

The SC Juneteenth Freedom Fest
Live entertainment, food trucks, exhibits, vendors, bounce house, games

Theatre for Youth Festival
Festival is open to all community and school theatre programs that have students in grades third through eighth

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

Walk a Mile in Our Shoes
Walk a mile and help support Pathways to Healing's mission to end sexual violence and its effects

Wild Lights
Stroll through Riverbanks Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns - advanced registration required

Wild Lights
Stroll through Riverbanks Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns - advanced registration required

Wild Lights
Stroll through Riverbanks Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns - advanced registration required

Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden
Sip domestic and imported wines plus food from local restaurants, micro-brew, live music - benefits Riverbanks conservation and education efforts

World Famous Hip-Hop Family Day
This music festival is a family-friendly event without alcohol or cursing on Columbia's Main Street

Yom HaShoah Commemoration
Community-wide program remembering those who died in the Holocaust, and honoring the survivors and their families