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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas at Grace
Piano concert, living nativity, Winter Wonderland area with kids zone, sledding hill, treats, food trucks - hosted by Grace Baptist Church

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

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

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

The Christmas Angel
An original ballet presented by Nova Ballet Theatre

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

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

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

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

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

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

SC Association of Nonprofit Organizations Summit
Workshops, seminars, breakout sessions, networking and more about social issues that impact SC's nonprofit community and citizens

Cottontown Art Crawl
Visit with local artists while strolling the historic Cottontown neighborhood in downtown Columbia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Famously Hot SC Pride Festival
Festival supporting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community

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 a silent 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

American Revolution Symposium
Speakers will discuss Gen. Francis Marion, Battle of Kings Mountain, examples of war-time heroism, and more - hosted by SC Archives and History Foundation

Ancient Order Of Hibernians Ceili
A celebration of Irish music, food, dance, and culture - benefits Connick School of Irish Dance and other education causes

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

Arkhaios Film Festival
Showcases the discovery of past cultures gained from archaeological research and illustrated by documentary films

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 Walk for the Animals
Variable length walk, ranging from .5-2 miles, with or without your dog, followed by After Pawty with music, vendors, contests - benefits Pawmetto Lifeline

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

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

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

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

Christmas Arts & Crafts Market
Over 100 vendors with photography, pottery plants, and one a kind items - hosted by the Midlands Crafters Association

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

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 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

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

Corvette Expo & Swapmeet
Showcasing some of the most beautiful Corvettes from across six states, music, chili cook-off - benefits Project Unity USA

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

Doko Film Fest
High school age film makers, from the across the USA and beyond

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

Fall Arts & Crafts Market
Over 150 crafters and vendors with silent auction to benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank - hosted by the Midlands Crafters Association

Fall Festival Rodeo
Eight pro events, food, axe throwing, pony rides, mechanical bull, patriotic grand entry

Festival of Gardens
Visit private gardens in the University Hill 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 Prisma Health Children's Hospital

Find Your HeART
Dinner, art performance, exhibit, silent auction - benefits Leeza's Care Connection

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

Fort Jackson Independence Day Fireworks Celebration
Fireworks, live music, kids zone with carnival rides and crafts tents, food/beverages, food trucks, beer and wine - general public welcome

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

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

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

Government Finance Officers Association of SC Spring Conference
Seminars, networking

Healthy Kids Fun Fair
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 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

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

Hush No More Domestic Violence Awareness Walk
Awareness walk, community outreach, vendors, live performances, Domestic Violence Survivor and Fallen Officer Tributes

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

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

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

Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture
Live entertainment, artist demonstrations, historic storytelling, reenactors, children's area, vendors with African-influenced and traditional merchandise

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

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

Lake Murray Charity Run
3-days with pre-event meet-ups then participants visit 5 of the stops to receive a colored ticket for prize drawing - benefits Big Red Barn Retreat

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

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

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

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

Mad Hatter's Art Party
Juried art show, 70+ curated booths by local and regional artists craftsmen, live entertainment, food and drinks - hosted by SC Artists

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

Mardi Gras Columbia
Mardi Gras parade followed by a music festival with 12 live bands on 3 stages, food trucks, vendors - family and dog friendly - hosted by Krewe de Columbi-Ya-Ya

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

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

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

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

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

Pelion Peanut Party
2-day event with lots of peanuts, crafts, parade, car show, military exhibits, peanut butter & jelly sandwich eating contest, festival food, amusement rides

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

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

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

Rock 4 Recovery
Featuring Revisiting Creedence, a Creedence Clearwater Revival legacy band - food trucks - benefits LRADAC Foundation

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

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

SC African American Heritage Commission Conference
2-day event with reception on Wednesday followed by conference on Thursday

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

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

Shuckin' on the Shoals Festival
Oysters, BBQ, chili, live music, craft beer and wine - benefits the Saluda Shoals Foundation

Soiree on State
Live music, local artists, kids area, food vendors - hosted by the City of Cayce

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

Spring Fair Food Drive-Through
Drive-through at the state fairgrounds and enjoy many of your favorite fair foods

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

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

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

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 SC Juneteenth Freedom Fest
3-day event with carnival rides, games, national recording artists, live entertainment, food trucks, job fair, vendors, exhibitors at Fairgrounds - Monday parade

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

Training Camp
An entertaining evening of live football competitions by former college football athletes - benefits Camp Cole

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

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

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

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

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

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

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