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

Holiday Ice
Celebrate the holiday season at this outdoor ice skating rink - hosted by the City of Columbia

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

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

Tosca
Giacoma Puccini's opera presented by The Palmetto Opera

Historic Happy Hour | Hamilton in Columbia
Trivia, drinks and light appetizers - hosted by Historic Columbia

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

PopUp Photography Show
30+ photographs by 30+ photographers - benefits the Photographic Society of South Carolina

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

Data-Driven Marketing
Data driven marketing strategies and tactics - learn how data impacts advertising, develop strategies to target customers and get answers to your business objectives

African American Genealogy Workshop
The workshop will focus on pre and post emancipation government record sources - hosted by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sleeping Beauty
A Columbia City Ballet and South Carolina Philharmonic collaboration of the classic fairy tale

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

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

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

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

Carolina Shout
Robert Gardiner leads the South Carolina Jazz Masterworks Ensemble for a performance of jazz standards

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

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

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

Columbia Wave Fest
Live music, food, vendors, kids zone - a Federation of Families of SC event in recognition of national Children's Mental Health Awareness Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5K Turkey Trot Run / Walk
Run or walk course, refreshments, post race activities, costume parade - benefits Hemophilia of South Carolina

A Grand Affair
Enjoy an evening of fun at warehouse-style speakeasy for a roaring good time - benefits Harvest Hope Food Bank

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

Bunny Hop 5K Run/Walk
USATF certified course - benefits the YMCA

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

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

Champagne, Chocolate and Fun
Bring your sweetheart to Dave and Buster's for a fun night of chocolate, champagne and games! Cost is $70/couple and includes food and games

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

Children's Chance Lake Murray Poker Run
2-day event begins with a pre-run raft up with dinner then the lake poker run with lunch and dinner on Saturday - benefits Children's Chance

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

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

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

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

Drift Jam
Boats tie up near Spence Island for a day of live music on Lake Murray - benefits Hidden Wounds

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 ten private gardens in the Forest Hills 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 Palmetto Health 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

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt & Carnival
Easter egg hunts for ages 0-10 with over 100,000 plastic candy-filled eggs, carnival rides, inflatables, games

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

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

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

Harbison Trail Run
Choose half-marathon or 5K through Harbison State Forest

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

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

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

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

Jailbreak 5K
All ages can run or walk the certified course - benefits the Lexington County Sheriff's Foundation

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
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

Jingle Bell Run - Midlands
5K run or walk, wear your favorite holiday costume - benefits the Arthritis Foundation

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

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

Kemopalooza
Enjoy food, musical entertainment and a silent auction - 21+ event - raising funds for CAMP KEMO Programs of Palmetto 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

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

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

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!

Low Country Craft Beer Jamboree
Live bands, wide range of craft beers, local cuisine, children's rides and a giant low country boil - raising money for community improvements

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

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

National Baptist Deacons Convention of America, Inc.
6-day convention at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1028 Eastman St, Columbia, SC. Contact Deacon Theodore Jackson at jtheodjac@aol.com or 803-549-1906

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

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

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

Palmetto Health Foundation Golf Classic
Golf tournament at Fort Jackson Golf Club - benefits the Palmetto Health Foundation

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

Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival
Food, drinks, live music, contests (including tomato bobbing), craft beer garden, activities for kids

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

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

Power of the Purse
Live and silent 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

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

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

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

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

SC Run for the Fallen 5K
This 5K run is the culmination a 117 mile run, by a volunteer team, to honor every South Carolina service member who has died since September 11, 2001

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

Southern Guitar Festival & Competition
3-day event includes concerts, classes, lectures, solo and ensemble competitions for professionals plus elementary/middle/high school, college levels

Sparkleberry Country Fair
3-day event includes petting zoo, rides, food, crafts, tractors, 5K run/walk - proceeds benefit local schools

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

StoryfestSC
Children's literary event includes presentations and book signings by authors, storytelling, crafts, visit from Cocky

Strides for Autism Festival Midlands
Activities include a fun walk, resource fair, entertainment, food, and family fun activities - benefits the SC Autism Society

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

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

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

The Nutcracker
Columbia City Ballet's holiday family tradition

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

Ultimate Challenge Mud Run
6.2 mile course with 36 obstacles, 2 and 4 person teams, Devil Pup Challenge for children - benefits veteran and military organizations

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

Walk A Mile In Their Shoes
Men, women, children, and dogs stand up against sexual abuse and violence while wearing heels - hosted by Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands

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

Walk MS
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

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

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

Wine Down
All-you-can-eat hors d'oeuvres, variety of wine and beer, live jazz band, silent auction - benefits Beginnings of SC

Wine For Water
A diverse selection of domestic and imported wines, food from local restaurants, silent auction - benefits three local watershed alliances

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