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

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 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

Carolina Lights
Drive-thru holiday light show at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds

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

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

Columbia Christmas Pageant
Thousands of Christmas lights, lots of music, and a cast and crew of hundreds - tickets are free, but you need a ticket to enter

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

Ugly Sweater 5K
Run/walk, wear your ugliest holiday sweater with holiday themed awards celebration after - benefits Friends of the Metropolitan Children's Advocacy Center

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!

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

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

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

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

Guitar Gala
Dinner buffet, live music - benefits the Southern Guitar Festival and Competition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Braelyn Aubrey Foundation 5K
5K benefiting the Braelyn Aubrey Foundation

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

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

Government Finance Officers Association of SC Spring Conference
Seminars, networking

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

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

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

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

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

SC Tour de Cure
Bicycling event with choice of 4 distances plus 5K ride, run/walk - benefits the American Diabetes Association

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

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

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

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

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

Blues Berries and BBQ & Richland Music Festival
Two evenings of live music plus bbq contest and pie eating contests on Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

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

Columbia Buddy Walk
1.5 mile walk celebrating the Down syndrome community

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

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

Congaree Swampfest
2-day event with live music, bbq, oyster roast, food vendors, family fun - hosted by South East Rural Community Outreach

Drift Jam
Boats tie up near Spence Island for a day of live music on Lake Murray - benefits 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of SC

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

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 Prisma Health Children's Hospital

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

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

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

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

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 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

Hops and Harvest Craft Beer Festival
Craft brew tastings, live music - 21+ event - benefits Virginia Hylton Park Committee's efforts to upgrade the park

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

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

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 live music

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

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 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!

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

Martha's Market
2-day vendor market - hosted by Union United Methodist Church - benefits Lexington 5 Foundation Snack Pack Program and Wallace Family Life Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Golden Gourd: Grand Prix of Pumpkin Racing
Create your own pumpkin racer and compete for "best of" awards in addition to the races - benefits the SC Autism Society

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

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

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

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
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

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