Columbia Area Events

Columbia Food and Wine Festival
6-day event at various locations with dinners and tastings featuring samples from local chefs and mixologists

Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden
Sip domestic and imported wines plus light bites from local restaurants, craft beers, live music - benefits Riverbanks conservation and education efforts

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

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

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

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

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

Cocky Trot
5K finishing at the 50-yard line of Williams-Brice Stadium + fun run/walk option, post-race refreshments - hosted by USC Athletics

Sharpvue Irmo International Festival
Experience cultures from around the globe with music, performances, food trucks, kids zone, car show, vendors

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

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

Eastover BBQ Festival & Jam Fest
2-day event with Friday night Jam Fest then parade and festival on Saturday

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

Rosewood Crawfish Festival
Lots of fresh crawfish and other cajun cuisine, live music, arts and crafts vendors, kids' activities, food trucks

Miracles in Motion: 5K Walk, Run & Roll
5K, 1K and Kids’ Superhero Run plus family-friendly after party with refreshments, kids' corner, music and more - benefits The Therapy Place

Government Finance Officers Association of SC Spring Conference
Seminars, networking

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

Crimson Screen Horror Film Fest
3-day festival with screenings and awards in all types of independent horror feature films, short films, and screenplays

Art on State
Local artists with live demonstrations, artisan market, live music, local food and beverages

Main Street Jazz Fest
Family friendly event with local and national jazz stars performing, food and craft vendors, bring foldable chairs for Saturday's concerts

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

SC Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival
35+ food trucks with a variety of flavors, regional and national craft beers, vendors with hand-crafted goods, music - family friendly

Riverbanks Run
5K race along back roads, across Saluda River, and pass some of the most popular exhibits in the Zoo - spectators in parking lot at start/finish line only

NAMIWalks Mid-Carolina
5K walk to raise awareness and funds for the National Alliance on Mental Illness

Heart & Sole Women's Five Miler
5-mile run/walk and a 3.5-mile fitness walk - women's-only event - expo and post-event celebration

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

Lake Murray Palooza (previously Reggaetronic)
2-day outdoor music festival with live bands, DJs - accessible by land and boat - benefits the Shriners Children's Hospital

Lake Murray Palooza (previously Reggaetronic)
2-day outdoor music festival with live bands, DJs - accessible by land and boat - benefits the Shriners Children's Hospital

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

Carolina's Caribbean Culture Festival
Discover the rich diversity of Caribbean traditions through music, dance, cuisine, and cultural exhibits

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

Southeastern Piano Festival
Starts with 5-day piano institute followed by piano competition June 11-14 - hosted at University of South Carolina

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

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

Taste on the River
Enjoy tastings from local restaurants, live music - benefits the West Columbia Beautification Foundation

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

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 three local charities

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

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

Lake Murray's Independence Day Celebration
Fireworks launched from Spence Island and Dreher Island State Park to choreographed music airing on 106.7 radio - no boat parade due to construction

Great Race
9-day, time, speed, endurance rally for classic cars and trucks beginning in St. Paul, MN on June 21 and ends at Lake Murray on June 29

Born in the USA Four Miler
4 miler, 4 mile relay, youth run - best dressed 4th of July outfit - benefits National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Brew at the Zoo
Evening of craft and local beer, live music, and wildlife - 21+ only event - benefits Riverbanks' conservation and education efforts

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

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

Chapin Labor Day Festival & Parade
3-day event with live music, food trucks, 5K run, classic car show, parade, children's carnival area

Chapin Labor Day Festival & Parade
3-day event with live music, food trucks, 5K run, classic car show, parade, children's carnival area

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

PARK(ing) Day
Visit the PARK(ing) spaces which are metered parking spaces that have been temporarily transformed into public spaces

Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture
Hosted by Historic Columbia featuring live entertainment, artist demonstrations, historic storytelling, reenactors, vendors

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

Walk to End Hydrocephalus
3K walk to raise money for hydrocephalus research, education, advocacy, and community support networks - leashed dogs welcome

Irmo Okra Strut Festival
2-day event includes parade, live music, family fun, food/drinks, rides and amusements

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

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

JerryFest
Outdoor concert featuring multiple bands performing Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead and other music, vendors

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-marathon - benefits the Prisma Health Breast Center

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

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

Hush No More Domestic Violence Awareness Walk
5K walk, community outreach, vendors, kid's zone, live performances, Domestic Violence Survivor tribute - benefit for Hush No More

East Coast Corvette Expo
Celebrate the legendary American sports car - benefits Project Unity

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

Shandon Turkey Trot and Burn 5K
Run or walk with participants encouraged to dress in their best and most creative Thanksgiving turkey burn attire - benefits the Shandon Neighborhood Council

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

The Bash
A three-day, national elite high school basketball showcase with 10 teams

Santa Run & Rudolph Youth Run
5K run/walk, 1-mile adult run, youth fun run/walk, best dressed Santa Claus outfit contest - benefits National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Cold Winter's Day 5K
5K run/walk walk and snowflake youth fun run - benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

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

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

Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival
Family-friendly festival featuring picnicking, blossom-viewing, plein air art, handcrafted artwork, food vendors, and more - hosted by the Town of Irmo

803 Day
Celebrate all things 803 with a festival with live music and food trucks, a citywide scavenger hunt, 5K run/walk, group photo op at the state house

803 Day 5K
5K run and walk with awards ceremony to follow - benefits Cola Rose Shower's mission to promote awareness of feminine care issues

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

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

Big Red Barn Retreat Fall Jam
Concert benefiting The Big Red Barn Retreat's programs aiding Veterans, First Responders and Active Duty Service Members

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

Black History Parade and Festival
Parade begins at Hampton at Harden St with festival at MLK Park

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

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

Candlelight Tours
Tour two historic homes by candlelight, learn about traditions of the past as musicians play selections from the 19th century - hosted by Historic Columbia

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

Cayce Fall Fest
Family-friendly event with live music, kid's area that includes face painters, petting zoo, inflatables, hayride and more - hosted by the City of Cayce

Christmas Arts & Crafts Market
Over 170 crafters and vendors with unique items - hosted by the Midlands Crafters Association

Christmas Light Boat Parade on Lake Murray
Decorated boat parade, Christmas carols, fireworks finale at the Lake Murray Dam Public Park

Columbia Brick Con
Over 1000 square feet of brick-built displays, vendor village, race car challenge, imagination station play area - hosted by SC Bricks

Columbia Christmas Pageant
Christmas classics as well as a time of worship - presented by First Baptist Columbia

Columbia Fashion Week
7-days of events including runway shows, mixers, networking, and after-parties

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

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

Crafted in Carolina
Tastings of 150+ styles of SC craft beer, artisan market, live music - family-friendly event - hosted by SC Brewers Guild

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

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

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

DDSN Holiday Market
Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list while supporting talented individuals in our disabilities and special needs community

Dare2Care
Dinner, music, special guests - evening attire - benefits Leeza's Care Connection

Doko Ribfest Cook-Off
Rib tastings, chefs compete for prizes, live music, vendors, children's activities

EarleJam
Live music, food and drink vendors - family and pet friendly - bring chairs and blankets - hosted by the Earlewood Community Citizens Organization

Fall Back Fest
Live music, local artists will be painting temporary murals on the streets, artisan market, food and drink vendors - hosted by the City of West Columbia

Festival of Trees
Decorated trees and other holiday items are up for bid at silent auction, live music - black-tie/formal attire invited - benefits Prisma Health Children's Hospital

Fireflies Holiday Lights
Over one million LED lights, featuring 10 themed areas plus kids crafts and activities, holiday-themed food and drinks - closed November 18-21 and Thanksgiving

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

Fireflies Holiday Lights
Over one million LED lights, featuring 10 themed areas plus kids crafts and activities, holiday-themed food and drinks

Flutie 5K for Autism
Run, walk, or roll on Phase 4 of the Cayce Riverwalk - benefits the Doug Flutie Jr Foundation for Autism

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

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

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

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

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

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
Experience the holiday season with Historic Columbia on a guided holiday tour of the Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion - closed Nov 28-29

Holiday House Tours
Experience the holiday season with Historic Columbia on a guided holiday tour of the Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion - closed Dec 25-26

Holiday House Tours
Experience the holiday season with Historic Columbia on a guided holiday tour of the Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion

Holiday Lights on the River
Journey through 2 miles of colorful lights and animated light displays of all shapes and sizes at Saluda Shoals Park

Holiday Lights on the River
Journey through 2 miles of colorful lights and animated light displays of all shapes and sizes at Saluda Shoals Park

Holiday Parade of Lights
After the 5:30 PM sunset watch lighted parade entries proceed down 12th Street

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

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

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

Lake Murray Polar Plunge
Costume contest then take a chilly dip in Lake Murray - benefits Special Olympics South Carolina

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

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

Lisznyai Christmas House
Enjoy the display and dancing lights from the comfort of your car or from the walking paths

Lisznyai Christmas House
Enjoy the display and dancing lights from the comfort of your car or from the walking paths

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, run or walk - 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

Meeting Street Music Fest
2-day event with live bands, local food and drinks - hosted by City of West Columbia

Midlands Clay Arts Society Holiday Sales
Featuring the original work of over 35 local artists showcasing a diverse range of ceramic creations

Midlands Heart Walk
1 and 3-mile walk options, festivities - benefits the American Heart Association

Nashville Songwriters in the Round
Featuring four Nashville singer-songwriters performing in an intimate setting plus dinner and drinks - benefits Healthy Learners

Oyster Roast
Live music, silent auction, oysters and tasty eats, open bar - benefits the United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society

Palladium Silent Auction | Bidding & BBQ
Enjoy barbecue, specialty drinks, live music and silent auction on the grounds of the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens - benefits Historic Columbia

Palmetto Peanut Boil
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

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

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

Pickle for Paws
Play pickleball (all levels welcome), food trucks, refreshments, local vendors, and more - benefits Animal Mission's emergency medical fund

Preservation SC Annual Meeting
Get an update on Preservation SC initiatives and projects across the state, followed by a reception

Preserving Historic Cemeteries Workshop
Provides attendees with information on legal, practical and respectful perspectives of preservation work - hosted by SC Archives and History Foundation

Read Freely Fest
3-day book festival features bestselling author talks, panels, performances, and interactive activities - hosted by the Richland Library

Rock 4 Recovery
Substance-free concert by Everclear to raise awareness and funds for the mission of the Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council (LRADAC)

Rockin' Red, White & Blue Celebration
Live music, food and beverage vendors, fireworks at 9:30

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

SC African American Heritage Conference
Gathering of scholars, historians, preservation organizations, students and others exploring African American history, its past and the present-day impact

SC Arts Day
2-day gathering of arts advocates from around the state with networking, guest speakers, advocacy training, and more - hosted by SC Arts Alliance

SC Black Pride Week
8-day event includes Cultural Arts & Wellness Festival, Unity Block Party, Family Fun Night, Job Fair and more

SC's Maritime History Symposium
Speakers will be discussing SC's maritime history which includes wars, commerce, pirates and adventure - hosted by SC Archives and History Foundation

Senior Prom - Disco the Night Away
All generations invited to enjoy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music and dancing - benefits Leeza's Care Connection

Shamrock Parade
Irish dancers, marching bands, floats, pageant winners and more will be traveling down Main Street

Snowball Festival Carnival
Small carnival rides, face painting, balloon artists, visit from Santa, movie, food vendors

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

Spring Arts and Crafts Show
Crafters and vendors with unique items, food trucks at SC State Farmers Market - hosted by the Midlands Crafters Association

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

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

The Big Nosh
Jewish food festival features favorite noshes and a bake sale plus tours to learn about Jewish traditions and practices

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 Drop on Main
Ring in the New Year on the 1600 block of Main Street with live music, dancing, cash bars and food vendors - count down to midnight with ball drop

Therapalooza: The Greatest Show in the Southeast
Live circus entertainment, music, an open bar, food, silent and live auctions - benefits The Therapy Place

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

Trustus Gala: Harlem Nights
Dance floor alive with music inspired by Harlem's iconic Jazz Age, hors d'oeuvres, open bar with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails - benefits Trustus Theatre

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

Ubuntu Dance Festival
Community classes and concert, master classes - hosted by Ly-Ben Dance Alliance

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

Walk MS
1-mile and 3-mile routes, mobility devices are welcome - benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Walk, Run and Roll for Brain Injury Awareness
March 23 kick-off with group Walk, Run and Roll, reception with food, drinks, kids' activities, DJ - virtual option - benefits Brain Injury Association of SC

Where Do We Go From Here?
Panel discussions, public events, tours, and networking opportunities for civil rights history and research practitioners - hosted by USC & NPS

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 - closed Dec 24-25

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