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

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

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

Festival of Gardens
Visit private gardens in the Hampton Ridge 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

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

Government Finance Officers Association of SC Spring Conference
Seminars, networking

Rosewood Crawfish Festival
Lots of fresh crawfish and other tasty treats, live music, arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides

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

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

Columbia VegFest
Family event focused on plant-based diet with live music, kids' fun zone - in partnership with Cotton Branch Farm Sanctuary

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

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

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

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

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

Miracles in Motion: 5K Walk, Run & Roll
5K, 1 miler and Kids’ Dash 5K plus family-friendly after party with music, food, bounce house and more - benefits The Therapy Place

Soldiers & Vets Charity Golf Tournament
Golf tournament plus food and more - benefits Fort Jackson-Palmetto State Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, AUSA

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

NAMIWalks Mid-Carolina
To raise awareness and funds for the National Alliance on Mental Illness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Juneteenth Celebration on Iconic Blueberry Hill
Live entertainment, cake walk game, historical displays, BBQ cook-off and more - hosted by the Greater Waverly Foundation

The Exclusive Car, Truck, and Jeep Show
Lots of vehicles plus music, food, games, vendors - entrance fee is 2 new toys or articles of clothing per person - hosted by Project Unity

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

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

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

Black Excellence in Opera
Concert of arias, spirituals, and other tunes by local artists to celebrate Juneteenth and Black Music History Month - hosted by Columbia Operatic Laboratory

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 two local charities

Miss South Carolina Pageant
Preliminaries held Wednesday through Friday with finals on Saturday - 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

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

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

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

Meeting Street Music Fest
Live bands, local food and drinks, on the 600 and 700 blocks of Meeting Street

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

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

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

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

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

Walk to End Hydrocephalus
5K walk to raise money for hydrocephalus research, education, advocacy, and community support networks - leashed dogs welcome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BRBR Oyster Roast
Oyster roast and Irish feast, drinks, live entertainment, raffle and silent auction - benefits The Big Red Barn Retreat

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrating Anita Hill and the Next Generation
The celebration is a reminder of the different perspectives of men and women, the need for more women in politics, and the need to get involved

Christmas Arts & Crafts Market
Over 150 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EmpoweRun 5K Walk & Run
5K run/walk, kid's fun run for the first mile of the race plus prizes, food, coffee, and lots of fun - benefits Sistercare

Fall Arts & Crafts Market
Over 170 crafters and vendors with silent auction to benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank - hosted by the Midlands Crafters Association

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Tour two historic homes decorated for the season with guides providing stories of holidays past in Columbia - hosted by Historic Columbia - closed November 23-24

Holiday House Tours
Tour two historic homes decorated for the season with guides providing stories of holidays past in Columbia - hosted by Historic Columbia - closed December 23-26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MGC Long Run
15K, 5K, kids fun run - post-race party with awards, music, food - benefits local charities

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 - benefits Meals on Wheels and other senior nutrition programs at Senior Resources

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

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

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

Oyster Roast & Live Music
Oyster roast, live music, beverages - benefits Congaree Riverkeeper

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

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

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

Riverwalk Rabbit Run 5K
5K run or walk with post-race activities including Easter egg hunt for children - benefits the CWC Cares Foundation

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

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

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

Shuckin' on the Shoals Oyster Roast
All you can eat oysters and steamed shrimp, craft beer and wine, live music - benefits Saluda Shoals Foundation

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

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

Spring Arts and Crafts Show
Crafters and vendors with unique items, food trucks - silent auction to benefit local charity - 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

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 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

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

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

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

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