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

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

Wild Lights
Stroll through Riverbanks Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns - advanced registration required - closed Dec 24-25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tosca by Giacomo Puccini
Palmetto Opera presents a full-scale production of the grand opera Tosca featuring Teatro Lirico d'Europa and an internationally renowned cast

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

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

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

SC African American Heritage Conference (PDF)
Features thematic panels related to African Americans in SC including: food and foodways, Reconstruction, gender and resistance, student research and more

Wishful Shuckers Oyster Roast
Enjoy raw and steamed oysters, chicken bog, live bands, silent auction - benefits Make-A-Wish South Carolina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read-In
Schools across the state celebrate reading and libraries at the SC State House with a parade + virtual option

Tartan Day South Celtic Festival
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

Artista Vista
3-day event with gallery crawl, live music, demonstrations, pop-up exhibits and galleries, visual art performances

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bark to the Park
1.7 mile walk, with or without your dog, followed by After-Pawty with music, vendors, contests - benefits Pawmetto Lifeline

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crafted in Carolina
Tastings of 150+ styles of SC craft beer, artisan market, live music, craft beer classes - 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

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

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

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

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 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

Famously Hot SC Pride Festival & Parade
Festival supporting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community plus Friday night parade

Festival of Gardens
Visit private gardens in the Hampton Ridge neighborhood - a Columbia Green event

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

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

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

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

Government Finance Officers Association of SC Spring Conference
Seminars, networking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Midlands Spring Native Plant Sale
Find blooming perennials, grasses, and smaller blooming shrubs and trees all native to SC - hosted by SC Native Plant Society Midlands Chapter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Palladium Tour: Landmarks and Landscapes
Self-guided, self-paced walking tour in Wales Garden plus Art in the Garden and block party - hosted by Historic Columbia

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

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, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Prom - Neon Nights
All generations invited to enjoy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music and dancing - benefits Leeza's Care Connection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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