The temperature is dropping, which means fall is in the air and more outdoor activities for families to enjoy! Here is a list of fun, family fall events in and around Columbia.
Festivals and Fairs
Chapin Labor Day Festival – 8/24- 9/02 – We’re heading out West for the Town of Chapin’s Labor Day this year! Returning to the Chapin Labor Day festivities for this year is the Taste of Chapin, Chapin’s version of Restaurant Week, as well as a 5K, Latin Night, Classic Car show, festival and parade!
Columbia’s Greek Festival – 9/19-9/22 – Take the chance to learn more about Greek culture, do some shopping, and try out the amazing food offered at a long-time Columbia favorite! Definitely try a Baklava Ice Cream Sundae!
Clinton Sease Farm Corn Maze – 9/20-11/3 – The Corn Maze and playground at Clinton Sease Farms are open starting September 20. Admission includes all mazes, playground activities, obstacle course and unlimited wagon rides. Food trucks and refreshments are also available.
Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture – 9/21 –Jubilee is a free celebration everyone can enjoy and features live music and entertainment, artist demonstrations, and marketplace vendors selling a variety of wares, products, and art. Come hungry, because there will also be vendors selling food, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, and wine. The Kids Zone will be available with educational and family-friendly activities, presented in partnership with the Columbia (SC) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. We can’t wait to see you there!
Irmo Okra Strut – 9/27-9/28 – This free festival has been a favorite and is celebrating it’s 50th year. The festival is open to the public and starts on Friday evening with live music. Saturday continues the celebration with a parade and celebration at Moore Park to include food, rides, vendors, stage performers, face painting and more!
South Carolina State Fair – 10/9-10/20 – The always popular SC State Fair is a blast for the entire family! Make sure not to miss this one. Did you know that The South Carolina State Fair is a local, self-sustaining, non-profit organization. Since 1997, the fair has donated over $4 million in scholarships for SC students.
Boo at the Zoo – 10/18-10/30 – Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular! Enjoy trick-or-treating, dancing, a ride on the Haunted Carousel (additional charge) and Spooky Spots and Stripes Railroad (additional charge) and other howling Halloween fun at Riverbanks Zoo.
Korean Festival – 10/26 – The Korean Community Presbyterian Church hosts this festival that started in 2005 with all proceeds being donated to local charities. Held outside the church on Richland Street, the purpose of the Korean Festival is to share, promote and raise the awareness of the beauty and diversity of Korean culture. The Festival features dance and music performances, from centuries past to modern K-Pop. There are also wonderful cultural exhibits and children’s games and of course, incredible Korean cuisine. Korean favorites like kimchi, kimbap, and bulgogi are available as well as Korean ice cream and desserts!
Outdoor Shopping
Soda City Market – Every Saturday, rain or shine. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Grab some coffee on Main Street in downtown Columbia while you shop for art, crafts, or fruits and vegetables from local farmers. Enjoy food from multiple local vendors and food trucks. There is always great music and some fun for the kids.
Blythewood Farmers Market – Every Wednesday, 4 – 7 p.m., April – November. The Blythewood Farmers market features SC Certified vendors selling fresh vegetables, baked goods, organic grits, local honey, jams and jellies, Blythewood-raised meats, fresh eggs, fresh-caught seafood, and artisan crafts! The market is in Doko Meadows Park.
The Market at Icehouse – The Town of Lexington Farmers Market is primarily intended as a farmer/grower and local artisans market that uses a community-friendly atmosphere to promote, support and encourage local production, while educating citizens on the benefits of eating local, fresh produce and supporting local artists and the Certified SC program. The Market at Icehouse will run every Saturday from May 18 through September 28, 2024, with the exception of July 6. The Market will be open from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Come out and shop fresh produce + unique gifts + local vendors + food and live music!
Forest Acres Farmers Market – Weekly market that sells fresh veggies, fruits, meats, eggs, honey, flowers, dog treats and so much more. Join us every Wednesday from 2 – 6 p.m. for a different experience.
Get Out and Move
Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon + 5K – 10/12 – The Walk for Life and the Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon + 5K is Prisma Health Midlands Foundation’s signature fundraising event benefiting Prisma Health Breast Centers in Columbia. For more than three decades, thousands of people have helped raise more than $12 million to fund the latest in digital mammography technology and enhance programs and services for breast cancer patients and their families.
YMCA Pumpkin Run 5K – 10/19 – The Pumpkin Run is an event the WHOLE family can enjoy, pets too! Along the course we’ll have water and trick-or-treat stations. This year, all participants will receive a race medal and an official 2024 Pumpkin Run Tee! AND, we’re adding a little something NEW to our Kids Fun Zone — a YMCA Spooky Bus. Kids can also enjoy our bounce house and arts & crafts. All race proceeds benefit our Annual Campaign, which provides scholarships for those in our community who may otherwise be unable to
participate in our programs and services
Family Connection Columbia Buddy Walk – 10/27 – Buddy Walk is held each year in honor of families who have a child with Down syndrome. Starting in September, families, individuals, and businesses are invited to start fundraising, then, on October 27 we will gather together for an afternoon of fall festivities, family-fun, a mini-walk, and an awards presentation to honor each of our participating Buddies and our top fundraisers!
