Fall is approaching in Columbia, which means that even though it’s still almost 90 degrees, we are digging out our boots, sweaters, all things pumpkin spice, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Personally, I love fall. It brings a bevy of birthdays in my family (mine, my daughter’s and my father’s are all in one week!), my anniversary (this year is year 10!), fairs and festivals (which means lots of yummy food), and more things to do than I can fit in this one post. But I’ll try! If you’ve lived in Columbia all your life, or you are new to the area, you may be wondering what kid-friendly fall events are in store.
— Festivals and Fairs —
The Greek Festival
Dates: September 17 – 20, 2015
Location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church | 1931 Sumter Street | Columbia, SC | 29201
This multi-day event at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Columbia is where to go for all your Greek-food desires. From Baklava to Gyros to honey-drenched donuts, to Souvlaki . . . there are so many choices. As much as I love the food, this festival hosts a great marketplace and some fun entertainment. My advice: go early in the day or between rushes if you want good parking and are looking to avoid crowds. This is a family-friendly event, but it gets extremely crowded during lunch and dinner times. If you have small children I strongly suggest either wearing them in a baby carrier, bringing a stroller or using one of those backpack “leashes” if you have a determined walker.
The Okra Strut
Dates: September 25 – 26, 2015
Location: Irmo Community Park | 7505 Eastview Drive | Irmo, SC | 29063
This weekend event in Irmo really kicks off the fall season in the Midlands. There is food, fair rides, and vendor booths galore. This year, it is being held at Irmo Community Park, which has ample parking on typical days. However, the Okra Strut brings in people from all over. Be prepared to park and walk a little ways, but it is worth it for the fun.
The Congaree Swampfest
Dates: October 2 – 3, 2015
Locations: (October 2) Historic Harriet Barber House | 116 Barberville Loop | Hopkins, SC | 29061
(October 3) Congaree National Park | 100 National Park Road | Hopkins, SC | 29061
This weekend event is full of live music, good food, and local vendors set out in Congaree National Swamp. This is a bit more of a drive since it’s in Hopkins, but looks well worth it. The event itself is free, but some of the concerts do charge admission.
The Italian Festival
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2015
Location: Robert Mills House & Hampton-Preston Mansion | Historic Grounds | 1615 & 1616 Blanding Street | Columbia, SC | 29201
This one day event will leave you stuffed for a whole weekend. I went for the first time last year and I was amazed by the food selection. From the traditional lasagnas and noodle dishes, to gourmet treats like stuffed sweet peppers and amazing gelato . . . there really is something for everyone. It’s a great opportunity to try a selection from various local restaurants without spending a lot. Bring cash – the food vendors are set up on a ticket system (you buy tickets and exchange them at the vendors for food that is worth a varying amount of tickets). This event is downtown, on a Saturday, so be prepared to park and walk a ways. While you are here, take advantage of the historic gardens and property to walk off some of the delicious, authentic food.
Oktoberfest
Dates: October 9 – 10, 2015
Location: The corner of Devine and Sims streets (downtown) | Columbia, SC | 29205
This event is truly one for the whole family. There is beer for the grown-ups; food, face-painting, and games for the kids. It’s an event you don’t want to miss.
The South Carolina State Fair
Dates: October 14 – 25, 2015
Location: South Carolina State Fairgrounds | 1200 Rosewood Drive | Columbia, SC | 29201
There is so much to do here – Food. Rides. Concerts. Exhibit Halls. And this year, a wandering, robotic T-Rex, and fossil dig for the kids. I’m not even kidding. This year, there is no free parking – their designated lot is $5, so be prepared to pay to park. There is ample parking all around the fairgrounds, but even so, traffic on weekend nights can get very backed up. My advice? Go during lunch, or on a weeknight, or go in the early afternoon on the weekend if you are bringing small children. Tickets go on sale September 9th. Watch their Facebook page and website for coupons and other deals.
Korean Festival
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2015
Location: 1412 Richland Street | Columbia, SC | 29201
The Korean Festival is a fun, family oriented event with special attractions, musical acts and some of the most delicious Korean cuisine Columbia has to offer. The purpose is to share, promote and raise the awareness of the beauty and diversity of Korean culture. And the best part is, all proceeds are donated to local charities! The event this year takes place from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., leaving plenty of time for Halloween activities.
— Family-Friendly Farm Fun —
Clinton Sease Farm
Dates: September 18 – November 15, 2015
Location: 404 Olde Farm Rd | Lexington, SC | 29072
This venue in Lexington is fun for all ages. There is a corn maze, pumpkin patch, playground, hay rides, haunted house (for the older kids and adults), bonfires . . . you name it, they have something for everyone.
Old McCaskills Farm Fall Family Fun Day
Date: October 11, 2015
Location: Old McCaskills Farm | 377 Cantey Lane | Rembert, SC | 29128
There will be live music, farm fresh concessions and good old farm fun, including hay rides, games, a working saw and grits mill, a blacksmith, and more! About a 45 minute drive from Columbia, it’s an easy trip up I-20. Take it easy in the morning and then jump on the interstate for this 1 – 6 p.m. event. Admission is $5 a person ages 3 and up.
Fox Farm Open House
Dates: October 24, 2015
Location: 133 Virginia Pine Lane | Lexington, SC | 29073
This small farm in Lexington is one of my kids’ favorite places to go for seasonal events and birthday parties. Join them for this special fall event that includes horse rides, hay ride, petting zoo and their Great Pumpkin Hunt! If you have never participated in their pumpkin hunt, the activity involves the kids jumping into a huge pile of hay to search for their one perfect pumpkin to take home. (Pumpkins are about the size of a cantaloupe.) And at only $7 per child, this event is a steal! Be sure to RSVP quickly since space is limited (October 10 is the deadline to reserve your spot), or contact them for a visit on another day if you are unable to make the open house.
— Apple Picking —
— Halloween Related Activities —
Scarecrows in the Garden
Dates: October 1 – 31, 2015
Location: Gardens of the Robert Mills House | 1616 Blanding Street | Columbia, SC | 29201
Scarecrows have taken over the Robert Mills House gardens! Presented by Palmetto Parent, this free exhibit features handcrafted scarecrows made by local families, businesses, organizations and classrooms. On a stroll through the gardens this fall, you’ll see dozens of ghoulish, historic and colorful scarecrows. Keep an eye out for “Sneaky Steve,” a mischievous scarecrow hiding somewhere on the grounds in a new location each week. A great place to let the kids run around and enjoy the gardens.
Early Adventures | Pumpkin Patch
Date: October 15, 2015
Location: The Gift Shop at the Robert Mills House | 1616 Blanding Street | Columbia, SC | 29201
Scarecrows have returned to the gardens of the Robert Mills House! Pick out a pumpkin in the gardens to decorate, then learn about what pumpkins were used for in the past, from their tasty seeds to creepy jack-o-lanterns. Ages 3-5. Reservations are suggested. Tickets range from $6 – $8 per child.
Spirits Alive!
Dates: October 15, 2015
Location: Elmwood Cemetery | 501 Elmwood Ave | Columbia, SC | 29201
Grab your flashlight and join Historic Columbia and Elmwood Cemetery staff for guided tours presenting some of Columbia’s eerie and peculiar past by the light of the moon! Different than the regular monthly tours, Spirits Alive! Cemetery Tours feature costumed tour guides, children’s crafts, snacks and other Halloween-related activities. Admission includes tour of Elmwood Cemetery, light snacks and a take-home craft for children. Reservations requested. Tours begin every 30 minutes, and the last tour starts at 8:30 pm. Tickets range from $4 – $12 and reservations are required.
Boo at the Zoo
Date: October 16-30, 2015
Location: Riverbanks Zoo | 500 Wildlife Parkway | Columbia, SC | 29210
Dress the kids up and bring them to the zoo for the opportunity to trick-or-treat from local businesses and vendors set up in Halloween-themed booths along the pathways. We have gone every year since our oldest was not even a year old. If you can, go on a school-night, early in their date range. The weekends and days leading up to Halloween are the busiest, and most challenging for families with small children. There are s’more roasting stations, hot chocolate, hot dogs and other treats and activities, which all cost extra, so come prepared with extra cash if you want to take part. This event costs $8 for Riverbanks members and $10 for non-members.
Spooktacular Night at the CMA
Date: October 24, 2015
Location: Columbia Museum of Art | 1515 Main Street | Columbia, SC | 29201
Come have a ghoulishly good time at the fifth annual Spooktacular family fun event from 5 – 9 p.m. As darkness falls, the museum transforms with ghosts, bats, pumpkins, art stations, sweet treats, and more! Make sure to wear your costume as you embark on a spooky gallery tour, partake in the ghoulish scavenger hunt for prizes and show us your best Monster Mash moves! Admission is free with a canned good donation to Harvest Hope Food Bank.
Trunk or Treat
Date: October 29, 2015
Location: Robert Mills House Parking Lot | 1616 Blanding Street | Columbia, SC | 29201
Put on your costume and join Historic Columbia as we bring the fun of Halloween to the Robert Mills House during Trunk or Treat! Children will enjoy trick-or-treating with a twist in a safe and fun environment. Community members and organizations will display decorated trunks filled with candy in the parking lot of the Robert Mills House, and prizes will be awarded for the best decorated trunk.
Dracula: Ballet with a Bite
Date: October 29 – 31, 2015
Location: Koger Center | 1051 Greene Street | Columbia, SC | 29201
Blood, fangs, and death are just a few of the things you will find in this favorite Halloween cult classic. Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, we see Count Dracula continue his seductive reign of terror with his Brides of Darkness in Transylvania. Columbia performance dates for this Halloween “must see” dance favorite are at October 29–31 with our annual costume contest during the Saturday performance.
Tricks and Treats
Date: October 31, 2015
Location: South Carolina State Museum | 301 Gervais Street | Columbia, SC | 29201
The museum’s annual Halloween tradition is back for family fun! Featuring activities like: a Haunted Halloween Party with games and prizes, scavenger hunt, crafts, special planetarium shows* and more! Wear a costume and receive $1 off museum general admission for the day. Tricks & Treats activities are included with museum general admission or membership.
EdVenture’s Halloween Happening
Date: October 31, 2015
Location: EdVenture | 211 Gervais Street | Columbia, SC | 29201
Put on a costume, grab your friends and make your way to this family-friendly, safe Halloween celebration from 4-8 p.m. Enjoy a graveyard scavenger hunt, ghoulish green slime, pumpkin smashing, mad science, and scary amounts of candy! It’s where Halloween is happening! Children and members free, adults $4. Reserve tickets.
This fall is jam-packed with activities, with something for the whole family nearly every weekend! So get out there, enjoy the cooler air, and let us know which event you are most looking forward to!
We are having a lexington good old days festival at the old mill in Lexington Sept 26,2015
We’d love to include it on our list! Can you please email the details and a link to [email protected]? Thanks!