Discover Autumn's Delights in Columbia, SC: Your Guide to Fall Events!

​Columbia, South Carolina, comes alive with vibrant fall events that capture the season's essence. From colorful foliage and pumpkin patches to harvest festivals and spooky Halloween happenings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the cultural and outdoor experiences that make Fall in Columbia a memorable and enchanting time of year. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or entertainment for adults, the capital city of South Carolina offers a diverse array of autumnal delights to celebrate the season.

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State Fair
​October 8-19

​The South Carolina State Fair is a beloved annual tradition that delights visitors of all ages with thrilling rides, live entertainment, mouthwatering fair food, and a showcase of the state's agriculture and craftsmanship.

SC State Fair

Oktoberfest
​October 10-12

Experience an authentic German festival at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Columbia, featuring German beer, homemade food, live entertainment, and fun activities for all ages. Enjoy biergartens, oompah bands, delicious German cuisine, and kids' entertainment in one exciting event.

Oktoberfest

Fall Festival
Cottle Strawberry Farm
Friday-Sunday through November 16

Cottle Strawberry Farm is a Fall paradise every weekend through November 16. Complete with pumpkins, mums, a corn maze, food trucks, wagon rides, music, and more available each weekend! 

Fall Fest

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SC Pride 
​October 3-5

Famously Hot SC Pride will again host the night-time parade—the Official Kick-Off for South Carolina Pride Festival. Get Lit Night Parade will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, starting at sunset. At the end of the parade, there will be a dance party and concert celebration on Main Street.
For more information and a full list of events, check out the link below. 

sc pride

Boo at the Zoo
​October 17-30

Get ready for spooktacular family fun at Boo at the Zoo at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden! Enjoy trick-or-treating, themed activities, and festive decorations as the zoo transforms into a Halloween wonderland for kids of all ages. Costumes are encouraged for this safe and fun event!

Boo at the Zoo

EarleJam 2025
October 12

The annual music festival highlights local talent, small businesses, and more. Get a great spot in front of the Earlewood Amphitheatre and have a great day in the community. 

EarleJam

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Ready for Halloween? 

Partake in the whimsy of All Hallow’s Eve with events that run the gamut from family-friendly thrills to spooky chills. Whether you’re looking for safe trick-or-treating with the kids or heart-pounding haunted experiences, Columbia has something for everyone this October.
👻 Family Fun & Trick-or-Treating

• Boo at the Zoo – Riverbanks Zoo & Garden’s family favorite.
• Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail at Saluda Shoals Park.
• Halloween at the Park: Trick-or-Treat Trail & Outdoor Carnival.
• Elmwood Park’s 2025 Nightmare in Elmwood Fun Run & 5K.
• Creepy Crawly Trick-or-Treat Trail.
• Five Points Trick-or-Treat.
• Trunk-or-Treat at Robert Mills House & Gardens.
• Howl-O-Ween at the Bark (pet-friendly).
• Trunk-or-Treat at Moore Park.​

🕸️ For the Brave & Bold

• Night of Frights – Outdoor Horror Movie Night.
  
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.
  
• Deceased Farm Haunted Attraction.
  
• Dracula: Ballet with a Bite.
  
• Smoked Haunted Garden Party.
  

✨ Thanks to Experience Columbia SC for curating this fantastic list of October events and helping our community celebrate Halloween in style.

Experience Columbia
​October Calendar