Columbia may be the top searched-for destination in the country on Google Flights for Thanksgiving weekend this year, but with a cornucopia of festivals, tastings and various holiday observances happening all November long, we think any weekend this month is worth making a trip to the Heart of SC for. 

 

SC Korean Festival at Korean Community Presbyterian Church | Nov. 1

Now 20 years since the festival’s inaugural celebration, it has grown over the years into one of the largest international events in the state. Partake in Korean culinary favorites and a K-Pop dance contest or bear witness to Taekwondo exhibitions and a traditional Samulnori percussion performance throughout the day’s festivities.

 

Palmetto Luna Arts’ Day of the Dead Celebration at Columbia Museum of Art | Nov. 1

Honor your dearly departed in observance of the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. Boyd Plaza will transform to accommodate a Day of the Dead altar, arts and crafts, live music, folkloric dances and other cultural customs that pull from Aztec, Mayan and Spanish influence.

 

9th Annual Fall Back Fest at State Street | Nov. 7           

Soak up the last of those post-6 p.m. rays as businesses stay open late and live music, chalk murals, a special night edition of the Meeting Street Artisan Market and more all fill the streets. 

 

11th Annual South Carolina Underground Film Festival at The Nick | Nov. 7 – 9 

Celebrate the gritty spirit of independent filmmaking with three days of screenings from all over the globe and spanning all genres. Mingle with fellow cinephiles and the passionate filmmakers behind this year’s submissions and keep the popcorn bucket full. 

 

Sesqui Artisan’s Market at Sesquicentennial State Park | Nov. 9

Shop lovingly handmade pieces from pottery, crochet and stained glass to jewelry, candles and more while surrounded by the serenity of nature at this scenic state park. 

 

Lower Saluda Craft Beer Fest at Saluda Shoals Park | Nov. 14

The fresh fall air isn’t the only thing that’s crisp at this annual craft beer tasting event set amidst the foliage.

 

Wine on the River at Stone River | Nov. 14

Raise a glass to river views and vino accompanied by live music, a silent disco, pet therapy and more. 

 

Into the Woods at Trustus Theatre | Nov. 14 – Dec. 14

The Broadway smash that takes the fairytales we know and love and flips them on their heads gets the Trustus treatment this season. Come check out the theatre’s recent renovations and catch a showing of the classic musical misadventure. 

 

Finlay Park Grand Re-Opening at Finlay Park | Nov. 15 – 16

If you’ve been wondering what’s been going on at Finlay Park, now’s your chance to come see the results of the downtown park’s major facelift for yourself. Restored well beyond its former glory, the grand reopening celebration coincides with this year’s Jam Room Music Festival on Saturday and a full lineup of musical performances for the Day Two Festival on Sunday. 

 

The Champagne Bash at The Gourmet Shop | Nov. 21

Keep your glass brimming with bubbles at this effervescent evening full of champagne tastings, paired hors d’oeuvres, curated caviar, sushi, charcuterie and cheese stations and the chance to shop for all your upcoming holiday gathering needs. 

 

Arts & Draughts at Columbia Museum of Art | Nov. 21

CMA after hours is always a whole different vibe. From a pop-up beer garden and body painting to stand-up comedy and unique perspective tours of the new Keith Haring: Radiant Vision exhibit led by local drag queen icon Patti O’Furniture, a colorful evening is in store from start to finish. 

 

Holiday Happenings

Tisn’t *quite* the season yet, but when there’s just so much merriment in store, you have to start early to be able to fit it all in. With district-wide holiday kickoff events like NEON Joy in Five Points, Devine Night Out, Vista Lights and the Governor’s Carolighting, performances like A Charlie Brown Christmas, dazzling illuminations at Wild Lights, Fireflies Holiday Lights and Holiday Lights on the River and shopping events like the Holiday Artisan Market at DOKO Meadows Park, Christmas Market at Feathered Nest, the Craftsman’s Christmas Classic Arts & Crafts Festival, 2025 Midlands Christmas Arts & Crafts Market and Weihnachtsmarkt 2025 at Bierkeller, plus so much more all happening this month, you can’t deny that Columbia delivers on the yuletide cheer.