The usual flurry of fall activities is back this month, featuring new fun and returning favorites. From brewery-hopping and jam bands to cultural celebrations and festivals galore, October is as full as our trick-or-treat pails. Here’s how you can savor the season in the Heart of SC.

Pints for Preservation at Columbia Craft Brewing Company | Oct. 2

There’s a new happy hour series on the scene highlighting historic venues around the region. Gather over local craft beer and enjoy conversation with fellow history buffs, all while learning about the space’s former iterations and preservation story.

Fall Festival at Cottle Strawberry Farm | Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 16

It doesn’t have to be berry season to have some fun on the farm. Cottle Strawberry Farm has transformed into an autumnal eden complete with pumpkins, mums, a corn maze, wagon rides, food trucks, music and more available each weekend.

Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival at Main Street | Oct. 3 – 5

Pride and allyship fill the streets of downtown Columbia, first with the signature Get Lit! Night Parade and Concert kickoff on Friday, then the full festival day on Saturday featuring headliners Mýa and Rayvon Owen and a finale day to include the SC Pride Drag Brunch on Sunday. Afterparties and additional programming keep the positivity going during every moment in between and long into the night.

Great American Whiskey Fair at 701 Whaley | Oct. 3

Now in its 13^th year, this event has grown from being the largest whiskey tasting event in the Southeast to the largest celebration of American whiskey in the entire country. Sample as many of the 350(!) available single malts, bourbons, ryes, etc. from around the world as you can responsibly handle and chat with the more than 100 distillers and brand ambassadors who will be on hand to enrich each sip with the stories and traditions behind them.

Tacos and Margarita Festival at Segra Park | Oct. 4

This festival is here to tell you that October isn’t just for pumpkins and Segra Park isn’t just for baseball. Circle the concourse, collecting your fill of tacos along the way, and stay refreshed with a multitude of margarita options.

Cayce Fall Fest: Gone Country at Granby Gardens Park | Oct. 4

This wholesome community gathering delivers a full slate of country music, plus local vendors, activities for the kids and all the fall feels.

JerryFest 2025 at Five Points | Oct. 5

St. Pat’s in Five Points may get all the concert lineup glory in the spring, but come fall, JerryFest keeps the district awash in music and mellow vibes. This year marks 60 years of The Grateful Dead, so expect an extra special celebration.

South Carolina State Fair at South Carolina State Fairgrounds | Oct. 8 – 19

October is practically synonymous with the State Fair and the long-standing tradition continues with a “Harvesting Happiness” theme that pays homage to the state’s rich agricultural heritage. So maybe this year, try to add a vegetable or two into the mix with all the classic carnival fried foods.

EarleJam 2025 at Earlewood Park | Oct. 12

This annual neighborhood music festival not only highlights local talent, but also the small businesses that shape Columbia. Stake out a spot in front of the Earlewood Amphitheatre and enjoy an afternoon showing support for the community.

Diwali Kickoff Party at Columbia Museum of Art | Oct. 16

Celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights, which recognizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, with a vibrant evening of dance tutorials, henna tattoos, Indian cuisine and more.

Gervais Street Bridge Dinner at Gervais Street Bridge | Oct. 26

It’s been a couple years since we last broke bread together over the flowing waters of the Congaree River, but now the bridge-top bash is back in all its sunset-soaked splendor.

Oktoberfests

The German-style celebrations continue this month, with frothy festivities to include Steel Hands Oktoberfest, Steel Hands Vista’s 1 Year Anniversary & Oktoberfest Celebration, Oktoberfest 2025 at Columbia Craft Brewing Company, Savage Craft Oktoberfest 2025: Hope to Harvest, the final weekend of Bierkeller OKTOBERFEST!, WECO Oktoberfest and Oktoberfest Columbia 2025 at Incarnation Lutheran Church.