Between the chill in the air and the one going down your spine, it can only mean that October has arrived in the Heart of SC. And with it comes outdoor festivals, cozy eats, cultural celebrations and haunting Halloween happenings.
Cabaret at Trustus Theatre | Select dates Oct. 1 – 25
Munch on complimentary popcorn and let the Emcee take you on a journey through Jazz Age Berlin as Trustus transforms into the famous Kit Kat Club.
Fall Festival at Cottle Strawberry Farm | Fridays – Sundays through Nov. 15
Cottle has curated the autumnal wonderland of our dreams. Head to the FunPark every weekend for a pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm market, hayrides, apple cannons and roughly 50 more attractions to enjoy with the whole family or a group of friends.
The Great American Whiskey Fair at 701 Whaley | Oct. 2
Savor an evening of education, indulgence and appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into whiskey-making practices all over the world.
Congaree Swampfest at Harriet Barber House | Oct. 2 – 3
Nature and entertainment intersect as you shuttle between Congaree National Park and the festival atmosphere that includes a full lineup of gospel, R&B and jazz artists, carnival rides, food trucks and more.
Cayce Fall Fest at Granby Gardens Park | Oct. 3
This neighborhood gathering celebrates the season and the community in one fell swoop with music, food and fun for all.
Carnaval Del Barrio at Finlay Park | Oct. 3
National Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing and what better way to celebrate Columbia’s own Hispanic population than with a family-friendly festival highlighting their culturally rich traditions, cuisine, performances, art and more.
Oktoberfest Columbia at Incarnation Lutheran | Oct. 9 – 11
If you missed out on the September Oktoberfests around town, there are still three days of steins, schnitzel and lederhosen in store this month. Prost!
South Carolina State Fair at South Carolina State Fair Grounds | Oct. 15 – 25
A Columbia tradition for more than 150 years, there’s nothing like getting together amidst the lights, games, rides and aromas that fill the fairgrounds each fall.
Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival at Main Street | Oct. 16 – 17
Get ready to RockOUT in the Main Street District as it becomes awash in love, acceptance, belonging and a spectrum of rainbow colors for the state’s largest Pride festival.
Italian Festival at Finlay Park | Oct. 17
It’s been over ten years since the last Italian Festival took place and that’s a lot of music, dancing and cuisine we’ve all been missing out on. So come ready to mangia and make up for lost time.
2026 Walk for Life & Famously Hot Pink 10K & 5K at Segra Park | Oct. 17
Whether you are or know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer or simply want to support efforts toward treatment and advancements, throw on your rosy racing gear and be a part of this powerful annual fundraising experience.
A Vibe Called Yoga Festival at GatherCOLA | Oct. 17
October is a busy month, so carve out a little time for some intentional movement at this inaugural event that builds community and blends yoga with live music and art.
Arts & Draughts at Columbia Museum of Art | Oct. 23
The CMA after dark is always a good time and the team has planned a night out to include a scavenger hunt, live figure drawing, tattoo art demonstrations, a temporary tattoo parlor pop-up and more, all inspired by the impactful Body Matters exhibit currently on display.
Three Rivers Bridge Dinner at Gervais Street Bridge | Oct. 25
Dine atop the historic bridge as the Congaree River courses below, music fills the evening air and memories are made alongside friends, neighbors and the setting sun.
Columbia Korean Festival at Korean Community Presbyterian Church | Oct. 31
From K-Pop to kimbap, explore the many facets of Korean culture through demonstrations, cuisine, interactive opportunities and centuries-old traditions.
All Hallow’s Eve
Quite possibly the most terrifying part of Halloween is that there’s so much spooky fun in store, but only so much time to sink our teeth into it all. Show off your costumes and enjoy some lighthearted family fun at Boo at the Zoo, Trunk or Treat, A Witchy Wednesday: A Halloween Bash, Halloween Hoopla at EdVenture and the Nightmare in Elmwood 5K & Kids Fun Run. If it’s a scare you seek, the USC Visitor Center’s Annual Ghost Tours are sure to deliver. Spirits walk the earth and also fill your glass at the Halloween Bar Crawl and The Dragon Room’s new Trick or Tiki pop-up. Performing arts take a frightening turn with Dracula: Ballet with a Bite and Candlelight: Halloween Classics.
