The seasonal transition ahead means a busy calendar full of football and festivals, plus slightly more bearable temperatures to enjoy it all in. Don’t miss a moment of the incoming autumn action here in the Heart of SC.
Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | Sept. 4
This year marks 25 years since the tragic events of 9/11. Take part in this annual memorial race with some extra intention as we remember the fallen first responders alongside local emergency personnel and members of the military.
South Carolina Gamecock Football at Williams-Brice Stadium | Sept. 5, 12, 19
At long last, it’s time to break out the tailgating supplies and get our rally towel arms ready as the Gamecocks have three consecutive home games against Kent State, Towson and Mississippi State to start the season.
Main Street Mimosa Festival at Columbia Museum of Art | Sept. 6
Sunday Funday gets taken up a notch with everyone’s favorite bubbly brunch beverage in the spotlight.
Lexington’s Week of Restaurants at varying locations | Sept. 10 – 20
Ditch the meal planning because eleven days of breakfast, lunch and dinner specials or prix fixe menus await at more than 30 eateries within Lexington’s town limits.
Blythewood Chili Cookoff at Doko Station Pub & Eatery | Sept. 12
Fill your stomach and warm your soul with unlimited samples of everyone’s favorite soup season dish. You might even find a little inspiration to keep in your own crockpot throughout the ‘ber months ahead.
39th Annual Columbia Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral | Sept. 17 – 20
For nearly four decades, we’ve swarmed the festival grounds outside the downtown Greek Orthodox church to liven up our lunch breaks and dinner plans with hearty Greek fare and vivacious music and dancing.
Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture at Mann-Simons Site | Sept. 19
The historic house of former enslaved couple Celia Mann and Ben Delane serves as the site for this rich annual festival with performances, artists, entertainment and more for all ages to enjoy and celebrate in together.
2026 Midlands Fall Arts & Crafts Market at South Carolina State Farmers Market | Sept. 19
If you’ve somehow made it this far into the month without swapping out your seasonal décor yet, consider this your one-stop-shop for fresh fall finds from well over 100 makers and vendors.
SC Horror Convention – Con of the Dead at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | Sept. 19 – 20
Creep slightly closer to spooky season with a lineup of spine-tingling special guests, panels, cosplay contests and more across two days that are sure to give you goosebumps.
19th Annual Palmetto Peanut Boil at 2900 Block of Devine Street | Sept. 26
Just because it’s an away game weekend doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy this tailgate spread staple. Taste your way through all the different flavors and recipes of South Carolina’s official state snack and see whose take brings home the top honors.
Cola Café Fest at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | Sept. 27
Columbia’s abuzz for its baristas. This inaugural festival delivers the caffeine fix in droves with local and regional cafes on hand to serve their signature coffee and tea creations, a marketplace of goods to bring home with you and activations like demos and a latte art competition.
Concert in the Gardens at Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens | Sept. 29
Luxuriate in the lush setting and instrumental Oktoberfest-inspired musical traditions performed by an intimate collection of the South Carolina Philharmonic as dusk sweetly settles in.
Oktoberfests
Time to dust off the dirndls and lederhosen because it’s Oktoberfest once more and while we can’t guarantee the weather will be crisp just yet, we can assure you the contents of your steins will be. Enjoy German drink, food and fun with two weekends of Bierkeller Oktoberfest, plus Steel Hands Oktoberfest and Savage Craft Oktoberfest 2026: Carnival this month.
