October Events in Columbia, SC & Surrounding Areas (2025)

Festivals & Fairs

As the temperature begins to cool and the leaves starts to change colors . Also it's football season!

👉 South Carolina State Fair

Oct 8–19, 2025 | Columbia, SC

The state’s biggest annual event with thrilling rides, live music, fried fair food, and agricultural exhibits. A true fall tradition!

👉 Oktoberfest Columbia

Oct 10–12, 2025 | Incarnation Lutheran Church

Brats, brews, oompah music, and family fun — Columbia’s own taste of Germany right in the heart of the city.

👉 Cayce Fall Fest

Oct 4, 2025 | Granby Gardens Park, Cayce

Free admission, live local bands, delicious food trucks, and craft vendors. A relaxed way to kick off October weekends.

👻 Haunted & Spooky Fun

👉 Boo at the Zoo

Oct 17–30, 2025 | Riverbanks Zoo

Family-friendly Halloween magic with trick-or-treat trails, glowing displays, and safe fun for all ages.

👉 Hall of Horrors

Oct 10–31, 2025 | Cayce, SC

Columbia’s longest-running haunted attraction, packed with eerie sets and live-actor scares.

👉 Deceased Farm

Weekends in October | Lexington, SC

Six haunted houses and creepy cornfields make this one of South Carolina’s scariest October traditions.

👉 Terror Falls Haunted Farm

Select nights in October | Gaston, SC

Haunted woods, dark farm trails, and bone-chilling thrills for those who want the ultimate scare.

🎶 Music & Arts

👉 JerryFest

Oct 5, 2025 | Five Points

A free festival celebrating Jerry Garcia with live jam bands, local brews, and artisan vendors.

👉 R&B Only Live

Oct 11, 2025 | The Senate

A high-energy night of R&B anthems and smooth vibes — a traveling tour that always sells out fast.

👉 Koger Center Performances

October brings a full lineup, including Once Upon an Evening (Oct 3), Piazzolla 100: El Nuevo Tango (Oct 4), Desi Banks Comedy Tour (Oct 11), and Dracula: Ballet with a Bite (Oct 24–25).

🍂 Family & Community

👉 First Thursday on Main

Oct 2, 2025 | Downtown Columbia

Street festival vibes with art, music, food trucks, and local shopping.

👉 Soda City Market

Every Saturday | Main Street

Columbia’s open-air market with 200+ local vendors, food, and one-of-a-kind finds.

👉 Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence

Oct 25, 2025 | Page Ellington Park

A community walk to raise awareness and support survivors.

👉 Nightmare in Elmwood 5K

Oct 25, 2025 | Elmwood Park

Dress up and run through a historic neighborhood in this fun, spooky-themed 5K.

👉 Diwali Kickoff Party

Oct 16, 2025 | Columbia Museum of Art

Celebrate with Bollywood tunes, traditional Indian food, chai, and dancing under the lights.