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Things to Do in Columbia, SC in November 2026: Events, Festivals, Holiday Lights & Pet-Friendly Fun
Looking for things to do in Columbia, South Carolina in November 2026? The Midlands calendar is packed with family events, live music, holiday celebrations, pet-friendly activities, markets, races, cultural festivals and some of Columbia’s biggest annual traditions.
From Vista Lights and Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo to JerryFest, Fireflies Holiday Lights, pet adoption events and Thanksgiving races, here are some of the best events happening around Columbia this November.
Event dates and times can change, so we’ve included links to the official event or organizer pages whenever possible.
November 1: First Sunday at the South Carolina State Museum
When: Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 12:00–5:00 p.m.Where: South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201Cost: $1 general admission
Kick off November with one of Columbia’s best family bargains. On the first Sunday of every month, general admission to the South Carolina State Museum is only $1. Explore four floors covering South Carolina history, science, technology, art and natural history. Planetarium and 4D theater experiences are available for an additional charge.
November 2: David Sedaris at the Koger Center
When: Monday, November 2, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.Where: Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Author and humorist David Sedaris comes to Columbia for an evening at the Koger Center for the Arts. This is a strong pick for an adults’ night out downtown.
November 4: Judah & the Lion
When: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.Where: The Senate, 1022 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Nashville-based Judah & the Lion brings its mix of folk, alternative rock and pop energy to The Senate. Breakfield and Band of Silver are also listed on the Columbia show.
November 5: First Thursdays on Main
When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 5:00–9:00 p.m.Where: Main Street District, Downtown Columbia
First Thursdays on Main brings Columbia’s arts and culture scene downtown with live music, artists, performances, extended business hours and restaurant and merchant specials throughout the Main Street District.
Also happening November 5: Free First Thursday at the Columbia Museum of Art
The Columbia Museum of Art offers free admission, extended hours and special programming during Free First Thursday.
November 6: Rod Wave — Don’t Look Down Tour
When: Friday, November 6, 2026 | 8:00 p.m.Where: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
Rod Wave brings the Don’t Look Down Tour to Colonial Life Arena, with doors scheduled to open at 6:30 p.m.
November 7: Palmetto Luna Arts’ Day of the Dead Celebration
When: Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.Where: Boyd Plaza at the Columbia Museum of Art Cost: Free
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a community altar, arts and crafts, live music, folkloric dancing and live painting celebrating Latino artists and traditions in South Carolina.
Saturdays in November: Soda City Market
When: Saturdays | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. November dates: November 7, 14, 21 and 28Where: Main Street, Downtown Columbia
Soda City Market transforms Main Street into Columbia’s outdoor gathering place every Saturday morning with local food, handmade products, farmers, artists and small businesses. The market runs year-round, rain or shine.
November 8: JerryFest 2026
When: Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 12:00–8:00 p.m.Where: Five Points, ColumbiaCost: Free
JerryFest celebrates the music and legacy of Jerry Garcia with live music, vendors, food, activities and a laid-back festival atmosphere in Five Points. The 2026 event was moved to November 8.
November 11: City of Columbia Veterans Day Parade
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Where: Columbia, SC
Join the community as Columbia honors veterans during the city’s annual Veterans Day Parade.
November 14: No Fleas Market at Columbia Dog Park
Palmetto Scoopers Pet-Owner Pick
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.Where: Columbia Dog Park, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209Cost: Free entry
Dog owners will definitely want this one on the calendar.
The first No Fleas Market at Columbia Dog Park will feature local vendors, food trucks, adoptable dogs, a yard sale, holiday photos and more.
Proceeds benefit Columbia Animal Services and help fund heartworm treatment and low-cost preventatives for dogs at the shelter and dogs adopted from Columbia Animal Services.
November 14: 7th Annual ArtLinc Chalk Art Festival
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Where: Vista Greenway Tunnel
Originally scheduled earlier in the fall, Columbia’s ArtLinc Chalk Art Festival has officially been rescheduled for November 14.
The community event brings local artists and residents together for colorful public art, creativity and activities centered around Columbia’s growing arts scene.
November 14: Columbia Princess Day
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Where: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Families with younger children can enjoy stories, songs, dances, crafts, games and appearances from favorite fairytale characters. Children are encouraged to dress up.
November 15: Pups & Pints Adoption Event
Palmetto Scoopers Pet-Owner Pick
When: Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 1:00–4:00 p.m. Where: Hunter-Gatherer Brewery, 1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd., Columbia, SC 29205
Columbia Animal Services is bringing adoptable dogs to Hunter-Gatherer Brewery for its fall Pups & Pints Adoption Event and Donation Drive.
Even better: adoption fees are waived. Anyone planning to adopt is asked to bring a leash and collar.
November 19: Vista Lights
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026 | Begins at 6:00 p.m. Where: The Vista, Downtown Columbia Cost: Free
One of Columbia’s signature holiday traditions returns for its 41st year.
More than 60 galleries, restaurants and shops participate in Vista Lights. Expect holiday shopping, dining, live entertainment, a tree lighting and a free Kids Zone with activities, face painting, balloon art and visits with Santa.
Road closures associated with the festival run into the evening, so arrive early.
November 20 Is a BIG Holiday Kickoff Day in Columbia
November 20 brings three major holiday attractions to the Midlands.
November 20: NEON Joy in Five Points
When: Friday, November 20, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 p.m. Where: Five Points Cost: Free
NEON Joy brings a holiday laser light show to Five Points along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, The Grinch, caroling, community performances, face painting, balloon art, shopping specials and food and drinks available for purchase.
The main laser light show is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
November 20: Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Begins
When: Select nights beginning Friday, November 20, 2026 | 5:00–9:00 p.m. Where: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia
Riverbanks transforms after dark with more than 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays.
Wild Lights also includes nightly snowfall, family activities, photo opportunities and visits with Santa through December 23.
The event runs on select nights through January 10, 2027. Tickets go on sale November 2.
November 20: Fireflies Holiday Lights Begins
When: November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027 | 6:00–9:00 p.m. Where: Prisma Health Park, Bull Street District, Columbia
The Columbia Fireflies are turning the ballpark into a holiday wonderland with more than 2 million lights.
Expect holiday displays, Santa visits, crafts and the Fireflies Express train. The attraction is open nightly beginning November 20 except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. November admission starts at $10 in advance, according to the Fireflies.
November 21: Holiday Artisan Market at Doko Meadows
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Where: Doko Meadows Park, 100 Alvina Hagood Circle, Blythewood, SC 29016 Cost: Free
Just north of Columbia, the Holiday Artisan Market at Doko Meadows features locally made gifts, Christmas décor, ornaments, baked goods and seasonal produce.
This is an especially convenient November event for families in the Blythewood area.
November 22: Sleigh Bell Trot at Saluda Shoals Park
When: Sunday, November 22, 2026 | Race begins at 7:00 p.m. Where: Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212
Run through the illuminated displays of Holiday Lights on the River during this unique four-mile nighttime race.
The event is held before normal vehicle traffic begins moving through the holiday light display. For safety reasons, dogs are not permitted during the race.
November 23–24: Sleigh Bell Stroll
When: Monday and Tuesday, November 23–24, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. Where: Saluda Shoals Park
Before cars take over Holiday Lights on the River, families can walk approximately two miles through the illuminated displays during the Sleigh Bell Stroll.
Pre-registration is required.
November 23: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
When: Monday, November 23, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Get an early start on Christmas with Mannheim Steamroller’s signature holiday sound, performed by 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments alongside multimedia effects.
November 25: Holiday Lights on the River Opens
When: November 25–December 31, 2026 | 6:00–10:00 p.m. nightly Where: Saluda Shoals Park
One of the Midlands’ biggest holiday traditions returns with millions of lights spread across approximately three miles.
Holiday Lights on the River also features seasonal activities including tube slides, train rides, hayrides, a laser light show, letters to Santa, concessions and visits from Santa on select dates.
Thanksgiving Day — November 26: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands Turkey Day 5K
When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 | 5K begins at 9:00 a.m. Where: Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC
Start Thanksgiving morning with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands Turkey Day 5K.
There is also a family 1K beginning shortly after the 5K start, making this an option for runners, walkers and families.
November 27: Shandon Turkey Trot & Burn 5K
When: Friday, November 27, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. Where: Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow Street, Columbia, SC 29205
Keep the Thanksgiving weekend moving with a 5K through the Shandon neighborhood.
The annual race welcomes runners and walkers from throughout the Midlands and has grown to more than 1,200 participants, according to the organizer.
Quick November 2026 Columbia Event Calendar
November 1: SC State Museum First Sunday November 2: David Sedaris November 4: Judah & the Lion November 5: First Thursdays on Main + Free First Thursday at CMA November 6: Rod Wave November 7: Day of the Dead Celebration + Soda City Market November 8: JerryFest November 11: Veterans Day Parade November 14: No Fleas Market + ArtLinc + Columbia Princess Day + Soda City Market November 15: Pups & Pints November 19: Vista Lights November 20: Wild Lights + Fireflies Holiday Lights + NEON Joy November 21: Soda City Market + Holiday Artisan Market November 22: Sleigh Bell Trot November 23: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas + Sleigh Bell Stroll November 24: Sleigh Bell Stroll November 25: Holiday Lights on the River opens November 26: Boys & Girls Clubs Turkey Day 5K November 27: Shandon Turkey Trot & Burn 5K November 28: Soda City Market
Pet-Friendly November Events in Columbia, SC
For Columbia-area dog lovers, two November events stand out:
No Fleas Market at Columbia Dog Park November 14Local vendors, food trucks, adoptable dogs and holiday photos while supporting Columbia Animal Services.
Pups & Pints November 15Meet adoptable dogs at Hunter-Gatherer Brewery with waived adoption fees.
Palmetto Scoopers loves seeing Midlands families, local rescues and pet organizations come together to support animals in our community.
Enjoy Columbia We’ll Take Care of the Backyard
There’s too much happening around Columbia this November to spend your free time cleaning dog waste from the yard.
Palmetto Scoopers Pet Waste Removal Service helps Columbia-area dog owners keep their yards clean, sanitary and ready for family, friends and four-legged visitors.
Whether you need recurring pet waste removal or help getting the yard cleaned before Thanksgiving guests arrive, we’re here to help.
Please verify event information with the individual organizer before attending. Dates, schedules, admission prices and event details may change.
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