Things to Do
Columbia’s Fall Event Calendar
From Jubilee to Fall Back Fest, there's no shortage of things to do in Columbia this Fall!
Greek Festival | September 17–20
Experience four days of Greek culture and tradition at Columbia’s 39th Annual Greek Festival. Enjoy authentic favorites like gyros, baklava, and souvlaki, watch lively folk dancing, browse vendor booths, and tour the historic Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral—all with free admission.
Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture | September 19
Celebrate Black history and culture at Jubilee, a celebration that honors the shared stories, rich traditions, and experiences that bring the community together.
Okra Strut | September 25–26
The Irmo Okra Strut is bringing the flavor! Enjoy live music, local vendors, family fun, and plenty
of the festival’s famous fried okra at this beloved Southern tradition.
Palmetto Peanut Boil | September 26
The Palmetto Peanut Boil is steaming with fresh competition! Spend the day with live music, delicious food, and a friendly showdown to see who has the best boiled peanuts in South Carolina. Admission is free, and all proceeds from food sales benefit The Animal Mission.
Savage Craft Oktoberfest | September 26
Raise a stein to Oktoberfest at Savage Craft Ale Works. Spend the day enjoying live music, German beer, a festival-inspired menu, local vendors, and plenty of brews and bites from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Prost to a full day of festive fun in West Columbia.
Cola Café Fest | September 27
Mark your calendars for Columbia’s first-ever Cola Café Fest. Discover your next favorite café as you sip signature drinks, sample fresh bites from local bakeries, browse vendors that make Columbia unique, and cheer on talented baristas during the latte art throwdown competition.
Great American Whiskey Fair | October 2
Raise a glass to the 14th Annual Great American Whiskey Fair. Sample over 300 whiskeys from around the world and meet the industry experts behind your favorite pours. Be sure to come hungry, Bourbon will be serving up barbecue to round out the experience.
Italian Festival | October 10
After an 11-year hiatus, the Italian Festival is finally returning to Columbia. Savor classic Italian dishes,
jam to live music, and experience beloved traditions
that celebrate the city’s Italian heritage.
SC State Fair | October 15–25
Start making room for funnel cake, the South Carolina State Fair is back. From heart-racing rides for thrill-seekers to classic fair favorites, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in all the delicious eats, discover the work of local artists and makers, and soak up the excitement of one of the state’s most beloved annual traditions.
Famously Hot Pride Festival | October 17
The Famously Hot Pride Festival is back in the heart of Columbia. Enjoy live music, unforgettable drag performances, and more as Main Street comes alive for a day of community, connection, and celebration.
Trunk or Treat | October 26
Put on your best costume and grab your pillowcase because Trunk or treat is back. Bring the family to enjoy a night full family fun games, trick-or-treating, and a costume contest.
Fall Back Fest | November 7
Fall in love with live painting, musical performances, and local vendors at Fall Back Fest. Indulge in food and drinks from local restaurants as you walk along the 100-300 blocks of State St in West Columbia. Keep your eye out for unique handcrafted gifts as the Meeting Street Artisan Market is hosting a special night edition during Fall Back Fest.
Midlands Christmas Arts & Crafts Market | November 7–8
Find the perfect gift before the holiday rush at the Midlands Christmas Arts & Crafts Market. More than 150 local vendors and artisans will fill the South Carolina State Farmers Market with handmade goods and distinctive seasonal finds. Admission and parking are free, and the event is pet-friendly, making it an easy outing for the whole family.
Whiskey Wine and Blues | November 14
Wine and dine at the Whiskey, Wine and Blues Festival. Dance you way through the aisles of vendors as you enjoy with spirit tastings, free food tastings, and live band performances while shopping local vendors. All proceeds go to the Dream Her Forward program, which provides scholarship opportunities for young single mothers.
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