Columbia Brims with Autumn Excitement: Events to Enjoy This October!
As the golden leaves begin to blanket the ground and pumpkin spice floods our taste buds, Columbia is alive with a variety of intriguing events this October! From food festivity to inclusive celebrations, there’s something happening almost every day in Soda City. If you’re on the lookout for fun things to do, we’ve put together a fabulous lineup of events you won’t want to miss!
Oktoberfest Fondue Delight!
Starting October 1st and running through the entire month, Melting Pot Columbia is dishing up an Oktoberfest-themed prix-fixe menu. Enjoy cozy evenings filled with Bavarian beer cheese fondue, bratwurst, and pretzel dippers. And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering Black Forest chocolate fondue. This charming spot is located at 1410 Colonial Life Blvd, and you can indulge from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and noon to 10 p.m. on weekends, with prices starting at $49 per person!
South Carolina State Fair Fun
From October 9th through October 20th, pack your bags for the incredible South Carolina State Fair at 901 George Rogers Blvd. A magical place overflowing with over 50 rides, tantalizing deep-fried treats, arts, crafts, and adorable animal showcases will be waiting for you. Admission is just $15 for anyone aged six and up, and here’s a delightful tidbit—over the years, the fair has gifted more than $5 million in scholarships to local students!
The Biggest Street Party in Sumter
Mark your calendars for October 12th! Hamptons Foods is hosting Sumter’s largest street party at 33 North Main St. starting at 5 p.m. This neighborhood bash is not just about the fun; it’s also a charitable event to benefit Sumter United Ministries. Expect delightful bites, refreshing sips, and exciting activities for all ages. Tickets start at only $10, so bring your crew and have a grand ol’ time!
Dog Lovers Unite!
Attention all dog owners! On October 13th, Melvin Park in Chapin is hosting a woof-tastic event especially for you and your furry family members! From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., bring your pups to a celebration filled with food trucks, pet adoptions, demonstrations, and raffles. A portion of the ticket sales will help local rescue organizations, and tickets start at just $5!
A Flavorful Journey Through the Bayou
This October 17th, Luzianna Purchase invites you to experience the tastes of Louisiana with their Bayou Celebration. Discover delectable dishes like pork belly, shrimp po’boys, and various gumbos from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy these exquisite flavors at 7011 St. Andrews Rd., with costs varying based on your meal choices.
Pride Comes to Columbia!
Be sure not to miss Famously Hot South Carolina Pride on October 18th and 19th! Main Street transforms into a vibrant party atmosphere filled with joy, celebration, and inclusivity. With a dazzling parade, live performances by talented artists, and a street festival packed with vendors, this is an event for everyone! The festivities kick off at 6 p.m., and there’s no cover—though VIP passes are available starting at $75.
Spook-tacular Terrarium Workshop
Looking to merge creativity with a little Halloween spirit? October 22nd is your day! Gardener’s Outpost Cottontown will host a terrarium assembly and painting workshop starting at 6:30 p.m. at 1211 Franklin St. For $35, you’ll receive everything you need to craft your spooky masterpiece—along with your favorite beverage to keep the creative juices flowing!
It’s a Halloween Festival Just for You!
Finally, get ready for a day full of fun on October 26th at Scratch N’ Spin in West Columbia. The Halloween Comic Fest is taking place all day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering free treats there will also be a costume contest with $200 in store credit at stake! It’s a perfect chance for comic lovers to gather and grab free stories while having some fun.
So, there you have it—an exciting blend of events waiting for you in Columbia this October. Gather your friends, join in the festivities, and make lasting memories in our beautiful city! Happy October, everyone!
