A masked luchador hypes up the crowd at Segra Park’s Taco & Margarita Festival. | Photo via Columbia Fireflies
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading into October.
Famously Hot SC Pride Festival | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 12-9 p.m. | Main Street District | Free | A parade, live music, and celebrations make this one of the city’s biggest annual parties.
Tacos & Margarita Festival | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 12-5 p.m. | Segra Park | $10 | Hit the ballpark for an afternoon of tacos, margaritas, live music, and even pro wrestling fills the ballpark, with VIP options for foodies who want the full experience.
JerryFest | Sunday, Oct. 5 | 12-8 p.m. | Five Points District | Free | Fans gather to celebrate the music of Jerry Garcia with tribute bands.
Southern Gothic Festival | Friday, Oct. 10-Saturday, Oct. 11 | Times vary | Downtown Camden | Free | Authors and storytellers like David Joy, Valerie Bauerlein, Dick Harpootlian, and Nathan Ballingrud headline a weekend of haunting tales, hoodoo, and Southern noir.
Little ghouls and goblins can start the day with the one-mile Kids’ Fun Run, then enjoy a fall festival featuring the YMCA Spooky Bus, bounce house, and arts + crafts.
Bonus: 5K participants will receive a commemorative medal and T-shirt. All proceeds go towards the YMCA’s annual campaign, which supports programs that strengthen the community.
Construction on the Columbia Canal — damaged in the 2015 flood — is underway and could last through early 2028. Riverfront Park access will remain limited, with about a half-mile open. Evening riverwalk access may return in January, pending contractor schedules. (The State)
Leaf your worries behind + rake in the fun at the 2025 Cayce Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 12 to 6 p.m. at Granby Gardens Park. This year’s theme is “Gone Country,” featuring live music, face painting, balloon artists, local food + craft vendors, and more. Plan your visit.*
Cause
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s returns to Segra Park on Saturday, Oct. 4. Gates open at 9 a.m. for the annual fundraiser supporting dementia care and research. All ages are welcome for the 2-mile walk through Columbia’s BullStreet District.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is now accepting submissions for its 2026 Art in the Airport program. Four Midlands artists will be selected to exhibit work in CAE’s busiest terminal corridor. Submissions are due by Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m.
Your must-have Halloween decor to celebrate the season, ranging from how cute to oh my:
👻 These three ceramic ghost lights are almost too cute to stand (and come with batteries).
🕯️ A No. 1 best-seller, this floating candle set will add flickering, cozy warmth to any Halloween display.
🧹 Floating witch hats show your Halloween spirit and are perfect for a party.
🕸️ The Addams family would approve of this black lace spiderweb cover decking out your mantle.
☠️ Make the neighbors do a double-take with a best-selling hands and skull set popping out of your yard.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The City of Columbia wants your input to help make the streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Join one of the public open houses on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at Richland Library Main to share your ideas for “Sharing the Road.” There’s also an online survey you can take to help shape safer streets.
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