Columbia SC Holiday Events

Celebrate the holiday season in Columbia, South Carolina with festive events and activities including Lights Before Christmas, the Lights of Cayce and the Famously Hot New Year's Eve Celebration!

Join us for Thanksgiving Day races, Christmas festivities and New Year's Eve Celebrations this November and December 2015! Get in the holiday spirit at exciting holiday shows including The Nutcracker, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Holiday Pops Concert. Race with family and friends in The Turkey Day 5K and Jingle All The Way 5K Run. Enjoy Christmas carols along the riverwalk and view thousands of twinkling lights at the Riverbanks Zoo Christmas spectacular, the Lights of Cayce and West Metro Parade of Lights. We look forward to celebrating the holidays with you in Columbia, South Carolina!

Visiting from out of town? The Staybridge Suites, Wingate Harbison, Holiday Inn Express Harbison and Hampton Inn Lexington are offering excellent discount rates this holiday season! Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and free WiFi at these premier Columbia hotels.

2015 Columbia South Carolina Holiday Events:

A Christmas Story
November 6 – 22, 2015
Make your list and check it twice so you don’t miss this perennial holiday favorite — A Christmas Story! Step back to 1930’s Indiana where a bespectacled boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and wants only one thing for Christmas: An Official Red Ryder 200-Shot Carbine-Action Range Model Air Rifle. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa, and a triple dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream. Click here for additional information.

Vista Lights
November 19, 2015 from 5-9PM
Kick off your holiday shopping and fun at the Vista's 30th annual holiday street party! The entire Vista community will take part, with Gervais Street closed to traffic from Gadsden to Assembly streets, and Park and Lincoln closed from Lady to Senate. Start by parking in one of our convenient garages and then stroll up Gervais to Lincoln to see all the festivities. Be sure to stop by One-Eared Cow Glass & the shopping center where Backpacker is located to see all that is going on there as well.  Although they are further down Gervais there is still great things to see and do. See our map for a detail list of events. Click here for additional information. 

Lights Before Christmas
November 20 - December 30, 2015 from 5-9PM
Closed November 26, December 24 and 25
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for more than 25 years! Enjoy nearly one million twinkling lights, countless animated images, dazzling Music In Motion Lights Spectacular and nightly visits with Santa. Plus, enjoy warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire. Hot cocoa, marshmallows and other festive foods are available for purchase. Click here for additional information.

26th Festival of Trees
November 20-22, 2015
The 26th Festival of Trees will be Nov. 20-22 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Festival of Trees features decorated trees, wreaths, stockings and gifts that will be up for bid during a weekend-long silent auction. The auction will also feature several children’s menorahs and dreidels, in celebration of Hanukkah. Guests will attend from across the Midlands to enjoy the holiday cheer as well as wonderful activities and entertainment. Festival of Trees begins on Friday with a magical night at the Festival of Trees Auction Preview and the silent auction continues through the weekend with family-friendly entertainment by local choirs, dance groups, visits with Santa and area mascots. Last year, Festival of Trees raised more than $279,000, including in-kind donations, for Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital! Click here for additional information.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra
November 20, 2015 at 8PM
Hallmark Channel presents the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Friday, November 20, 2015. Join us at the Colonial Life Arena for this spectacular performance. Trans-Siberian Orchestra melds the sound and fury of rock with the storytelling of Broadway to create a unique "rock theater" that leaves crowds of all ages speechless. We look forward to seeing you at this exciting holiday event. Click here for additional information.

Shandon Turkey Trot 
November 21, 2015
The Shandon Turkey Trot will be held on November 21, 2015 at Hnad Middle School in Columbia, South Carolina. The 8K/4K Run/Walk begins at 7:45AM. The Family Kid's Fun Run begins at 7:30AM. The course is flat and fast.The award ceremony begins at 8:45AM. Everyone receives a medal for the Family Kid's Fun Run. Additional awards will be given out for the 8K and 4K Events. Refreshments provided by EarthFare include water, bananas, apples and bagels. Click here for additional information and register today! 

The Nutcracker Ballet
November 25-29, 2015
Carolina Ballet presents The Nutcracker Ballet at the Township Auditorium November 25-29, 2015. Doors open one hour prior to each performance. Student tickets are available at the Township Auditorium Box Office. Children 6 and under are FREE for the Sunday matinee only but they must have a ticket. Free children tickets are available at the Township Auditorium Box Office. Click here for additional information about this exciting Columbia performance.

Turkey Day 5k & Family Fun Run
November 26, 2015
Held on Thanksgiving day every year, the Turkey Day 5K, now in its eleventh year, is a 3.1 mile run through downtown Columbia that begins and ends at the Colonial Life Arena. The Family Fun Run gives boys and girls of the Midlands the opportunity to train for and participate in this special event too. Turkey Day 5K proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands through scholarship contributions and program supplies. Click here for additional information.

A Starry Night in Five Points
December 3, 2015
The newest event in Five Points! Join us on Thursday, December 3rd as we celebrate everything that is wonderful about this time of year during our holiday open house. Stores will be open late and offering terrific sales and complimentary refreshments! Goings-on in the neighborhood that day include an opportunity to meet Santa, hot chocolate courtesy of H&R Block and holiday treats at the fountain, DJ at the fountain, horse carriage rides, roaming photography, the Salvation Army's famous red kettle and toy drive accepting unwrapped toys and pop-up performances from carolers. Click here for additional information.

38th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Cayce City Hall
December 3, 2015 at 6PM
The 38th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be hosted by the Woman's Club of Cayce. Proceeds from the sale of lights will be donated to God's Helping Hands to assist families in need. They are also sponsoring the Cayce Cares Food Drive and ask that you bring canned goods and non-perishable food items. The event will include a community reception and is free to the public. Click here for additional information.

Lights of Cayce
December 3 - 31, 2015
Visitors to Cayce City Hall can enjoy the magic of thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling holiday displays from December 3 - 31, 2015. Each year there is something new and exciting at the Lights of Cayce! Plan ahead so that you can enjoy this exciting Columbia holiday event! Click here for additional information.

Jingle Arrgh the Way
December 4 - 13, 2015
The Columbia Children's Theatre presents Jingle Arrgh the Way - A Christmas Pirate Musical based on a story by Melinda Long, author of How I Became a Pirate. Show times are 7PM on Fridays, 10:30AM, 2PM and 7PM on Saturdays and 3PM on Sundays. Click here to purchase tickets.

Carols Along the Riverwalk
December 4, 2015 from 6:30-8PM
The sounds of the season can be heard at the Cayce Riverwalk where several area church choirs and local musicians will be caroling within the first half mile of the park. Wander the luminary lit walkway from group to group, while enjoying holiday musical selections and complimentary hot apple cider. This year, park at BC High School and enjoy a trolley ride to the entrance of the park. Click here for additional information.

26th Annual Cayce Historical Museum Christmas Traditions
December 5, 2015 at 6PM
The Cayce Historical Museum welcomes visitors to celebrate the holidays in the days of old. This free holiday open house features beautifully decorated trees and other Christmas decorations in every room and docents in period costumes. As always, there will be delicious homemade refreshments and live entertainment. As darkness falls, visit the living history encampments on the museum grounds and displays celebrating the long and important role Cayce plays in the history of the South Carolina Midlands. Click here for additional information.

Jingle All the Way 5k Run
December 5, 2015
Join us for the 8th annual Jingle all the Way 5K, Walk & Dog Jog! The 5K Run, Walk & Dog Jog takes runners toward the State House where the run will be part of the official start of the 61st Annual Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade! Have a little fun - wear your favorite holiday gear to show off your holiday cheer! The event will be dog-friendly so please see application for entry fees to bring Fido! Click here for additional information.

62nd Annual Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade
December 5, 2015
The 62nd Annual Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade will be held Saturday, December 5th, 2015 featuring famously festive entries from all across the state of South Carolina! This year's Grand Marshal will be the 2015 National Champion USC Equestrian Team! The parade will begin at 9:45AM at Gervais and Bull Streets and proceed west on Gervais. It will pass in front of the State House, and continue into the Vista to Park Street. With nearly 100 entries, last year's Carillon featured a number of new entries, including The Pelion High School Marching Band, Wal-mart, and others. This year there will be some very special SC celebrities, new high school marching bands, drill teams, local churches, dozens of beautiful floats, and of course, the most exciting part of the parade, Santa Claus! Click here for additional information. 

Deck the Hall Family Holiday Event
December 5, 2015
Deck the Hall on December 5, 2015 and enjoy a holiday race that’s fun for the whole family. There will be races, games, costume contests, and more all held at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School. Awards will be given to overall male and female winners, as well as the top three in each category and age group. Deck the Hall 2015 will benefit Winston’s Wish and Rural Mission, Inc. Click here for additional information. 

West Metro Parade of Lights
December 12, 2015
This annual event is one of the most anticipated holiday parades in the Midlands! This beloved night time parade begins at the corner of 12th Street and Hwy 1 in West Columbia and proceeds down 12th Street ending in front of the Cayce Municipal Complex. Crowds have been estimated over 20,000 so come grab a viewing spot early! Click here for additional information.

Holiday Pops Concert
December 13, 2015 at 3:30PM
Harbison Theatre presents the 2015 Holiday Pops Concert! Welcome the holiday season with the fourth annual Holiday Pops concert with the S.C. Philharmonic. Featuring classic, festive carols and contemporary holiday anthems, this family-friendly show will leave audience members with smiles on their faces and seasonal cheer in their hearts. Click here for additional information and tickets.

The Christmas Angel
December 17, 2015 at 6:30PM
Celebrating it's 15th Anniversary, this fresh and exciting Ballet is sure to take your breath away.  Balletomanes and the general public alike are mesmerized by the originality of this magical story as well as the quality and beauty of dance represented by Celestial Stars.  Artistic Director, Gabrielle Celeste, wrote and choreographed "The Christmas Angel".  It is a story of a princess whose soul is devoured by jealousy and through the pure love of the Christmas Angel, she is forgiven and redeemed.  Don't miss this treasure of a performance.  Harbison Theatre, December 18 and 19 at 7PM; and new this year, a special performance for children and adults with special needs on December 17 at 6:30PM. Click here for additional information.

Famously Hot New Year's Eve
December 31, 2015
Now in its fifth year, #FHNY is a free, outdoor street celebration that draws a diverse, all-ages crowd from all over the nation -- last year 28,000 strong -- to downtown Columbia, S.C. The entire Midlands region comes together for the New Year's holiday, with expanded hours at family-friendly destinations, pop-up NYE parties at local restaurants and clubs, specials at neighborhood boutiques, hotel deals and more. You don't need tickets for FHNY; it's free! Enjoy regional food & drink, groove to Ms. Lauryn Hill live on stage, marvel at colossal midnight fireworks and revel in a safe, comfortable celebration, brimming with Southern hospitality. Discover the New Year in the New Southern Hot Spot! Click here to make your New Year's Eve hotel reservations today.

Happy Holidays!
Columbia SC Events

Columbia SC Halloween Events

Celebrate Halloween in Columbia, South Carolina at favorite annual events including Boo at the Zoo, Deceased Farm, Hall of Horrors, Clinton Sease Farm Corn Maze and more!

Columbia, South Carolina Halloween attractions promise to entertain the entire family! Deceased Farm and Hall of Horrors will put your darkest fears to the ultimate test. Family friendly Halloween events including Boo at the Zoo, EdVenture's Halloween Happening, the Clinton Sease Farm Corn Maze and more will provide a safe, fun environment for children to celebrate the Halloween season. Mark your calendar today for these exciting Columbia events!

Visiting Columbia, South Carolina to partake in the Halloween festivities? The Staybridge Suites, Wingate Harbison, Holiday Inn Express Harbison and Hampton Inn Lexington are offering excellent rates this fall season. Contact these hotels today to make your Columbia hotel reservations!

Halloween Events in Columbia SC:

Deceased Farm
October 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-31, 2015
November 1, 2015
Come experience our haunted attraction with 24 nights of terror in 2015! Deceased Farm has 2 haunted attractions with 6 buildings filled with all new scares. The Main Haunt encompasses 4 buildings that are crammed full of state of the art props and sets inhabited by over 40 live characters surrounded by a 2 acre haunted corn maze. 3D-ceased is a unique 3D experience, with glasses, where terror surrounds you. Once you enter the doors you will be astonished at the incredibly detailed artwork, props and creatures lurking around every corner. Both haunts are self guided tours so you can move through at your own pace. Click here for additional information. 

Clinton Sease Farm Corn Maze
Now - November 15, 2015
We extend a special welcome to you, as you make this part of your fall family tradition. As you navigate our 8 acre corn maze you will find clues, pictures, and games. Maize-o-Vision secret decoders help you navigate the multi-acre puzzle. Can you find your way out? Flashlight Nights are on Friday and Saturday. Bring your own flashlight and explore the maze in the dark. Maize Quest is a great way for families, scouts, schools, youth groups, and corporate parties to enjoy victory together. After 'Getting Lost' in the Corn Maze, visit the Kiddie Corn Maze, Tire Maze, Tricyle Raceway, Cornsnake, Rubber Duck Races, Sand Pile, "Spookley & His Friends Storybook Maze", South Carolina's Original Marshmallow Maze, John Deere combine slide, giant forty foot slide, wooden playground area and much, much more. Bring your family for a weekend to remember! Click here for additional information.  

Hall of Horrors Haunted Attraction
October 2-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31, 2015
The evil masterminds behind Brentwood Behavorial's Xperiment13 are gearing up to bring another exciting season of screams in 2015. This October, the Hall of Horrors presents the sequel to the x-crutiatingly sinister Xperiment13. Like nothing you've ever experienced, you'll venture through the halls of pure hospitHELL! You'll run from blood-thirsty, needle-wielding doctors, as well as their seriously afflicted patients, and if you can escape with your life, you'll be one of the lucky ones. Click here for additional details and tickets. 

Boo at the Zoo
October 16 - 30, 2015 from 6-9PM
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden's Halloween Spooktacular is open from October 16 - 30, 2015. Enjoy a trick-or-treat trail, moonlight magic with Ray, a nightly costume parade, marshmallow roast and more. From the Spooky Safari to the Mummy's Eeky Freaky Dance Party to the Haunted Carousel, there are lots of spooky, fun activities for the entire family. While you may spot a few night owls during Boo at the Zoo, most of the residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s. Click here for additional information.
 
Scarecrows in the Garden Exhibit
October 2015
Scarecrows have taken over the Robert Mills House gardens! Presented by Palmetto Parent, this free exhibit features handcrafted scarecrows made by local families, businesses, organizations and classrooms. On a stroll through the gardens this fall, you’ll see dozens of ghoulish, historic and colorful scarecrows. Keep an eye out for “Sneaky Steve,” a mischievous scarecrow hiding somewhere on the grounds in a new location each week. Click here for additional information.

Halloween at the Park
October 23, 2015
Bring your little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treating on our outdoor trick-or-treat trail through the park from 6:30–7:30PM on Friday, October 23rd. Inside we will have plenty of carnival games and prizes, a costume contest, SCREAM contest, concessions, and all the fun you can imagine! This is a great safe and fun event for the whole family. A wristband can be purchased for $5 per child; concessions will available for purchase from the American Legion. Click here for additional information. 

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow ICRC Children's Theatre
October 23, 25, 30 & 31, 2015
In this wickedly funny adaptation of Washington Irving's classic tale of superstition and village rivalry, gawky schoolmaster Ichabod Crane fancies himself a dashing, worldly man of learning, capable of winning the heart of Katrina Van Tassel. Will this beautiful daughter of a wealthy local farmer return Ichabod's affections, or does she have other ideas? What will be the outcome when Ichabod confronts his desires, fears, and of course, the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow? No one knows for sure. Click here for additional information.  

Spooktacular Night at the CMA
October 24, 2015 from 5-9PM
Come have a ghoulishly good time at the fifth annual Spooktacular family fun event. As darkness falls, the museum transforms with ghosts, bats, pumpkins, art stations, sweet treats, and more! Make sure to wear your costume as you embark on a spooky gallery tour, partake in the ghoulish scavenger hunt for prizes and show us your best Monster Mash moves! Sponsored by The Junior League of Columbia. Admission is free with a canned good donation to Harvest Hope Food Bank. Click here for details.

Will-O-the-Wisp
October 24, 2015
Children can stroll along the boardwalk playing games, gathering candy, and visiting with Nature Interpreters to learn about nocturnal animals. Other activities include making s’mores, navigating a maze, and singing along with the Pumpkin Show. New for this year will be an amazing Laser Light Show. Come in costume and be prepared to have fun. Call 803-213-2056 for more information.

Growl at the Moon
October 29, 2015 from 7-10PM
Come Growl at the Moon at the South Carolina State Museum’s 2nd annual after-hours Halloween party featuring a special experiential planetarium show called Waiting Far Away, a laser light show set to the music of Pink Floyd, night sky observing int he museum's Boeing Observatory, live music, food, craft beer and a souvenir beer growler to take home. Plus, be sure to channel the Halloween spirit and come dressed up - werewolf and other costumers are highly encouraged! Click here for additional information.

Columbia City Ballet Dracula Ballet with a Bite
October 29-31, 2015
Blood, fangs, and death are just a few of the things you will find in this favorite Halloween cult classic. Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, we see Count Dracula continue his seductive reign of terror with his Brides of Darkness in Transylvania. Columbia performance dates for this Halloween “must see” dance favorite are at October 29–31 with our annual costume contest during the Saturday performance. Click here for tickets. 

Harbison Theatre Presents: Frankenstein
October 29, 2015 at 7PM
Sit back in our cozy, 400-seat theatre and enjoy performances by one of the world's leading theatres on our state-of-the-art cinema screen and sound system - all without glancing at your passport! NTL screen events are a special, new breed of production: shot live with multiple cameras, it's like having the best seat in the house for every single moment of the play, even if that "seat" is a bird's eye view of the action; while also being privy to the special moments that happen between performer and audience. Celebrity actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller star in this thrilling gothic tale, directed by none other than Academy Award® winner Danny Boyle. Filmed at the National Theatre in London. Click here for tickets. 

Trunk or Treat
October 29, 2015 from 5:30 - 7PM
Put on your costume and join Historic Columbia as we bring the fun of Halloween to the Robert Mills House during Trunk or Treat! Children will enjoy trick-or-treating with a twist in a safe and fun environment. Community members and organizations will display decorated trunks filled with candy in the parking lot of the Robert Mills House. Awards and prizes for best costumes, best decorated trunk, and scarecrows will be given at 6:45PM. Don’t forget to explore the Scarecrows in the Gardens exhibit and visit the Gift Shop at Robert Mills during this free event!

EdVenture's Halloween Happening
October 31, 2015 from 4-8PM
EdVenture Children’s Museum, City of Columbia and My Brother's Keeper invite all families to attend a night of safe Halloween fun at the museum’s Halloween Happening celebration on Saturday, October 31st. This family-friendly Halloween spectacular is open to the public and is free for children 12 years and younger. Surprises await trick or treaters behind over 15 doors at EdVenture! Enjoy a graveyard scavenger hunt, ghoulish green slime, pumpkin smashing, mad science, and scary amounts of candy! It’s where Halloween is happening! Click here for additional information. 

Tricks and Treats
October 31, 2015 from 10AM - 4PM
The South Carolina State Museum's annual Halloween tradition is back! Enjoy a haunted Halloween party with games and prizes, a wizard academy with a potions lab, a haunted laboratory, a performance of “Hansel and Gretel” by the Columbia Marionette Theatre, a scavenger hunt, crafts, balloon art and more. Two laser light shows will be playing in the planetarium: HalloScream Laser Lights and Legends of the Night Sky: Perseus and Andromeda. Click here for additional information.

Happy Halloween!
Columbia SC Events

2015 Gamecock Football

Football season is finally here! The South Carolina Gamecocks football team will challenge seven opponents at home in Williams-Brice Stadium during the 2015 regular season. 

Join Cocky in Columbia, South Carolina to tailgate in the South Carolina State Fairgrounds and cheer
on your favorite college football team!

Check out the University of South Carolina Gamecock football schedule below and make your travel plans today! We look forward to seeing you at Williams-Brice Stadium in September, October and November 2015.

South Carolina Gamecocks 2015 Season:

9/3/15	vs NC Tar Heels   *Game in Charlotte, NC
9/12/15	vs Kentucky Wildcats
9/19/15	at Georgia Bulldogs
9/26/15	vs UCF Knights
10/3/15	at Missouri Tigers
10/10/15	vs LSU Tigers
10/17/15	vs Vanderbilt Commodores
10/31/15	at Texas A&M Aggies
11/7/15	at Tennessee Volunteers
11/14/15	vs Florida Gators
11/21/15	vs The Citadel Bulldogs
11/28/15	vs Clemson Tigers

USC Gamecock Football Weekend Lodging:
The following Columbia, South Carolina hotels provide spacious guest rooms, complimentary hot breakfast, free parking and free WiFi:
Staybridge Suites Columbia Downtown: 866-526-6149
Wingate Harbison: 866-576-7650
Holiday Inn Express Harbison: 877-354-7344
Hampton Inn Lexington: 803-356-8300

USC Gamecock Parking:
Season parking passes are available at Gamecock Park and the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. In addition, there are parking lots surrounding the stadium that provide day-of parking opportunities. Click here for additional details about the Gamecock Park and Fairgrounds parking passes.

Go South Carolina Gamecocks!
Columbia SC Events

June 2015 Races in Honor of National Running Day

It's National Running Day! Time to lace up those shoes, hit the pavement and declare your passion for running. Grab your favorite running buddies and sign up for one of these South Carolina races to celebrate your love for running this June 2015!

June 2015 South Carolina Races:

Run for the Hills 5k Trail Run - North Augusta
June 6, 2015 at 8AM
Conquer the hills on this private 262 acre nature preserve packed with beautiful scenery, mature oak-hickory forests, tranquil creeks with granite outcroppings, and endangered wildflowers. The race course will lead you into the heart of this stunning landscape, through twists and turns, along the creeks and up over the mountainous terrain for an adventurous and breathtaking run, or walk if you prefer.  All proceeds benefit the preservation of more landscapes like this throughout the CSRA.
Register | Nearby Hotel

Columbia Color Vibe 5k Run - Columbia
June 13, 2015
Get ready for the most colorful fun-filled day of your life! You’ll have more color on you than your happy levels can handle! So get your friends and family stretched out for this amazing color blast event where you'll get blasted with color while you run the Color Vibe 5K. Color Vibe is here, and you’re about to get tagged!
Register | Nearby Hotel

Bulldog Breakaway 2015 Twilight 5k Series - Charleston
June 18, 2015 - Race #4
June 25, 2015 - Race #5
This USATF certified 5K begins on the track at The Citadel, where participants will run a lap around campus, go through Summerall gate of The Citadel, run 1 lap around Hampton Park, come back through Summerall gate of The Citadel and then run another lap on campus, finishing on the track.
Register | Nearby Hotels: Staybridge Suites and Hyatt Place

Tri The Midlands Triathlon 2015 - Columbia
June 20, 2015
Swim, Bike and RUN through Columbia, South Carolina at the Tri The Midlands Triathlon on June 20, 2015. The Lake Swim is a beginner-friendly, quick, 500m triangular course that enters the water from the beach a short walk from transition area. The bike leaves Lake Carolina from the front entrance and moves through the rural roads over rolling hills finally re-entering Lake Carolina near the YMCA and ending back in Harborside. The out-&-back run then takes the athletes out into Lake Carolina along scenic trails and over the bridge before ending at the Village Green in Harborside.
Register | Nearby Hotel

Summer Solstice 5K - Charleston
June 20, 2015
Come celebrate the arrival of summer with us. The Summer Solstice 5K is the second race in our Follow the Sun Series. This fast, track like course is perfect for a speedy summer 5K. The course is shaded and the post-race party, sponsored by Palmetto Brewing, will have plenty to quench your thirst.  It's the years longest day of sunshine and we plan to make the most of it!! There will be plenty to do for the whole family and we encourage walkers and strollers as well as runners. Every participant will receive a finishers medal. As always 80% of our profits go to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Register | Nearby Hotels: Staybridge Suites and Hyatt Place

Happy Running!
Columbia SC Events

Columbia SC Races in April and May 2015

Have you signed up for these upcoming races in Columbia, South Carolina? 

From 5k races to cycling events to obstacles races, we are gearing up for two months of athletic events in Columbia, SC! Race with your friends, raise money for charity and stay fit this April and May 2015. We look forward to seeing you at these exciting Columbia events!

Visiting from out of town to participate in a race? Contact our local partners and make your hotel reservations today. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and free WiFi!

April and May Races in Columbia SC: 

SuperHero 5K For Jillian's Cure
April 18th, 2015 at 7AM
Join us to find a cure, and don your super hero costumes as we save children with Optic Atrophy! The 5K run/walk will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 7 AM in Lexington, SC. A family fun event to follow. This event benefits Jillian's Cure, and funds are designated to a local child (Jillian Nava) with ADOA. For additional updates and information be sure to like the event Facebook Page: Superhero 5K For Jillian's Cure.

Quarry Crusher Run
April 18, 2015 
The Quarry Crusher Run is the only race of its kind in the southeast. This once-in-a-lifetime look inside a magnificent landscape that is prohibited to the general public will leave a lasting memory in addition to the aching of your muscles and bones. The approximately 3.72-mile route starts and finishes near the Olympia-Granby Mills in the Olympia Village, but it grows each year as the quarry gets deeper. Once in the quarry, the route winds down a 10% grade through granite cliffs to the quarry floor. The approximately 400-foot ascent from the quarry floor to the finish marks the grueling event as Columbia’s most challenging foot race. Click here for additional information.

BattleFrog Carolinas Obstacle Race
April 25-26, 2015
Be a human dirt bike when the BattleFrog returns to Carolina Adventure World on April 25 and 26, 2015, the largest ATV course in the Southeast. We will take you through the best of over 100 miles of trails, mud bogs, rock crawls, and some of the highest elevations in the state. Some of the best racers on the course at the June, 2014 event clocked in under an hour for the 15k. Sign up and see if you can beat that! Click here to register.

South Carolina VisionWalk
May 2, 2015 at 10AM
Since 2006, VisionWalk has raised over $30 million to support the mission of the Foundation. Over 50 walks are planned for 2015, including the 2nd Annual South Carolina VisionWalk at Riverfront Park. The VisionWalk is a fun, family-friendly 5K (3.1 mile) walk complete with music, food, kids activities, bounce houses and more! Join people like you who are committed to changing the future for their friends and family members affected with retinal degenerative diseases. Click here for more details and to officially register for this event.

Lake Murray Triathlon
May 24, 2015 at 8AM
The Lake Murray Triathlon has become a favorite chance for all South Carolina Triathletes to showcase their talents against the best in the state. Nestled in the center of South Carolina athletes from the Upstate, Midlands and Coastal regions converge into Columbia each year for this sprint distance event. The swim is one counter-clockwise 750 meter loop. The bike course is long for a sprint distance event - one 16 mile loop. The 5k run course is very unique in that runners get several opportunities to see where they are in relation to the competition.

2015 SC Tour de Cure
May 30, 2015
Tour de Cure is more than just a cycling event. A day full of fun and excitement where riders of all levels join forces in the fight to Stop Diabetes and raise critical funds for diabetes research, education and advocacy in support of the American Diabetes Association. So take the Ride of Your Life and sign up today. Whether you are an occasional rider or an experienced cyclist, there is a route just for you!

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events

Valentine's Day in Columbia SC

Celebrate Valentine's Day in Columbia, South Carolina this February 2015. 

Kick off Valentine's Day with a trail race, spend time with the entire family at Columbia Museum of Art and plan a night out on the town while your kids enjoy a fun evening at Riverbanks Zoo. Columbia has a special treat for every couple!

Check out our list of Valentine's Day Weekend events and make your holiday plans today! Visiting Columbia from out of town? The Staybridge Suites, Wingate Harbison, Holiday Inn Express Harbison and Hampton Inn Lexington offer comfortable accommodations, complimentary breakfast and free parking. We look forward to celebrating Valentine's Day with you in Columbia, South Carolina.

Valentine's Day Events in Columbia SC:

Half-Moon Outfitters Make My Day 5K/12K
February 14, 2015 at 9AM
The 6th Annual Make My Day trail race will take place on February 14th, 2015 in Columbia, SC at Harbison State Forest. This trail race encompasses three of the major trails in the forest (Firebreak, Stewardship, Midlands Mountain), giving each runner the chance to really experience the beauty of a local trail running venue. Runners of all skill are invited to attend - from advanced to novice - this race has something for everyone. So lace up those running shoes, grab some friends and come dominate some trails! Run local, support local! Click here for additional information.

Parents' Night Out: Be Our Valentine at Riverbanks Zoo
February 14, 2015 from 6-9:30PM
Plan a night out on the town while your kids enjoy a fun-filled and educational evening full of adventure at Riverbanks Zoo under the care of Zoo staff and ZooTeen volunteers. Supervised activities will include games, crafts, animal encounters, a kid friendly movie with popcorn and a pizza dinner.

Studio Cellar: Picasso Lovers
February 14, 2015 at 6:30PM
Paint your date in Picasso inspired techniques this Valentine's Day 2015. Painting is on 2 canvasses so you can put them together when they're complete. We will walk you through this 2 hour painting step by step, no skills needed. Wine, beer, and light appetizers from Blue Marlin sold on premise. Continue Mixin' and Mingling at the Paint Bar afterwords!

Family Fun Day: Sweet on CMA
February 14, 2015 from Noon - 3PM
Families are invited to Feel the Love (of ART) at ?Family Fun Day: Sweet on CMA.? Get creative at art stations and make a valentine for someone special. Take a ?Love-Struck? Tour, participate in the ?I Heart Art? Gallery Hunt, and strike a pose in the ?Be Mine? Selfie Booth. See the Columbia Marionette Theater perform ?Hansel and Gretel? at 1:00 p.m. Don?t forget to purchase some sweet treats! Sponsored by Eau Claire Cooperative Health Center. Click here for additional information.

Cupid's Chase 5K
February 14, 2015 
Community Options, Inc. will hold its Annual Cupid’s Chase 5k Run that will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2015, in twenty-seven race locations. Community Options, Inc. is a national non-profit organization incorporated in 1989 and headquartered in Princeton, NJ. Our mission is to provide housing and employment support to people with disabilities. Click here for additional information.

Valentine’s Day Cinema: The African Queen
February 14, 2015 at 7PM
Channel your inner Humphrey Bogart – or Katharine Hepburn – during our third annual Valentine’s Day Cinema event.  Join us in the lobby for champagne and sweets and expect a delightful evening filled with 1950’s romance, World War I action and – the real reason we’ll all be there – the incredible chemistry between Bogey and Kate, sparring in all of their cinematic glory.

Columbia Baroque presents Portraits of Love
February 13, 2015 at 7:30PM
Love and music have been intertwined throughout history. Our concert paints several of love’s faces: charm, flirtatiousness, grace, sweetness, moving from romantic ill-starred lovers to one of love lost. A perfect concert to attend with your favorite Valentine!

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events