Upcoming Family Events in the Midlands: Fall 2025 Fun for All Ages

Fall in South Carolina’s Midlands brings a vibrant lineup of family-friendly events, from arts and crafts markets to pumpkin patches and spooky adventures. Whether you’re a local or relocating to the area, these events offer a perfect way to enjoy the season with your loved ones.

Here’s your guide to the top family events happening in and around Columbia, Lexington, and beyond in Fall 2025, curated by Laura Plyler, Realtor on The Patrick O'Connor Team.

Festivals and Markets

2025 Midlands Fall Arts & Crafts Market

  • When: Saturday, September 13 (9 AM–4 PM) & Sunday, September 14 (12 PM–4 PM)

  • Where: South Carolina State Farmers Market, West Columbia

  • What to Expect: Browse handmade goods, regional crafts, and home décor from over 150 local vendors. This pet-friendly event is free to attend with plenty of parking, making it a great outing for families looking to support local artisans.

Midlands Plant & Flower Festival

  • When: October 3–5, 2025

  • Where: South Carolina State Farmers Market, West Columbia

  • What to Expect: The region’s largest fall plant and floral showcase is perfect for gardening enthusiasts. Enjoy free admission and parking, plus crafts and seasonal décor that kids and adults alike will love.

Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture

  • When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 (11 AM–6 PM)

  • Where: Mann-Simons Site, Columbia

  • What to Expect: Celebrate Black history and culture with live entertainment, storytelling, artist demos, and unique vendors. Free admission makes this a must-visit for families seeking a multigenerational, educational experience.

Cayce Fall Fest

  • When: Saturday, October 4, 2025

  • Where: Granby Gardens Park, Cayce

  • What to Expect: Enjoy live music, a children’s area, food vendors, and cultural performances at this free, family-friendly festival. It’s a fantastic way to soak up the fall vibes in Cayce.

Vintage Market Days®: “It’s Fall Y’all”

  • When: August 29–31, 2025

  • Where: SC State Fairgrounds, Columbia

  • What to Expect: Shop vintage-inspired art, antiques, seasonal décor, and handmade goods. Local food and specialty items add to the fun. Tickets range from $10 to $42, so plan ahead for this curated market experience.

South Carolina State Fair

  • When: October 8–19, 2025

  • Where: Columbia

  • What to Expect: The state’s biggest annual fair brings carnival rides, games, delicious food, and nightly entertainment under a circus tent. It’s a classic family outing with something for every age.

Pumpkin Patches & Fall Farm Fun

Cottle Strawberry Farm (Hopkins, SC)

  • When: Through mid-November 2025

  • What to Expect: A fall festival packed with pumpkins, live entertainment, hayrides, a giant jumping pillow, and a corn maze. Perfect for a full day of family fun.

Clinton Sease Farm (Lexington, SC)

  • When: Through mid-November 2025

  • What to Expect: Pick pumpkins, explore a corn maze, enjoy hayrides (including after-dark options), and play on the playgrounds. Sunflower weekends add extra charm. Admission is $3 (ages 3+; free for under 2), with additional costs for hayrides and attractions. Bring a flashlight for nighttime maze adventures!

Stewart Farms (Enoree, SC)

  • When: September 21–October 27, 2025

  • What to Expect: Features a pumpkin patch, corn maze, daytime wagon rides, and spooky nighttime activities like haunted wagon rides or “Big Boo.” Admission is $8 (ages 6+; free for 5 and under).

Lever Farms (Pomaria, SC)

  • When: October 26, 2025 (10 AM–5 PM)

  • What to Expect: Enjoy a corn maze, pumpkin picking, wagon rides, vendors, and fall-themed fun. Admission is $10, making it an affordable day out for families.

Sara’s Farm Adventure (Trenton, SC)

  • When: September 19–November 26, 2025

  • What to Expect: Pumpkin Fest offers a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, flower fields, and kid-friendly activities like a jump pillow and “Jack O’ Lantern Lane.” A great spot for creating fall memories.

Home in Lexington SC

Table of Contents

  • Festivals and Markets in Columbia, SC

  • Pumpkin Patches & Fall Farm Fun in Columbia, SC

  • Haunted Attractions & Spooky Adventures in Columbia,

  • Make the Most of Fall in the Midlands of South Carolina

Haunted Attractions & Spooky Adventures

Hall of Horrors (Cayce, SC)

  • What to Expect: A classic haunted house with a thrilling atmosphere, photo booth, games, and snacks. Ideal for families with older kids looking for a spooky yet fun experience.

Boo at the Zoo (Columbia, SC)

  • When: October 17–30, 2025 (6 PM–9 PM; tickets on sale September 15)

  • What to Expect: A family-friendly Halloween event featuring:

    • Trick-or-Treat Trail: Kids collect treats throughout the zoo.

    • Ray’s Moonlight Magic: A magical live performance.

    • Eeky Freaky DJ: Halloween-themed dance and music fun.

    • Haunted Carousel: A spooky ride (additional charge).

    • Spooky Spots and Stripes Railroad: A themed train ride (additional charge).

Folklore & Legends Lantern Tour: Southern Gothic Ghosts (Camden, SC)

  • When: Friday, October 10, 2025 (7 PM–8 PM)

  • Where: 222 Broad Street, Camden

  • What to Expect: Stroll through a haunted campus while hearing tales of the Craven House ghost and the Gray Lady. A spooky, family-friendly storytelling experience.

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy (West Columbia, SC)

  • When: Thursday, September 25, 2025 (6 PM)

  • Where: 554 Meeting Street, West Columbia

  • What to Expect: Poe historians bring four chilling tales to life, paired with classic cocktails. Best for families with teens or adults due to the speakeasy vibe.

Dark Castle Haunted Attractions (Elgin, SC)

  • What to Expect: Multiple haunt experiences in one package, offering thrills for families with older kids seeking a spooky adventure.

Terror Falls Haunted Attraction (Gaston, SC)

  • What to Expect: Multiple themed haunts, including “Terror Trail,” “House of Voodoo,” and a creepy hospital, perfect for brave families looking for a scare.

Make the Most of Fall in the Midlands

These events showcase the vibrant community spirit of the Midlands, from Columbia to Lexington and beyond. Whether you’re picking pumpkins, exploring local crafts, or getting into the Halloween spirit, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Stay tuned to The Patrick O’Connor Team for more local insights and guides to make your time in the Midlands unforgettable!

Looking to relocate or buy a home in the Midlands? Contact Laura Plyler on The Patrick O’Connor Team at Coldwell Banker Realty for expert guidance in finding your perfect home near these exciting community events.

Patrick O'Connor