Checked October 1, 2026 on each organiser's own website. Halloween events often add dates or sell out, so open the linked page before you go.
At a glance
| Event | Date (2026) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Creepy Crawly Pathway, Seven Oaks Park | Fri Oct 16, 6–7:30 pm | $5 per child in advance, $7 on the day |
| Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks | Oct 16–30, 6–9 pm | Tickets online; under 2 free |
| Five Points Trick-or-Treat | Sun Oct 25, 4–6 pm | Free |
| Historic Columbia Trunk or Treat | Mon Oct 26 (rain date Thu Oct 29) | Free |
| Boo Bash, Dreher Island State Park | Sat Oct 31 | Park admission |
Boo at the Zoo (Riverbanks Zoo & Garden)
When: October 16 to 30, 2026, 6 to 9 pm. Where: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210.
Trick-or-treating through the zoo, a DJ, the Haunted Carousel and a ghostly ride on the Riverbanks Express. Children younger than 2 are free, tickets are cheaper online, and capacity is limited. New for 2026, a $6 Spooky Rides Pass adds unlimited train and carousel rides.
Extras: the Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party (October 16–18 and 23–25, 6–8 pm, $60, members $50) includes a buffet at Ndoki Lodge and a Spooky Rides Pass. Haunted Hideaways igloos (up to six guests, three hours, six Boo at the Zoo tickets) are $250 ($200 for members); only five are available. (riverbanks.org)
Five Points Trick-or-Treat
When: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 4 to 6 pm. Where: the Five Points district.
Kids in costume go merchant to merchant for candy and surprises. Free. The association notes no concealable weapons are allowed. (fivepointscolumbia.com) Neighborhood notes: Five Points.
Historic Columbia Trunk or Treat
When: Monday, October 26, 2026, with a rain date of Thursday, October 29. Where: the Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding Street.
A free community event where local businesses and organisations hand out candy to children and families. Check Historic Columbia's site for the start time. (historiccolumbia.org)
Creepy Crawly Pathway (Irmo)
When: Friday, October 16, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm. Where: Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane, in the St. Andrews area.
A spookily lit trick-or-treat trail with candy stations, glowing spiders, bats and costumed characters. All ages; $5 per child (12 and under) in advance, $7 on the day. Run by the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission. (icrc.net)
Boo Bash at Dreher Island State Park
When: Saturday, October 31, 2026. Where: 3677 State Park Rd, Prosperity, on Lake Murray.
The park lists a Boo Bash on Halloween; check the park's events page for times. Park admission is $6 adults, $3.75 SC seniors, $3.50 ages 6–15, 5 and under free. (southcarolinaparks.com)
Haunted attractions
Deceased Farm (382 Olde Farm Rd, Lexington) is the Midlands' big walk-through haunt and returned in September for its 16th season. Its 2026 nights and prices were not posted on its website when we checked; tickets and food are cash only. (deceasedfarm.com)
Not scary at all
- Pumpkin patches and corn mazes run weekends through early November: see pumpkin patches near Columbia.
- The SC State Fair runs October 15–25: see our State Fair 2026 guide.
More fall plans
The full list, by category: things to do in Columbia, SC.
Frequently asked questions
When is Boo at the Zoo 2026 in Columbia?
October 16 to 30, 2026, from 6 to 9 pm at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Children younger than 2 are free and tickets are cheaper online.
When is Five Points Trick-or-Treat 2026?
Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 4 to 6 pm in the Five Points district. It is free.
Is there a free trunk or treat in Columbia, SC?
Yes. Historic Columbia's free Trunk or Treat is at the Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding Street, on Monday, October 26, 2026 (rain date Thursday, October 29).
What Halloween events are there for toddlers in Columbia?
Boo at the Zoo is free for children under 2, and the Creepy Crawly Pathway at Seven Oaks Park on October 16 is for all ages ($5 per child in advance).