It’s that time of the year again! As the weather cools and December approaches, we enter the season of festive weekends: one celebration after the other, there’s always something fun for the whole family. Both the Lexington and Lake Murray areas have many holiday events on the agenda—here is a curated list of my favorites that I hope you’ll enjoy too.

From Halloween-themed events to kick off October, to theater, music, and community festivals, here are 10 options if you are looking for fun things to do around Lake Murray and Lexington County this fall.

And as a bonus, check the end section for a selection of 3 adult-focused events, including a great networking opportunity and a show that will make the grown-ups feel the wonder of a kid again.

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South Carolina State Museum Dark History Tours

Discover the local stories of the spookiest side of South Carolina history in this self-guided Museum tour. (Ages 12+)

• When: October 1–31, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Where: SC State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC
• Tickets start at: $10 (included with general admission or membership)

Since the tour is self-guided, you can enjoy it at your own pace while hearing about Columbia’s catacombs, Gullah Geechee folklore, and General Sherman’s path through Columbia.

Crystal Tip: Can’t make it to the Museum? This Lake Murray Country article brings some of the local horror to your hands: Haunted buildings & stories.

Trick-or-Treat Fun: Boo at the Zoo at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

• When: October 17–30, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
• Where: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC
• Tickets start at: $20 (they sell out!)

Trick-or-treat throughout the grounds while the resident animals rest. Enjoy a magic show and dance with the Eeky Freaky DJ. Rain or shine.

Crystal Tip: Planning a birthday? Consider the Haunted Hideaway Igloo package for up to six—spooky treats, hot cider, games, and your own playlist.

Safe Halloween Fun: Trunk-or-Treat at Irmo Moore Park

• When: October 31, 2025
• Where: 7473 Church Street, Irmo, SC
• Cost: Free

Neighbors, local businesses, and organizations decorate their trunks and hand out treats, creating a safe and festive environment for children and families.

Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze: Fall Fest at Cottle Strawberry Farm FunPark

• When: Weekends, September 19–November 16
• Where: 9560 Garners Ferry Road, Hopkins, SC
• Tickets start at: $14 (ages 2+)

Enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkin patch, zinnia fields, food trucks, and more at South Carolina’s largest agritourism park.

K-Pop & Culture: South Carolina Korean Festival

• When: November 1, 2025
• Where: 1412 Richland St, Columbia, SC
• Cost: Free

Enjoy Taekwondo demonstrations, dance and musical performances (from classical to modern K-pop), Korean favorites, and hands-on activities.

Lexington Honors Heroes: Veterans Day Parade

• When: Sunday, November 2, 2025, 3:00 PM
• Where: Downtown Lexington – Main Street & South Lake Drive
• Cost: Free

Join the community to honor veterans, Active Military, ROTC groups, First Responders, Blue Star Mothers, and Gold Star Families.

Start the Season: Holiday Market at The Village at Southlake

• When: November 6, 2025, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Where: Village at Southlake, 123 Gibson Road, Lexington, SC
• Cost: Free

Kick off the Christmas spirit with crafts, baked goods, jewelry, and home décor while supporting local makers and small businesses.

Boiled Peanut Tradition: 44th Annual Pelion Peanut Party

• When: November 7–8, 5:30 PM–10:00 PM
• Where: 951 Pine Street, Pelion, SC
• Cost: Free

Expect a craft show, parade, car show, military exhibits, contests, festival food, and rides—all centered around a beloved local harvest.

Rally for Heroes: Big Red Barn Retreat Charity Pickleball Tournament

• When: Sat, Nov 15, 2025, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Where: Barr Road Sports Complex, 231 Barr Rd, Lexington, SC 29072
• Registration: From $55 (Deadline: Nov 1)

Mixed doubles teams from 2.5 to 4.0 compete to support The Big Red Barn Retreat’s programs for our nation’s heroes.

Holiday Magic: Wild Lights Festival at Riverbanks Zoo

• When: Nov 21–Dec 23, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
• Where: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC
• Tickets: On sale November 1

More than 60 handcrafted wildlife lanterns, nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops, and visits with Santa (through Dec 23).

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Bonus

Networking, Concerts & Culture: Must-Do Adult Events near Lexington

Lexington Networking: Business Over Breakfast (Nov 2025)

• When: November 4, 7:30–8:30 AM
• Where: RADIUS Church, 300 W Main St., Lexington, SC
• Tickets: $20  |  More info

Connect with Lexington Chamber shareholders and hear insights from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden’s PR Manager, Matt Perron, on the “Bridge to the Wild” Expansion Project.

Queen & Def Leppard Tribute at Icehouse Amphitheater

• When: Friday, Nov 7, 2025, 5:30–10:00 PM (music at 6:30 PM, rain or shine)
• Where: Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main Street, Lexington, SC
• Tickets: From $27

Absolute Queen delivers a high-fidelity live experience, with openers Absolute Def Leppard for a full night of ‘80s rock.

Craft Beer Festival: Lower Saluda Fest at Saluda Shoals Park

• When: November 14, 6:00–9:00 PM
• Where: Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC
• Tickets: $30 advance / $35 day-of; DD $5–$10

Taste 25 beers from 13 local breweries with live bluegrass by The New Primitive and BBQ from Cox Family.

Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque at Harbison Theatre

• When: November 23, 2025, 3:30 PM
• Where: Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC
• Tickets: From $40

High-energy acrobatics set to live Afro-jazz, percussion, and kora. Created by Yamoussa Bangoura and inspired by daily life in Guinea.

Crystal Tip: Buying tickets for three or more Harbison Theatre shows unlocks bundle discounts—check their site for details.

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Pick your favorites, gather your crew, and enjoy the community feeling this fall around Lake Murray. If you’re in the mood for something quieter, a scenic drive around the lake as the leaves change never disappoints.