There is something about fall that brings about a whole new range of activities to do with family and friends. It may be early in the season, but there are already pumpkins, fall colors and seasonal activities popping up around Columbia. Below are some fun ideas for you and your friends to “fall” for this season.
Hall of Horrors haunted house
On Sept. 30, the Hall of Horrors opens at 1153 Walter Price St. in Cayce. Hall of Horrors is a themed haunted attraction that is sure to scare even the bravest of your friend group. The theme this year revolves around Xperiment 13, a clinical drug that didn’t work quite as planned. Hall of Horrors is open Thursday through Sunday, with “blackout” days every Thursday where the only light available to guests is a glow stick.
Columbia’s Oktoberfest
From Oct. 14 to 16, Columbia is hosting the Oktoberfest. The Oktoberfest showcases German culture with German food, music and live entertainment among other activities. There will also be traditional German dancers performing throughout the festival. All proceeds from the Oktoberfest will go to Harvest Hope Food Bank and Lutheran Services of the Carolinas.
Pick a pumpkin
A fall favorite is covering your house with decorations and carved pumpkins, and there will be many pumpkin patches around Columbia throughout the season. Many local churches set up pumpkin patches, and the South Carolina State Farmers Market in West Columbia offers pumpkins, too. Not only is picking a pumpkin fun, but it can get you in the spirit for the upcoming holidays.
Walk through a corn maze
Clinton Sease Farms in Lexington — a short drive from Columbia — creates themed corn maze that is different each year. The theme of the corn maze this year is “Let the Freedom Ring." This year, the corn maze is open from Sept. 16 to Nov. 13. The park is open until 11 p.m. on the weekends, so it can be a fun and festive way to spend a night out with friends. You’ll be surprised how long you can get lost in a corn maze!
South Carolina State Fair
The South Carolina state fair is a classic fall favorite for residents of Columbia. Running from Oct. 12 until the 23, the state fair brings rides, a variety of fair food, music and more to Columbia. Going to the fair with friends is a great way to spend an afternoon or night out, and nothing beats being surrounded by a ton of fried food. The fair hosts a concert series as well, with various artists ranging from pop to country visiting on different nights.
Although fall has only just begun, if you’re looking to get festive try out some of these local activities. They can make for some great nights out with friends or family when you’re looking for something new and different to do.