Fun Halloween Things to do in Lake Murray Country
October 3, 2022
October 3, 2022
Spooky Season is officially upon us! There is no shortage of Halloween activities in Lake Murray Country. From haunted houses to festivals and tours, there is something for everyone. Here is our round-up of the top Halloween trails, attractions, events, and concerts in the region.
From a moon lit walk in Sesquicentennial State Park to everyone’s favorite Boo at the Zoo, enjoy these spirited Halloween events that are fun for the whole family!
When: October 6-8
Where: Ridge Spring, SC
Come celebrate the harvest at Ridge Spring’s Annual Harvest Festival. Ridge Spring is a small town located in the heart of what locals call “The Ridge” Region of South Carolina in Lake Murray Country. This region is known for its agricultural history and you are sure to enjoy celebrating the annual harvest there! Learn More.
When: Saturday, October 8
Where: Saluda Shoals Park | 6071 St Andrews Road, Columbia
Plan to head out to Saluda Shoals Park (please use the East entrance) for a Drive-in Movie night featuring the Disney classic Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus! Food trucks will be on site from 5:30–7:00 p.m.; Movie starts at dark (~7:00 p.m.); All Ages. Register in advance
When: Sunday, October 9
Where: Sesquicentennial State Park | 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia
Venture out to Sesquicentennial State Park and experience the trails like never before – by the light of the full moon. During this guided 2-mile hike, participants will look and listen to the forest at night. This program is designed for ages 10 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. *Please Note: This is a moderately difficult hike due to uneven terrain and low visibility. Register and more information.
When: October 20-30
Where: Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden | 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia
Make tracks to Riverbanks for the Zoo’s annual Halloween spook-tacular! Guests will enjoy a wild night of safe, affordable, family-friendly activities. Trick-or-treat throughout the Zoo, delight in Ray’s Moonlight Magic, and summon the Halloween spirits with the Eeky Freaky DJ.
For an additional charge, guests can roast marshmallows, take a spin on the Haunted Carousel, or hop aboard the Spooky Spots and Stripes Railroad. Tickets and more information.
When: October 28, 6-10 pm
Where: South Carolina State Museum |301 Gervais Street, Columbia
Enjoy a frightful night at the SC State Museum in downtown Columbia, featuring a special laser show choreographed to the music from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things in the museum’s planetarium, Dark History Tours and more. Come dressed in your creative costumes! Tickets and more information.
Are you craving dark historic tales and real stories from a bygone past? Looking to get your blood pumping as you navigate a haunted maze where every twist and turn takes you deeper into madness? These trails, attractions, and tours are sure to satiate your hunger.
When: Weekends through Halloween
Where: Clinton Sease Farm | 382 Olde Farm Road, Lexington
For over ten Halloweens, Deceased Farms has thrilled guests with their haunted trail and attractions. Experience a self guided haunt through 6 terrifying buildings, 3 outdoor zones and creepy corn fields. Deceased Farm begins with a visit to our “Dead and Breakfast” before being transported to a dark and desolate farm inhabited by unspeakable creatures hoping to make you this year’s harvest! Deceased Farm is an intense haunted attraction and is NOT recommended for children under the age of 12. Ticket prices and more info can be found at on their website.
When: Saturday’s in October
Educator led guided tours at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Self-guided tours available throughout the day
Where: South Carolina State Museum |301 Gervais Street, Columbia
Get ready for a special kind of history tour! The State Museum is offering a “Dark History Tour” exploring a variety of infamous and legendary tales throughout South Carolina’s history. Discover the true story of Columbia’s catacombs, a series of mysterious tunnels that were built to hide anything from politicians to Confederate gold. Hear stories from Gullah Geechee folklore that are sure to chill you to the bone, and learn about the path General Sherman took during his march through Columbia. Learn more about this event.
When: Friday, October 14, 8-9:30 PM
Where: Icehouse Amphitheater |107 West Main Street, Lexington
The Lexington County Museum will offer its free “Murders and Mysteries” walking tour of downtown Lexington. This tour is a great way to learn about the history of the town and hear some very interesting stories along the way. Attendees will learn about some of the murders, trials, and other crimes that occurred on Lexington’s Main Street in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This free tour will begin at the town’s Icehouse Amphitheater and will last about an hour. Attendees will follow a guide between Church Street and South Lake Drive. Because of the mature subject matter, attendees must be 18 or over or have parental permission. Learn more.
What Halloween is complete without doing the “Time Warp” dance? From The Rocky Horror Show at Trustus Theatre to Columbia City Ballet’s annual masterpiece, “Dracula: Ballet with a Bite” and the South Carolina Philharmonic’s “Spooktacular” program these performances are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. Speaking of spirits – make sure to check out the Newberry Opera House’s “Summoning Spirits” séance!
When: Dates through October 29
Where: Trustus Theatre |520 Lady Street, Columbia
Stuck with a flat tire during a storm, newly engaged love birds Brad and Janet find themselves at the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. What follows is a “strange journey” full of wild characters, huge musical numbers, and fan-favorite moments that are sure to please. This performance may not be suitable for patrons under the age of 16. Viewer discretion is advised. Tickets and learn more.
When: Friday, October 28 & Saturday, October 29
Where: Koger Center for The Arts |1051 Greene Street, Columbia
Dracula: Ballet with a Bite presented by the Columbia City Ballet is based on the novel by Bram Stoker, we see Count Dracula continue his seductive reign of terror with his Brides of Darkness in Transylvania. Tickets and more information.
When: Saturday, October 29
Where: Newberry Opera House | 1201 McKibben Street, Newberry
Summoning Spirits is a séance-meets-magic show that will make you scream! Peter brings to life old legends and haunted stories live on stage, for your delight … and fright. The show combines freaky magic effects with masterful storytelling to create one of the most unique and spine-tingling experiences you will ever be a part of! Tickets and more information.
When: Sunday, October 30
Where: Koger Center for The Arts |1051 Greene Street, Columbia
Join the SC Philharmonic for a family-friendly Halloween celebration as they transform the Koger Center into that famous school of witchcraft and wizardry. Enjoy a “spooktacular” program of Harry Potter, Jaws, Psycho, Night on Bald Mountain and other tunes, tricks and treats. Costumes are encouraged! Tickets and more information.
Scroll our calendar to find the perfect events during your stay or plan your stay around one of our fantastic events. With substantial diversity and community pride, there’s an event every weekend; festivals every month. There’s something for everyone in the family… food festivals, arts and entertainment showcases, cultural, historical and contemporary events. Holiday happenings for every season including the July Celebration on Lake Murray, a Top 10 in the Southeast Event. With so many events to offer, you will probably have to extend your stay in Lake Murray Country.