What’s Happening This Month: October Events with Historic Columbia

Are you ready for fall? Historic Columbia has you covered this month with a variety of fun and education activities around Halloween, gardening and more! Scan our event schedule below and find a few that might interest you and your family.

Exhibit | Scarecrows in the Garden
Runs through Sunday, Oct. 31 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Robert Mills House Gardens

Stop by at any point during viewing hours -- 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, and 1-4 p.m., Sunday -- and you're guaranteed to see dozens of ghoulish, historic and colorful scarecrows. These festive decorations are hand-crafted by local families, businesses and organizations. Admission is free. 

Lourie Lectures with Keith Mearns
Wednesdays in October | 1-2 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens

In collaboration with the Lourie Center SC, Historic Columbia Director of Grounds Keith Mearns is beginning a four-part lecture series on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Throughout the month, Keith will lead discussions on topics such as the history of HC’s gardens, native plants and climate change.

Trunk or Treat
Friday, Oct. 22 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Robert Mills House and Gardens

A Historic Columbia tradition, Trunk or Treat is a free event that offers a twist on Halloween fun for all ages. Community members, local organizations and families can come together in a safe environment with decorated vehicles and trunks filled with candy for trick-or-treating. Kids are also encouraged to knock on the basement door of the Robert Mills House for more treats!

LGBTQ Columbia History Initiative | Famously Hot SC Pride!
Saturday, Oct. 23 | Noon-7 p.m. | Main Street

Historic Columbia will join the University of South Carolina Libraries in launching the LGBTQ Columbia History Initiative during the Famously Hot SC Pride! Festival on Oct. 23.

The LGBTQ Columbia History Initiative tells the story of the capital city’s LGBTQ+ community through oral histories, digital archives, virtual tours and more. It’s designed to amplify the diverse, complex past of a community that has, for too long, been relegated to the margins of our history.

Palladium | Bluegrass, Bidding and BBQ
Thursday, Oct. 28 | 7-10 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens

Palladium’s annual Bluegrass, Bidding and BBQ silent auction is back with live music from the Columbia-based Mustache Brothers and food from The Friendly Caterer! Bidding for exciting items will begin online on Oct. 14 and close at 10 p.m., Oct. 28. All proceeds benefit Historic Columbia! 

Plant Sale
Oct. 29-30 | Robert Mills House and Gardens

A partnership with Midlands Native Plant Society, Historic Columbia, from subtropicals to woody trees, is offering a wide array of plants all propagated from our living collections across our sites. 

Historic House Tours

All Historic Columbia house tours begin at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills.

Historic Gardens

Historic Columbia offers 14 acres of landscapes in the heart of Robert Mills Historic District, featuring heirloom plantings popular with gardeners over the past two centuries. Take a stroll or enjoy your lunch in any of our gardens.