FRIDAY, OCT. 17

Boo at the Zoo
It's that time again at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.). That’s right: Boo at the Zoo is back. Bring your costumed kids to Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly Halloween celebration for fun for all ages. This year, the zoo is offering Haunted Hideaway Igloos, a special offer that includes six tickets to Boo at the Zoo, exclusive access to the igloo for the entire evening, hot cider, spooky games and a special Halloween-themed menu. Admission to Boo at the Zoo costs between $15 and $18. Visit riverbanks.org/events/book-at-the-zoo for more information.

Live After Five (concert)
The Lexington Two Performing Arts Center (3205 Platt Springs Rd.) invites you to its weekly concert series, “Live After Five.” This series shines a spotlight on local and regional musical talent, and this week’s performance features vocalist CeCe Teneal and her show, “Divas of Soul.” Teneal pays tribute to Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston and more, with students from Brookland-Cayce and Airport High School onstage as a backup choir. Showtime is 7 p.m. and admission costs between $20-$30. Visit l2pac.ludus.com/index.php for more information.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (play)
The Chapin Theatre Company invites you to the Chapin Theatre (830 Columbia Ave.) for a wacky twist on the vivacious Vlad himself. In “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” five performers portray over 20 eccentric characters, turning the gothic legend into a chaotic, hilarious romp. Join director George Dinsmore and a talented Midlands cast for an evening of ghoulish giggles. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost between $18 and $22. Visit chapintheatre.org for more information.

SATURDAY, OCT. 18

Pumpkin Run 5K & Fun Run
The Northwest Family YMCA (1501 Kennerly Rd.) invites you to get some fresh air and exercise with the Pumpkin Run 5K & Fun Run. First off is the one-mile Kids’ Fun Run, followed by a fall festival featuring the YMCA Spooky Bus, a bounce house, arts and crafts, and food trucks. You can also enjoy a Children’s Entrepreneur Market where kids showcase their new ideas and a costume contest for all the little ghouls and goblins. All 5K participants will receive a commemorative race medal and t-shirt. Proceeds benefit the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, supporting programs and services that strengthen the community. This event runs from 7 to 10 a.m. and admission costs between $10 and $35. Visit columbiaymca.org for more information.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat
Saluda Shoals Park East (6071 St. Andrews Rd.) hosts a Halloween Trick-or-Treat event. Bring the kids and celebrate Halloween early at Leo’s Landing Inclusive Playground and along the Trick-or-Treat Trail. Make sure to dress up as kids enjoy treats along the path from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Admission costs between $5 and $7. Visit icrc.net for more information.

Wade Johnson & Pride Ensemble (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.) and trumpeter H. Wade Johnson present an evening called “Soul Grooves.” Johnson and his band, Price Ensemble, perform smooth jazz and R&B hits and favorites, including tunes by Bobby Brown, The Commodores and many more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $87 (dinner included). Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

SUNDAY, OCT. 19

Irmo Farmer’s Market
Mary’s Mobile Market is back at Moore Park (7473 Church St.) to host the Irmo Farmer’s Market. Shop for fresh produce, meat, dairy and more in an open-air market with your friends and neighbors. And don’t forget to check out the local and regional artisans selling arts, crafts, jewelry, apparel and more. The Irmo Farmer’s Market runs from noon to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit townofirmosc.com for more information.

The Carolina Jazz Xperience (concert)
The Saluda River Club (109 Shoal Wood Dr.) invites you to liven up your Monday night with a performance from Carolina Jazz Xperience. The Carolina Jazz Xperience is a Columbia big band formed in 2022 to provide free concerts around the Midlands. Expect to hear classic big band jazz standards and pop classics rearranged for that big brass sound. Showtime is 4 p.m. and this show is free to attend. Visit carolinajazzexperience.com for more information.

MONDAY, OCT. 20

Columbia Christian College Fair
Northside Christian Academy (4347 Sunset Blvd.) hosts a Columbia Christian College Fair. Students and their families are invited to this free event where they can visit dozens of faith-based colleges and universities in one place. The Christian College Fair runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/ncacrusaders for more information.

TUESDAY, OCT. 21

Game On: Board Night
The South Congaree Branch Library (200 Sunset Dr.) hosts “Game On: Board Night.” Drop by and choose from a selection of library-provided board games, challenge a friend or neighbor and enjoy some light refreshments. This event is free to attend and runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.

THURSDAY, OCT. 23

Deceased Farm Haunted Attraction
Get your Halloween thrills early as Clinton Sease Farm (382 Olde Farm Rd.) transforms into the spooky Deceased Farm. Go on a self-guided “haunt” through six different scary buildings, three outdoor zones and the Creepy Cornfields, all full of terrifying creatures seeking to harvest YOU. This attraction is not recommended for children under 12. Admission costs between $25 and $70. This is a cash-only attraction that runs from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Visit deceasedfarm.com for more information.

Across the county line

Cottle Strawberry Farm (9560 Garners Ferry Rd.) hosts their annual Fall Fest on Friday, Oct. 17. The Fest gives you a chance to see the brand new Cottle FunPark, which includes a corn maze, wagon rides, climbing wall, family games, photo ops and more. There is also live music from local acts, a Farm Market with fresh food and pumpkins galore. This event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission costs between $14 and $16. Visit cottlestrawberryfarm.com for more information.

The SC State Museum (310 Gervais St.) invites you to their Dark History tour on Friday, Oct. 17. On this creepy crawl through the museum, you’ll learn the true story of Columbia’s catacombs, mysterious tunnels that hid everything from politicians to Confederate gold. Hear Gullah folktales that will give you chills and learn about the path General Sherman took during his march through Columbia. Dark History tours run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Daily Museum admission rates apply. Visit scmuseum.org for more information.

The Rocky Horror Show lands at New Brookland Tavern (632 Harden St.) on Saturday, Oct. 18. No, this isn’t a screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” THIS performance, simply called “The Rocky Horror Show,” puts the tale of Dr. Frank N. Furter right in your face with live performers doing the time warp again right in front of you. Showtime for this wild all-drag performance is 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $15. This show is for ages 18 and up only. Visit newbrooklandtavern.com for more information.

The South Carolina State Fair (1200 Rosewood Dr.) turns the grass blue as Siler City, NC’s own Nu-Blu performs on Saturday, Oct. 18. The group brings its lively and entertaining version of Americana-bluegrass music to audiences across the nation year-round. “Their sound acknowledges the traditional institutions that have shaped it, yet is innovative and daring enough to bring a fresh sparkle to contemporary acoustic music.” That lands them squarely in the forefront of bands blazing the trail in acoustic entertainment. Showtime is 6 p.m. Visit scstatefair.org for more information.

Contemporary Christian superstar Brandon Lake performs at Colonial Life Arena (801 Lincoln St.) on Sunday, Oct. 19. Lake’s “King of Hearts” tour supports his new album of the same name, a 16-track collection that has been described as “Lake’s most musically ambitious project to date.” The album includes collaborations with Jelly Roll (on the hit single “Hard Fought Hallelujah”) and gospel music pioneer CeCe Winans. Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets cost between $49 and $239. Visit coloniallifearena.com for more information.