We cannot be-“leaf” the fall season is almost here. Thurs., Sept. 22 marks the official start of fall,and we’re more than ready for seasonal drinks + cozy sweaters — and, of course, fall events.

While there’s a ton to do here in Cola, we also love a good day trip to our many surrounding cities— so we’verounded up the best family-friendly events happening in the Olde English District now through October.

*Did you know? The* *Olde English District* *consists of Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Union, and York counties.* | *Photo provided by Olde English District*

September:

Uniquely Union Festival | Fri., Sept. 16-Sat., Sept. 17 | 4-10 p.m. | Downtown Union, SC (~1.5 hours from Columbia) | Free | 4-10 p.m. | Say hello to fall at this festival featuring a BBQ cook off, a designated kid zone, jam-worthy live music, and more. 🍔
Rock Around the Clock Festival | Fri., Sept. 30-Sat., Oct. 1 | Friday: 8-11 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Downtown Winnsboro, SC (~30-minutes from Columbia) | Free | Dance the night away during Friday night’s dance party and spend Saturday afternoon checking out classic rides at the car show. 🚗

October:

Battle of Kings Mountain Reenactment | Fri., Oct. 7 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Kings Mountain State Park, 1277 Park Rd., Blacksburg (~1.5 hours from Columbia) | Free | Learn about local history during the morning wreath-laying ceremony followed by a battle reenactment in the amphitheater at 3 p.m. (the time the battle began). ⛰️
Carolina Downhome Blues Festival | Thurs., Oct. 6-Sun., Oct. 9 | 6-11:30 p.m. | Arts Center of Kershaw County, 810 Lyttleton St., Camden (~40-minutes from Columbia) | $15+ | A great event for older kids who appreciate the classics. See legendary blues artists from around the globe perform during this unforgettable festival. 🎷
29th Annual Apple Harvest Festival | Sat., Oct. 15 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill, 1860 Black Hwy., York (~1.5 hours from Columbia) | Ticket prices TBA | Go on a family apple-picking adventure as you sip apple cider, eat yummy donuts + enjoy live music. Bonus: There’s a hard cider tasting for the adults at The Cider Bar. 🍎
South Carolina Jazz Festival | Thurs., Oct. 13-Sat., Oct. 15 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Cheraw Historic District, 221 Market St., Cheraw (~2 hours from Columbia) | Prices vary | This jazz festival honors jazz king John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, who was born in Cheraw in 1917 and is known as the founder of modern jazz. Stay tuned for the event lineup. 🎺

Want to see more? Check out the full calendar of fall events happening in the Olde English District. 🍁 *