October 16 - October 22, 2009

Friday, October 16-Sunday, October 18. Boo at the Zoo. It's the family event that will make Mom giggle, Dad jiggle and kids wiggle with delight! Enjoy the Trick-or-Treat Trail, Moonlight Magic with Ray, Nightly Costume Parade, Marshmallow Roast, Frankenstein’s Foam Zone, A-Maze-ing Pirate Adventure, Creepy Creature Encounters, Mummy’s Eeky Freaky Dance Party and so much more! To prevent long lines, all tickets must be ordered in advance and no tickets will be sold on the nights of the event! Boo at the Zoo also runs on October 23-30. Visit Riverbanks Zoo for more information.
Friday, October 16. American Gun with Custom Shop Live! Formed mid-2004 in Columbia, South Carolina by veteran members of the thriving music scene, American Gun quickly became a local favorite while also branching out to other areas around the Southeast drawing crowds in Savannah, Atlanta, Charlotte, Macon and beyond. American Gun sift Uncle Tupelo, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen through a filter of southern gothic story-telling and rock 'n' roll energy, coming out with a patch of pure stripped down twang 'n' roll.The opening act is Custom Shop. The Historic Columbia Speedway is where this amazing act will perform so bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics, but no coolers please! The Reid's Rock'n' on the Raceway Concert Series is produced by the West Metro Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, the Historic Columbia Speedway Marketing Group and is presented by Vista Art. 6:30-9 pm. Free Admission! There's so much more to this new concert series so check out Rock'n' on the Raceway for more information.

Saturday, October 17. Wine and Food Festival. For seven years, Lake Carolina's Wine & Food Festival has brought fine wines, dining and entertainment to the Midlands region of South Carolina and it's back again! Thousands of people have been drawn in over the years allowing Lake Carolina to make significant contributions to Children's Charities of the Midlands. Be prepared to sample some of the best wines and local dishes while enjoying sweet music from some of Columbia's musicians. Visit Lake Carolina for additional information.
Saturday, October 17. Chili Cook-Off. Each year, when the weather gets cold and the trees start to turn, the folks in the Five Points community gear up for one of the spiciest events in town! The famed Group Therapy's Chili Cook-Off. 2009 will be marking the 23rd year of the event and it just gets better each year. Visit 5 Points or Group Therapy for more information.


Saturday, October 17. Oktoberfest. The film Amadeus would have us believe that Antonio Salieri is an inferior, jealous counterpart to the genius of Mozart. Was that really the case? You can now judge for yourself, as we open this festive concert with Salieri’s exuberant operatic overture. Visit the SC Philharmonic for more information.
Saturday, October 17. Dinosaurs: Mesozoic Monsters! This is the first day to see the new robotic exhibit, Dinosaurs: Mesozoic Monsters! Museum guests will discover firsthand life beyond the mists of prehistory, when monsters walked the earth. This huge, 6,500 square foot exhibit features moving, roaring, fleshed-out robotic creatures along with other hands-on activities to engage and enlighten visitors during their prehistoric journey. Located at the South Carolina State Museum. For more information visit the SC State Museum or call 898-4921.
Saturday, October 17-Sunday, October 18. 2009 Steam Train Days. All Aboard! Come join us for a one-hour steam train excursion and enjoy the sights and sounds of a bygone era. This special train ride will run for two Saturdays and Sundays in October only! Located at 110 Industrial Park Rd in Winnsboro SC. Visit the SC Railroad Museum for more information


Saturday, October 17-Sunday, October 18. Shakefest. Head out for the annual festival that will feature works by Shakespeare as well as contemporary adaptations of the Bard's works. There will be classic and modern Shakespearian drama, food vendors, roaming performers, and artisans. Admission is $5.00. Visit the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce for more information or call 803-635-6847.
Tuesday, October 20. WWE SmackDown & ECW. Don’t miss your favorite SMACKDOWN AND ECW Superstars including JRey Mysterio, CM Punk, Chris Jericho, Christian and many more live in action! Visit the Colonial Life Arena for more information.

Wednesday, October 21. Fall Into Tall Tales: Outdoor Story Hour for Families. Children’s books are so much fun to share! Join the rangers and guest readers as we read aloud from some of our favorite books for children and the young at heart. Bring a blanket or cushion on chilly nights! Brick Amphitheater at Riverfront Park (use the Laurel Street park entrance at Huger Street). 7 pm. Visit Columbia Parks and Recreation for more information.

© 2009 Gardener Publications • Gardener Guides