This weekend will be a fine sendoff to the summer season with the return of Columbia's Fall Fest, as well as comic book expos, pumpkin hunting and giving back with style.
1. Fall Fest 2024
What was an enormous hit last year returns for its second annual event this weekend as Columbia preps for the fall season and everything holidays that'll come after.
Fall Fest will take place from 2-8 p.m. in downtown Columbia, where the streets will be closed off to drivers and filled with vendors, outdoor activities, live music and a whole lot more.
More: Fall Fest 2024 returning with bigger and better holiday season kickoff Sept. 28
Described by Columbia Main Street Director Kelli Johnson as "like First Fridays, but on steroids," Fall Fest aims to be even bigger this year.
In addition to closing down the entire square, Fall Fest will feature a vast assortment of vendors, as well as a Fun Zone with things like ax throwing, a mini pumpkin decorating contest, as well as the return of last year's dunk tank.
Fall Fest will also bring back the annual Kiwanis Chili Cook-off, which this year features a whopping 21 entries.
Also be sure to stop by the many downtown Columbia shops, restaurants and small businesses, many of which will have their storefronts adorned with decorative fall displays, pumpkins and more.
2. Columbia Comic Book Expo
Did you know Columbia has its very own comic convention chock full of vintage toys, comic books, video games and perhaps a few caped crusaders all dressed up.
The Columbia Comic Book Expo will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the National Guard Armory center at 844 N. James M. Campbell Blvd.
Now in its fifth year, the Columbia expo celebrates all things geek and pop culture, not to mention a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon tapping into that inner child.
Guests can browse and purchase a wide range of items from Lego sets to Star Wars, Marvel, DC, anime, vintage posters and other collectibles. Also be sure to dress in your favorite cosplay for the event's cosplay contest.
Admission is $5 with free parking and food trucks available for a quick bite.
3. Pumpkin Paradise opening weekend
As the fall season draws near, the house cannot be complete without pumpkins, arguably the absolute staple of the season.
And Maury County certainly has its share of pumpkin patches to choose from, this weekend being Pumpkin Paradise in Columbia, 3005 Sheegog Lane.
Pumpkin Paradise will host its opening weekend starting at 9 a.ml Saturday.
In addition to selecting the perfect pumpkin, guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the farm, as well as participate in family-friendly activities. Food trucks will also be parked each weekend during the picking season.
4. Great Futures Gala 25th anniversary
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Maury County's annual Great Futures Gala is always a major highlight each year, and this year celebrates a milestone.
The Great Futures Gala will celebrate 25 years of providing B&GC programming to local youth with dreams of college, careers and family as they enter adulthood.
The event takes place starting at 5 p.m. Friday at the Northfield Workforce Development & Conference Center, 5000 Northfield Lane.
The Great Futures Gala will kick off with tailgating, followed by guest speakers, a songwriter's showcase, dinner, as well as silent and live auctions.
5. Live entertainment
Mount Sinai Boys will perform at Grinder's Switch Winery, 510 N. Garden St., starting at 7 p.m.
Cochise County will perform at McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 814 S. Main St., starting at 7 p.m. Friday.
Buckshot Ridge will perform at Gary's Place, 2001 Campbell Station Parkway in Spring Hill, starting at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Mt. Pleasant's Music on the Porch returns this weekend at 401 Hay Long Ave., featuring a performance by Box of Rox starting at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Stranger Than Fiction will perform at The Rebel Bar and Grill, 307 Riverside Drive, starting at 4 p.m. Sunday.
J ay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com .
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Things to do: Fall Fest, Comic Book Expo, pumpkin hunting and Greater Futures Gala
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