Fall is finally here, and Columbia County is starting October with a packed weekend. This week brings a big hometown festival, a country concert under the stars, and Oktoberfest in Evans. The week starts sunny and warm, with rain chances increasing as we head toward the weekend, so check the latest forecast before making outdoor plans.
Here are the best things to do in Columbia County, GA this week.
37th Annual Oliver Hardy Festival — Harlem's Biggest Day
Where: Downtown Harlem, 145 N. Louisville Street, Harlem, GA 30814
When: Saturday, October 3 · 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
If you only do one thing this week, do this. Harlem is the birthplace of Oliver Hardy, one half of the famous comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. Every first Saturday in October, the whole town throws him a party. More than 10,000 visitors turn out each year.
The opening ceremony starts at 9:00 a.m. The parade rolls at 10:00 a.m. Then the stage takes over: The Remedy at 11:00 a.m., The V-Tones of Charleston at 12:30 p.m., and Saidi Friends at 1:30 p.m. Around 120 vendor booths line the streets, and most of them are artists and crafters. There is a dedicated Kid Zone, plus the Harlem Museum and Welcome Center is open so you can see the Laurel and Hardy collection. This year's theme is "Swiss Miss." Bring a folding chair and comfortable shoes.
After the Festival: An Eagles Tribute in Downtown Harlem
Where: Downtown Harlem · 145 N. Louisville Street, Harlem, GA 30814
When: Saturday, October 3 · 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Not published — check with the City of Harlem before you go
Do not head home when the festival wraps at 3:00 p.m. Harlem keeps the day going with an after-festival concert featuring On the Border, an Eagles tribute band. Four hours of "Hotel California," "Take It Easy," and "Desperado" in the middle of a small Georgia town is a hard evening to beat.
Bring a chair or a blanket. The festival listing does not give an admission price, so call the city at (706) 556-0401 if you want to confirm before you drive out.
Sawyer Brown at Evans Towne Center Park
Where: Evans Towne Center Park, 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd, Evans, GA 30809
When: Friday, October 2 · Gates open 6:00 p.m., music starts 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Tickets through Ticketmaster — check current pricing there
The Columbia County Music Series brings country legends Sawyer Brown to the lawn in Evans. This band has been touring for decades, and they are known for putting on a loud, happy, high-energy show. Expect a crowd that knows every word.
General admission gets you on the lawn. The VIP ticket adds reserved parking, provided seating, dedicated restrooms, two beverage tickets, and a meal voucher. Gates open at 6:00 p.m., so come early, spread out a blanket, and settle in. Rain chances pick up later in the week, so check the forecast Friday afternoon and maybe toss a light jacket in the car.
Oktoberfest at The Evans Market
Where: The Evans Market, 1005 Market Street, Evans, GA 30809
When: Saturday, October 3 · 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend · $30 for the beer sampling package
Prost! The Evans Market turns German for an afternoon. There are seasonal brews, food trucks, and college football on the big screen. Walking in costs nothing. If you want to sample the beer, the $30 ticket includes a commemorative glass you get to keep. Tickets are sold through Universe.
One thing to know: the beer event is 21 and up, and you will need your ID. Come dressed for it, too. The market encourages sports jerseys or traditional German attire, so you will see lederhosen next to team colors. It is a fun, easygoing crowd, and the Market Pavilion keeps you in the shade.
The Evans Market on Saturday Morning
Where: The Evans Market, 1005 Market Street, Evans, GA 30809
When: Saturday, October 3 · 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Before Oktoberfest, come out for the regular Saturday market. The fall season is in full swing, so you will find peak-season produce alongside crafts, artisan goods, and food vendors. Food trucks park nearby.
This is the easiest family morning on the list. Grab a coffee, walk the pavilion, and let the kids run on the lawn afterward. Bring a tote bag and a little cash, since not every vendor takes cards.
Walk the Towpath at Savannah Rapids Park
Where: Savannah Rapids Park, 3300 Evans-to-Locks Road, Martinez, GA 30907
When: Open daily · 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Martinez has one of the prettiest spots in the whole CSRA, and it does not cost a thing. The historic Augusta Canal headgates sit right here, and the seven-mile towpath starts at the parking lot. Walk a little or walk a lot. The trail is flat, shaded, and easy for strollers.
Reed Creek waterfall is a short, pretty stop. You can also fish, or put a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard in the canal. There is a playground, restrooms, and grills if you want to make an afternoon of it. Mornings early in the week should be pleasant, so go early.
Hike or Fish at Mistletoe State Park
Where: Mistletoe State Park, 3725 Mistletoe Road, Appling, GA 30802
When: Park open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. · Office 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 daily ParkPass per vehicle
Appling's Mistletoe State Park covers 1,920 acres on the shore of Clarks Hill Lake, and it is famous with anglers for its bass fishing. There are miles of shaded nature trails, a swimming beach area, and campsites if you want to stay the night.
A $10 ParkPass per vehicle covers your day at the park. Early in the week the weather should be sunny and warm, so the lake will still feel like summer. Bring water and bug spray.
Spend a Day at Wildwood Park
Where: Wildwood Park, 3780 Dogwood Lane, Appling, GA 30802
When: Open daily · Day-use visitors must leave by dusk
Cost: $3 per car, truck, or motorcycle · $6 per vehicle with a boat or watercraft
Wildwood Park is Columbia County's own park on Clarks Hill Lake, and $3 a car is hard to beat. There is a beach area, seven covered pavilions, picnic spots, a large boat ramp complex, and championship disc golf courses. A stretch of the historic Bartram Trail runs through it, which makes for a great easy hike.
Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing are all on the table. Day-use visitors need to be out by dusk, so plan an afternoon rather than an evening. For reservations or questions, call (706) 541-0586.
Thinking About Making Columbia County Home?
Weeks like this one are exactly why people fall in love with Columbia County. You can watch a hometown parade in Harlem in the morning, hear an Eagles tribute on the same street that evening, and hike a lake trail in Appling the next day. Whether you are looking in Evans, Grovetown, Martinez, Harlem, or Appling, Fairey Team knows these neighborhoods street by street, school zone by school zone.
We built our business on service, integrity, and giving back to the community we live in, and we are proud to serve our military families at Fort Eisenhower. If you are thinking about buying or selling in Columbia County, GA, we would love to help. Reach out to Fairey Team any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest event in Columbia County this week?
The 37th Annual Oliver Hardy Festival in downtown Harlem on Saturday, October 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is free, it draws more than 10,000 visitors a year, and the parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. An after-festival concert follows from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on the same street.
Are there free things to do in Columbia County, GA this week?
Yes. The Oliver Hardy Festival is free, the Saturday Evans Market is free, walking into Oktoberfest at The Evans Market is free, and Savannah Rapids Park in Martinez has no entry fee at all.
What is the weather going to be like?
The week starts sunny and warm, with comfortable mornings and warm afternoons. Rain chances increase heading into the weekend, so check the latest local forecast before heading to Friday and Saturday's outdoor events.
