The Columbus Museum is giving Chattahoochee Valley residents two reasons to visit before October ends, with a free family festival featuring an outdoor movie and an adults-only mystery night inspired by the Roaring Twenties.

Both events will take place at the museum, located at 1251 Wynnton Road in Columbus. The first offers five hours of free entertainment for families, while the second invites adults to solve a mystery during an evening of food, cocktails and live entertainment.

Free Fall Festival Brings Costumes, Activities and Outdoor Movie

The museum’s Fall Festival: Movie Night Edition takes place Saturday, October 24, from 4 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, and no advance registration is required.

The event features activities designed for children and families, including artmaking, games, a scavenger hunt and performances. Community organizations will also participate, and food trucks will be available during the festivities.

Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes for a parade scheduled during the afternoon and early evening activities, which continue through 7 p.m.

The festival concludes with an outdoor screening of National Treasure, the 2004 adventure film starring Nicolas Cage. The movie follows a treasure hunter searching for historical clues connected to a hidden fortune.

Families can arrive at any point during the event, making it an option for residents looking for a free weekend activity without committing to the entire five-hour program.

The Fall Festival is sponsored by W.C. Bradley Company through Young Art Patrons.

Roaring Twenties Mystery Night Set for October 29

Five days later, the museum will transform into a Jazz Age-inspired setting for The Grand Heist: A Roaring Twenties Whodunit.

The adults-only event takes place Thursday, October 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. Unlike the Fall Festival, admission requires a paid ticket and advance registration.

Guests will enter an immersive mystery experience featuring suspicious characters, hidden clues and a theatrical finale. Throughout the evening, participants will have opportunities to piece together the story while enjoying cocktails, food and music.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in Roaring Twenties fashion, reflecting the era’s signature flapper dresses, suits, hats and accessories.

Tickets cost $75 for museum members and $85 for non-members. Food and drinks are included in the admission price.

Space is limited, and the museum recommends registering in advance.

Two Events, Two Different Experiences

Although both events take place at the same location, they are designed for different audiences.

The October 24 festival focuses on affordable family entertainment, offering hands-on activities, costumes and a movie without an admission charge. The October 29 event offers adults a more theatrical experience combining entertainment, mystery and a themed social gathering.

The Columbus Museum regularly hosts exhibitions, educational programs and community events. These two October gatherings provide additional opportunities for residents to experience the museum outside a traditional gallery visit.

What You Need to Know Before Going

Details Fall Festival The Grand Heist Date Saturday, Oct. 24 Thursday, Oct. 29 Time 4–9 p.m. 6–9 p.m. Admission Free $75 members; $85 non-members Audience Families and all ages Adults only Activities Games, art, costumes, movie Mystery, cocktails, food, music Registration Not required Required Location 1251 Wynnton Road 1251 Wynnton Road

Both events are open to the Chattahoochee Valley community, including residents of Columbus, Phenix City and surrounding communities.

For more information about museum programs and event registration, visit ⁠The Columbus Museum.

Facebook Post

🎃 Two October events are coming to The Columbus Museum!

On October 24, enjoy a FREE family Fall Festival with games, costumes, food trucks and an outdoor showing of National Treasure.

Then, on October 29, step back into the Roaring Twenties for an adults-only mystery night featuring cocktails, food and a theatrical whodunit.

📍 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus

Here’s what both events include, how much they cost and whether you need tickets. 👇