Experience Black History and Culture at Jubilee Festival on September 20

Join Historic Columbia on Saturday, September 20, 2025, for a dynamic celebration of Black history, heritage, and culture at the 47th annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture. This free, family-friendly event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the historic Mann-Simons Site, located at 1403 Richland Street. All are welcome.

Jubilee offers a full day of live entertainment, cultural exploration, and community connection. Enjoy music, dance, storytelling, and a marketplace showcasing local vendors. From delicious food and refreshing beverages to hands-on activities for all ages, there’s something for everyone to discover. This year’s mainstage will be headlined by LADY STOUT, with performances by Preach Jacobs & The Negro League, Chukk Gregory, Brookland Baptist Church’s Charles B. Jackson Singers, Cr3Wizdom, Sir Chance, and more.

Festivalgoers can also engage with Black history in meaningful ways. Take a free guided tour of the Mann-Simons Site, sponsored by Columbia SC 63 and USC’s Center for Civil Rights History and Research, or hop aboard a free Black history bus tour, courtesy of C&S Tours.

The festival will also feature demonstration artists, showcasing activities like sweetgrass basket weaving and interactive STEM activities with the Girl Scouts. In the Kids Zone, presented by the Columbia (SC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, children can enjoy robotics demonstrations, face painting, free books, and meet beloved characters like SCETV’s Smart Cat and Gordon the Purple Yam, plus appearances from local kid authors.

To learn more about the Jubilee Festival, visit Historic Columbia’s website for the full schedule and event details.

Jubilee is proudly hosted by Historic Columbia and presented by Absolute Total Care, with mainstage sponsorship from Richland County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Barron and additional media support from Grace Outdoor Advertising. Visit the event webpage to view the full list of sponsors supporting this year’s celebration.

About Historic Columbia

In November 1961, a small group of concerned citizens intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House (now known as the Robert Mills House) from demolition officially incorporated as Historic Columbia. Founded on the premise of preservation and education, Historic Columbia would grow to take on the stewardship of six historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and the meaningful interpretation of local history. Visit historiccolumbia.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube for more details.