Finlay Park grand re-opening – Saturday & Sunday, November 15-16
November 14, 2025
As excitement builds for the Grand Re-Opening of Finlay Park, the City of Columbia has released important details on parking, shuttle transportation and safety guidelines for the celebration set for November 15–16, 2025.
City officials expect thousands of residents and visitors to attend the two-day event, which marks the long-awaited return of one of Columbia’s most iconic public spaces. With live entertainment, family-friendly activities and community programming scheduled throughout the weekend, attendees are encouraged to plan ahead.
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Jam Room Music Festival
Stay after the ceremony for a full day of live music, local food, and community fun during the Jam Room Music Festival. Enjoy performances from local, regional, and national artists while exploring the beautifully reimagined Finlay Park.
Time & Location: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | The Stage & Greenway Stage on Gadsden Green
More information & line-up: https://jamroommusicfestival.com/
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Day Two Festival
Round out the weekend with a full day of concerts and community celebration at the Day Two Festival. Sunday’s lineup will feature an eclectic mix of sounds that highlight the diversity and creativity of Columbia’s music scene, including gospel, funk, bluegrass, folk, and DJ sets. From soulful harmonies and upbeat brass to acoustic rhythms and modern mixes, Day Two will showcase the best of local and national talent.
Food trucks, family-friendly activities, and community organizations will also be on site throughout the day, which makes for a perfect way to cap off the grand re-opening weekend!
Time & Location: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | The Stage & various areas throughout Finlay Park
Day Two Festival Line-Up
- DJ Prince Ice – 12:00 p.m.
- Welcoming – 1:00 p.m. (Event emcee, MASTER SPLNTA)
- The C.B. Jackson Singers – 2:00 p.m.
- The Mickens – 3:15 p.m.
- Soda City Brass Band – 4:45 p.m.
- Donovan Twins (Set Break) – 5:45 p.m.
- Shovels & Rope – 6:30 p.m.
*DJ Prince Ice will be playing between set breaks, except before Shovels & Rope*
Parking and Shuttle Options
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Arsenal Hill Deck – 1812 Lincoln Street
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Taylor Street Deck – 1600 Assembly Street
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PJ Cannon Deck – 1227 Taylor Street
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Lincoln Street Deck – 820 Washington Street
ADA-accessible parking will be provided at Finlay Park’s Upper Lot (930 Laurel Street) and at parking meters marked with blue bags near the Taylor Street entrance.
To help reduce congestion, The COMET will operate free shuttle service between Finlay Park and the Taylor Street and PJ Cannon parking decks. Shuttles will run:
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Saturday, November 15: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
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Sunday, November 16: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Parking meters will not be enforced on Saturday or Sunday, with the exception of meters located in the BullStreet District and Five Points.
More information on city parking options can be found at parking.columbiasc.gov.
Clear Bag Policy in Effect
Approved bags include:
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Wristlets or small clutch purses (4.5” × 6.5” or smaller)
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Clear totes (up to 12” × 6” × 12”)
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Clear backpacks (up to 12” × 6” × 12”)
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One-gallon plastic freezer bags
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Clear fanny packs (4.5” × 6.5” or smaller)
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Diaper bags (up to 12” × 6” × 12”)
Prohibited items include:
purses, plastic bags, briefcases, traditional backpacks, mesh bags, cinch bags, coolers, luggage, trash bags and camera bags.
All bags will be inspected before entry. Credentialed media are exempt from the clear bag requirement but may still be subject to a search.
Weekend Highlights
The Grand Re-Opening Ceremony begins Saturday, November 15, at 10 a.m., followed by a full day of live music from the Jam Room Music Festival between noon and 10 p.m.
The celebration continues Sunday with the Day Two Festival, featuring a lineup of local and national performers from noon to 8 p.m.
Both days are free and open to the public.
For full event details, visit columbiasc.gov.
