Parking, shuttle, and clear bag policy for Finlay Park grand re-opening weekend
November 5, 2025
As the City of Columbia prepares to welcome thousands of residents and visitors to the Grand Re-Opening Weekend of Finlay Park on November 15 -16, 2025, the City announces important parking, shuttle, and safety information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
The celebration marks the much-anticipated return of one of the Capital City’s most beloved landmarks. With a weekend full of live entertainment, community activities, and family-friendly programming, the City encourages attendees to plan ahead for parking and adhere to the park’s clear bag policy designed to enhance public safety.
Free public parking will be available at several City of Columbia parking decks within walking distance of Finlay Park:
- Arsenal Hill Deck – 1812 Lincoln Street
- Taylor Street Deck – 1600 Assembly Street
- PJ Cannon Deck – 1227 Taylor Street
- Lincoln Street Deck – 820 Washington Street
ADA parking will be available at the Finlay Park Upper Lot (930 Laurel Street), as well as parking meters covered with blue bags near the Taylor St. entrance of Finlay Park.
To make access even easier, The COMET will operate free shuttle service at the Taylor Street Deck and PJ Cannon Deck to Finlay Park’s main entrance off Taylor Street.
- Saturday, November 15: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Sunday, November 16: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, carpool, or utilize The COMET shuttles or ride-share services to reduce congestion in the downtown area.
There is no enforcement at on-street parking meters on Saturdays and Sundays, except for in The BullStreet District and Five Points District.
For additional City of Columbia parking information, please visit parking.columbiasc.gov.
To ensure the safety of all attendees, Finlay Park operate under a clear bag policy. This policy will be implemented during the Grand Re-Opening weekend.
Approved Bags:
- Wristlet (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”)
- Small Clutch Purse (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”)
- Clear Tote (no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”)
- Clear Backpack (no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”)
- Plastic Freezer Bag (1 gallon)
- Clear Fanny Pack (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”)
- Diaper Bag (no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”)
Prohibited Bags:
Purses, plastic bags, briefcases, backpacks, mesh tote bags, cinch bags, luggage, trash bags, coolers, fanny packs, and camera bags.
All bags are subject to inspection prior to entry.
Credentialed media members are exempt from the clear bag requirement but may be subject to a bag search upon request.
A Weekend of Celebration
The Grand Re-Opening Ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 15, at 10:00 a.m., followed by an all-day celebration of live music presented by the Jam Room Music Festival (Noon–10:00 p.m.).
Festivities continue on Sunday, November 16, with the Day Two Festival, featuring local and national artists performing from noon through the evening (Noon – 8:00 p.m.)
Both events are free and open to the public.
For more information about the Grand Re-Opening of Finlay Park, please visit us at columbiasc.gov.
*See attached Clear Bag Policy and Parking Map*
