Festivals in Columbia range from a weekly open-air market to annual fall and September events. If you’re planning dates around a particular event, note its usual pattern and verify current details before you go.
- Soda City Market: Saturdays, year-round, on Main Street.
- South Carolina State Fair: an annual fall event.
- Columbia’s Greek Festival: an annual event in September.
Soda City Market on Main Street
Soda City Market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, across the 1300 through 1700 blocks of Main Street. It is a year-round open-air market, so you can include it in a Columbia weekend in any season.
The market is producer-only: vendors must make or grow what they sell. Its organizer reports an average of 200 vendors per week, giving the market a broad range of locally made and grown goods.
The organizer says the COMET’s free Soda Cap Connector stops at the market. Saturday parking is free in the Main Street District; nearby garages include Lady Street, Washington Street, Sumter Street, Taylor Street and PJ Cannon.
South Carolina State Fair in the fall
The South Carolina State Fair is an annual fall event at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia, with traditions dating to 1869. Its schedule, admission and parking details can vary, so use the fair’s official information to plan for the edition you’re attending.
If you’re pairing fair time with a ballgame, Segra Park is another Columbia venue to factor into your plans; what to know about tickets, parking and game day at Segra Park can help with that visit.
Columbia’s Greek Festival in September
Columbia’s Greek Festival is hosted annually in September by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The cathedral is at 1931 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Festival schedules and admission details are edition-specific. Check the official site before you go for the dates, hours and entry information for the September event you have in mind.
Planning event dates and getting around
Use the events’ recurring patterns to narrow down your travel dates, then confirm the current schedule with each organizer before making plans. The South Carolina State Fair takes place in fall, while the Greek Festival is held in September; Soda City Market runs every Saturday throughout the year.
For a broader look at seasonal patterns and events, when to visit Columbia for its seasons and events can help you think through timing.
Columbia city centre is about a 6-minute drive from Budget Inn Express. You can compare your event plans with the dates and transport details you confirm directly with organizers.
For a stay at Budget Inn’s rooms in Columbia, keep your confirmed event dates in mind.
Before you go: Event dates, admission and transport information can change. Check the official site before you go.
FAQs
What makes Soda City Market different from a general market?
It is producer-only, meaning vendors must make or grow the products they sell.
How often does Soda City Market take place?
It takes place every Saturday year-round.
How long has the South Carolina State Fair been a tradition?
The fair’s organizer dates its traditions to 1869.