Columbia, South Carolina – The City of Columbia is getting everything ready for the long-awaited Grand Re-Opening Weekend of Finlay Park, which will take place on November 15 and 16, 2025. City authorities have shared important details about parking, shuttle transportation, and safety practices to make sure that everyone has a good time during the two-day celebration, which is expected to draw enormous crowds.
After a lot of work to fix it up and make it better, Finlay Park, one of Columbia’s most beloved attractions, is reopening. There will be live music, family activities, and community events over the weekend to commemorate the park’s new chapter. The City asks that people plan ahead, arrive early, and use the free parking and shuttle services that are provided throughout downtown to help with the large number of visitors.
There will be free public parking within walking distance of the park in a few parking decks controlled by the city. The Arsenal Hill Deck is at 1812 Lincoln Street, the Taylor Street Deck is at 1600 Assembly Street, the PJ Cannon Deck is at 1227 Taylor Street, and the Lincoln Street Deck is at 820 Washington Street. There will be ADA-accessible parking at the Finlay Park Upper Lot on 930 Laurel Street and in metered spaces marked with blue bags near the Taylor Street entrance.
Read also: South Carolina AG leads pushback on EPA policies he says threaten affordable energy and jobs
The COMET will run free shuttles between the Taylor Street and PJ Cannon parking decks and the main entrance to the park to make getting around even easier. On Saturday, shuttles will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Sunday, they will run from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. City authorities also want drivers to know that parking meters are not enforced on weekends, except in the Five Points and BullStreet neighborhoods.
Finlay Park will have a clear bag policy during the Grand Re-Opening Weekend as part of its efforts to make the park safer. You can bring clear totes or backpacks that are no bigger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, compact wristlets or purses, and one-gallon plastic freezer bags. You can’t bring bigger or see-through bags like purses, coolers, or mesh totes. All bags will be subject to inspection before entry. The clear bag requirement does not apply to media personnel with credentials, but they may be checked if they ask.
Read also: Florence to host 17th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony honoring local heroes on November 11
The official start of the celebration is on Saturday, November 15. At 10:00 a.m., there will be a Grand Re-Opening Ceremony, and from noon to 10:00 p.m., there will be an all-day Jam Room Music Festival. The fun goes on Sunday with the Day Two Festival, which runs from noon to 8:00 p.m. and features artists from both the area and the country. Both days are free and accessible to everyone.
Read also: Florence to host annual Christmas Gift Market at City Center Farmers Market on November 29
Visit columbiasc.gov for more information about the event and parking updates.
