Columbia, South Carolina – Columbia is giving residents and visitors a small holiday break that could make a downtown trip a little easier this Easter weekend.
The city announced that parking in all city-owned parking decks will be free starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, and the offer will continue through 2 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026.
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The temporary change also includes complimentary on-street parking across the city during that same period, opening the door for more relaxed visits to restaurants, shops, and entertainment spots downtown.
With the holiday bringing families and friends together, the move is aimed at making it easier for people to spend time in the heart of Columbia without the usual concern over parking costs.
Even so, the city noted that not every rule will be paused. In the Five Points and Bull Street districts, regular parking enforcement will still be active on Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. That means drivers heading to those areas should still pay close attention to posted rules during those hours.
The city is encouraging people to use the holiday parking window as a chance to explore Columbia’s local flavor over the long weekend. From dining out to browsing downtown businesses or meeting up for seasonal events, the complimentary parking period is expected to make those plans a bit more convenient.
For many holiday weekends, parking can shape how easily people move through downtown. This year, Columbia is easing that part of the experience by opening its decks and street spaces at no charge for several days, while still keeping targeted enforcement in place where traffic and turnover remain important.
Additional parking information is available through the City of Columbia’s parking website.
