Columbia’s Finlay Park opens this weekend. What to know before you go
After years of work and more than $25 million, Columbia’s resuscitated Finlay Park reopens this weekend. The city’s 18-acre downtown park, under construction since 2023, returns with two days of free music and festivities.
Here’s what you need to know before you head out to the grand re-opening.
The Weekend Lineup
Columbia is hosting two days of free activities at the park to celebrate the grand reopening.
Saturday: Re-opening ceremony and Jam Room Music Fest
- Park Gates Open: 9 a.m.
- Pickleball and Ping-Pong demonstrations: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: 10 a.m.
- Jam Room Music Festival: Noon – 10 p.m. (Featuring national acts like DIIV and White Denim, local music, food trucks, and beverages)
Sunday: Day Two Festival
- Park Opens: Noon
- Live Music: Noon to 8 p.m. (A blend of gospel, funk, brass, and folk, featuring headliners Shovels & Rope.)
Getting There: Parking and Shuttle Service
Plan to park in one of the city’s nearby decks and walk over, or take the Comet Shuttle for free. There is also limited on-street parking.
Where to Park: Free Deck Options
Free public parking will be available at several City of Columbia decks within walking distance of the park:
- Arsenal Hill Deck (1812 Lincoln St.)
- Taylor Street Deck (1600 Assembly St.)
- PJ Cannon Deck (1227 Taylor St.)
- Lincoln Street Deck (820 Washington St.)
ADA parking will be available at the Finlay Park Upper Lot (930 Laurel Street) and at blue-bagged meters near the Taylor Street entrance.
The COMET Shuttle
The COMET will operate a free shuttle service looping every 20 minutes from nearby parking decks.
Pickup locations:
- Cannon Garage (Taylor St. between Main & Sumter)
- Taylor Street Garage (Taylor St. between Main & Assembly)
Schedule:
- Saturday, Nov. 15: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 16: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What to bring
The City of Columbia is implementing a standing clear bag policy at Finlay Park, which will be in effect at all times, starting with the grand reopening.
Approved bags
- Wristlets and small clutches no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” do not have to be clear.
- Diaper bags and medical bags also do not have to be clear.
- Clear backpacks, fanny packs and most other clear bags are permitted.
What NOT to Bring
- Purses, plastic bags, briefcases, backpacks, tote bags, cinch bags, luggage, trash bags, hard-sided and styrofoam coolers, fanny packs.
What to know about safety measures
Columbia leaders say the renovated Finlay Park will feel entirely different from how it did before it was closed for renovations. Part of the new feel includes on-site security staff, dedicated police officers, park rangers and grounds maintenance crews.
- Emergency call boxes are located throughout the park.
- More than a dozen security cameras are also spread through the park, which are monitored at a ranger station overlooking the park.
Beyond the opening: What’s new at Finlay Park?
The renovated park includes new playgrounds, a roller-skating rink, pickleball courts and more.
The Return of the Waterfall
The park’s iconic man-made waterfall and spiral fountain have been fully restored and are flowing again, cascading into new water features spread across the park. The fountain, a Columbia icon, had been turned off for years.
Rentable spaces
Throughout the park are green spaces and event areas the city plans to rent out for things like wedding receptions, family reunions, birthday parties and other occasions.
The city will also rent out the pickleball courts for between $16 to $20 at peak times.
Fitness equipment
The city has also installed a new fitness center near the pickleball courts, where residents will be able to scan a QR code on their phone to access workout routines that can be performed on the fitness equipment.
The park also includes two miles of walking trails.
