Going to BullStreet for Christmas lights or the new food hall? How to park free
It feels like more is happening all the time at Columbia’s growing BullStreet District.
From seasonal events such as the annual Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park to the buzzy recent opening of the Gather COLA food hall, residents are finding new reasons to visit the burgeoning development.
Now the district is promoting a way visitors can park for free in the district’s garages, at least for a little while.
The district touted on social media that visitors can get two hours of free garage parking at the district by downloading and using the Passport Parking app. That includes the Sabal Street parking deck right next to Gather COLA, the Freed Street parking deck next to Segra Park, or the Bennet at BullStreet garage between the two Bennet apartment buildings on Matilda Evans Street.
“Whether you’re meeting friends at the new Gather COLA, swinging by Methodical Coffee, shopping at REI Co-Op, getting pampered at Image Studios, enjoying Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park, or grabbing a festive drink at Tupelo Honey, our three garages put you just steps from the fun,” the BullStreet District noted on social media.
Fireflies Holiday Lights has become a festive tradition in the Midlands in recent years, as the Columbia Fireflies home stadium is covered in colorful Christmas light displays and various activities, including visits with Santa, are offered. Tickets are $12 per person and the event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. nightly during the holiday season. The event is closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Meanwhile, the new Gather COLA food hall debuted Dec. 5, and features 10 different restaurant vendors, two bars and several micro-retailer spaces. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
This story was originally published December 10, 2025 at 10:54 AM.
