Columbia preps for Main Street Jazz Fest’s return

Jazz lovers ready for big Saturday

A trombone player and other artists perform on an outdoor stage during the evening in front of a large crowd.

The 2nd annual “Main Street Jazz Fest” by ColaJazz takes place this Saturday in Columbia.

Main Street Jazz Fest logoA recent winner of the Best of Free Times’ Best Music Event (2021, runner-up in 2022), the ColaJazz Main Street Jazz Fest offers multiple bands, food trucks and more from 2-9 p.m. in the 1700 block of Columbia’s resurgent Main Street corridor.

So often, people think public art is installation art, murals, or sculpture. With a recent emphasis on public art (e.g. hiring a full-time public art coordinator), the SCAC is hoping to help change that perception.

Performance art is also public art when it is free and open to all comers—like Main Street Jazz Fest.

“While we love introducing the capital city to famous jazz artists, we celebrate the phenomenal talent who call South Carolina home,” the festival notes on its website. In 2024, the festival will features established names among rising stars, headlined by Don Braden, Allison Miller & Boom Tic Boom, Patrick Bartley, Lolivone de la Rosa with Jamile and the Capital City Big Band. Visit this page to read more about this year’s artist lineup.

Main Street Jazz Fest is presented by the ColaJazz Foundation, continuing to show off why they were a 2021 organization category recipient of the Governor’s Award for the Arts.

Additional information

  • Arrive as early as 1pm
  • Bands start at 2pm
  • Food vendors will be on-site
  • Arts & Crafts vendors will be on-site
  • Bring foldable chairs and sit where you are most comfortable
  • Come and go as you please
  • Family friendly event