What is Songbird 26?
Songbird 26 is a two-day music festival at Finlay Park in Columbia, SC, happening Saturday, May 30, 2026, and Sunday, May 31, 2026. The inaugural festival brings together national, regional, and local acts for a full weekend of live music in the heart of downtown Columbia. Songbird 26 is a ticketed event.
When is Songbird 26?
Songbird 26 takes place Saturday, May 30, 2026, and Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Finlay Park in Columbia, SC.
Where is Songbird 26 happening?
Songbird 26 takes place at Finlay Park in downtown Columbia, SC – just two blocks from Main Street and a short walk from the Vista.
How do I purchase tickets?
What kinds of tickets are available?
We’ve got a few options depending on how you want to experience the weekend:
Advance Ticket Pricing
General Admission
Single-day ticket: $43 ($49.99 including taxes and fees)
Two-day pass: $69.50 ($78.58 including taxes and fees)
Discounted Tickets (must present valid ID at the gate to gain admission)
Students with valid ID: $28 per day ($33.80 including taxes and fees)
Military (Active Duty, Reserve and Veterans with valid ID): $28 per day ($33.80 including taxes and fees)
City employees + first responders with valid agency ID: $28 per day ($33.80 including taxes and fees)
Kids (ages 5–12)Single-day ticket: $28 per day ($33.80 including taxes and fees)Two-day pass: $45 ($52.15 including taxes and fees)
VIP Tickets: Single-day ticket: $150.00 ($165.43 including taxes and fees)Two-day pass: $275.00 ($300.29 including taxes and fees)
What do VIP tickets include?
-Access to an exclusive viewing area at each stage
-Entry to the VIP Lounge at The Nest with shaded seating and space to relax
-Food catered by Home Team BBQ
-Exclusive drink options available for purchase
-Exclusive festival memento
Will tickets be available at the door?
Yes. Day of Show tickets will be available at the door with Day of Show pricing, but the Advance ticket prices offer the best value – especially the two-day pass if you’re planning to attend both days.
Will tickets sell out?
We recommend grabbing tickets early. Capacity at Finlay Park is limited, and this is the inaugural year.
Is Songbird 26 family-friendly?
Yes. Songbird 26 is designed to be an all-ages event.
Do kids need a ticket?
Children under 5 are FREE. Children aged 5-12 have a discounted ticket of $28 per event day.
What time does the festival start and end each day?
Daily set times will be announced closer to the festival. Once released, the full schedule will be available on our website and social channels.
When will the lineup and schedule be announced?
Lineup announcements, daily schedules, and other festival updates will be shared on our website, email list, and social media channels as they are confirmed.
How can I stay up to date?
Follow Songbird 26 on Instagram at @songbirdcola and sign up for our email updates for the latest on tickets, schedule announcements, festival maps, and important weekend information.
Will there be a festival map?
Yes. A festival map will be posted closer to the event so attendees can plan ahead before arriving at Finlay Park.
Is re-entry allowed?
No re-entry is permitted.
What happens if it rains?
Songbird 26 is a rain-or-shine event. In the case of severe weather or changing conditions, any schedule updates will be shared through official festival channels.
What should I bring?
For the most accurate information, check back closer to the festival.
In general, attendees should plan for a full day outdoors and may want to bring items like:
-A Clear bag for your things. Diaper bags and medically-necessary items are exempt from this policy.
-Sealed or empty water bottles
-Sunscreen
-Rain gear
-A valid ID if planning to purchase or consume alcohol
-Comfortable shoes
-A blanket or small, low-slung chair
A full permitted-items list will be posted closer to the event.Songbird 26 will follow City of Columbia Park and event guidelines, but with more stringent bag restrictions this event.
Prohibited items include:
-Outside alcohol
-Outside food or beverage (water excluded)
-Illegal substances
-Weapons of any kind
-Drones
-Glass containers
-Coolers
All attendees will go through security screening upon entry. Bag guidelines will follow standard city event policies, with additional details shared closer to the festival. All bags are subject to search.
Will food and drinks be available?
Yes. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site throughout the weekend. More details on participating vendors will be announced closer to the festival.
Will alcohol be available?
Yes, alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase to guests with valid ID. Additional beverage and policy details will be shared closer to the festival.
Are outside food and drinks allowed?
No outside food or drink. Empty or sealed water containers are allowed.Exceptions apply for medical or dietary needs.
Are chairs and blankets allowed?
Chair and blanket policies will be announced closer to the festival. Because the event takes place in a public park, guidelines may vary by area.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals will be permitted unless otherwise noted.
Is parking available?
Parking information, including nearby garages, lots, and any transportation recommendations, will be shared closer to the festival. (Downtown garages and rideshare options will be commended, but additional parking information will be shared closed to the festival.
Is there lodging nearby?
Yes. There are hotel options in and around downtown Columbia. We recommend booking early, as availability may tighten closer to festival weekend.
Is the festival accessible?
Yes. Songbird 26 is committed to accessibility. ADA information, including accessible viewing and other accommodations, will be posted closer to the event.
Will there be non-alcoholic options?
Yes. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available on-site. Additional information on wellness or recovery-friendly resources will be shared closer to the festival if applicable.
Are cameras allowed?
Personal photography is generally welcome, but professional camera equipment, detachable lenses, video rigs, and flash photography may be restricted without prior approval.
I’m a member of the media. How do I request credentials?
Contact info@songbirdcola.com. If you’re planning to cover Songbird 26, send us a note with your outlet and what you’re working on. If your request is approved, our team will make sure you have what you need.
I’m a member of the media and I have questions for the City of Columbia about Songbird 26. Who do I contact?
Contact pio@columbiasc.gov. They will connect you with the appropriate party.
How do I inquire about being a vendor?
Vendor application details will be shared through official festival channels if and when opportunities become available.
How do I inquire about volunteering?
Volunteer information will be posted closer to the festival.
Will merch be available?
Yes. Festival merchandise will be available during the event, with more details to come.
