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 and at The Oval with shaded seating and space to relax
-Food catered by Home Team BBQ
-Exclusive drink options available for purchase
-Exclusive festival memento
-One free drink voucher
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?
Gates open at 10 a.m. and music begins at 11:30 on Saturday, May 30 and 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 31.
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?
Is re-entry allowed?
Re-Entry Policy
All ticketed attendees will receive a wristband on each day of Songbird 26 upon entry to Finlay Park. The wristbands will be placed on wrists by a member of the Event Staff team. Should you wish to leave Finlay Park and re-enter later in the day, you will need the appropriate wristband.
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.
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
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.
Karen’s Kitchen — Fried food
Ben’s BBQ — BBQ
Cousins Maine Lobster — Lobster dogs
Bruster’s Ice Cream — Ice cream
Hendrix the Bus — Coffee + beverages
Wingz Thingz and More — Fried food
Rita’s Italian Ice — Italian ice
Home Team BBQ — BBQ
Thank God for Pastries — Desserts, cookies + cakes
Go N Nutz — Boiled peanuts
Will alcohol be available?
Yes, alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase to guests with valid ID. Outside alcohol is prohibited.
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?
Chairs and blankets will be permitted as long as they do not obstruct views.
Is Songbird Festival cashless?
Yes. Songbird Festival is a cashless event. Please plan to use a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment for purchases inside the festival, including food, drinks, and merchandise.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals will be permitted.
Getting to Finlay Park
Free Parking and Shuttle Information
Free public parking will be available at several City of Columbia parking decks within walking distance of Finlay Park:
Taylor Street Deck – 1600 Assembly Street
PJ Cannon Deck – 1227 Taylor Street
ADA Parking Information
ADA parking will be available at parking meters covered with blue bags near the Taylor Street entrance of Finlay Park. ADA parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free Shuttle Information
To make access even easier, The COMET will operate free shuttle service at the Taylor Street Deck and PJ Cannon Deck to Finlay Park’s main entrance off Taylor Street.
Saturday, May 30: 9:45 a.m.-10:15 p.m.
Sunday, May 31: 9:45 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.
Paid Parking Information
Arsenal Hill Deck – 1812 Lincoln Street
SC Works Parking Lot – Southeast corner of Gadsden and Taylor Streets
Paid parking is $20 per car per day. Payment by credit or debit card only.
Lincoln Street Deck | 820 Lincoln Street (Normal rates apply)
Bike Parking & Bike Valet
Songbird guests are encouraged to bike to Finlay Park.
Finlay Park is easy to reach by bike from the Vista, Elmwood, Earlewood, and downtown Columbia. Guests can use the Vista Greenway to ride directly to the park and connect to the festival entrance area.
Public bike racks are available at the main entrance to Finlay Park near Taylor Street. Guests using the public racks should bring their own lock.
Cola Town Bike Collective will also provide free bike valet during the festival. No lock is required for bike valet. Ride up, check in your bike with CTBC volunteers, and enjoy the festival knowing your bike will be watched in a safe and secure area.
General Arrival Information
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, carpool, or utilize The COMET shuttles or ride-share services to reduce congestion in the downtown area.
Rideshare drop-off and pick-up is located on the northeast corner of Gadsden and Taylor Streets.
There is no enforcement at on-street parking meters on Saturdays and Sundays, except in the BullStreet District and Five Points District.
For additional City of Columbia parking information, visit parking.columbiasc.gov.
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.
Will there be non-alcoholic options?
Yes. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available on-site.
Are cameras allowed?
Personal photography is generally welcome, but professional camera equipment, detachable lenses, video rigs, and flash photography is restricted without appropriate credentials.
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 volunteering?
Will merch be available?
Festival and artist merchandise will be available at the event. Payment by credit or debit only.
