Jazz & Roots Fest
FREE + open in Columbia's revitalized downtown park.
Why you can't miss this fest
The South's Most Sophisticated Weekend.
Jazz + Roots + Soul.
If you're looking for the next major jazz destination in the South, you need to be in Columbia this May 15–16. ColaJazz has spent nearly a decade bringing icons like Wynton Marsalis and Kenny Garrett to our stage, and this year's Jazz + Roots expansion is our most ambitious yet. We're pairing heavyweights like Endea Owens & the Cookout, Lucia, and Martin Bejerano: Reimagining Prince with a "Roots" movement exploring how jazz fuels blues, soul, and even Celtic folk. Elite musical curation in a stunning outdoor setting — world-class artistry without the world-class ticket price.
View Lineup2026 Lineup
The Artists
5:30 PM
Soda City Brass Band
6:30 PM
Martin Bejerano presents
The Purple Project: Reimagining Prince
8:00 PM
SYR
1:00 PM
Brittany Turnipseed
2:45 PM
Willie Bradley
4:30 PM
Folderol
6:15 PM
Lucia
8:00 PM · HEADLINER
Endea Owens
& the Cookout!
Free + Open to the Public
ColaJazz Impact
Artists. Community. Culture.
- 15K+Kids Reached Annually
- 50+Events Year-Round
- 10Years Supporting the Arts
- $100K+Paid to Local Artists
- ✦Robust Education Programs
- ✦No-Cost Jazz Lessons
ColaJazz runs on community rhythm. Together, we fuel a nonprofit mission to grow a soulful culture through live performance, education, and year-round programs across the Midlands.
Support Our MissionBecome a Sponsor
Fuel Education.
Drive Economic Vitality.
Our sponsors keep the ColaJazz Jazz Fest FREE and accessible to everyone, creating an inclusive celebration where world-class jazz brings our community together. Beyond the festival, your support fuels our educational outreach in underserved neighborhoods. Together, we break down barriers, spark creativity, and enrich Columbia's cultural landscape.
Venue Map
Getting to Finlay Park
Quick Guide to the Best Options
- Arsenal Hill Garage (1812 Lincoln St): Closest garage, right across from the park's west side; visitor parking usually on the lower level.
- Taylor Street Garage (1600 Assembly St): A block from the southeast corner — easy, flat walk to the entrance.
- PJ Cannon Garage (1227 Taylor St): Slightly longer walk, reliable backup when the closer ones fill.
- Street Parking: Metered spots along Gadsden St and Laurel St (north side of the park).
- ADA parking is at the Finlay Park Upper Lot (930 Laurel Street), plus blue-bagged meters near the Taylor St. entrance.
Helpful Parking Tips
- Check the meters: Street parking is typically free on weekends and after 6 PM weekdays, but always double-check signage or the "Passport Parking" app.
- Event days: Arsenal Hill fills up fast, so Taylor Street Garage is often your best stress-free bet.
"We're on a mission to bring people together!"
— Mark Rapp, ColaJazz
ColaJazz + Roots Fest™ is produced and owned by the ColaJazz Foundation.