It is the season of Thanksgiving and that is a good time to emphasize the number of great, and free, events that have taken place in West Columbia. 

In the last year, free city-sponsored events include:  the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony; Rhythm on the River Concerts at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater; Kinetic Derby Day; Art on State; the summer Meeting Street Artisan Market; the Meeting Street Music Fest; and the Fall Back Fest. All events are well-attended and deemed successful. 

The City of West Columbia was recognized, in September, for the success of the Meeting Street Music Fest and Kinetic Derby Day with prestigious honors at the 2024 International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Pinnacle Awards.  

“We are incredibly proud of the recognition the Meeting Street Music Fest and Kinetic Derby Day received,” said  Mayor Tem Miles. “These awards are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and creativity of our team and the community that supports these events. Our goal has always been to make West Columbia a hub of culture, celebration, and creativity, and we are excited to be recognized among global competition.”

Miles also said the City of West Columbia staff has worked hard to ensure the success of events. He was also thankful for the people of the community who come out to enjoy the events. “We established these events to be held year after year,” he said. “And they have become a tradition and improved every year.”   
Last December, the city packed the grounds of West Columbia’s City Hall for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

“This is a wonderful chance for us to get together and celebrate all that has happened throughout the year, said Mayor Tem Miles, “And there’s more to come.”

In 2024, the City of West Columbia will host its 20th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the first Friday in December – Dec. 6-  at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The Tree Lighting is a heart-warming, family event with music and art from area school children and a Christmas message from Pastor Dow Welsh of Holland Avenue Baptist Church. Mrs. Claus stops by to share a few Santa letters from children who have visited our Santa Post Office at Carraway Park. The Mayor and essay winners of the “What Christmas Means to Me” contest flip the switch to light the official Christmas tree. The City provides cookies, hot chocolate, and holiday magic to usher in the spirit of the season. 

On the first Friday in November, the City of West Columbia hosted the Fall Back Fest to note the time of the year when clocks are turned back an hour as daylight savings time ends. It’s held in the 100-200 Blocks of State Street, West Columbia and offers the chance to socialize with friends and family, visit locally owned shops, and purchase handmade items from a vendor at the Meeting Street Artisan Market.

The event features live music, food and drinks from local restaurants and artists painting live in the street.
The 2024 Fall Back Fest was the most-successful event of its kind since the city started hosting the street party. The largest crowd for a festival on the street before was 3,200. This year’s Fall Back Fest probably attracted at least 20 percent more attendees than the event drew last year. 

“The Fall Back Fest is always one of the best events of the year,” said West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles. “So many people told me they had a wonderful time.

In September, West Columbia Meeting Street Music Fest was a rousing success. The attendance was estimated to be 8,500, In only the second year of the Meeting Street Music Fest.

“We’re so pleased with the success of the  Meeting Street Music Fest,” said Anna Huffman, West Columbia Director of Public Relations and Business Development.  “We’re seeing so much growth and we’re very thankful for the response of the community. “And Everyone seemed to be having a great time. Families, friends, of all ages came out for a spectacular event.”

In the spring, West Columbia presents  Annual Art on State. In 2024, it was held on the first Friday in May. In 2025 it will be May 9. Like the Fall Back Fest, it’s held on State Street with music, food, local shopping and tremendous support from the community which makes it bigger every year. 

In the spirit of gratitude, it’s a good time to be thankful for all of the free and exciting events sponsored by the City of West Columbia. It’s also a good time to look forward to upcoming events that have become a tradition for local residents and visitors alike.