Finlay Park facts for kids
Finlay Park is a large and popular park in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. It covers about 14 acres (which is like 10 football fields!). The park first opened in 1991. It was originally named Sidney Park, but in 1994, it was renamed to honor Kirkman Finlay, who was a mayor of Columbia.
Finlay Park used to have a pretty waterfall and a stream that flowed into a park lake. There are also picnic tables and two playground areas for kids to enjoy. You can even find a cafe there. The park has been a favorite spot for families for many years. Today, local charity groups often visit the park to offer food and help to people who are experiencing homelessness. During the summer, you can watch outdoor movies on Friday nights, which is a fun way to spend an evening!
Fun Things to Do at Finlay Park
Finlay Park is a busy place that hosts many exciting events and festivals. One popular event is the Sizzlin' Summer Concert Series. These are free outdoor concerts that happen for 13 weeks, starting in May. You can hear all kinds of music, like blues, country, reggae, and classical. The concerts are usually from 7 to 10 p.m. It's free to get in, and you can bring your own picnic to enjoy the music! Just remember, glass containers, grills, pets, and radios are not allowed.
Past Concerts and Festivals
Over the years, Finlay Park has been a stage for many famous bands and musicians. For example, in 1996, the popular band Hootie & the Blowfish, who were from Columbia, played a free concert there. They were very famous at the time!
Many other bands have played at the park too. In the early 2000s, a radio station called WARQ hosted its "Fallout" concerts at Finlay Park. Bands like Everclear, Fuel, Eve 6, Incubus, and Jimmy Eat World performed there. In 2012, the park hosted the Marshall Tucker Band. Christian rock bands like The Almost and Sent by Ravens also played at an event called Holypalooza.
In August 2012, Finlay Park was the location for the three-day Famously Hot Music Festival. This festival featured rock bands such as Collective Soul, Buckcherry, Filter, and Eve 6 again. For 17 years, Finlay Park was a popular spot for concerts with well-known bands.
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