Soda City Market is a weekly open-air market on Main Street in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, inspired by traditional European street markets. It runs every Saturday, year-round, and brings together local vendors, food and live entertainment. From American Inn in Columbia, downtown Columbia is about 11 minutes by car.
- When: Every Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., year-round.
- Where: Main Street, across the market footprint from the 1300 through 1700 blocks.
- What to expect: A producer-only market with an average of 200 vendors each week.
- Getting there: Saturday parking options include free spaces in the Main Street District and the Vista; the COMET’s Soda Cap Connector stops at the market.
Where and when does Soda City Market take place?
Soda City Market takes place on Main Street in downtown Columbia year-round. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture gives the address as 1500 Main Street and describes the event as an open-air market.
Opening hours
- Saturday: 9 AM–1 PM
- Monday to Friday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The market’s footprint extends across the 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600 and 1700 blocks of Main Street. That spread means you can approach from several points downtown; allow time to browse the length of the market within its four-hour Saturday window.
What can you find at the market?
The market is producer-only: vendors make or grow what they sell, while antique and vintage items must be slowly and sustainably curated. Its weekly average is 200 vendors, drawn from a rotating pool of more than 400 throughout the year.
Expect a mix of locally made and grown products, along with local talent. Buskers, entertainers and live performances add to the market’s street setting, so the stalls are only part of what you may encounter as you walk Main Street.
How do you get to Main Street and park?
You can drive downtown, use Saturday parking in the Main Street District or the Vista, or take the COMET’s free Soda Cap Connector, which stops at the market. The market says parking is free in those districts on Saturdays, and unbagged meter spaces around the market footprint may also be used.
For garage parking, the market recommends Taylor Street Garage, Cannon Garage and Washington Street Garage. Lady Street Garage, Sumter Street Garage and PJ Cannon Garage are also nearby garage options. Check the official site before you go for current parking and transit details.
If you are planning a broader city outing, a guide to getting around Columbia covers driving, transit and visitor routes.
How should you plan around weather and schedules?
The market operates rain or shine, every Saturday throughout the year, so the regular schedule does not change with the season. Its hours are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; arriving early in that window gives you more time to browse before the market closes.
Pets are allowed if they are well behaved, properly trained and kept in sight. Columbia’s leash law applies, and owners must clean up after their pets. The market says poop bags are available at the pocket park at Main and Lady streets.
What downtown stops can you pair with the market?
Soda City Market occupies a central stretch of downtown Main Street, so it can anchor a wider Columbia outing. You could pair the Saturday market with other city sights, keeping in mind that the market itself runs for four hours. A one-day Columbia sightseeing route offers a way to plan the rest of a day in the city.
FAQs
Is Soda City Market open every Saturday?
Open Saturday; closed Sunday to Friday. Yes. It operates year-round, rain or shine.
Where is Soda City Market?
The market is on Main Street in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Its address is 1500 Main Street, and its footprint covers several nearby blocks.
Can you bring a dog to Soda City Market?
Pets are allowed if they are well behaved, properly trained and kept in sight. Keep dogs leashed under Columbia law and clean up after them.