Historic Columbia invites the community to celebrate Black history, heritage, and culture at the 48th annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture on Saturday, September 19, 2026. This free, family-friendly festival will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the historic Mann-Simons Site, 1403 Richland Street. All are welcome to attend.
Tony Terry
Now in its 48th year, Jubilee brings the community together for a day filled with music, cultural traditions, local vendors, and activities for all ages. Festivalgoers can enjoy live music and dance, storytelling, food and beverages, hands-on activities, and shopping from a variety of local vendors. This year’s mainstage lineup includes special guest Tony Terry, along with performances by The Mickens, Brittany Turnipseed, DSG, My’Asia Timmons, Dem Boyz Good, Felton Eaddy, Brookland Baptist Church’s Charles B. Jackson Singers, and more.
Brookland Baptist Church’s Charles B. Jackson Singers
Visitors can also explore Columbia’s Black history through a variety of educational experiences. Free guided tours of the Mann-Simons Site, sponsored by Columbia SC 63 and USC’s Center for Civil Rights History and Research, will offer an opportunity to learn more about the historic site and the families who called it home. Guests can also board a free Black history bus tour, courtesy of C&S Tours.
DSG
Throughout the festival, demonstration artists will highlight traditional crafts and cultural practices, including sweetgrass basket weaving and Abayomi doll making. The Kids Zone, presented by the Columbia (SC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, will offer plenty for younger festivalgoers to enjoy, including robotics demonstrations, face painting, free books, and appearances by SCETV’s Smart Cat and mascots from the Auntie Karen Foundation.
For the full schedule and additional event information, visit Historic Columbia’s website. Jubilee is proudly hosted by Historic Columbia and presented by Legacy Traditional Schools, with additional media support from Grace Outdoor Advertising. Visit the Jubilee website for a complete list of sponsors supporting this year’s festival.
About Historic Columbia
In November 1961, a small group of concerned citizens intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House (now known as the Robert Mills House) from demolition officially incorporated as Historic Columbia. Founded on the premise of preservation and education, Historic Columbia would grow to take on the stewardship of six historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and the meaningful interpretation of local history. Visit historiccolumbia.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube for more details.