Soda City Market Columbia
A vibrant European-inspired street market on Saturdays, featuring over 200 vendors, food trucks, and live music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & get best picks
Soda City Market Columbia
Best Time
Beat the crowds & get best picks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant European-inspired street market on Saturdays, featuring over 200 vendors, food trucks, and live music.
"It's like waking street fair in NYC lots of vendors and live music."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Popular vendors and food trucks can sell out quickly. Get there before 10 AM for the widest choice. :alarm_clock:
💳 Bring Cash & Cards
While many vendors accept cards, having cash can speed up transactions, especially at smaller stalls. :credit_card:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artisan Crafts & Wares
Throughout the market
Discover unique handmade jewelry, pottery, art, and more from talented local creators.
Diverse Food Trucks & Stalls
Along Main Street
Savor global flavors from a rotating selection of food trucks and local eateries.
Live Music & Street Performers
Various locations
Enjoy the lively atmosphere with talented musicians and performers adding to the market's energy.
Fresh Produce & Local Goods
Farmer's Market section
Find seasonal fruits, vegetables, honey, hot sauce, and other locally sourced products.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Saturdays are Market Days
Embrace the Local Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Popular vendors and food trucks can sell out quickly. Get there before 10 AM for the widest choice. :alarm_clock:
💳 Bring Cash & Cards
While many vendors accept cards, having cash can speed up transactions, especially at smaller stalls. :credit_card:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfortable shoes to explore all the market has to offer. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog Etiquette
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but be mindful of others and always clean up after your pet. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Popular vendors and food trucks can sell out quickly. Get there before 10 AM for the widest choice. :alarm_clock:
💳 Bring Cash & Cards
While many vendors accept cards, having cash can speed up transactions, especially at smaller stalls. :credit_card:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfortable shoes to explore all the market has to offer. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog Etiquette
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but be mindful of others and always clean up after your pet. :dog:
📱 Check Social Media
Follow @sodacitysc on Instagram for vendor highlights and any special event announcements.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Soda City Market is a highly-rated Saturday destination in Columbia, praised for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse vendors, and delicious food options. Visitors love the community feel, unique finds, and live entertainment. However, some find prices high and occasionally encounter disruptive individuals or dog-related issues.
"After Kara Chamberlain Robinson posted about this place a few months ago, I saved it on my map to visit one day.
Well I decided to take a trip to Columbia for the long weekend. I will say I'm glad I saved this on my map to visit, it was worth it.
This market is much larger than I expected.
The only issue was too many dogs. Someone allowed their dog to poop and NOT picked it up and everyone was stepping in it. This market would be better if they didn't allow dogs. I felt like I was at a dog market."
Elikapeka
"Soda City Market is always a lot of fun, and is one of my favorite things to do in Columbia!
I love getting to know all of the different vendors, and checking out the really cool miscellaneous items that they're selling. Today, I learned that there's a shop in Five Points that sells vintage, 1980s-style clothing, as well as Jamaican, Brazilian, and Belgian-themed restaurants in the city. I never would've known that before going to Soda City. I also got a decent slice of pizza, as well as a solid cup of coffee. And... the dogs! If you're a dog lover, I'm not sure there's a better place on Earth to find some beautiful dogs than Soda City, they were precious!
There's really only two (2) downsides to Soda City: the prices are very expensive relative to the quality you're getting. Now, you are supporting local businesses, so I don't mind paying a little bit more for it. However, nearly $20 for a good, but not great, slice of pizza and cup of coffee isn't particularly ideal. Also, there's always very obnoxious religious zealots who either scream into a megaphone, or spout race-based conspiracy theories on the street corner. I don't mind the people who have a booth and welcome you to talk to them, but the ones who scream into their microphones kinda ruin the vibe."
John Doe
"It was like waking street fair in NYC lots of vendors and live music. My food experience here was terrible guess I have to find the right vendor . Food was priced high had paella seafood in rice it was awful 😫. Salty fishy and costly. They had a car show and the art was just fantastic. There was a young guy there with Lakers painting and just beautiful prints . Did not catch his name but I will return . Parking was good. I would rate five if it weren't for the bad food experience. No Spanish food I would suggest. Stick to other food."
Amanda Lopez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Soda City Market is located on Main Street in downtown Columbia, SC. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking garages and street parking options nearby. Public transportation is also available.
Several parking garages are available downtown, including the Lady Street Garage and the Tower Garage. Street parking can also be found, but it fills up quickly. Consider arriving early for better parking options.
Yes, the COMET bus service in Columbia offers routes that stop near Main Street, making it a convenient option for reaching Soda City Market. Check their schedule for specific routes and times.
Biking is a great option! There are bike racks available in the downtown area, allowing you to secure your bike while you explore the market.
Yes, admission to Soda City Market is completely free! You only pay for the items you choose to purchase from vendors. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Soda City Market is open every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. It operates rain or shine, so don't let a little weather deter you!
No, there are no tickets required to enter Soda City Market. It's a free, open-air street market. +1
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim to arrive between 9 AM and 10 AM. The market gets progressively busier as the morning goes on.
While not always themed, Soda City Market often features special events like art shows or car shows. It's best to check their social media for any specific announcements.
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome at Soda City Market. However, it's crucial to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Vendors
You'll find over 200 vendors offering a wide variety of goods, including handmade crafts, art, jewelry, vintage clothing, fresh produce, local honey, hot sauce, and more.
Absolutely! Soda City Market boasts a fantastic array of food trucks and stalls offering diverse cuisines, from Cuban food to pizza and biscuits.
Yes, Soda City Market is an excellent place to find unique, locally made gifts. The variety of artisan crafts ensures you'll find something special.
Prices can vary, as you are supporting local small businesses. While some items might be considered pricey, many find the quality and uniqueness justify the cost.
Rambo's Fat Cat Biscuits and Jordan's Catering (for smoked chicken) are frequently recommended. Cuban Corner Restaurant is also a popular choice for authentic Cuban cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography & Vibe
The atmosphere is vibrant, lively, and community-focused. It's a melting pot of cultures with street performers, music, and friendly vendors.
Yes, Soda City Market offers fantastic photo opportunities with its colorful stalls, diverse people, street art, and lively scenes.
The entire market is a photo opportunity! Look for vibrant murals, unique vendor displays, and candid moments of people enjoying the market.
Its European-inspired street market feel, diverse range of over 200 vendors, and its recognition as a top market in North America contribute to its uniqueness.
Yes, you can often find vintage clothing and other retro items from specialized vendors at the market.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds and potential meltdowns. Bring a stroller or carrier for very young children, as it can get busy. Remember to keep an eye on your little ones, especially near food stalls and performers.
🐶 Dog Lovers
Important: Always clean up after your pet. While dogs are welcome, some visitors have noted issues with owners not picking up after their dogs, which can detract from the experience for others.
🛍️ Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Look for deals at the farmer's market section for fresh produce, or consider sharing a larger food item with a friend. The experience of browsing and soaking in the atmosphere is free, so you can have a great time without spending a lot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Soda City Experience: More Than Just a Market
+1The market's vibrant energy is amplified by live music and street performers scattered throughout the area. These entertainers add a dynamic soundtrack to your shopping experience, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. Whether you're sipping on a coffee, browsing pottery, or enjoying a delicious bite from a food truck, the sounds of music and the buzz of conversation create a memorable Saturday morning.
Recognized nationally, Soda City Market has been voted the #1 Farmers Market in North America by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. This accolade highlights its commitment to quality, diversity, and community support. It's a testament to the hard work of the vendors and the welcoming spirit of Columbia, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.
+1Culinary Delights at Soda City Market
For those craving international flavors, Cuban Corner Restaurant offers authentic Cuban cuisine that transports you straight to the island.
You can also find vendors offering everything from pizza slices to more unique offerings, ensuring a diverse range of options to satisfy any craving. It's advisable to check out vendor lineups beforehand or be adventurous and try something new! While the food is generally a hit, some reviews mention that prices can be on the higher side, especially for certain dishes. However, many visitors feel the quality and the experience of supporting local food businesses make it worthwhile.
Shopping for Treasures: What to Find
Beyond crafts and art, the market also features a strong vintage and thrift component. Shoppers can hunt for retro clothing, antique finds, and other nostalgic items, adding an element of discovery to the market experience.
Don't forget the farmers market aspect, where you can pick up fresh, seasonal produce, local honey, artisanal cheeses, and specialty hot sauces. Supporting these local producers is a core part of the Soda City Market ethos, making your purchases feel even more meaningful.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit