16th Annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival Draws Thousands to City Roots

The annual celebration brings Big Easy festivities to the Midlands before the traditional Mardi Gras celebration.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Thousands attended the 16th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival on Saturday, which featured more than 20 food, drink and art vendors, three stages with live music, and Bayou-inspired food and costumes at the City Roots venue in Columbia, South Carolina. The festival, hosted by Krewe De Columbi-Ya-Ya, provided a taste of New Orleans culture for some attendees and a reminder of home for others, like Dianne Caro, who was born and raised in New Orleans before moving to Columbia in 1989.

Why it matters

The Mardi Gras Columbia Festival has become an annual tradition that brings the vibrant culture and festivities of New Orleans to the Midlands region of South Carolina, providing an opportunity for the local community to celebrate and experience the spirit of Mardi Gras without having to travel to Louisiana.

The details

The 16th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival featured a wide variety of food, drink, and art vendors, as well as three stages with live music performances. The event, hosted by the Krewe De Columbi-Ya-Ya, aimed to recreate the atmosphere of the famous Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, complete with Bayou-inspired cuisine and colorful costumes.

  • The 16th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival took place on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Krewe De Columbi-Ya-Ya

The organization that hosts the annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival, bringing the spirit of New Orleans to the Midlands region of South Carolina.

Dianne Caro

A Columbia resident who was born and raised in New Orleans and attended the Mardi Gras Columbia Festival for the first time this year, finding it to be a reminder of her hometown.

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What they’re saying

“It gives me good memories of back home and people being able to enjoy their family and friends and another celebration to get involved with.”

— Dianne Caro (wistv.com)

The takeaway

The Mardi Gras Columbia Festival has become an annual tradition that allows the local community to experience the vibrant culture and festivities of New Orleans without having to travel, providing a sense of community and connection for both longtime residents and those with roots in the Bayou.