Mark your calendar for Columbia’s 34th Annual Artista Vista, April 17-19, 2026. This art-centric event truly has something to offer for everyone. The Congaree Vista district of Columbia, SC, is an official South Carolina Cultural District. Columbia’s Congaree Vista District—an Official South Carolina Cultural District—comes alive each spring for Artista Vista, a three-day celebration of visual and performing arts. Now in its 34th year, this art-centric festival showcases the creativity that has defined The Vista for decades and offers something for every type of art enthusiast. Friday, April 17 Art Gallery Crawl (Free) | 6–9 PM Artista Vista begins with the annual Gallery Crawl throughout The Vista District. Guests can explore distinctive local galleries while enjoying an evening immersed in Columbia’s arts scene. Richland Library Main (1431 Assembly Street) will host the opening of Artista Vista’s Juried Exhibition, Rooted. A full list of participating galleries will be available closer to the event. Saturday, April 18 Art Day (Free) | 11 AM – 4 PM Locations: Stormwater Studios (413 Pendleton Street), Lewis + Clark (1001 Huger Street), and One Eared Cow Glass Visitors can view artist collections and experience live demonstrations throughout the district’s working studios and creative spaces. Live Art Mart (Free) | 11 AM – 4 PM Location: 516 Senate Street This innovative juried art fair is developed by artists for artists. During market hours, participating vendors demonstrate their artistic processes through live demonstrations or approved visual representations, creating meaningful opportunities for conversation between artists and the public. Light and Lantern Parade presented by Architrave (Free) | 8–9 PM Location: Entrance of the Lincoln Street Tunnel Led by Columbia artist Flavia Lovatelli, the parade invites participants and spectators to stroll through The Vista with handcrafted lanterns. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best lantern designs. Lantern-making workshops will be held at various locations in early 2026, including Stormwater Studios, Richland Library Main, The City of Columbia Art Center, 701 CCA, and One Columbia for Arts and Culture. Sunday, April 19 Live on Lincoln (Ticketed) | 5–8 PM Location: 1200 Lincoln Street The 7th Annual Live on Lincoln continues a tradition that began in 2020 in partnership with the Koger Center for the Arts. This special ticketed event features performances from Columbia-based performing arts groups while guests dine along the cobblestones of Lincoln Street. A meal will be provided by Blue Marlin, and proceeds are shared among participating arts organizations to support their continued work. A comprehensive safety plan will be in place throughout the festival. Masks and social distancing are encouraged, and concealed weapons are not permitted at any Artista Vista event. For more than three decades, The Vista has remained at the heart of Columbia’s creative community. Artista Vista co...
