Columbia has a long-standing tradition of preserving and growing its downtown district, which holds the distinction of being one of Tennessee’s first five Main Street communities. Dozens of shops, restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and antique stores fill downtown store fronts. An essential tradition for locals and newcomers alike is “First Fridays”.  April through December on the first Friday evening of the month the square is bustling with visitors and locals. Shops and restaurants have extended evening hours, plus there are live music performances throughout the square. 

The Muletown arts scene is growing!  Located a few blocks from the town square, the Columbia Arts District is an up-and-coming hub for local artists to work, learn, and sell their craft. 

The Columbia Arts Building offers art classes, studios, and retail space. The Mulehouse is a music venue downtown located in a restored historic church with two performance areas. The main concert area is upstairs, with the church’s original pews used for seating.

One of the most significant additions to Columbia’s retail scene is The Factory, located at 101 N. James Campbell Blvd. Originally a T-shirt factory, the building has been restored into a modern shopping mall with eclectic shops, antique malls, boutiques, and restaurants.

Downtown Columbia and Maury County Park are the central hub of activity for the week-long Mule Day Festival held in early April. The Mule Day tradition began in the 1840s as a livestock show and mule market, and has blossomed into a community-wide festival welcoming thousands of visitors. Events include arts and crafts, live music, pageants, a parade, and mule-driving contests.