| Finlay Park | |
| Location: | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Area: | 57,000 m2 |
| Opened: | 1991 |
Finlay Park, at 14acres, is the largest and most visited park in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. The park opened in 1991. Initially named Sidney Park, it was renamed after a former Columbia mayor Kirkman Finlay in 1994. In the park there was a scenic waterfall along with cascading mountain type stream falling to the park lake. This waterfall has remained broken for the better half of two years.[1] There are picnic tables, two playground areas and a cafe. The park was a favorite for families, but is now home to the city's largest population of homeless people. Problems with the park have persisted and prompted local charity organizations to begin weekly food services to the people living on the park's benches.[2] Outdoor movies are played on Friday nights during the summer months.
The park is also host to numerous events and festivals, including the Sizzlin' Summer Concert Series. The free outdoor concerts (7 – 10 p.m.) run for 13 weeks beginning May 24 and include blues, beach, classical, contemporary/top 40, country, bluegrass, reggae and more. Admission is free and picnics are welcomed (glass containers, grills, pets and radios are not permitted).
In the fall of 2000, WARQ (then an alternative station) hosted its third annual Fallout concert at Finlay Park. The lineup in 2000 was Everclear, Fuel, Eve 6, SR-71, and rap rock group 2 Skinnee J's. In 2001, WARQ hosted Fallout again with Incubus and Seven Mary Three. In 2002, Fallout had Our Lady Peace and Jimmy Eat World. In 2003, the final Fallout concert had Three Days Grace, Default, and Smile Empty Soul. On April 22, 1996, Finlay Park had a free concert by Columbia's Hootie & the Blowfish (who were at the peak of their fame and promoting Fairweather Johnson, which was released the next day and went to #1). In spring 2012, the park hosted Marshall Tucker Band. In fall '09, it hosted Holypalooza with Christian rock bands The Almost and Sent by Ravens. In fall 2007, it hosted hard rock band Flyleaf. In 1997 it hosted Eddie Money, and in 1995 it hosted Southern rock band 38 Special. In August 2012, Finlay Park was the setting for the 3-day Famously Hot Music Festival, which for the rock bands had Collective Soul, Buckcherry, Filter, Eve 6, and Seven Mary Three.