About Us
Showcasing Columbia’s Arts and Culture Scene Since 2009
On the first Thursday of each month, we celebrate the thriving arts and culture scene of downtown Columbia with musical acts, artist displays and performances. Main Street merchants and businesses keep their doors open late, offering menu and drink specials, special events, and more. From the 1200 block all the way to the 1700 block, you’ll find a lively mix of art, music, food and drinks.
First Thursday on Main Through the Years
Since 2009, thousands of people have joined in the festivities of First Thursday on Main. Here are a few photos over the years.
History
In 2009, new Main Street business owner Mark Plessinger had a mission to enhance an already sprouting Columbia Arts Scene with a monthly opportunity to celebrate it.
“When I started First Thursdays on Main, which originally was an art show that I did in my boutique, Frame of Mind, it eventually bled out to two or three art shows side by side in the other spaces along the street,” recalled Mark Plessinger, in a 2011 Busk interview.
It began as a crawl for art galleries and creative spaces that were thriving at the time, like Tapp’s Art Center, Anastasia and Friends, and Wine Down in the Main Street District, mostly highlighting street performers and buskers of all types.
In the growing and thriving art scene that now strengthens the creative culture of a bustling downtown Columbia, First Thursday on Main supports and highlights local artists, musicians, and local Main Street businesses from the 1200 block all the way down to the 1700 block at City Hall each month. The event has continued to be a monthly go-to destination for lovers of the Arts over the years.
First Thursday on Main is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run by volunteers. Meet our Board:
Cameron Powell, Board President
Co-owner – Transmission Arcade
Rebecca Warthen, Treasurer
Development Manager – SC Philharmonic
Kyle Michel
Attorney – Kyle Michel Law Firm
Andrea “Draya” Lashay
Chief Creative Strategist – Uncut Gems Agency/Art Pharm Project
Joe Chang
Lead Visitor Experience Associate – Columbia Museum of Art
Kelsey Bickley
VP of Marketing and Communications – Main Street District
Touami Pride
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union
Face of First Thursday
2025-2026
Rockelle Love
Rockelle Love is a Columbia-native performance and sensory artist who merges sound, movement, and mindfulness to create transformative experiences.
As the inaugural Face of First Thursday on Main, she curates monthly activations that bring healing, harmony, and creative expression to the heart of Downtown Columbia.
Through her activations; The Color Flow Experience, Love Self Sanctuary and The Frequency Lounge, Rockelle invites the community to pause, breathe, and return to self through art, movement, and connection.
Open Container Policy
Those of legal age will be permitted to drink beer and wine anywhere on the 1200 to 1700 blocks of Main Street between 6 and 9:30 p.m.
CPD Security
Columbia Police Department provides security services for the event to ensure you feel safe while enjoying the festivities.
Shuttle Services
The Main Street District Yellow Shirt Ambassadors offer courtesy shuttle services around the district until 11 PM. Call 803-205-5245 for a complimentary ride.
Want to Support First Thursday on Main?
Your tax-deductible donation allows us to continue to provide quality performances and entertainment, showcasing local artists and performers on Main Street each month and supporting our Main Street businesses.
First Thursday is sponsored by:
