West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day
Saturday, April 26 @ 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Events
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the sixth annual Kinetic Derby Day takes place at Meeting Street and State Street, featuring a Fantasy Worlds theme. Step into iconic realms inspired by stories like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, or create a magical world filled with dragons, castles, and flying cars.
This event blends creativity, competition, and family-friendly fun as teams build unique vehicles and sculptures. Festivities begin at 11:00 AM with the kinetic sculpture parade, followed by side-by-side soapbox racing from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
In response to community feedback, this year introduces a refreshed soapbox racing lineup with two divisions: Art Cars and Kit Cars. Art Cars focus on custom, from-scratch builds that highlight unique, handcrafted designs, while Kit Cars offer a pre-built frame for racers to personalize, replacing the former “Need for Speed” division. Each division includes the same age groups as previous years: 8-12, 13-17, and adult.
At the base of the hill, enjoy chalk art displays and interactive electric cars. The Meeting Street Artisan Market, hosted in West Columbia’s Interactive Art Park, will feature local crafts. The Giant Slide and a food truck rally will be located at the corner of Meeting and State Streets.
On State Street, the third annual iMAGINE STEAM festival will provide hands-on activities, and the Boys and Girls Club will host a mini soapbox racing experience for young racers in the Kids’ Zone.
Kinetic Derby Day celebrates community pride, creative problem-solving, and fun. Experience the magic of fantasy worlds while enjoying a day of imagination and innovation!
Schedule of Events
Where: State and Meeting Streets, West Columbia, SC
Parking:
- FREE Public Parking Garage – 310 Court Avenue
- River District Baptist Church – 400 State Street
- The Warehouse – 312 State Street
- Interactive Art Park – 425 Meeting Street
- Carraway Park – 212 Hudson Street
- Capitol Square – 483 Sunset Boulevard
When: Saturday, April 26, 11 AM – 2:30 PM
What: Kinetic Derby Day featuring iMAGINE