09/23/2026
Mule Day has been a popular Columbia tradition since the 1840s. It began as “Breeder’s Day”, a single day livestock show and mule market event held on the first Monday in April. The first “official” Mule Day was held in 1934, which consisted of the parade, and a mule show in downtown Columbia after the parade.
Today if you attend Mule Day celebrations, you might see a square dance, a mule-driving contest, a horse show, a crafts festival, or attend a flea market. Other events include “working mule”, “best of breed”, auctioneers' contest, or even lumberjack competitions. Traditional Appalachian food, music, dancing, and crafts are also featured.