Mule Day Parade

Be sure to cheer us on during the Mule Day Parade and please note that we will not be open until 1:30pm on Saturday April 11th, 2026

Mule Day
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. Over time Mule Day evolved. The first “official” Mule Day was held in 1934, which consisted of the parade, and a mule show in downtown Columbia after the parade. Evolving still, Mule Day went from being a single day event to a multi-day festival, attracting thousands of attendees. Saturday's Mule Day parade is the highlight of the event. If you visit during MULE DAY, 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”, or even lumberjack competitions. Traditional Appalachian food, music, dancing, and crafts are featured.

Schedule of Events:
Friday, April 10, 2026
9:00am: Mule Day Auctioneers Contest at Columbia Central High School
10:00am - 7:00pm: Mule Day Market at Maury County Park
10:00am - 7:00pm: Live Music on the Main Stage at Maury County Park
10:30am: Riding Mule Show (Main Arena)
** Jackpot Mule Races following Riding Mule Show (Main Arena)
12:00pm: Driving Mule Show (Old Arena)
3:00pm: Mule Farm Pulling Contest (Main Arena) (NEW)
5:30pm: Cart Barrel Races (Main Arena)
6:00pm: Gaited Mule Show (Old Arena)
6:00pm: Live Music with Tony Malugin at Ridley 4-H Center
7:00pm: Liars' Contest at Columbia Central High School

Saturday, April 11, 2026
6:00am: Pancake Breakfast at the Memorial Building
8:00am: Maury Regional Mule Kick 5K Race
10:00am - 7:00pm: Mule Day Market at Maury County Park
10:00am - 7:00pm: Live Music on the Main Stage at Maury County Park
11:00am: Mule Day Parade through Downtown Columbia
11:00am: Mule Pulling Contest (Main Arena)
** Miniature Horse Pull following Mule Pulling Contest
2:00pm: Mule Day Knife Auction (Main Stage)
6:00pm: Mule Town Stompers & Urban Cowboy Line Dancing at Ridley 4-H Center