Kinetic Derby Day

The Kinetic Derby Day returns to Meeting and State Streets for it’s fifth year. This year, we are excited to announce the return of the kinetic sculpture parade to kick off the day, followed by soapbox racing, and the obstacle course.

In addition to the Kids’ Zone, brought to you by the Boys and Girls Club, iMAGINE has joined us bringing a STEAM festival with demonstrations and even more hands-on experiences. As always, the event spurs creative thinking, competition, and family fun as teams come together to build unusual vehicles and awe-inspiring art installations.

The day begins with a kinetic sculpture parade, at 10:30 AM, followed by soapbox cars taking over the massive hill on Meeting Street to race in adult and children divisions. After the traditional side-by-side soapbox race ends at noon, an obstacle course comes on to Meeting Street for more intense soapbox racing. Awards are given for the best sculpture, the fastest car, and the best soapbox car design.

At the bottom of the hill, you’ll find a food truck rally and West Columbia’s Interactive Art Park hosting an artisan market. At the corner of Meeting Street and State Street, you can’t miss a Giant Slide that will be sure to bring a crowd. On State Street, you’ll find the iMAGINE STEAM festival with interactive science fun and the Kids’ Zone with exhibition soapbox racing for the little ones. ​

The mission of Kinetic Derby Day is to inspire creative problem solving, build community pride, and showcase our growing community welcoming economic investment. The event is intended to inspire creative thinkers and help develop problem-solving skills to construct the ideas imagined.