Duck River Outdoor Expo Returns with Races, Live Music and Outdoor Fun

Issue #766

July 07, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Scattered clouds, possible isolated thunderstorm w/ high of 87, low of 69

👉 Duck River Outdoor Expo Returns with Races, Live Music and Outdoor Fun

👉 July 8-10: Imagination Creation Camp

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Duck River Outdoor Expo Returns with Races, Live Music and Outdoor Fun

The Duck River Outdoor Expo is an annual event dedicated to showcasing the outdoor recreation industry that aids in the conservation and education of the Duck River. Held at Henry Horton State Park (30 min. from downtown Columbia) and with six miles of shoreline, the expo aims to promote the preservation of this biodiverse watershed.

This outdoor recreation-focused event will create a platform for vendors to showcase their products and services that align with the conservation-based outdoor activities in the area. Through a variety of interactive exhibits, presentations, and events, attendees can anticipate a weekend filled with activities ranging from the Run Duck Run (Duathlon), Disc Golf Putting, the Mad Mallard (Trail Run), and the Hammer Drop (Mountain Bike Race) to live music, outdoor vendors, gear demos, and more. The expo fosters a deeper appreciation for the Duck River while inspiring individuals to get out and explore the outdoors through a variety of Adventure based activities.

The expo is set to take place Friday, July 10th — Sunday, July 12th with the main festivities happening Saturday from 3-9pm.

Run. Duck. Run. 10K Duathlon

Prepare to lace up your running shoes and grab a paddle for a one-of-a-kind challenge at the expo! This exhilarating event combines running with the challenge of paddling the Duck River. Click the button below to learn more and register. Get ready to sprint, paddle, and conquer the course at Run Duck Run! Learn more and sign up here.

The Mad Mallard - Overnight Trail Race

The Mad Mallard is a 3, 6, 12, and 24-hour nighttime trail race held at the Ronnie Bowers Wetland Trail. Runners begin at 7:00 PM and run a 3-mile loop, gaining 144 ft of elevation on each lap. Whether you're new to trail running or looking to get in a nighttime trail race as you train for an ultra, this race has everything to help achieve that goal. Runners can expect a welcoming environment and plenty of food to fuel up. Learn more and sign up here.

The Hammer Drop 

Gear up for exhilarating mountain bike races at the 3rd annual Hammer Drop, sponsored by MOAB Bike Shop. This race is a one-day Mountain Bike Race + Festival for all ages on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the multi-sporting facility (skeet range) off Warner Road at Henry Horton State Park. Learn more and sign up here.

To see the latest information about the 2026 Duck River Outdoor Expo, follow on Instagram and Facebook .  

July 8-10: Imagination Creation Camp

Prepare for an out-of-this-world adventure at Imagination Creation Camp!

Join us July 8–10 from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Dr. Christa S. Martin Community Center for a three-day creative camp designed for explorers ages 8–14. Participants will journey to an alien world of their own imagination, using creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving to uncover its mysteries.

Throughout the camp, young explorers will design survival equipment, create an alien ecosystem, write and illustrate an original story, and present their discoveries to fellow adventurers. Each activity is designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and encourage innovative thinking through hands-on experiences.

No registration is required, and participation is free. Bring your imagination and get ready to discover a whole new world!

Fairview Park, 871 Iron Bridge Rd.

My Patriot Supply Independence Day Sale

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, July 8th

Thursday, July 9th

Friday, July 10th

Saturday, July 11th

Sunday, July 12th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, July 7
Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6-9 PM

Thursday, July 9
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM

Friday, July 10
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Mike Peters - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
The Prickly Pear - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Escape - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, July 11
Box of Rox - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Grasskickers - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6-8 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
The Mighty Train Wrecks - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Resurrection - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Scotty Morton Band - The Boondox, 8 PM
Rebellious South - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, July 12
The Sins - Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Small Blind - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill - 2-5 PM

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