Wednesday:
Welcome to Columbia
There is no better way to begin your visit than by enjoying a classic, Southern meal. Swing by The Stubborn Mule for a delicious breakfast that feels like home, the biscuits and gravy are a must. If you are in the mood for something lighter or on the go, Muletown Coffee has you covered with a warm drink and a signature pastry. From there, take time to get familiar with Columbia by exploring the area and taking in the sights. Downtown Columbia is made for walking, allowing you to check out local shops, meet friendly faces, and immerse yourself in the energy that hints at the exciting days ahead.
Rolling into Town
The arrival of the Mule Train is a must see moment that officially kicks off Mule Day. Visitors can catch it along Hampshire Pike and Highway 412 near Lions Parkway, with the train usually rolling into town around 3:00 p.m. Be sure to arrive early for a good viewing spot. Afterward, consider grabbing a photo with one of Columbia’s mule inspired murals, including the Mule Queen Mural on the side of the Linen Duck, to mark your Mule Day 2026 visit.
Just Getting Started
As the day winds down, check into your accommodations and get settled before heading out for dinner. Southern Tre and Puckett’s are both great options to ease into the evening with a memorable meal in the heart of Columbia. After dinner, keep things relaxed with a sweet stop at Joey’s Italian Ice for the whole family, or gather with friends at Taps Off Main to toast the start of Mule Day weekend. It is the perfect way to end your first day in Muletown and get ready for what’s ahead.
Thursday:
Morning Market
Start the day at Maury County Park, where the heart of Mule Day’s market scene comes to life. The Mule Day Craft Fair and Flea Market invite visitors to wander through rows of handmade goods and unique finds all while listening to the sounds of live entertainment drifting through the park. With more than a hundred arts and crafts vendors alongside a popular flea market, there is plenty to explore, browse, and take home. Add in food vendors serving everything from classic fair favorites to sweet treats, and enjoy a market morning that stretches well into the day.
Let the Games Begin
The action picks up in the Main Arena with a full slate of competition and crowd favorites. The excitement begins with the Old Fashioned Log Pulling Competition, where spectators serve as the judges and cheer on teams as they recreate the way logs were once hauled from the woods using mule power. When it's time for a midday break, run over to Gold’s Deli in the Columbia Arts District for a New England style deli sandwich before heading back to the grounds. Next, the Feed Time Race keeps the energy moving with fast paced action, leading into the always popular Classiest and Trashiest Wagon Show. With creativity, character, and plenty of personality on display, the wagon show is a crowd pleaser and a fitting way to round out the afternoon.
Muletown Music Moment
As evening approaches, enjoy dinner nearby at Red 7 Pizza, where a wide variety of pizzas and toppings make it easy for everyone to find a favorite, or stop by JJ’s Barbecue for generous dinner plates featuring pulled pork, brisket, and other slow cooked classics. After dinner, head over to Columbia Central High School for the annual Bluegrass Music Fest. Featuring Columbia’s own Grasskickers, the evening brings together hard driving bluegrass, a touch of newgrass, and classic country tunes for a lively and authentic local performance.
Friday:
Calling All Bidders
Friday morning starts with breakfast at Square Market & Cafe, known for fresh, flavorful options, their cracked egg omelet and breakfast burritos are perfect fuel before heading to the next Mule Day event. After breakfast, make your way to the annual Mule Day Auctioneers Championship, where a live auction keeps the energy high as each auctioneer brings their own fast-paced chant in a friendly competition to drive bids higher. Hosted in partnership with the Columbia American Legion Post 19, the event benefits local veterans in Maury County, making it a meaningful and entertaining way to start the day.
Picking Up the Pace
The momentum keeps going into the afternoon with a full schedule of shows, contests, and live music. Start by grabbing lunch at Ollie & Finn’s, where deliciously crafted sandwiches and homemade soups make for a perfect midday break. From there, head to the arenas to catch the Driving Mule Show, where drivers demonstrate just how skilled and responsive mules can be, guiding them through obstacles using lines, voice commands, and plenty of practice. The Mule Farm Pulling Contest and Cart Barrel Races bring added excitement to the afternoon as well.
Believe It or Not
When the evening rolls around, switch things up with a Columbia favorite that offers a different flavor of the South. Mama Mila’s, a treasured local Italian restaurant, is the perfect place to gather for dinner. From rich, comforting pasta dishes to warm, fresh bread served with their famous “crack” sauce, every bite feels like you're in Nonna's Kitchen. After dinner, make a sweet stop at Southern Sugar Saloon for dessert before heading back into the Mule Day festivities. By 7 p.m., the Liars’ Contest takes center stage, where storytellers compete to spin the tallest tales of the night. With plenty of laughs and just enough exaggeration to keep you guessing, it is a fun and fitting way to wrap up a Friday in Columbia.
Saturday:
Mule Day Morning
Saturday arrives with energy you can feel. The day kicks off at Riverwalk Park with the Maury Regional Mule Kick 5K, where runners take to the course to start the biggest day of Mule Day on the right foot. For families and younger participants, the one mile trot offers a fun and approachable way to join in. After crossing the finish line, refuel with a coffee and breakfast burrito at B’s Salty and Sweet in the New South Marketplace, where a variety of fresh, flavorful options make it easy to recharge. If you prefer to stay fully immersed in the festivities, head to the President James K. Polk Home and Museum for their annual Bloody's & Biscuits fundraiser. At this morning event, guests can enjoy ham biscuits, bloody marys, and live music in the gardens while waiting for the Mule Day parade to begin.
Parade Takes Center Stage
By afternoon, all eyes turn toward Carmack Boulevard and West 7th Street for the Mule Day Parade, the unmistakable highlight of the entire weekend. This signature event draws the largest crowds of Mule Day, so claim your spot early and get ready for an unforgettable procession of mules, wagons, riders, and community pride. The energy along the route is unmatched, making it a must-see moment for visitors and locals alike. After the parade winds down, head into Downtown Columbia and grab a bite at Eighth & Main Burger Co. Let the traffic clear while you dig into one of their signature burgers, and if you are feeling festive, give the Big Mule Burger a try as you continue celebrating in the heart of Muletown.
Into the Evening
As the evening unfolds, Mule Day closes out with strength, tradition, and celebration. The Tennessee State Mule Pulling Championship and the Skillington Draft Mule Show take to the arena, honoring the legacy and skill that define this event, while the Miniature Pull and Knife Auction keep the crowd engaged. When the arena lights dim, keep the night going at the 4-H Ridley Center with live music and line dancing from the Mule Town Stompers and Urban Cowboy. Before calling it a night, grab dinner at Boot Stompin’ BBQ for one final taste of Columbia, or raise a glass at McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery to celebrate the close of Mule Day 2026 in true Muletown fashion.
See you at Mule Day!
Ready to plan your visit? For the full schedule of events, ticket information, and important details, explore the official Mule Day website and begin mapping out your weekend in Columbia, Tennessee. Want to stay up to date on all Muletown happenings? Make sure to sign up for our newsletter and check out our events calendar.
