More than 100 Veterans from across the country are gathering in Columbia this week for the 2026 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, a national event celebrating artistic achievement and the therapeutic benefits of creative expression.
Hosted by the Columbia VA Health Care System in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events, the festival runs June 9-14 and marks the first time Columbia has been selected as the host city.
The festival is the culmination of year-round creative arts therapy programs offered through VA facilities nationwide. Participants earned first-place honors in local competitions before advancing to the national level in categories including visual arts, creative writing, music, dance and drama.
Throughout the week, Veterans will take part in workshops, performances, exhibits and collaborative learning opportunities designed to showcase creativity while supporting rehabilitation, recovery and overall well-being.
Organizers say the event highlights the role creative arts can play in building confidence, encouraging social connections and improving physical and emotional health. For many participants, the festival represents months of dedication and personal achievement.
Several events will be open to the public free of charge. Live performances are scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the University of South Carolina Pastides Alumni Center. An Art and Writing Exhibition will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, June 12, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
The festival honors the creativity, resilience and accomplishments of Veterans while showcasing the impact of arts-based therapy programs across the nation.
