Kids Market @Cola City Expo
Saturday, June 27 from 10am-1pm
Ages 5-17 — $25/booth

Kids Market is a one-day, in-person event where children ages 5–17 run their own small businesses. Kids sell products or services they’ve created, interact with real customers, and experience what it’s like to earn money through their own efforts.

Each market is community-focused, family-friendly, and built to help kids grow confidence through real-world experience.

Click here to watch a short video about the Kids Market.

Market ideas can include handmade items, store-bought, food, games or services. HINT: Cola City Homeschool Expo attendess are especially looking for used books and curriculum materials!

Does your child have a business idea they’ve been wanting to try? Let them launch it at the Cola City Homeschool Expo! The homeschool expo is a well-loved resource in the community. It draws families who are actively looking for resources and creative opportunities, which make it an incredible place for kids to practice selling, build confidence, and showcase what they’ve created.

CLICK HERE to REGISTER

>>Go Back to the Expo HOME PAGE<<

Cola City Homeschool Expo 2026
Frequently Asked Questions

Saturday, June 27th, 10 am-4 pm at
Jamil Center, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, SC 29210

Admission: $7/Individual or $10/Family; Kids/Teens-Free

Whether you’re considering homeschooling, new to it, or a seasoned homeschooler, Cola City Homeschool Expo 2026 is the place to Connect, Expand, and Thrive!

This year’s theme, “Grow Your Village” celebrates building strong community connections while exploring diverse learning resources. Our Expo is designed to create a welcoming space where every family, learner, and educator feels included, valued, and inspired to discover new ideas.

Here’s some FAQs for what to expect from the Cola City Homeschool Expo.

Is this Expo for me? Whether you are new or experienced, or just considering homeschooling–there will be lots of resources and information for any one. Also lots of information for public/private school parents and teachers looking for supplemental opportunities.

What can I expect from this Expo? Cola City Expo strives to facilitate meaningful connections that encourage, equip and empower you on your educational journey. We invite you to linger at the activity stations, not just buzz thru the vendor hall. Many of our vendors are able to cross-promote other vendors that may also be good contacts for you. We value the local community and connections to Grow Your Village: Connect, Expand and Thrive. 

Is it a family event? Yes! Bring your kids, if you want. There’s interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the day. There’s lots of freebies and giveaways, too. A lot is geared for parent-educators, but there’s plenty for the kids to do with you, too.

Will there be lunch available? A food truck is scheduled to be available near the entrance all day. Kid Market entrepreneurs also have a variety of snacks and refreshments till 1 pm. 

Is this event secular or religious? Is it polically biased? The event is inclusive and diverse event, and will be respectful of all other vendors, hosts and attendees.

• Inclusive/non-religious: Meaning you don’t have to leave your faith at the door, but you also don’t have to bring one. Some vendors are specifically Christian, others are specifically secular.  
• Diversity and mutual respect:  No materials, signage or discourse that might be inflammatory or incendiary. Complaints or concerns will be directed to Expo hosts (SC Connection and Cola City Homeschoolers).

What is the fee for attending? Individual $7 — Family/$10 — Children/Teens: Free. Parking is free. 

Whatis included with admission ticket? Admission includes networking with over 70 vendors and Kid Market Entreprenuers. Information/Help Desk for event orientation tutorial to help you plan your self-guided tour of vendors and activities.

• Quest Category Lists to connect with vendors who can assist with Getting Started, High School/Beyond, Disabiilities/Special Education, ESTF Service Providers, Secular/Non-Religious, Multi-Cultural/Afro-Centric, Local Classes/Activities, and more!
• Interactive Demonstrations and Hands-On Activities
• Exclusive Giveaways: Doorbusters and Prize Drawings during the event (must be present to win).
• Digital Grab Bag: Dozens of Free Printables and Offers to unpack at home. 
• Virtual Workshop Package of pre-recorded tutorials to watch/replay. 
• Valued at over $100

Can I volunteer instead of paying admission fees? Sure! Volunteering is a great way to connect with others, too.  Volunteer for a 3-hour shift Click HERE  

>> BACK to HOME PAGE <<
>> Join Cola City PLUS <<

Well, this year–we’re offering our goody bag as a digital offer. It’s available for coming in-person AND also available for virtual attendees too!

• Over 20 Special Offers, Discounts and FREEBIES!
• Delivered right to your inbox, so you don’t lose it
• And enjoy at home, with a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea

Get your FREE Digital Grab Bag here: Click HERE

Revisit the Virtual Vendor Hall 2023 for dozens more great resources and opportunities to get connected!

In order to serve the homeschool community–we are looking at opportunities to expand the pop-up consignment sale. It will not be at the Expo venue this year. Stay tuned, more details to come!

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Got used books you want to sell? We want ’em! Every year, the shoppers tell us they wish there was more used books. We all love a deal. So, Cola City Expo can help rehome your used educational items.

• You can register as a vendor in order to sell your own items and keep all the profits. CLICK HERE to get a $60/table space.
• You can consign your items with us instead. It’s so EASY! Cola City will sell the items for a small percentage of your listed prices.
  • CLICK HERE to create a NEW consignor account or
  • CLICK HERE to activate a RETURNING consignor account
    • Log in to activate this year’s sale
    • Forgot log-in available to reset your account, too!
• You could also work the consignment sale.
  • • Negotiate prices of you own inventory, while working
    • Increased payout percentages
• If you just want to shop, sign up for the email list to get updates about admission tickets (Only $1/shopper)! Tickets can be purchased at the door. CLICK HERE for Mailing List Registration

FAQ’s for Consignors: 

• What items can I sell? Gently used (or unused) curriculum, textbooks, educational materials, games, puzzles, and manipulatives. Educational furniture/desks, easels, dry erase boards, chalkboards, musical instruments. Picture books, chapter books, parenting books, books on CD, educational DVDs. 
• How do I label and price my items? You determine the price of each item, depending on the condition and edition. When you log into the consignor’s portal, you’ll be able to create printable barcode tags for each item. We can print for you or you can print yourself. 
• What is the consignor share? You will keep 70% of the listed price. No registration fee! The balance helps cover the overhead costs of the Cola City Homeschoolers and the SC Homeschool Expo.
• What if I don’t have a printer? We can print the tags for you to pick up ahead of time or to place your labels during drop-off. 
• How do I drop-off my items? In the consignor’s portal, you will select a drop off time, Thursday evening 5-6 pm or Friday morning, 10 am-noon. We will send you reminder emails with details about the drop-off options. A volunteer will greet you and assist with sorting your items into category placement. Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com to request alternative drop-off time/location.
• When do I pick-up my unsold items? Pick-up all leftover items at the end of the Expo on Saturday (4-6pm). Or you can let us know you’re donating your leftover items. 
• When will I receive payment? Within 2 weeks after the sale, we will close out the payments. You can choose payment via check mailed to you or via PayPal. 
• Great! How do I sign up to be a consignor? It’s quick and easy!
  • NEW Consignors: Click here and follow the instructions.
  • RETURNING Consignors: Click here to activite your account for this year’s sale

>> Go back to SC Homeschool Expo Home Page <<

Are you interested in volunteering to help contact prospective vendors or help for a few hours in-person on the day of the Expo? Many hands make light work!

1. Help is needed prior to the Expo (remote from home):
   • Brainstorming prospective vendors and sponsors
   • Contacting prospective vendors and sponsors
   • Follow-up contact with prospective vendors and sponsors
   • Promotions online–Share the event and vendors especially on Facebook.
2. Help is needed at the Expo (in person on location). Greet at the check-in desk, assist consignment sale,  promote Cola City or SC Connection booth:
   • Set up, Friday afternoon, June 26 2-5 pm
   • Morning, 8-11 am, June 27
   • Mid-day, 11-2 pm, June 27
   • Afternoon 3-5:30 pm, June 27

Tell us how you’re able to help out, fill out this form:

SC Homeschool Expo 2026
Saturday, June 27th, 10 am-4 pm
Jamil Temple, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, SC 29210
$5/$8 Admission — Open to the Public

Cola City is committed to creating an environment that celebrates the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and identities of all people, embracing diversity as a cornerstone of our success. Through intentional efforts, this Expo strives to cultivate an atmosphere of belonging, where everyone has equitable opportunities to thrive, contribute, and reach their full potential. By championing inclusivity and affirming the dignity of every person, we aim to inspire positive change and build a brighter, more harmonious future for all.

We’re looking for vendors who offer school supplies, lessons/classes/instruction opportunities, discount promotions, field trip destinations, educational resources, college recruiters, home business, handmade/home-made items, swap meet used books/homeschool curriculum. We need vendors and sponsors who represent a variety of educational resources, materials, and services that cater to diverse learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and abilities. Local, South Carolina vendors especially welcome!

This year’s theme, “Grow Your Village”celebrates building strong community connections while exploring diverse learning resources.

In-Person Vendors

Vendor Registration Options: note all vendors have access to free wi-fi AND Basic Promo package: includes one link back on Expo vendor directory, sponsor spotlight/shoutout on Facebook event, and the option to add a discount or freebie in our digital grab bag for attendees. NOTE: tablecloths/coverings not included
Spaces are limited–hurry before prices increase or spaces are all filled!

All vendors are required to remain fully set up and present at their booth until the official end of the event at 4pm. Early breakdown or departure is not permitted unless authorized by the event coordinator in advance. We reserve the right to deny any vendor for any reason.

• Premium Perimeter Space 10×10 (best value), $250: includes 8-foot table, 2 chairs, electricity access, basic promo package. Located along the perimeter wall for maximum visibility. Offers floor space to bring your own additional tables/shelves/displays in the designated area.
• Economy Perimeter Space 8×6, $125:  includes 8-foot table, 1 chair, no electricity access, basic promo package. Located along the shopping perimeter interior side (not on the wall). Allows floor space to bring your own additional tables/shelves/displays in the designated area.
• Table Only Budget Space, $60: includes 8-foot table, with linkback on Expo directory and one vendor shout-out on Facebook event. No electricity access or chair provided. Located on the interior shopping aisles. All signs and items must fit on or under the table.

Register as an In-Person VENDOR

Additional promotional ads available to add on: TikTok/Reels photo carousel with music only ($50) or TikTok/Reels photo carousel/video with voice over script ($100). Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com for negotiable trades and terms. 

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Sponsored Ad Promotions

Virtual Sponsors Promotional Options: Business participants who cannot attend in person can still get promotions, in order to make meaningful connections with our local homeschool community.

• Basic Sponsor Promo package: $60, includes one link back on Expo vendor directory, one sponsor spotlight/shoutout on Facebook event, and the option to add a discount or freebie in our digital grab bag for attendees.
• Economy Sponsor Promo package: $150, includes Basic Promo Package, plus TikTok/Reels photo carousel with music only, with linkback on SC Connection resource hub/blog and shout out in the SC Connection newsletter.
• Premium Sponsor Promo package: $300, includes Economy Promo Package, plus TikTok/Reels photo carousel/video with voice over script and linkback on SC Connection resource hub/blog and shout out in the SC Connection newsletter.
• Donations Door busters and Door prizes, includes linkback on Expo directory and FB event shoutout. Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com for negotiable trades and terms.

Register as a Virtual SPONSOR

Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com with any questions.

Find out more about the Cola City Homeschool Expo: Connect, Expand & Thrive! Our Expo is designed to create a welcoming space where every family, learner, and educator feels included, valued, and inspired to discover new ideas.

>>GO BACK TO EXPO HOMEPAGE<<

Homeschool Expo will return in 2021!
More details coming soon

If you’re considering homeschooling, new to homeschooling or you’re an experienced homeschooler–this is the event for you!  Cola City is an inclusive resource for all homeschoolers, regardless of religious preference, ethnic background, lifestyle choice, political affiliation or educational philosophy. This Expo promotes resources that include all varieties of homeschools.

Local Services and Products
When we say local, we mean local to South Carolina. Accountability Associations, support groups, resource centers, sports programs, special needs testing and services, music classes, art programs, and lots more educational opportunities! Plus, home business opportunities and fundraisers.

Used Books and Handmade Items
Everyone loves a good book sale. This Homeschool Expo invites homeschoolers with Used books, resources, and curriculum. Find the books you’re looking for–and talk to someone who has used it to see how it worked for them.

 Demos and Interactive Presentations
Live demonstrations from local groups and programs. Hands-on, interactive activities, too.