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Arts

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Arts
Where to take music lessons in Columbia
From toddlers to retirees, explore local schools and programs that keep Columbians learning and playing music.
September 25, 2025 01:30 PM
 · 
David Stringer
Images of costumes featured in the exhibition.
Sponsored
Acclaimed “Heroes & Villains” exhibition arrives in Soda City
Step inside tales as old as time with this fan-favorite blockbuster exhibition created by the Walt Disney Archives.
Sponsored by
The ColaJazz Fest Main Stage with a band performing. Two people are in front playing horns while there are four performers in the background on a saxophone, a cello, drums, and a guitar.
Culture
Main Street Jazz Fest returns May 10 + May 11
The ColaJazz Foundation organized this show that will bring five musicians to a free Saturday show on Main Street.
April 16, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A family standing in front of a colorful painting in a museum
Sponsored
Free summer at the CMA is back
Sponsored by
A family standing in front of a colorful painting in a museum
Sponsored
Free summer at the CMA is back
Sponsored by
Kids wearing matching t-shirts, striking a pose on a theatre stage with a blue backdrop
Sponsored
Calling all young performers
Sponsored by
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Sponsored
Led Zeppelin coming to the Koger Center?
This Tuesday, April 8, the music of Led Zeppelin is coming to the Koger Center — here’s how.
Sponsored by
A white brick building with a stepped roofline houses a bookstore named "All Good Books." The store's name is painted in bold, dark blue letters with a small lantern logo on the left. A leafless tree casts branch-like shadows on the facade under a clear blue sky.
Culture
5 independently owned bookstores in Columbia
Find your next page-turner at these bookstores in Columbia where you can browse titles and literally support small businesses.
April 1, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Bartell Boykin (photo by Lester Boykin).jpeg
Arts
Meet Columbia’s Poet Laureate
Jennifer Bartell Boykin is currently in a four-year role where she uses her background in poetry to encourage appreciation for the art.
March 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Tables with white tablecloths line the streets with dozens of people facing the stage. The stage has two visible performers, two singers and a person on the keyboard.
Culture
Live on Lincoln 2025 lineup announced
The showcase of local talent will feature over 10 organizations to raise funds supporting local art and cultural organizations
March 27, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Toolbox in foreground of photo featuring a group of people wearing white hard hats in museum undergoing renovation
Sponsored
The CMA’s galleries are temporarily closed — here’s why
Sponsored by
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Business
Can you build a startup in 24 hours?
Startup Sprint returns for a free 24-hour challenge at Boyd Innovation Center where teams build and pitch startup business ideas.
November 3, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City

Beat the end of daylight saving scaries with these activities in Columbia
The sun may be setting earlier, but Columbia still has plenty to do.
October 30, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Columbia
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
October 30, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City

Just how bad is the traffic in Columbia?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial view of Main Street District buildings at sunset
Business
The local wish list: What Columbia readers say we’re missing
Columbia readers shared their wish list of new businesses they’d like to see in the Midlands.
October 27, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A pothole in the middle of concrete, filled with water.
City

Who ya gonna call? Jot down contact info for these Midlands resources
Don’t be afraid. Concerns about everything from flood damage to environmental health can be solved by getting in touch not with the Ghostbusters, but with these Midlands resources.
October 27, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Small Business
COLAtoday’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
October 24, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
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Events
Vista Lights celebrates 40 years
Vista Lights returns Nov. 20 with live music, local vendors, and the annual tree lighting to kick off Columbia’s holidays.
October 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
5 family-friendly Halloween happenings
Celebrate spooky season with Halloween happenings around Columbia, from trunk-or-treat trails to eerie zoo nights and family carnivals.
October 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
The South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition returns for year three
Get out your rolling pins + roll up those sleeves, Soda Citizens because the South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition is back with its annual gingerbread house competition benefit.
October 22, 2025
 · 
David Stringer