Support Us Button Widget

Arts

April 2016-0027.JPG
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
Santa standing in front of a shark at the SCSM.
Sponsored
Discover countless adventures at the SCSM
From Santa to sharks, the fun doesn’t stop with the holidays at the South Carolina State Museum.
Sponsored by
Curiosity Coffee
Events
How you can participate in the Uptown Holiday Hop event happening this weekend
Neighbors and businesses throughout Elmwood, Earlewood, and Cottontown are gathering to host the first Uptown Holiday Hop featuring local art, holiday shopping, an oyster roast, live music, makers markets, and more to foster community on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
IMG_0839.JPG
Arts
Try This: A visit to Newberry Opera House
The Newberry Opera House, a historic venue located halfway between Columbia and Greenville, is a beautiful historic 400 seat venue surrounded by a charming downtown.
November 22, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Christmas tree lighting Columbia SC
Play
Winter events happening in and around Columbia
Check out winter and holiday-themed events happening in and around Columbia in this seasonal guide.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Columbia’s skyline at night. | Photo by Timothy M.
Arts
Introducing our 2024 Picture of the Year contest
Following the success of hundreds of submissions in 2024, we are getting a jump on our 2025 contest.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Ted Bauer
Two women opening the doors to the "French Moderns" exhibit.
Sponsored
Explore 100 years of French artistry at the Columbia Museum of Art
Whether you’re a seasoned art aficionado or just looking to dip your toes into the avant-garde, this exhibition is a must-see.
Sponsored by
Young girl in Hogwarts costume posing with sign that reads "Have you seen this witch?"
Sponsored
Your Hogwarts acceptance letter is here
Sponsored by
Photo of a gold-framed painting by Renoir depicting a still life image of fruit and a cup
Sponsored
Monet, Matisse, and much more
A major exhibition of French modern art is coming to the Columbia Museum of Art this fall.
Sponsored by
JamRoomFest.png
Music
Jam Room Music Festival returns to Columbia this October
Get a quick rundown of the music lineup and plan ahead for the partner events celebrating the Jam Room Music Festival coming back to Cola in October.
August 21, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Town-Theatre-season-105
Sponsored
Opening the curtain on Town Theatre’s 105th season
From “Anything Goes” to “Spamalot,” America’s oldest community theatre has plenty of treats in store for its 2024-25 programming.
Sponsored by
Load More
Latest News
More from COLAtoday
GIF showing the Vista district in Columbia, SC, with a view of the historic brick railroad depot at the corner of Gervais and Gadsden Streets, where Sylvan’s Jewelers is relocating.
Sylvan’s Jewelers first tenant in Vista Depot District
Sylvan’s Jewelers is moving to the Vista this fall, expanding its showroom and Rolex offerings in the SC Railroad Depot.
July 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial image showing the expansive 33-acre Lake Murray Golf Center property in Chapin, SC, surrounded by trees, open grassy areas, and nearby roadways.
Development
Lake Murray Golf Center set for comeback
Lake Murray Golf Center sold to local owners with plans to reopen in phases and rebrand later this year.
July 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Image showing South Carolina’s new driver’s license and ID card designs, including adult and under-21 versions. The cards display state symbols, updated fonts, security features, and both front and back sides of each card.
City
New SC licenses roll out with fresh design and security upgrades
New SC licenses feature iconic imagery and upgraded security with laser engraving.
July 29, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Heat dangers
Travel and Outdoors
Tips for staying cool while the Midlands is under heat advisories
They don’t call Columbia famously hot for nothin’, but while the heat stays in the triple digits and the Midlands is under heat advisories, here are tips and recommendations for other activities.
July 28, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Exterior of 747 Saluda Ave. in Five Points, showing the storefront window with Sparrow Construction and Godspeed Coffee branding. Brick columns and greenery frame the entrance.
Development
Godspeed Coffee puts down roots in Five Points
Godspeed Coffee is looking to open its first permanent location in Five Points by the end of the year, with Sparrow Construction leading the buildout.
July 24, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Palmetto Trail-9950.jpg
Play
11 hiking trails to try in and around Columbia
Check out these 11 hiking trails catering to all skill levels in and around Columbia, SC, for outdoor adventures.
July 23, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Gateway 737-0167 2 Medium.png
Development
Gateway 737 opens as USC’s largest student housing project
With 940 beds and rooftop views, Gateway 737 marks a major milestone in USC’s campus-adjacent growth.
July 22, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
roadtripsandrollercoasters_186255397_780101682695491_8339888906616462484_n
Live
Farmers markets in Columbia
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.
July 16, 2025
 · 
Vagney Hampshire
Betty Lane Cherry smiling and holding a small box of peaches next to a large wooden crate labeled “South Carolina Peaches” on an airport tarmac.
Food
Before Instagram, there was Miss Fruit Salad
Betty Lane Cherry promoted South Carolina peaches nationwide during a 1950s agricultural marketing campaign.
July 15, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Tunnell Vision.jpeg
Live
40+ murals in Columbia
Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
July 9, 2025
 · 
David Stringer