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Government
Here’s how to join a city board or commission in Columbia
Want to get involved locally but don’t know how? Browse through the City of Columbia’s city boards and commissions that have vacancies and apply.
October 16, 2025 01:30 PM
 · 
David Stringer
A GIF of attendees at the Junior League of Columbia's Holiday Market.
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🎄 Sleigh the season at this can’t-miss market
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An image of a Christmas tree in Cayce, SC.
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3 ways to celebrate Christmas in Cayce
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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
The South Carolina State Museum's planetarium is illuminated to resemble a snow globe. Through large glass windows, the spherical structure is lit with a festive blue glow, with light projections of holiday trees and snowflakes creating a wintry atmosphere. Wreaths hang on the doors, enhancing the holiday theme. The sleek metal framework of the building and the decorations lend a seasonal charm, making the planetarium look like a magical winter display from the outside.
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There’s a 100 percent chance of snow at the SCSM
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Rotating images of a family and kids playing at EdVenture.
Sponsored
Holiday Pick: Unlimited adventures with an EdVenture membership
Share the joy of curiosity and learning with a year-long museum membership — the ultimate holiday gift that keeps on giving.
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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
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City
Pack your bags for one of these unique places to stay in and around Columbia
From cottages to treehouses, our area is full of unique places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
November 14, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A GIF of attendees at the Vista Lights event in Columbia.
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✨ Kick off the holidays at Vista Lights
Enjoy an evening of twinkling lights, a towering Christmas tree, and live entertainment for the whole family during this annual holiday tradition.
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Events
Usher in the holiday season with these 10 local holiday lighting ceremonies around the Midlands
We’ve rounded up 10 local holiday lighting ceremonies to attend that feature warm glows, festive feels, thousands of lights, and family-friendly holiday activities.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "COLAtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
COLAtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
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Food
New steakhouse coming to downtown Lexington
Midlands restaurateurs Steve Cook, Joe Walker, and Ryan Jones are opening a modern steakhouse in Lexington in May 2025, featuring hand-cut steaks, seafood, and seasonal dishes.
April 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A group of people stand in front of two blue "COMET" buses during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A woman in the center cuts the white ribbon while others smile and pose for the photo. The event celebrates the launch of COMET's new zero-emission bus fleet.
City
COMET unveils its first zero-emission buses
The transit system is building its zero-emissions fleet by adding buses with hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric technology.
April 22, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Food
Plan a Soda City picnic
Plan the perfect picnic in Columbia by prepping your meal, packing your equipment, and picking a scenic local destination.
April 21, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Woman duct taping a box closed at a food drive.
Play
35+ volunteer opportunities in and around Columbia
Support Columbia causes year-round — from mentoring youth to rescuing pets, river cleanups, or helping from home.
April 21, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Food
Columbia Food & Wine Festival: What’s still on the table?
Columbia Food & Wine Festival returns April 22–27 with chef dinners, tastings, and ticketed events still available.
April 18, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A few gifts overlaid on a patchwork background, including a Carharrt lunch box and a jewelry dish.
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What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.
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Food
The Southeastern BBQ Showdown returns in 2026
The Southeastern BBQ Showdown returns to Columbia in 2026 with 40 teams, live music, and celebrity judges.
April 17, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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
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Sports
Three Gamecocks selected in 2025 WNBA Draft
Three Gamecocks — Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin — were selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft, continuing Gamecock’s pro pipeline.
April 15, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Play
Live Music Venues in the Midlands
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
April 15, 2025
 · 
David Stringer