Culture

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Play

Dog-friendly businesses guide for Columbia

Explore these dog-friendly businesses in Columbia that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night.

September 10, 2025 03:30 PM

Samantha Robertson

Events

9 free fall festivals in Columbia

Fill up your fall calendar with these free events happening across the Soda City.

July 31, 2024

David Stringer

Shot from Star Wars: A New Hope in which Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader face off with light sabers drawn

Sponsored

Experience Star Wars in a live symphonic concert experience

Sponsored by a COLAtoday Partner

Scenes from the Planetarium's construction + grand opening.

Sponsored

Celebrating 10 years of star-studded shows at SCSM

Grab a viewing partner, because the museum is offering a special two-for-one deal on Planetarium and 4D Theater show tickets every Saturday in August.

Sponsored by a COLAtoday Partner

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City

Spread the local love with COLAtoday’s Best

From coffee shops to event venues, we’re asking for your insight on the top-tier spots Columbia has to offer.

July 28, 2024

Bella Rainey

Chef Amethyst Ganaway speaking into a microphone

Sponsored

Embark on a culinary journey during Harvesting Heritage

Sponsored by a COLAtoday Partner

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Culture

Local libations: A round of Columbia-centric craft beers

A turn of phrase here, a recognizable COLA nod there — these craft beers found around Soda City take local pride seriously.

July 23, 2024

Monica Garske

An image of Eric Paslay performing at a concert.

Sponsored

🎶 Kick off Rivals in Red with this free summer concert

Kickin’ It in the Vista is a free concert happening this weekend to celebrate the Liverpool F.C. vs. Manchester United soccer match.

Sponsored by a COLAtoday Partner

Food

Toast of the town: Drink Up Week has arrived

This week — Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26, 2024 — we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant drink scene in Columbia.

July 19, 2024

Monica Garske

An image of a person holding the book "The Last Ballad" by author Wiley Cash and a Richland Library #BroaderBookshelf tote bag.

Sponsored

Broaden your bookshelf + meet a NYT bestselling author

Find your next great read when you join Richland Library’s Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge.

Sponsored by a COLAtoday Partner

Sports

Dreaming of gold: Olympians with ties to Columbia and SC competing in the Paris Summer 2024 Olympics

Cola is well represented on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics — these are some locals to watch.

July 16, 2024

Monica Garske

More from COLAtoday

Four trash collectors with pick-up sticks and green trash bags collecting debris from the ground.

City

Keep the Midlands Beautiful’s 2025 visible litter audit results

The environmental nonprofit conducts an annual audit of Richland and Lexington counties to assess the level of visible litter.

February 21, 2025

Michael Beausoleil

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Culture

Joffrey Ballet Joins USC Dance for residency and performance

The Joffrey Ballet partners with USC for a three-week residency, culminating in an Saturday, April 5 performance with USC students and orchestra.

February 20, 2025

David Stringer

City

How Columbia’s Design Review Commission shapes the city

Columbia’s Design Review Commission approved major projects, preservation efforts, and urban developments in 2024, shaping the city’s growth while preserving character.

February 20, 2025

David Stringer

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Business

Building a startup in 24 Hours at the Boyd Innovation Center

Startup Sprint at the Boyd Innovation Center challenged entrepreneurs to build startups in 24 hours.

February 19, 2025

David Stringer

City

Local media matters — so does your support

When you choose to support COLAtoday, you’re investing in more than just a daily newsletter — you’re investing in a stronger, more informed community.

February 19, 2025

Staff