Culture

A hand holds a vibrant cross-stitch depicting a witch and a haunted house against a blue, starry sky, bordered with green polka dots. Vinyl records form a colorful background.
Arts
Needlepoint is back: Here’s how to try it in Columbia
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
February 23, 2026 02:16 PM
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Morgan O’Neal
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
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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
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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
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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
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Monica Garske
Coa Agaveria Y Cocina
Food
Raise a glass — Drink Up Week is coming
We’ve got details and a map full of drink deals: We’ll be highlighting the vibrant beverage scene across Columbia, SC from July 22 to July 26, 2024.
July 15, 2024
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Monica Garske
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Festivals
Jammin’ in July is happening this weekend in Historic Camden
Looking for a night out and an evening full of local music with friends and family? Head to Jammin’ in July this weekend.
July 10, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Arts
Learn the ropes of a playwright by joining the Play Right Series
If you love local fine arts or are curious about what it takes to get a play from page to stage, join the Play Right Series with The Jasper Project and get involved in the production process of a local play.
July 8, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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City
Soda City Market celebrates local culture and global flavors
Search some of these fresh finds from flowers to clothes and much more every Saturday morning at Soda City Market in downtown Columbia, SC.
July 7, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
A museum visitor takes a photo of an abstract painting
Sponsored
Add to cal: Free summer fun at the CMA
Sponsored by
Two burgers topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and other fixings sit on a table at Grill Marks in Columbia; there are baskets of fries and a milkshake topped with whipped cream in the background.
Restaurants
Let’s eat, kids: Family friendly restaurants in Columbia
Grab the little ones and hit the town — these spots are tried and true with Cola kids.
July 3, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
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Events
Explore Moore Farms and Southern art at Lake City’s ArtFields
Visit Moore Farms during ArtFields to explore gardens and view 400 works of art, with $100,000 in prizes.
April 28, 2025
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David Stringer
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Culture
Pick up a new hobby (and put down your phone)
Ditch the doomscrolling for a more creative or relaxing hobby.
April 25, 2025
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David Stringer
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Nonprofits
USC Students revive the Ice Bucket Challenge for mental health
USC’s viral Ice Bucket Challenge revival has raised $320,000+ for mental health, with help from influencers and celebrities.
April 24, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Birdwatching in the Gardens: A spring migration
A spring morning of birdwatching in Columbia, where migrating warblers, local gardens, and unexpected bird facts stole the show.
April 24, 2025
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David Stringer
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Soda City Market is the best farmers market in the nation
No surprise here — Soda City Market was named the No. 1 Farmers Market in the nation by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
April 23, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
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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
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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
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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
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David Stringer