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
A tiled floor with a dark, empty storefront to the right and a pair of escalators surrounded by four large pillars. Surrounding the bottom of one of the escalators is a yellow and red sign blocking the entrance that says "preventative maintenance."
Culture
Dead malls: You could shop... until they dropped
Once booming, now barren. Let’s take a peek at malls of Columbia’s past — plus hope for the future.
July 3, 2024
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Brianna Williams
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Food
Answered: These Columbia restaurants come with a side of nostalgia
COLAtoday readers shared which local restaurants + meals spark deep nostalgia — and we think you’ll agree.
July 2, 2024
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Monica Garske
A bright blue car sits on a field with its hood open as part of a car show in Columbia, SC.
Events
Vroom, vroom: Car shows in and around Columbia
Around these parts, car show culture rolls deep.
July 2, 2024
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Monica Garske
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Education
Showcase your state spirit at the State Fair
The South Carolina State Fair’s 2024 theme, “46 Reasons to Celebrate SC,” honors all 46 counties with expanded exhibit categories, including the “Spirit of Carolina” awards, highlighting our state’s beauty and creativity.
July 1, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
The sun projected on a planetarium screen with an audience watching it.
Sponsored
Introducing the hottest show of the summer
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Oil painting depicting three mountains in the foreground, a blue sky with white clouds, and mountains in the background
Sponsored
Not your traditional landscape exhibition
"(Un)Settled: The Landscape in American Art” opens Saturday, June 15 at the Columbia Museum of Art.
Sponsored by
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Culture
Your guide to Father’s Day in Columbia
Don’t know what to get the Dad in your life this Father’s Day? We’re giving you a few ideas on what to get them or how you can spend Father’s Day in Columbia.
June 12, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
A group of people raise a glass at euphoria, Greenville's premier food + wine festival.
Sponsored
Enter to win a euphoric experience during every foodie’s favorite week of the year
Sponsored by
An exterior image of the Pope-Davis Tire Building in Columbia, SC.
Sponsored
Q+A with Seth Rose: What’s next for the Pope-Davis Tire building?
The State Representative and owner of this downtown building shares his vision for a unique restaurant concept in the Pickens/Taylor Street area.
Sponsored by
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Culture
Hunt for mushrooms around Columbia during this worldwide art event
Several local artists are participating in the international Game of Shrooms on Saturday, June 8.
June 5, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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A few gifts overlaid on a patchwork background, including a Carharrt lunch box and a jewelry dish.
Sponsored
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.
Sponsored by
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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
Jackie Robinson wearing a suite and tie surrounded by a group of people .
Culture
Jackie Robinson’s history in Columbia
The trailblazing player visited Columbia after retiring from baseball, and his legacy will be honored at a Fireflies game.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Culture
How did inflation impact Columbia in March?
The Consumer Price Index indicated inflation was slowing in Columbia in March 2025, and some categories saw costs deflate.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A wooden path on the Saluda Riverwalk on the left with a wooden rail overlooking the Saluda River to the right. Woods and trees are in the background behind the water.
Culture
How to celebrate Earth Day in Columbia
Invest in our planet via local, national, and global Earth Day initiatives.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
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City
Google.org funds AI skills for SC nonprofits
Google.org’s grant will support hands-on AI training for local nonprofits looking to boost efficiency.
April 11, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Inside The Laundry: A historic space with a new spin
The Laundry blends restored architecture and flexible design to host weddings, corporate events, and celebrations with historic character.
April 11, 2025
 · 
David Stringer