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
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Adult with small child on her lap, coloring with markers in a museum lobby
Sponsored
10 free ways to enjoy the CMA this summer
From May 24 through September 1, South Carolinians can enjoy the Columbia Museum of Art’s 27 galleries and all the different ways to explore them — plus a range of exciting events — admission-free.
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Culture
Answered: What if... Columbia looked like this?
From skytrams that go over 378 to river development and pedestrian bridges, here are some of your answers for What if... Columbia looked like this?
May 31, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Four people sitting inside a planetarium watching lasers.
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Add to cal: A stellar symphony of lights and sound
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An image of the SC Philharmonic performing at Segra Park with fireworks lighting up the night sky.
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🇺🇸 Celebrate America’s birthday with live music and fireworks
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Kids playing with water toys
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Celebrate summer at this fun and educational party for kids
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Culture
Asked: What if Columbia, SC looked like this?
Dream big, Columbians. We want to hear your whackiest, wonkiest, dreamiest, funniest, what if Columbia ideas.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Cantina 76 honeysuckle margarita 3
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Columbia, SC from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
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Remember D-Day with a new exhibition at SCSM
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Three female teens looking at a piece of pottery in an art museum gallery
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Free summer at the Columbia Museum of Art
Sponsored by
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Arts
Vista Guild announces arts donations
The Congaree Vista Guild announced $12,000 in donations to local performing arts groups from the Live on Lincoln event, the finale of the 32nd Annual Artista Vista. The event featured a gallery crawl, lantern-making workshops, and the first Live Art Mart.
May 22, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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Wisteria
Travel and Outdoors
What’s with the wisteria in Soda City?
The story behind the purple flowers that look like grapes and usually blooms in the spring in Columbia an the surrounding areas.
April 10, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Columbia’s art scene takes center stage
A weekend of art, performances, and community events returns to Columbia’s Vista April 11–13.
April 9, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
U-pick strawberries in the Midlands
Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.
April 9, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
10 pimento cheeseburgers to try in the Soda City
Celebrate National Pimento Cheese Day with 10 must-try pimento cheeseburgers in Columbia — plus a bonus pizza twist.
April 8, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City
Celebrating The Great Gatsby at USC
USC’s exhibit celebrates The Great Gatsby at 100 with rare artifacts, first editions, and global literary context.
April 8, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A brick building with the word "Anderson's" over the door. There's a yellow Papa Jazz sign over the door and a placard outside with the store name and an illustrated vinyl record saying the store buys, sells, and trades record.
City
Record Store Day 2025 in Columbia, SC
Celebrate Record Store Day and support your favorite local record shop.
April 8, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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10 Columbia area ice cream scoops
Cool off with a handscooped cone at one of these Columbia area ice cream shops.
April 7, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Gamecocks players stand on the court with their arms around each other before a basketball game.
Sports
Gamecocks women’s basketball finish 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament as runners up
USC lost in the championship game, but they an impressive season — look at their accomplishments and successes in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.
April 6, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Culture
13 free things to do in Columbia
You don’t need to spend a lot to have a good day in Columbia. With this guide, you won’t need to spend anything but time.
April 3, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Conagree National Park
Events
Catch Congaree’s fireflies glow
Enter the lottery for a chance to experience Congaree National Park’s synchronous firefly display.
April 3, 2025
 · 
David Stringer