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
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Culture
Go picking in these pumpkin patches around Columbia
It’s the season of the pumpkins, so we’re rounding up a list of places to go picking. Check out these patches, farms, and nurseries.
October 8, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Culture
15 Historic street names in Columbia
Columbia, SC has 230+ years of history. In this guide, we’re diving into the city’s oldest streets and how they got their names.
September 30, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
People swinging on a carnival ride.
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🎡 Get ready for an un-fair-gettable fall tradition
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A group of people racing at the Pumpkin Run.
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Add to cal: Family fun at the Pumpkin Run
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Arts
Where to take music lessons in Columbia
From toddlers to retirees, explore local schools and programs that keep Columbians learning and playing music.
September 25, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A GIF showing performers and attendees at the Cayce Fall Fest.
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Saddle up for fall fun in Cayce
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Live
A Guide to Midlands Museums
With a history dating back thousands of years, museums in the Midlands showcase the history of the area, from the earliest settlers to the the trains that transformed cities and towns.
September 17, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Arts
25 concerts to see in Columbia this fall
From rock and R&B to country and rap, some big tours are coming through the Midlands this fall.
September 16, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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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
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A satellite image above Columbia. The city is labeled, and four blue lines are going off — one north, one east, one south, and one west — out past the edges of the screen.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Columbia’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of COLA, cities across the world await.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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More from COLAtoday
A photograph of the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, lit up at night. The sky is cloudy and dark blue overhead, with the stadium lit up by a flurry of lights on its concourses. Empty entrance gates are in front of the giant structure.
What would a Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony look like in Columbia?
The grand opening of the winter event is today in Northern Italy. We’re imagining how it would go down in the Columbia area.
February 5, 2026
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STAFF
Giant wooden sculpture of a seated, gentle-looking troll amidst lush green forest.
Arts
South Carolina’s first Thomas Dambo troll is coming to Cayce
Danish artist Thomas Dambo is bringing one of his famous upcycled trolls to the Cayce Riverwalk, just minutes from downtown Columbia.
February 4, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
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History
5 ways to honor Black history in Columbia
Discover more about Columbia’s African American history.
February 4, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Entertainment
Carolina Band wins Metallica Marching Band Competition
USC’s band won Metallica’s collegiate competition with a halftime tribute, earning a national prize and a spot in EA Sports’ game.
February 2, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
First look: Columbia Food & Wine 2026
Columbia Food & Wine returns with chef-driven events across town, plus Tastemakers early ticket access and a new USC scholarship.
February 2, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Editor’s Pick: Bird Photographer of the Year lands at SC State Museum
An international bird photography exhibition opens in Columbia this spring, with local bird highlights and the upcoming Flock Fest.
January 28, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Morihiko Nakahara conducting
Arts
Stephen G. Morrison Visionary award returns
The Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award is back, spotlighting individuals whose leadership helped shape Columbia’s creative identity.
January 28, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Event Spotlight: SoulHAUS Sessions with Cecil J. Williams
SoulHAUS Sessions brings civil rights icon Cecil J. Williams to the Koger Center for an intimate artist talk.
January 27, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
The Taste of Lake Murray returns
Tickets are on sale now for Taste of Lake Murray, supporting Lake Murray’s Independence Day fireworks.
January 26, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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City
Applications open for Leadership Columbia Class of 2027
Leadership Columbia offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, issues, and decisions shaping the Midlands.
January 22, 2026
 · 
David Stringer