Support Us Button Widget

Culture

ringoretriever__219538612_1298756973876081_4494481342680904495_n
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
columbia
City
Columbia’s GIS mapping decoded
Did you know the city and the county provide interactive GIS maps of Columbia to connect you to resources and help you get to know your neighborhood?
March 18, 2024
 · 
Sam
A young girl stands in front of an exhibit at the International African American Museum, observing the display
Sponsored
March is the month of perks at the International African American Museum
Sponsored by
A stack of books on a wooden porch swing.
Education
How to submit to our 2024 poetry contest
It’s National Poetry Month, and our readers are invited to submit original poems in a special COLAtoday contest.
March 14, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
A group of individuals is seated across a long table, constructing their own lanterns at a workshop.
Sponsored
Light up the night (+ your creativity)
Make your own lantern and shine bright on parade night.
Sponsored by
Stst pats festival
Festivals
Your guide to the 2024 St. Pat’s Festival in Columbia, SC
Get ready to shamrock out at one of Cola’s biggest events and see what’s going to be new at this year’s St. Pat’s Festival.
March 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
COLA-MM-WINNER-Web (1).png
Culture
COLAtoday’s BBQ bracket champion
You’ve crowned our Midlands BBQ champion as City Limits Q, the West Columbia BBQ restaurant led by James Beard Award nominee Robbie Robinson.
March 10, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
Morihiko Nakahara faces the camera, sitting in an empty theatre with red seats
Sponsored
7 questions for Morihiko Nakahara
We asked the Music Director of the South Carolina Philharmonic what concert he’s most excited about this season, what you might not know about conducting, where he goes on his day off + more.
Sponsored by
A headshot of Ansley Stewart.
Sponsored
Can’t-miss concert: See Ansley Stewart ‘create life out of thin air’
Sponsored by
open book 2024.png All Good Books
Events
Discover Open Book 2024: a literary series featuring renowned authors partnering with All Good Books
Join All Good Books as the Official Seller for Open Book 2024, Hosted by Elise Blackwell and Sponsored by USC’s College of Arts and Sciences. Explore free author events at USC’s Capstone Building.
March 4, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
241080650_279034576988864_3584400468140966347_n
Culture
Asked: How will you spend your Leap Day this year?
This extra day is added to the calendar every four years to keep it synchronized with the Earth’s revolutions around the sun, so what do you plan to do with your extra time this Leap Day?
February 27, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Load More
Latest News
More from COLAtoday
COLA-SearchBar-Feed.png
City
What Soda Citizens googled this year
2024’s Google Year in Search is out — check out what Soda Citizens were searching most this year (it might surprise you).
December 17, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
Gervais Street Columbia-8497.jpg
City
Columbia’s 25 questions for 2025
For the new year, we’re asking readers to submit their top questions about the Soda City for us to answer.
December 16, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
IMG_1502

Where to ski, snowboard, and tube near Columbia, SC this winter
We’re crossing our fingers for some Midlands snow, but the good news is we’re a short drive from spots to ski, snowboard, and tube near Columbia, SC.
December 16, 2024
 · 
Stephanie Freeman
Cayce courts.jpeg
Sports
A new pickleball tournament is coming to Columbia
Calling all pickleball players — the Professional Pickleball Association is partnering with local organizations to host a tournament for amateur and aspiring professional pickleball players over the weekend of March 28-30.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
snow
Weather
The history of snow in Columbia, SC
From snowstorms to memorable snowfalls and winter weather locals can expect to see later this season, we’re recapping the history of snow in Columbia.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Big Apple-4891.jpg
Culture
Which locations around Columbia deserve a historical marker?
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Columbia?
December 13, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Gamecock WIlly B.JPG
Sports
5 nuggets of Gamecock news you may have missed
From awards to NIL deals, coaching staff changes, and more, here is recent Gamecock news you may have missed this week.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
IMG_0475.JPG
Food
Meet the Midlands social media foodies
Discover local food influencers shaping the Midlands dining scene. From trending new openings to hidden gems, these accounts showcase must-try dishes, event highlights, and foodie adventures. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something new, these insiders have recommendations for everyone.
December 10, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Fireworks at Famously Hot New Year
Events
How and where to celebrate New Years in Columbia, Sc
Whether you want to be home before Midnight or be out on the town at Midnight, there are several ways to ring in the new year around Columbia.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
IMG_7031.JPG
Events
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s Wild Lights ranked for best zoo lights
Riverbanks Zoo’s Wild Lights dazzles with over 60 glowing lanterns of animals, plants, and pollinators. Enjoy nightly snowfall, Santa visits (through Dec. 23), cozy igloo rentals, and more through Sunday, Jan. 12.
December 6, 2024
 · 
David Stringer