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
Three framed works of art showcasing variations of a photographic image featuring a girl wearing a coat and holding a stuffed animal, her face obscured
Sponsored
Try This: Two moving exhibitions exploring history and identity at the CMA
Join us as we recap our experience touring “Interior Lives: Modern American Spaces, 1890-1945" and “Darrel Ellis: Regeneration” at the Columbia Museum of Art.
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Colorful fireworks light up the night sky above Segra Park
Sponsored
Countdown to the Columbia Fireflies’ opening week at Segra Park
The team is bringing back popular themed nights for the 2024 season, including Star Wars Night and Harry Potter Night.
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Children sit in a theater as they watch an IMAX film titled 'Superpower Dogs' inside a digital dome at the South Carolina State Museum.
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See your furry best friend in a whole new light
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A woman and two children gaze at the fossilized head of a dinosaur on display.
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A Spring Break escapade for the whole family
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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
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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
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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
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History
The history of St. Pat’s in Five Points
St. Pat’s in Five Points grew from a small gathering into Columbia’s biggest festival.
March 12, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A ruby-throated hummingbird with green feathers on its back, black wings, and a red throat. It's perched on a tree branch.
Culture
When and where to spot hummingbirds in Columbia
Birds like the ruby-throated hummingbird will be appearing in Columbia in the spring — find out where you can go to catch a sighting.
March 11, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A view of downtown columbia with the South Carolina Monument to the Confederate Dead and Synous building in the shot.
City
Downtown Columbia reimagined with its Strategic Plan and Design Guidelines draft
Residents are invited to give feedback on the plan that outlines its objectives with six “big ideas” for downtown Columbia.
March 11, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Sports
The battle of the “real USC”
South Carolina and Southern Cal will face off in a two-year series, “The Real SC,” with games in 2025 and 2026.
March 10, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Work
The top industries and employers in the Columbia metro area
The Columbia metro area covers Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Richland counties.
March 10, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
State House -0289
City
Choose the coolest thing made in South Carolina
The ClimateCool Smartbed, made in Irmo, is a finalist in SC’s “Coolest Thing” contest.
March 10, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
City
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center hits four-millionth visitor
The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center celebrated this major milestone boosting tourism, events, and business growth.
March 7, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City
How does recycling in Columbia, SC work?
Don’t know what to do with a specific item or where to start if you’re curious about recycling in Columbia? We’ve got you.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Cottontown Art Crawl
Events
Your guide to the 2025 Cottontown Art Crawl
Explore 170 artists, live music, food trucks, and interactive art at the Cottontown Art Crawl, a free, family-friendly event.
March 6, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
cafe strudel
Play
40+ great brunch restaurants to try in Columbia
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Cola, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson