Culture

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City
12+ activities for older adults in Columbia
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.
April 09, 2026 01:17 PM
 · 
David Stringer
Colorful fireworks light up the night sky above Segra Park
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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
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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.
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Light up the night (+ your creativity)
Make your own lantern and shine bright on parade night.
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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
Morihiko Nakahara faces the camera, sitting in an empty theatre with red seats
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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.
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City
Columbia’s April Fools’ roundup
Columbia businesses brought the laughs this April Fools’ Day with fake expansions, secret snacks, and imaginative (but fake) announcements.
April 2, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A white brick building with a stepped roofline houses a bookstore named "All Good Books." The store's name is painted in bold, dark blue letters with a small lantern logo on the left. A leafless tree casts branch-like shadows on the facade under a clear blue sky.
Culture
5 independently owned bookstores in Columbia
Find your next page-turner at these bookstores in Columbia where you can browse titles and literally support small businesses.
April 1, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Yellow flowers outside
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Dig into sustainable gardening at this free workshop
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The Columbia skyline | Photo by COLAtoday team
Culture
6 unbelievable Columbia and South Carolina headlines
These stories look like they’re stranger than fiction, but there are no jokes here. All of these headlines really found their way into the news.
March 31, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Bartell Boykin (photo by Lester Boykin).jpeg
Arts
Meet Columbia’s Poet Laureate
Jennifer Bartell Boykin is currently in a four-year role where she uses her background in poetry to encourage appreciation for the art.
March 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City
Riverbanks Reflects on Koshka’s Life and Legacy
Riverbanks Zoo reflects on the life of Koshka, a nearly 20-year-old Amur tiger and symbol of conservation efforts.
March 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Tables with white tablecloths line the streets with dozens of people facing the stage. The stage has two visible performers, two singers and a person on the keyboard.
Culture
Live on Lincoln 2025 lineup announced
The showcase of local talent will feature over 10 organizations to raise funds supporting local art and cultural organizations
March 27, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
CLTtoday_Carolina Cup_March 2025
Tourism and Hospitality
The Carolina Cup gallops toward its 90th year
The horses and pageantry of the annual Carolina Cup return to Camden, SC on Saturday, March 29.
March 26, 2025
 · 
Jack VanderToll
A statue of Cocky the Gamecocks mascot and a large, red brick building in the background.
Culture
Support USC through its Give 4 Garnet campaign
The gift-giving effort aims to support university departments, and your support can help causes unlock financial bonuses.
March 25, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The exterior of the Richland main library with a banner for Read Freely Fest hanging about the rounded, glass front doors.
Culture
Richland Library’s inaugural Read Freely Fest coming to Columbia
The library’s free, family-friendly festival will feature author talks, book sales, and entertainment across across three day.
March 25, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil