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
Planetarium exterior is lit up with purple lights and projected onto the side in white lettering is the phrase, "Amore under the stars."
Sponsored
🌌 When the stars make you drool...
Sponsored by
Columbia's skyline at night_ Photography contest
Culture
See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest
Winner: “Columbia’s Skyline at Night” by Timothy M.
January 30, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
TheGongphoto.png
Arts
“The Gong,” an art sculpture, has been stolen from the Vista’s District
City authorities are investigating the theft of “The Gong,” an art sculpture celebrating late PR executive Marvin Chernoff, known for his contributions to The Vista District.
January 30, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Lula Drake
Food
2024 James Beard Award semifinalists from Columbia
The semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards were announced on Jan. 24. City Limits Barbeque, Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, and Lula Drake Wine Parlour from Columbia were named to the list.
January 24, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A graphic with cartoon candy hearts that have different gift categories written inside, like "Home Goods" and "Books."
Retail
The best Valentine’s Day gifts for 2024
Shop Valentine’s Day chocolates, couple’s games, cookware, candles, and fuzzy socks to spread the love.
January 24, 2024
 · 
Vagney Hampshire
Smoked mocktails
Food
7 places to grab mocktails around Columbia
Explore a symphony of non-alcoholic mocktails around Columbia from seven restaurants that were recommended by our followers.
January 18, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Photos of new green and yellow pain and grocery store signage in EdVenture's children's market in Columbia, SC.
Sponsored
Calling all small shoppers: See EdVenture’s kids’ supermarket renovation
The EdVenture Market, one of many Worlds of Work exhibits, recently underwent a refresh that brings a new and improved shopping experience to the children’s museum.
Sponsored by
Fall on Main Street
Culture
Try this: COLAtoday’s Picture of the Year contest
We’re commemorating 2023 the best way we know how — highlighting local photos through our COLAtoday Picture of the Year contest.
January 10, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A widely grinning person sits before a completed bowl on a pottery wheel, hands wet with clay.
Education
Where to take an adult class in Columbia
Whether you’re looking for athletic classes, art classes, or cooking classes we’ve got recommendations for how to keep learning in Columbia.
January 10, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Cola-skyline-0374
Culture
Asked: Your 2024 local predictions
Peer into the future and use your knowledge of our city to predict what will happen in 2024.
January 8, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Load More
Latest News
More from COLAtoday
Femme Film Fest marquee outside of the Nickelodeon in Columbia
Culture
Femme Film Fest coming to The Nick
The three-day festival will honor International Women’s Day and showcase inspiring works highlighting female filmmakers.
February 25, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
IMG_3526.JPG
Small Business
Wingard’s Market announces annual Spring Fling
Wingard’s Market’s Spring Fling blooms Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, with plant discounts, local vendors, and seasonal finds in Lexington.
February 24, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Riverbanks Summer camp.jpg
City
19 fun-filled local summer camps
Keep your kiddos engaged this summer with camps and programs for science, outdoors, and the arts.
February 24, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Everplay Softball | Cola Today
Culture
An introvert’s guide to Columbia
Looking to break out of your comfort zone as an introvert? Follow your interests and partake in these groups and gatherings.
February 21, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Four trash collectors with pick-up sticks and green trash bags collecting debris from the ground.
City
Keep the Midlands Beautiful’s 2025 visible litter audit results
The environmental nonprofit conducts an annual audit of Richland and Lexington counties to assess the level of visible litter.
February 21, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Birthday Variations_Amanda Assucena_Alberto Velazquez_Yumi Kanazawa_Gayeon Jung_Lucia Connolly_Valeria Chaykina_Photo by Cheryl Mann.jpg
Culture
Joffrey Ballet Joins USC Dance for residency and performance
The Joffrey Ballet partners with USC for a three-week residency, culminating in an Saturday, April 5 performance with USC students and orchestra.
February 20, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
IMG_1080.JPG
City
How Columbia’s Design Review Commission shapes the city
Columbia’s Design Review Commission approved major projects, preservation efforts, and urban developments in 2024, shaping the city’s growth while preserving character.
February 20, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Startup Sprint Boyd Innovation Center-9737.jpg
Business
Building a startup in 24 Hours at the Boyd Innovation Center
Startup Sprint at the Boyd Innovation Center challenged entrepreneurs to build startups in 24 hours.
February 19, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Giving-2025-Lead-Editors-V2_COLA.png
City
Local media matters — so does your support
When you choose to support COLAtoday, you’re investing in more than just a daily newsletter — you’re investing in a stronger, more informed community.
February 19, 2025
 · 
Staff
GATHER COLA Rendering.jpg
Food
Here’s what you’d like to see at GATHER COLA
Readers shared their wishlist for Gather Cola, requesting gluten-free options, Italian, Asian, Greek, Southern food, coffee, seafood, and boutiques.
February 18, 2025
 · 
David Stringer