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
Pumpkin
Culture
How to recycle your pumpkins and help a local farmer
Here’s what you can do with your leftover pumpkins and how they could help out a local farmer in Columbia.
November 1, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Metallic watercolor presents and stars with the text "unwrap carefully curated gift guides this season"
Retail
2023 Holiday Gift Guide: 39 gifts you can buy right now
Shop the most popular gifts of the 2023 holiday season, plus gifts that support small businesses and the best holiday wrapping paper to tie it all up in.
November 1, 2023
Third Eye Man
Culture
Happy Halloween, Soda Citizens — come read a ghost story that was written by you.
We asked, and you answered. Created out of submissions from our readers, we put together a local, fictional ghost story.
October 30, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Male artist wearing a beanie and denim jacket paints details onto the jaw of a Megalodon replica
Sponsored
Local podcast rec: Check out “Our State, Our Stories”
Sponsored by
Newberry Opera House exterior at night with holiday lights
Sponsored
Get in the holiday spirit at Newberry Opera House
Sponsored by
Salad
Sponsored
Doctors’ Orders: Eating healthy at Mr. Friendly’s
Dr. Meleigh Groff of Lexington Family Practice weighs in on what she would order at this iconic local eatery.
Sponsored by
Friarsgate skate park
City
Friarsgate Skate Park is coming along and there’s an end in sight
A project born out of an idea for community space, Friarsgate Skate Park, will likely be complete at the end of 2024. We’re recapping the project timeline and providing an update.
October 20, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Image from The State Newspaper in 1988 depicting the South Carolina State Museum and a sign announcing its upcoming opening
Sponsored
The South Carolina State Museum is turning 35 (but its story is much older)
From mill to museum, we’re exploring the history of how SCSM came to be — and how South Carolinians can celebrate its big anniversary.
Sponsored by
A girl carving a pumpkin.
Culture
See the winning pumpkin from our 2023 jack-o-lantern contest
Finalist: Mean Muggin’ by Emily C.
October 19, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A USC Gamecocks mascot with a pride flag.
Culture
Your preview of the Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival
South Carolina Pride Movement’s Pride Week is in full swing, with the Pride Festival kicking off this weekend.
October 18, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
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More from COLAtoday
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Tourism and Hospitality
Experience Columbia SC Sports awarded Governor’s Cup
ECSC won the Governor’s Cup for the Rivals in Red Tour, boosting Columbia’s economy with 70,000 visitors and $13 million.
February 13, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Fern Studios Vtines | COLAtoday
Culture
Where to find last-minute Valentine’s gifts in Columbia
There are many local spots selling flowers, chocolates, and other sweets that make perfect gifts for Valentine’s day and beyond.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Events
💌 Valentine’s events happening around Columbia
From gals to pals and everyone in between, we’ve rounded up Valentine’s events around Columbia for you and your special someone.
February 11, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
GATHER COLA Rendering.jpg
Development
GATHER COLA coming to BullStreet District
GATHER COLA, a 32,286-sqft open-air food hall with dining, retail, bars, and office space, opens late 2025 in The BullStreet District.
February 10, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
SCDMV.jpg
How to get your REAL ID in Columbia
The deadline to obtain your REAL ID is coming up on May 7, 2025 — here’s how and why to get one in South Carolina.
February 10, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
city of columbia
Culture
Stay on track with your New Year’s resolution in Columbia
Keep the momentum going with local recommendations to eat healthier, save money, and spend more time with your loved ones.
February 7, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Events
Your Guide to Super Bowl LIX in Columbia
Find Super Bowl LIX watch parties, local food deals, and Columbia connections for the Eagles vs. Chiefs showdown.
February 6, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Sponsored
Add to cal: Wicked Weed Oyster Roast
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Cosmo pay | COLAtoday
City
Columbia to install T2 Cosmo Pay Stations on Main Street
The new parking system will allow customers to pay using credit cards or the Passport app as the city prepares to increase parking fees.
February 5, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A small brown dog in a blue "Team Fluff" bandana and a Chihuahua.
Entertainment
Two South Carolina dogs will appear in ‘Puppy Bowl XXI’
The pre-Super Bowl game will feature a member of Team Fluff and a senior dog in a coaching role.
February 5, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil