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
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Sports
Summer baseball forecast
You won’t want to miss these upcoming baseball games from our local Minor League Baseball team, the Fireflies.
June 19, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Five ice cream cones and lots of sprinkles.
Food
Get a taste of Columbia as a flavor of ice cream
From sweet tea to peach, here are what ice cream flavors you said best describe our city.
June 12, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
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Culture
Explore acres of sunflowers at The South Carolina Sunflower Festival at Denver Downs Farm
Hand cut and pick a variety of sunflowers, take photos among the acres of blooms, and enjoy Denver Downs Farm festivities for the South Carolina Sunflower Festival in Anderson, SC.
June 7, 2023
 · 
Kyle Steadings
A black and white photo of a man standing outside the Joyful Alternative's Greene Street shop front.
Culture
Remembering the Joyful Alternative 20 years after its closure
We reflect on the history of Joyful Alternative and share some of our readers’ favorite memories of this counter-culture staple from 1970 to 2003.
June 6, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Crowd experiencing a laser light show at a concert
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Friday Night Laser Lights are back for the summer
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Culture
COLAtoday is hosting Drink Up in July to celebrate beverages and beverages makers
Throughout the month of July, COLAtoday will be sharing content celebrating the beverage industry in our community.
May 26, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
mural
Arts
Get involved with public art in Columbia
One Columbia for the Arts and Culture is hosting a free public dialogue and learning session about public art in the Midlands.
May 18, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
A set of clasped hands with a rainbow ribbon wrapped around one in the forefront.
City
Learn more about how our Municipal Equality Index score has changed over time
We compare our previous Municipal Equality Index scores from the Human Rights Campaign... plus, how that score might change.
May 17, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
An artist on stage while the crowd enjoys a performance during the Nashville Nights summer concert series at Steel Hands Brewing.
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🎶 Experience Nashville songwriters right here in Cola
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Town Theatre musical
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One musical, 65 actors, 24 hours
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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
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City
2024 Columbia Wrapped: Soda City’s top news of the year
Hi Soda Citizens. It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out, and so is ours. Ready to see how our year stacked up?
December 6, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Curiosity Coffee
Events
How you can participate in the Uptown Holiday Hop event happening this weekend
Neighbors and businesses throughout Elmwood, Earlewood, and Cottontown are gathering to host the first Uptown Holiday Hop featuring local art, holiday shopping, an oyster roast, live music, makers markets, and more to foster community on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Culture
Where to see holiday lights around Columbia, SC
Nominate your neighborhoods, share your holiday light-seeing traditions, or even brag about your own house if you decorate at level 10. We’re looking for reader recommendations on where the best holiday light displays are in the Midlands.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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City
New parking fees and fines coming to Columbia in 2025
Columbia’s parking rates will double to $1.50/hour starting Saturday, March 1, with increased fines and a first-hour-free policy for parking decks. The increased revenue will fund system upgrades like kiosks and EV chargers.
December 4, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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City
Build your lantern and join the parade
Welcome the coming light on this, the shortest, darkest day of the year.
December 4, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Holiday pop-up bars around Columbia
Get festive at these seasonal pop-up bars around town.
December 4, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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Culture
Hit the Road: an outdoor adventure to Asheville, NC
December 3, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Sponsored
Experience the seasonal magic of 1600 Main
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City
How walkable are Columbia’s neighborhoods?
This interactive map can help you determine how walkable certain blocks are to destinations like supermarkets, parks, restaurants, and schools.
December 2, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams