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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Culture
How did inflation impact Columbia in March?
The Consumer Price Index indicated inflation was slowing in Columbia in March 2025, and some categories saw costs deflate.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A wooden path on the Saluda Riverwalk on the left with a wooden rail overlooking the Saluda River to the right. Woods and trees are in the background behind the water.
Culture
How to celebrate Earth Day in Columbia
Invest in our planet via local, national, and global Earth Day initiatives.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
Gamecocks players stand on the court with their arms around each other before a basketball game.
Sports
Gamecocks women’s basketball finish 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament as runners up
USC lost in the championship game, but they an impressive season — look at their accomplishments and successes in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.
April 6, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A GIF of United Way volunteers.
Sponsored
Join 1,000 volunteers making a difference in our community
United Way of the Midlands’ Volunteer Week runs from April 21-26 and features 100 projects in need of volunteers.
Sponsored by
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Sponsored
Calling all young performers
Sponsored by
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Culture
13 free things to do in Columbia
You don’t need to spend a lot to have a good day in Columbia. With this guide, you won’t need to spend anything but time.
April 3, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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
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
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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
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
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From the field to the finish line: LIFE Scholarship alumni making an impact
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A guide to the grand re-opening weekend at Finlay Park
Explore all 18 acres of the freshly renovated park and enjoy two days of free live music.
November 12, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Where to pre-order your Thanksgiving dinner
Allergic to your stove? No problem — here’s where to go.
November 12, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Gather COLA set to open in December
Gather COLA officially opens Friday, Dec. 5 with a day long celebration that’s even bringing Santa out.
November 10, 2025
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City
Kick off the holiday season at Devine Night Out
Devine Street transforms into a holiday block party with shopping deals, live music, food, and snow.
November 10, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A map of the United States calling out 6AM City's markets.
City
Local news, powered by readers like you
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.
November 10, 2025
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Staff
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City
Craig Melvin’s Columbia homecoming tour
Columbia looked good on national TV this week.
November 6, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Two lion sisters interact playfully on a rocky habitat at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
Hello and goodbye at Riverbanks Zoo
Get ready to say hello to some new zoo friends and bid farewell to a few others.
November 6, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Business
A first look at the Grand Willow Hotel planned for BullStreet
Renderings show plans for the seven-story Grand Willow Hotel behind REI in Columbia’s BullStreet District.
November 5, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Two Vista restaurants earn spots in inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South
Columbia’s fine-dining scene gets a boost as two Vista staples earn a spot in the MICHELIN Guide.
November 4, 2025
 · 
David Stringer