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
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
Toolbox in foreground of photo featuring a group of people wearing white hard hats in museum undergoing renovation
Sponsored
The CMA’s galleries are temporarily closed — here’s why
Sponsored by
Village Idiot
Live
A guide to Columbia’s pizza scene
Dig into Columbia’s must-try pizza shops including local legends, fancier fare, cross-country crusts, and more.
March 20, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Three people are working together in what appears to be a warehouse or workshop with doors and windows. Two individuals wear blue "volunteer" shirts, while one person in a hoodie uses tape and a marker. They seem to be organizing or preparing materials for a project.
Culture
Where to make spring cleaning donations in Columbia
Doing some spring cleaning and have items to donate? Check out these 14 spots in the Columbia area accepting clothing and supply donations.
March 19, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A close up of the white blossoms of the Bradford pear tree.
Culture
The Bradford pear tree in Columbia, SC
You may see — or smell — these trees around Cola this spring.
March 14, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
SC Phil
Sponsored
Classical music meets casual cool
Sponsored by
A GIF of attendees holding lanterns at Artista Vista.
Sponsored
This event will get your creative juices flowing
Sponsored by
A ruby-throated hummingbird with green feathers on its back, black wings, and a red throat. It's perched on a tree branch.
Culture
When and where to spot hummingbirds in Columbia
Birds like the ruby-throated hummingbird will be appearing in Columbia in the spring — find out where you can go to catch a sighting.
March 11, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A group of kids raising their hands in excitement.
Sponsored
It’s time to register for summer camp at EdVenture
Don’t wait to sign up for these can’t-miss camps for kids.
Sponsored by
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Business
Can you build a startup in 24 hours?
Startup Sprint returns for a free 24-hour challenge at Boyd Innovation Center where teams build and pitch startup business ideas.
November 3, 2025
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David Stringer
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City

Beat the end of daylight saving scaries with these activities in Columbia
The sun may be setting earlier, but Columbia still has plenty to do.
October 30, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City

Just how bad is the traffic in Columbia?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial view of Main Street District buildings at sunset
Business
The local wish list: What Columbia readers say we’re missing
Columbia readers shared their wish list of new businesses they’d like to see in the Midlands.
October 27, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A pothole in the middle of concrete, filled with water.
City

Who ya gonna call? Jot down contact info for these Midlands resources
Don’t be afraid. Concerns about everything from flood damage to environmental health can be solved by getting in touch not with the Ghostbusters, but with these Midlands resources.
October 27, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A graphic that says "Their perfect gift is on this list. Our holiday gift guide just dropped." surrounded by images of gift tags.
Small Business
COLAtoday’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
October 24, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
Tree Lighting Vista 1.png
Events
Vista Lights celebrates 40 years
Vista Lights returns Nov. 20 with live music, local vendors, and the annual tree lighting to kick off Columbia’s holidays.
October 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
2023 Boo-26.jpg
Events
5 family-friendly Halloween happenings
Celebrate spooky season with Halloween happenings around Columbia, from trunk-or-treat trails to eerie zoo nights and family carnivals.
October 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Gingerbread House.jpg
Events
The South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition returns for year three
Get out your rolling pins + roll up those sleeves, Soda Citizens because the South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition is back with its annual gingerbread house competition benefit.
October 22, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Education
It’s Homecoming weekend at USC
USC’s Homecoming Weekend returns Oct. 24–26 with events, tailgates, and a Saturday showdown vs. Alabama.
October 21, 2025
 · 
David Stringer