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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City
How does recycling in Columbia, SC work?
Don’t know what to do with a specific item or where to start if you’re curious about recycling in Columbia? We’ve got you.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A GIF of attendees at the Southern Roots BBQ Reunion festival.
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Get to the root of smokin’ good barbecue
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Cottontown Art Crawl
Events
Your guide to the 2025 Cottontown Art Crawl
Explore 170 artists, live music, food trucks, and interactive art at the Cottontown Art Crawl, a free, family-friendly event.
March 6, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
cafe strudel
Play
40+ great brunch restaurants to try in Columbia
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Cola, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
The word "Columbia!" written in the style of the Jeopardy logo with a skyline photo beneath the text.
Culture
Columbia’s ‘Pop Culture Jeopardy’ category
The trivia game didn’t feature many Columbia questions, but the city has many pop culture facts — do you know them?
March 3, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Children throwing balls in a game at a YMCA of Columbia summer camp.
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Give your kid a summer of growth and adventure
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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
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
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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
A GIF of performers playing instruments and festival goers enjoying the St. Pats in Five Points festival in Columbia.
Sponsored
🍀 This festival is going to be clover the top
St. Pats in Five Points is SC’s largest one-day festival, featuring live music, a festive parade, and plenty of Irish-inspired food + fun.
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Food
Methodical Coffee opens in the BullStreet District
Methodical Coffee is now soft open in Columbia’s BullStreet District, serving drinks while its bakery nears completion.
October 21, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Voodoo Brewing Co. Lexington to celebrate Grand Opening
Voodoo Brewing Co. Lexington will host a grand opening on Friday, Nov. 7, serving Pennsylvania-brewed craft beers, local food, and hosting community events downtown.
October 20, 2025
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City
SC rolls out new SC250 license plates
New SC license plates feature the Moultrie Flag and the phrase “Where the Revolutionary War Was Won.”
October 20, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A graphic that says "Voting is now open."
City
Voting is officially open for COLAtoday’s Best
Show some love to your fave businesses in Columbia.
October 20, 2025
 · 
Staff
columbia
Government
Here’s how to join a city board or commission in Columbia
Want to get involved locally but don’t know how? Browse through the City of Columbia’s city boards and commissions that have vacancies and apply.
October 16, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
763 Meeting Street Antique Mall
Small Business
Happy Hauling: flea markets, trade, vintage, and resale shops in Columbia
Here’s the deal — the flea market and vintage shopping scene is stellar in the Soda City
October 15, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Food
A guide to Columbia, SC breweries
Columbia’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, with longtime favorites expanding, new taprooms opening, and several breweries closing their doors as the industry reshapes after a decade of growth.
October 13, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Rendering of a six-story brick and glass building planned for the corner of Bull Street and Elmwood Avenue in downtown Columbia, featuring street-level retail, large windows, and residential balconies above.
Development
Astral Development plans Bull Street + Elmwood project
Astral Development plans a 483,000 sqft mixed-use project at Bull Street and Elmwood, set to break ground in spring 2026.
October 13, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Culture
Go picking in these pumpkin patches around Columbia
It’s the season of the pumpkins, so we’re rounding up a list of places to go picking. Check out these patches, farms, and nurseries.
October 8, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
The-Figure-8-historical-marker-in-Columbia-SC
History
Columbia’s historical markers: The Figure 8
The number eight symbolizes South Carolina’s history — from the eight Lords Proprietors and colonial rulers to becoming the nation’s eighth state.
October 7, 2025
 · 
David Stringer