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
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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
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
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 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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Development
Vista block along Senate Street set for redevelopment
The $80 million LOCAL Columbia development will add new apartments, retail space, parking, and streetscape improvements just one block from the State House.
December 10, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Development
Work on 2222 Main View apartments is underway
CF Evans has started building 2222 Main View, a 320-unit luxury apartment project coming to Main Street by 2027.
December 8, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Small Business
Winners announced for COLAtoday’s Best 2025
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
December 8, 2025
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
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City
COLAtoday 2025 Recap: The big news stories of 2025
It’s not just your year in music — we’ve also rounded up your year in local news.
December 4, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Yellow flowers outside
Outdoors
How to turn your Midlands yard into a mini wildlife haven
A grassroots effort is helping Midlands properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
December 3, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Business
Publix to open new downtown store in BullStreet District
Publix will open a new 50,000-sqft downtown store in the BullStreet District, expanding walkable grocery access with construction starting in 2026.
December 3, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Business
Slip 53 to open in Five Points in spring 2026
Slip 53, a coastal-inspired oyster and seafood spot, will open in the former Pecknel Music Co. building.
December 2, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Business
How to shop local on Small Business Saturday
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
November 26, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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1.75 million lights illuminate Segra Park
Here’s what to do, see, and eat during this year’s Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park.
November 24, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Development
All aboard Seaboard Vista, a new mixed-use redevelopment
Seaboard Vista will restore four historic Vista buildings into a 47,590-sqft mixed-use district with dining, retail, offices, and lofts.
November 20, 2025
 · 
David Stringer