Entertainment

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Sports
What’s new at Founders Park for South Carolina Baseball
Opening Weekend begins Friday, Feb. 13 with a Friday doubleheader and new upgrades at Founders Park.
February 11, 2026 03:05 PM
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David Stringer
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Entertainment
Carolina Band wins Metallica Marching Band Competition
USC’s band won Metallica’s collegiate competition with a halftime tribute, earning a national prize and a spot in EA Sports’ game.
February 2, 2026
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David Stringer
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Entertainment
St. Pat’s in Five Points announces 2026 lineup
Get to know the musical lineup that will keep you entertained at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day in Five Points Festival, the largest one-day fest in South Carolina.
January 20, 2026
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David Stringer
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City
Meet Experience Columbia SC’s 2026 ambassadors
Experience Columbia SC introduces its 2026 ambassadors, highlighting locals shaping how visitors experience the Midlands.
January 15, 2026
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David Stringer
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Entertainment
Live in the Lobby Jazz shares full 2026 concert lineup
ColaJazz Foundation and the Koger Center announce seven intimate jazz performances running from February through December.
January 13, 2026
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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
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Samantha Robertson
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Play
Date night ideas for every type of Columbian
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date night in Soda City.
August 20, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
The ColaJazz Fest Main Stage with a band performing. Two people are in front playing horns while there are four performers in the background on a saxophone, a cello, drums, and a guitar.
Culture
Main Street Jazz Fest returns May 10 + May 11
The ColaJazz Foundation organized this show that will bring five musicians to a free Saturday show on Main Street.
April 16, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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 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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Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Columbia
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
March 30, 2026
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David Stringer
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Riverfront vision takes shape
Columbia kicks off public input on a 100-acre Congaree Riverfront District with a meeting on Wednesday, April 1.
March 26, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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 25, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Festivals
Columbia’s newest book festival is turning the page to year two
Columbia’s book festival returns Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29 with author talks, panels, and events across downtown venues.
March 23, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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BizBrief
Women leaders making waves in Columbia
We asked our readers which women leaders in Columbia business are making history today — you nominated local CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs shaping the region’s future.
March 19, 2026
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Cat George
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Food
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Columbia
Dining in Columbia is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
March 18, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Arts
Free concerts return to Koger Center lawn
Free concerts return to the Koger Center lawn this year with 10 Levitt AMP shows spanning spring Saturdays and fall Thursdays.
March 17, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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City
Celebrating Women’s History Month through art in Columbia, SC
Women’s History Month is in full swing in Columbia — here are a few ways to support local women in the arts.
March 17, 2026
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Arts
Knight Foundation awards $280K to Columbia arts and civic engagement projects
Six Columbia organizations receive $280,512 from the Knight Foundation to support arts programming, Finlay Park activation, and civic engagement initiatives.
March 16, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Sports
The return of the Capital City Bombers
The Fireflies revive the Capital City Bombers at Segra Park July 10–12 with throwback merch, promotions, and Columbia baseball history.
March 12, 2026
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David Stringer