History

History

USC exhibit marks America’s 250th

A new USC exhibit explores 250 years of revolution and rare South Carolina artifacts.

February 16, 2026 01:22 PM

David Stringer

History

5 ways to honor Black history in Columbia

Discover more about Columbia’s African American history.

February 4, 2026

David Stringer

Events

Ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Columbia and how to commemorate his life and legacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

January 15, 2026

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

Culture

15 Historic street names in Columbia

Columbia, SC has 230+ years of history. In this guide, we’re diving into the city’s oldest streets and how they got their names.

September 30, 2025

David Stringer

Events

Choose your own adventure at the SC State Fair

This year’s theme, Harvesting Happiness, sets the stage for rides, foods, music, and competitions at the SC State Fair.

September 29, 2025

David Stringer

History

Do you remember the 21st night of September in Columbia?

Do you remember the 21st night of September? Join us on a trip down memory lane to see what was happening in Columbia this week throughout the years.

September 18, 2025

David Stringer

Live

A Guide to Midlands Museums

With a history dating back thousands of years, museums in the Midlands showcase the history of the area, from the earliest settlers to the the trains that transformed cities and towns.

September 17, 2025

David Stringer

Betty Lane Cherry smiling and holding a small box of peaches next to a large wooden crate labeled “South Carolina Peaches” on an airport tarmac.

Food

Before Instagram, there was Miss Fruit Salad

Betty Lane Cherry promoted South Carolina peaches nationwide during a 1950s agricultural marketing campaign.

July 15, 2025

David Stringer

Live

40+ murals in Columbia

Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.

July 9, 2025

David Stringer

History

Deconstruction begins at historic 900 Main St.

Deconstruction is underway on the historic 900 Main St. building, preserving materials, memories, and a mural.

June 9, 2025

David Stringer

More from COLAtoday

Arts

Design & Shine fashion show heads to Camp Cole

Camp Cole collaboration brings inclusive fashion, local artists, and a sold-out runway show to Eastover.

March 2, 2026

Festivals

215 artists take over Cottontown’s front porches this Saturday

Cottontown’s front porches transform into an open-air gallery with art, live music, and food trucks on Saturday, March 7.

March 2, 2026

David Stringer

Musicians on a stage in the daylight. The stage reads "ColaJazz Fest" and there are rows of seated people. The group on the right have lawn chairs while the people on the left sit at tables.

ColaJazz Fest heads to Finlay Park with international jazz talent

The free May 15–16 festival features Martin Bejerano, Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso, Endea Owens, and more at Finlay Park.

February 26, 2026

David Stringer

Arts

Rodney McMillian returns for major CMA spring exhibition

Columbia-born artist Rodney McMillian debuts a wide-ranging solo exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art this spring.

February 26, 2026

David Stringer

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.

February 26, 2026

David Stringer

Events

Spring Game replaced by Darius Rucker concert and block party

Spring football gives way to a Darius Rucker–headlined concert and free Garnet & Black block party on Saturday, April 11.

February 25, 2026

David Stringer

Gather COLA_ PeopleinSpace (PHOTO BY CITY SOCIAL) Large.png

Small Business

SOCO opens new coworking Space at Gather COLA

SOCO opens a 9,500-sqft coworking space inside Gather COLA in the BullStreet District.

February 25, 2026

David Stringer

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.

February 24, 2026

David Stringer

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

Morgan O’Neal

Events

Editor’s Pick: Big Percy on display at SC State Museum

A Mount Pleasant artisan’s massive sweetgrass basket is now on display at the South Carolina State Museum.

February 19, 2026

David Stringer