Support Us Button Widget

Culture

ringoretriever__219538612_1298756973876081_4494481342680904495_n
Play
Dog-friendly businesses guide for Columbia
Explore these dog-friendly businesses in Columbia that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night.
September 10, 2025 03:30 PM
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A satellite image above Columbia. The city is labeled, and four blue lines are going off — one north, one east, one south, and one west — out past the edges of the screen.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Columbia’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of COLA, cities across the world await.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Local authors section at Richland Library
Outdoors
Where would you put an outdoor library in Columbia?
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in Soda City.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Actos onstage tap dancing in production of "Anything Goes"
Sponsored
Raising the curtain on Town Theatre’s 2025-26 season
From “A Christmas Carol” to “Little Shop of Horrors,” Town Theatre’s 106th season has something for every audience member.
Sponsored by
Columbia-SC
Live
Local Gov. 101: Understanding Columbia’s City Council
Class is in session — become familiar with how Columbia’s City Council works, and explore your role as an active citizen.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A GIF of residents of Main Street.
Sponsored
Meet the locals who make Main Street feel like home
From long-time locals to recent transplants, the regulars of Main Street show how Columbia is growing while staying true to its roots.
Sponsored by
The Garvin Design Group team posing for a group photo.
Sponsored
Garvin Design Group marks 22 years of shaping Columbia
Sponsored by
Saluda Shoals Park
Play
28 parks in the Midlands of South Carolina
We’re highlighting the 28 best parks the Midlands has to offer — complete with scenic trails, splash pads, riverfront views, and plenty of space to play, picnic, and relax.
June 25, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
capehartj-74673854_2242473632526072_7191259078347125249_n
Festivals
Columbia’s guide to commemorate Juneteenth and the SC Juneteenth Freedom Festival
Every year, Columbia hosts the SC Juneteenth Freedom Festival (SCJFF) and we’re breaking down how you can get involved around town.
June 16, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Fishing-at-Lake-Murray
Play
5 places to fish around Columbia, including rivers, lakes, and shorelines
Rivers, lakes + streams, oh my. The Midlands has some pretty great freshwater fishing spots and is only about an hour from saltwater. Reference this guide before you fish around Columbia.
June 13, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Columbia Fireflies.gif
Sponsored
Add to cal: A celebration of culture + community
Sponsored by
Load More
Latest News
More from COLAtoday
IMG_4632.jpeg
City
Start streaming these local podcasts
Whether you’re interested in hearing from local business leaders, exploring the art world, or just hearing a good story, there’s a Cola podcast for you.
August 26, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Snapinsta.app_404049132_18271678450095766_8939107176812798210_n_1080.jpg
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
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Close-up of a dire wolf skull cast with sharp canine teeth, displayed at the Florence County Museum in South Carolina.
5 animals that used to roam the Midlands
Unbury Columbia and Florence’s prehistoric past by looking at these five animals that once called the region home before they went extinct.
August 19, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Melrose Market Photo-0385.png
Food
European café–style brasserie + market coming to Gervais Street
A European café–style brasserie and market is opening in Melrose Heights in 2026, with local roots.
August 14, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Helene-9451.png
Weather
How to prepare for hurricane season
This hurricane guide will help you prepare for the 2025 season, which is expected to produce above-normal storm activity in the Atlantic.
August 12, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial concept rendering of Williams-Brice Stadium filled with fans, highlighting proposed renovations such as expanded premium seating on the west side, two large videoboards in the south end zone, and updated concourse areas.
Development
USC announces new partnership to benefit Williams-Brice Stadium
Blanchard Machinery is partnering with USC, funding Williams-Brice upgrades and debuting the first-ever on-field logo.
August 11, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
SSAP-General-Hero-v3.png
City
Want to reach Columbia locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
IMG_3990.JPG
City
Lighting up Columbia: What the skyline should glow for, according to our readers
COLAtoday readers shared ideas for lighting up Columbia’s skyline, from Gamecock wins to local causes and holidays.
August 7, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Azalea Coffee Bar
Live
Your guide to Columbia’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some with our coffee guide, featuring 25+ local coffee shops.
August 6, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
GIF showing the Vista district in Columbia, SC, with a view of the historic brick railroad depot at the corner of Gervais and Gadsden Streets, where Sylvan’s Jewelers is relocating.
Sylvan’s Jewelers first tenant in Vista Depot District
Sylvan’s Jewelers is moving to the Vista this fall, expanding its showroom and Rolex offerings in the SC Railroad Depot.
July 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer