Four road races to register for

• Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 5k | Saturday, Jan. 18 | $40 | Celebrate MLK’s legacy and kick off the year by walking or running at MLK Park.
• Get to the Green | Saturday, March 15 | $30+ | The St. Pat’s Festival kicks off with Columbia’s largest road race, at 7:30 a.m. Register to run or walk a 5K, 10K, or one-mile family fun run.
• The Governor’s Cup | Friday, April 11 + Saturday, April 12 | $25+ | The road race is several events over two days, including the Main Street Mile, Kid’s Main Street Mile, Half-Marathon, and 5K Run/Walk.
• Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon + 5K | Saturday, Oct. 11 | $15-$55 | The Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon + 5K raises money for Prisma Health’s Breast Center.

Other ways to get steps in

• NESTED | Wednesday, March 1 | 5-8 p.m. | Soulshine Pelvic Health and Wellness, 2744 Millwood Ave. , Columbia | $40-$60 | Your ticket includes 18 vendors, food, cocktails, mocktails, and breakout educational sessions.
• NYC Saxophonist Zaid Nasser Quartet | Wednesday, March 1 | 8-11 p.m. | 711 Saluda Ave., 711 Saluda Ave., Columbia | $10 | New York City jazz legend and saxophonist Zaid Nasser returns to Columbia for this intimate concert at the old Speakeasy/White Mule space in 5 Points.

• First Thursday on Main | Thursday, March 2 | 6-10 p.m. | Main Street, Columbia | Enjoy an evening of live music, great food, and more.
• Storytime in the Garden | Thursday, March 2 | 3:15-4 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia | Free | This event is free, however, space is limited so registration is required for this event.
• Taste of Lake Murray 2023 - Lake Murray’s 4th of July Fundraiser | Thursday, March 2 | 6 p.m. | Doubletree by Hilton, 2100 Bush River Rd., Columbia | $75+ | This exciting evening of local cuisine, drinks, live music, and fun with Lake Murray friends is the sole fundraiser for the Annual 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray.

• Craftsmen’s Classic Art & Craft Festival | Friday, March 3-Sunday, March 5 | Times vary | SC State Fair Grounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia | This event features original designs and works from hundreds of talented artists from across the nation.
• 2023 Greater Irmo Chamber Awards Night & Gala | Friday, Mar. 3-Saturday, March 4 | 6:30-11 p.m. | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia, South Carolina, 2100 Bush River Rd., Columbia | $150-$250 | An evening of fun for all including cocktails, dinner, dancing, and casino-style entertainment.
• Off The Wall & Onto The Stage: Dancing the Art of Jonathan Green | Friday, March 3 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St., Columbia | Columbia City Ballet presents Off the Wall and Onto the Stage: Dancing the Art of Jonathan Green bringing the Gullah-inspired paintings to life through creative choreography and innovative sets.

What we tried (with pricing):

• 82º | Cloudy | 10% chance of rain

• Pannerpete Vintage — a vintage clothing retailer — is hosting the grand opening of its first brick-and-mortar store at 738 Harden St. on Sunday, March 12. It will be open every day of the week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and still be set up every Saturday at Soda City.

• Kickoff St. Pat’s Festival in Five Points this Thursday, March 2. from 5-8 p.m. Join in as the Five Points fountain is dyed green, traditional Irish music is played, kids’ faces are painted, merchants stay open late, and more. The public event is free to attend.

• The City of Columbia is hosting a lemonade + popcorn stand. From 12-2 p.m. on March 3, 10, and 17, head to 3000 Harden St. to raise funds for the upcoming Midlands Heart Walk happening on Saturday, March 25.

• The Columbia Fireflies are seeking contestants to compete in a karaoke contest in front of fans on Thursday, April 20. Chosen contestants will sing their go-to karaoke songs between innings + fan votes will determine who is the best karaoke singer in the Midlands. Karaoke Night auditions are being held by reservation only 🎤

• No. 2. That’s where Columbia ranked in a list of cities that shows where the Gen Z generation is migrating to, according to an article published by Today’s Homeowner. The article uses census data and suggests that warmer climates + lower cost of living play a large role in influencing where Gen Z is moving. 🧳 (Today’s Homeowner)

• Sales are down while prices are climbing for homes in SC. In an article written by The Post and Courier, statewide sales showed the lowest number since 2019 last month. The average home price in SC is ~$300,000 while Columbia’s home prices fall somewhere between $250,000 and $300,000. 🏠

• Colorectal cancer. The fourth most common cancer in the US, colorectal cancer is the overarching name for colon or rectal cancer. Being tied so closely to the gut, it’s no surprise that your diet is the best prevention. See which fiber-rich foods promote colon health + make the biggest impact. 🥑 *

• Score big this March. Visit Greenville, South Carolina, the “Basketball Capital of the South,” for the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. Enjoy all the SEC action while exploring what Forbes names as one of “America’s Best Downtowns.” Plan your visit.*
• What’s your vacation vibe — cozy, luxurious, or chic? For a cozy stay, look no further than this snug and cheerful getaway on beachy St. Simons Island, Georgia. For luxury, book this lush Hawaiian resort on the island of Kaua’i. And for the chicest of stays, peep this renovated house in downtown Charleston.*

• Looking to upgrade your HVAC system? Cool Care Heating and Air is offering a trade-in deal through Sunday, April 30 — get a brand new system, and receive $1,500 for your old one. Note: Only one per service address + this deal cannot be combined with other offers. Call (803) 772-7715 to schedule an appointment.*

• What we’re eyeing: Zulily’s sneaker shop and some fresh kicks for spring. Shop street styles from Nike, versatile New Balance picks, or fashionable Tory Burch sneakers all on sale now. 👟*

• Create a CitySpark account.
• Go to our Events page.
• Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner (or just click here.)
• And voila! Pro tip — we comb through all of our events and mark our top picks as “Editor’s Pick” so you can easily spot the most relevant of the relevant events happening in Cola.