• “I appreciate that they’re here, but I love when they go home. The traffic gets better, and the whole dynamic of the city changes. I love it!” — Brandie M.
  
• “There is something about the hustle and bustle of watching the kids going to class. Brings back memories of doing it myself! I’ll be glad for less traffic but happy to see them back in August!” — Lisa C.
  
• “I LOVE it! I work at USC and getting around is so much easier. But glad to see the city fill back up in the fall (okay, sort of)” — Brandi L.
  
• “Best time of the year is when all the students leave!” — Morgan B.

• Architectural Scavenger Hunt | Monday, May 8-Wednesday, May 31 | 9 a.m. | City of Columbia, Columbia | Free | Join the fun with this month-long, citywide, architectural scavenger hunt. Find and scan QR codes on buildings in and around Columbia’s historic districts to learn history and register for a chance to win a prize.

• Gamecock Baseball vs. North Florida Ospreys Baseball | Tuesday, May 9 | 8 a.m. | Founders Park, 431 Williams St., Columbia | $12-$15 | Root root root for the home team as they play against the North Florida Ospreys in Founders Park.
• Bluey’s Big Play at the Koger Center for the Arts | Tuesday, May 9-Wednesday, May 10 | 6 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $39+ | Enjoy a brand new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s television series.
• Sip & Plant: Native Perennial Focus | Tuesday, May 9 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $45 | Get your hands in the dirt and plant your own perennial arrangement in a 14″ container that you’ll take home with you and watch pollinators thrive in your own home garden.

• The Market at Richland Library | Wednesday, May 10, Wednesday, Jun. 7 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Free | Shop your community to get fresh produce, meet your new favorite author or pick out an interesting piece of art.

• 2023 Red, White, and Brews | Thursday, May 11 | 5-8 p.m. | Irmo Town Park, 7330 Carlisle St., Irmo | $40-$50 | Meet at Irmo Town Park for an evening of hand-selected wines, craft beer from KW Beverage, food from local restaurants, live music from Rhythm 54, and laser tag.
• Art Blossoms at the Columbia Museum of Art | Thursday, May 11 | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Event prices vary | For Mother’s Day weekend, the museum will be home to four dazzling days of flowers and art, celebrated with special events, classes, demonstrations, and more.

• Ag & Art Tour of Aiken County | Saturday, May 13-Sunday, May 14 | Times vary | Participating Tour Sites in Aiken County | Free | This free event features farms, markets, and artists — this year, the tour includes nine tour sites across Aiken County.*

• $65 per person for WIP and YLS Donors
• $75 for the general public
• $85 at the door*

• The Columbia Chamber is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow at 9 a.m. at St. Lawrence Place. The Columbia Chamber’s Leadership Columbia Class of 2023 enhanced the interior + exterior of the community center that serves as a transitional shelter and offers support services for families experiencing homelessness.

• India Brown — a Columbia native and NAACP Image Award Nominated Author — is launching a new book titled “Rhythm & Muse.” On May 30 from 6-7 p.m., India will be hosting a book launch party at All Good Books. Pre-order her book.

• Last Friday, American Airlines restarted its nonstop service from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City. This is the third nonstop service option the Columbia Metropolitan Airport offers passengers to NYC. The first flight departs Columbia at 6 a.m. and the second flight, coming in mid-August, will likely have an afternoon departure.

• Travel back in time to the roaring ’20s by taking a Ford Tri-Motor Tour. Book a flight aboard one of the first luxury airliners that helped mark the beginning of commercial flights + fly out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) between May 11-14. Read more about the flying adventure here.
• Itching to take a vacation? We’re always in support of time off + self care — so we’ve rounded up five drool-worthy vacation spots to help you plan. This romantic chateau in Nova Scotia is one of our favorites on the list. See the rest.

• The free Upside app gets you cash back on everyday purchases at 50,000+ locations nationwide, from gas stations to restaurants and grocery stores. Frequent users earn ~$340 per year. Bonus: Use code COLA25 for an extra 25 cents per gallon cash back on your first tank of gas.*

• She doesn’t need another bouquet of flowers — give mom the gift of learning a new language instead. Bonus: Get 55% off.*
• It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and we’re helping you choose the perfect gift for your favorite educators. Show them love with Marble and Steel Craft Chocolates or a handwritten note using a Joy Paper Co. card.

Take up a new hobby or take a local class

Read a new book

Eat at restaurants you haven’t been to in a while or find a new favorite.

Adopt or foster a local pet

• Final Victory Animal Rescue
• Pawmetto Lifeline
• City Of Columbia Animal Services
• PETSinc