The Dragon Room, 803 Gervais St.

• The Dragon Room is a Pan-Asian Cocktail Bar from Kristian Niemi, who also owns Black Rooster in West Columbia and Bourbon on Main Street. The new restaurant has hosted several pop-up events where local foodies have lined up before opening for a taste of what’s to come. Everything from the Lobster Rangoon to the “Bulgogi Joe” has been a hit. The restaurant is currently hiring.

The Hoot, 2910 Rosewood Dr. Suite 1

• Soda Citizens Chelsea Ford, Jessica Ochoa, and Will Green, all experienced in the local food scene, are teaming up to open The Hoot — a new bar and restaurant coming to the Rosewood neighborhood. The menu will lean toward serving plant-based bar food with a Southern flair.

MOA, 1333 Main St.

• Korean BBQ, or KBBQ , is entering the downtown dining scene with a new spot on Main Street, across from the Arcade Mall. Sean Kim, owner of 929 Kitchen and Bar and Charlotte’s MOA, and Matt Shannon, bar manager at 929, plan for their new restaurant to provide an upscale experience. Think: similar to Halls Chophouse and Smoked.

• Paddle and Pint | Friday, May 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd. | $47 | After an hour on the water, sample several craft beers.
• DÅZR at Savage Craft Ale Works | Friday, May 19 | 7-10 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia | Free | Sip on some beer as you listen to classic rock, brought to you by DÅZR.
• Kountry Wayne: Help Is On The Way Comedy Tour | Friday, May 19 | 8 p.m. | The Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St., Columbia | $25-$75.50 | The American comedian and social media personality is known for his humorous skits “blue collar” skits and stand-up comedy.

• Mystic Market | Saturday, May 20 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | This mystical market event features herbalists, crystals, hand-made jewelry, tarot readings, human design, reiki mini sessions, art, and more.
• Battle of Congaree Creek | Saturday, May 20 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 12,000 Year History Park, 1120 Fort Congaree Trail, Cayce | Free | Join this free guided tour of the battlefield and visit the earthworks where you’ll learn about the strategies and tactics of both sides.

• Bike Tour: Projects in Preservation and Urban Design | Sunday, May 21 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Downtown Columbia, 1501 Richland St., Columbia | Free with registration| The tour will include behind-the-scenes tours of historic renovation projects.
• Free Sundays Presented by Still Hopes | Modjeska Monteith Simkins House | Sunday, May 21 | 1-4 p.m. | Columbia | Free | The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for free.
• Columbia Conservatory of Dance Commencement Performance 2023 | Sunday, May 21 | 2 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, 7300 College St., Irmo | $10 | Student performances ages 3 1/2 to young adult in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, and Lyrical.

• The Wild Wings at 729 Lady St. in the Vista has closed its doors after 16 years. In a post on its Facebook page, the wing restaurant shared hopes to open a new spot in Columbia soon.

• $1.8 million. That’s how much Columbia City Council approved for renovations at Owen’s Field Park. Upgrades include improved drainage and turf health, a new irrigation system, and Bermuda grass sodding. Future plans and more details will be shared in upcoming community meetings. (Cola Daily)

• River Bluff and Blythewood High Schools baseball teams earned trips to the 5A state championship this year. The best-of-three championship series begins Saturday at River Bluff.

• The Town of Irmo is getting a rebrand with new colors and logos that will better represent the town in digital marketing. Proposed logos include a tree, a half moon, a gazebo (similar to the one at Irmo’s town park), and a refreshed seal with updated icons. Take a look.

• The Lexington Blowfish baseball team will don “Hooties” jerseys in an upcoming game in tribute to Columbia’s own Hootie and the Blowfish. The specialty jerseys are currently up for auction with proceeds benefiting the Lexington Medical Center Foundation.

• MARS 1001, a show that takes viewers into space and across the solar system, is returning to the South Carolina State Museum on Saturday, May 27. The experience tells the fictional story of the Mars IRIS 1 mission that follows a crew’s 1001-day voyage.

• May is Mental Health Awareness month. Learn how patients can address mental health concerns during primary care visits in this ~4-minute listen from MUSC Health.*

• Quick, who’s the next person you’ll buy a gift for? We’ve got 25 gift ideas that will spark joy + are perfect for every budget. One of our favorites? A heated back and neck massager to relieve pressure and tension.

• Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Unlock your home equity.*