🌦️ Expect highs around 55° + a rainy Saturday
Events
Friday, Aug. 18
Let’s Speak English | Friday, Aug. 18 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join in on a virtual conversation session via Zoom and practice speaking English in a relaxed setting.
Eddie Montgomery | Friday, Aug. 18 | 6 p.m. | Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St., Lexington | $44 | This high-energy show will keep the audience on their feet the entire night.
Friday Night Laser Lights | Friday, Aug. 18 | 6-10 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $10 | Enjoy the last Friday Night Laser Lights of the summer — this special experience features the music of Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Queen, and Prince.*
Saturday, Aug. 19
Soda City Comic Con | Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20 | Times vary | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia | $5-$40 | With over 150 artists, vendors, guests, and cosplayers, there’s something for every member of your family.
Love, Peace, and Hip-Hop presents: Hip-Hop Family Day | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 12-6 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | Free | Founded a decade ago by FatRat Da Czar on the principles of love, peace, unity, and having fun, Hip-Hop Family Day offers a free, family-friendly hip-hop music festival.
Gamecock Central Kickoff Party | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 1-11 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | $20-$100 | Enjoy beers and live music from Patrick Davis and The Midnight Choir.
Italian Wine Tasting | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 3-4 p.m. | Hampton Street Vineyard, 1207 Hampton St., Columbia | $33 | Explore the diversity of Italian wines from famous regions such as Piedmont to obscure wines from the volcano of Etna.
Sunday, Aug. 20
Columbia Punk Flea Market | Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20 | Jamil Shrine Temple, 206 Jamil Rd., Columbia | $5-$10 | If you are a fan of weirdo art, vinyl records, vintage clothes, or possibly a collector of strange and unusual things, this event is for you.
Nutcracker Auditions - Columbia City Ballet | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 1 p.m. | Columbia Conservatory of Dance, 1545 Main St., Columbia | $20 | There is a dress code for all dancers, so click the event link for more information.
Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 1-4 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia | Free | On 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.
It’s official, Soda Citizens. Bierkeller Columbia — Columbia’s original riverfront Biergarten — is softly opened and serving up German-inspired beers + food. Bierkeller asks that locals be patient as they get things rolling. A grand opening will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
Transit
In case you missed it, yesterday was move-in day for many USC students, which means traffic may be a bit crazy this week, especially considering that South Main’s construction project is happening in the midst of move-in. See the schedule for move-in and plan accordingly for your commute.
Fun Fact
Speaking of move-in schedules, Soda City will be shifting to the 1500-1700 blocks on Main Street this weekend and the next (Saturday, Aug. 19 + Aug. 26) to accommodate students moving into The Hub.
Viral
Get a chuckle out of this reel we posted that showcases what it’s like to drive down Malfunction Junction on I-26.
Eat
đź‘€ A preview of a new menu
Lettuce introduce you to SakiTumi’s new grill menu. | Photo provided by SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar
New menu, who’s this? SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar has revamped their grill menu to feature new, tapas-style items (while still serving up classic faves).
The new menu features creative and delicious dishes perfect for sharing + pairing with sushi. Think:
Take a visit through the city, or get off the grid with Ann Arbor’s scenic nature views. | Photo via @annarbor
When you ask a Columbusite about their top 100 places to visit, you probably won’t find Ann Arbor, Michigan on that list — unless the Buckeyes are playing there. It’s the home of OSU’s biggest rival, but beyond the sports field is a city full of local restaurants, scenic views of nature, and great shopping.
Act like a local
Food: It’s required that you stop by Zingerman’s Deli + grab a sandwich made with in-house deli meats, cheeses, and other toppings.
Outdoor: Explore the hilly 146-acre Bird Hills Nature Area which is home to hiking trails, wildlife, and rare plant species.
Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Going offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*
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Award
The 2023 Etsy Design Award Winners are here. Check out extraordinary, imaginative items including cactus leather bags, whimsical dandelion lamps, and donut mugs.
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