06.03.2024

Today’s Forecast

88º | 30% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:12 a.m. | Sunset 8:3 p.m.
Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Culture

Answered: What if... Columbia looked like this?

image_fx_what_if_the_tops_of_the_parking_garages_in.png

What if, the tops of the parking garages were event spaces with rooftop gardens | AI generated images by Google’s Image FX

We asked, and you delivered. Hundreds of you responded to our call-out in the newsletter and on social media for “What if... Columbia looked like this?”

We dug through the answers and pulled a few that shared similar themes. As a reminder, this is meant to get a conversation started. We don’t have any plans (or the means) to develop gardens atop every parking garage.

Economic development

Folks want to see economic development and several answers focused on our rivers. What if...

“There was a restaurant overlooking the Congaree River?” — Gale P.

Ai photo of river development — What if .... “there were fabulous restaurants, cafes, and cute shops along the riverwalk walking path?” | AI image via Google’s ImageFX

“There were fabulous restaurants, cafes, and cute shops along the riverwalk walking path? And the city was much bike and walking-friendly? And the roads were fixed so we don’t lose our cars in the potholes?” — A.C.

Emphasis on more pedestrian-friendly spaces

There is a strong call for better walkability and bikeability. What if...

“We made Main Street pedestrian only and had a permanent Soda City Market with infrastructure like a canopy and misting fans to protect patrons and vendors from the elements?” — John D.

“The Gervais St. bridge was shut down to traffic and converted to a pedestrian bridge?” — @capt.zachsteinhauser

Easier transportation options

Several folks called for easier travel + improved public transportation. What if...

AI photo of 378 — What if... “There was a sky tram over Lexington Maine street and 378?” | AI image via Google’s ImageFX

“There was a sky tram over Lexington Main Street and 378?” — Alison C.

"[There was] better access to public transportation for the rural counties near Columbia?” — Layla M.

Community building initiatives

There is a focus on community support systems, events, and a general sense of local pride. What if...

“We had affordable downtown senior living communities where baby boomers could move into smaller homes with community amenities, green spaces, and shared gardens along with other generations?” — Lee Ann K.

“We need more spaces where people can just exist without spending money.” — @mandythepenguin

Click the button below to hear more “What if...” scenarios + learn how to use your local voice.

What if...

Events

Monday, June 3

Learn Freely: Pollinator Gardening | Monday, June 3 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Richland Library St. Andrews, St. Andrews Children’s Area 2916 Broad River Rd., Columbia | Free | Learn more about pollinator plants and how you can grow your pollinator garden.
Columbia Fashion Week Kick-Off Party | Monday, June 3 | 7-10 p.m. | The Nickelodeon Theater, 1607 Main St., Columbia | Free | Join in on a week-long celebration of local fashion, and head to The Nick for the kick-off party, outfit with stylists, designers, interviews, cocktails, and more.

Tuesday, June 4

Sip and Plant Workshop: Summer Perennials | Tuesday, June 4 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $35 | Participate in a hands-on workshop where you will get to build a summer perennial planter.

Wednesday, June 5

Local Author Showcase: Chuck Brown | Wednesday, June 5 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Free | Chuck Brown is a multiple Eisner + Ringo award-winning writer known for his work with Marvel and DC comics.

Thursday, June 6

Public Tour: Behind the Collection | Thursday, June 6, Sunday, July 28 | 6-7 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Free | Get a glimpse into the story behind the art: the science to create the materials, the lives that shaped the artists’ views, and more.

Friday, June 7

Greenville Jazz Fest | Friday, June 7-Saturday, June 8 | Times vary | Downtown Greenville, Main St., Greenville | Free | Greenville Jazz Fest comes to Main Street in downtown Greenville: Don’t miss this weekend celebration of community, culture and jazz.*

Saturday, June 8

Richland County Ag + Art | Saturday, June 8-Sunday, June 9 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 20+ tour sites across Richland County, Columbia | Free | Take a self-guided tour of farms and markets featuring local artisans at every stop.

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Announced

Gooooo Cocks — USC’s first three football game times were announced. The Gamecocks will host Old Dominion on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 4:15 p.m., play at Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 3:30 p.m., and face LSU at home on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 12 p.m. (Gamecocks Online)

Show

Comedian Katt Williams is coming to Colonial Life Arena on Saturday, May 3, 2025, during his “Heaven on Earth” tour kicking off in January. Tickets go on sale on Friday, June 7 at 10 a.m.

Community

It’s Pride month, Cola. Share with us your favorite ways to participate in Pride month around Columbia + we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter. In the meantime, check out The Post and Courier’s Pride month round-up.

Eat

Join Smoked for a Blue Zone-themed dinner on Thursday, June 27, where each dish celebrates health + longevity, inspired by the world’s longest-living communities. Enjoy plant-based foods, whole grains, and lean proteins. Tickets are $125.

Sports

What could the rotation for South Carolina’s Women’s Basketball team look like next season? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Arts

The Meeting Street Artisan Market is back on Thursdays (June through August) from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Interactive Art Park. Bring the whole fam to explore handmade creations, stunning artwork, baked goods, and beautiful jewelry by local artisans. See the schedule.*

Featured Deal

Hotel Trundle is spreading the Soda City love this summer. COLA residents can get 15% off their stay with the hotel’s special “Local Love” discount. Ready to immerse yourself in downtown luxury? Snag the deal.*

Community

🏆 Vote for us in “Best of Columbia” contest

COLAtoday was nominated for four categories in the Best of Columbia contest

Vote for us in all four categories through Friday, June 21. | Photo by COLAtoday team

Each year, Free Times hosts its “Best of Columbia” contest, where locals will nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses.

Thanks to you all, we have been nominated for four categories in the Local Media category:

Best Local Instagram
Best Local Website, Music/Entertainment
Best Local Website, News
Best Local Website, Sports

Voting for the “Best of Columbia” will run through Friday, June 21. It means a lot to us that locals enjoy our content and turn to us for information about our city. If you don’t already, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

The Buy 6.03.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Summer slides for Father’s Day. The OOFOS slides are easy to slip on and engineered to reduce stress on feet, joints, and back, so they’re perfect for Dad. Bonus: Grab a pair for yourself.

The Wrap

Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam

From the editor

In case you don’t follow us on social media (which you should), Chappell Roan — the viral, trending, American synth-pop singer — is coming to Cola on Thursday, June 13 during her Midwest Princess Tour. We want to know where you would take Chappell Roan out in Cola. Drop your bar, restaurant, drag brunch, and other recommendations in the comments on our Instagram post.

Fun fact — You may recognize some familiar local drag talent Elena Devour, Sapphire Dupree, and Houston Hangover as the openers. Chappell Roan has also partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 per ticket goes to supporting For the Gworls, helping Black transgender people pay for their rent, gender-affirming surgeries, and more.

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