Cornhole

Fishing

Floating

Mosquito slapping

Roller derby

• Gentle Morning Yoga on Boyd Plaza | Friday, July 26 | 7-8 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Free | The class takes place on Boyd Plaza and can be taken on a mat or sitting in a chair; both will be provided.
• “Beauty and the Beast” | Friday, July 26 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St., Columbia | $15-$25 | Step into a world of enchantment and timeless romance by experiencing the magic of this Disney classic live on stage.
• Columbia Fireflies vs. Lynchburg Hillcats | Friday, July 26 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $6-$18 | It’s Margaritaville Night: Dress for the sand and surf, and make sure to grab a free Hawaiian shirt if you’re one of the first 1,000 fans to arrive.*

• Cayce Cool Down | Saturday, July 27 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Granby Garden Parks, 1800 12th St., Columbia | Free | Keep cool with this summertime event featuring water slides, water balloons, super soakers, and snow cones.
• Camp Cola Fest | Saturday, July 27 | 12-10 p.m. | Runway 728, 728 S. Edisto Ave., Columbia | $10-$40 | Enjoy some summer fun at this outdoor music festival with a camp vibe with food trucks, games, and vendor shopping.
• Girls Rock Camper Showcase | Saturday, July 27 | 5-7 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 632 Harden St., Columbia | $10 | Celebrate the campers who learned an instrument, formed a band, and wrote an original song in one week.
• Columbia Fireflies vs. Lynchburg Hillcats | Saturday, July 27 | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $6-$18 | It’s Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond Night: Cheer on the Fireflies alongside Captain America and enjoy a post-game fireworks show.*

• Prettier than Matt | Sunday, July 28 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | The Dales Biergarten & Bottle Shoppe, 3150 Platt Springs Rd., West Columbia | Free | Lounge back with a craft brew in the garden, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the local sounds of this acoustic duo.
• Columbia Fireflies vs. Lynchburg Hillcats | Sunday, July 28 | 5:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $6-$18 | It’s Teacher Appreciation Night: Join the Fireflies at Segra Park as they show their appreciation to all teachers in the Midlands.*

• SouthShore Grill and Grocery, a new venture by the team behind Cafe Strudel, aims to open in mid-August at 3106 US-378 near Leesville’s Southshore Marina. The prime Lake Murray location will offer hot meals, ready-made food, and groceries. (Free Times)

• USC has joined the STARS College Network, a coalition of 32 institutions focused on supporting students from rural and small-town America. USC will use STARS philanthropy to strengthen pipeline programs, help recruiting efforts, and boost financial aid.

• The Smithsonian has acquired a 34-year-old work from Columbia artist Lee Sipe. “Vessel No. 27,” a 3-foot-tall sculpture made of pine needles and raffia, is now part of the Renwick Gallery’s permanent collection. The piece will be featured in a 2025 exhibit on state fair arts and crafts. (Free Times)

• $7.9 million — that’s how much Benedict College and Integer Technologies received from an Office of Naval Research contract to improve cyber resilience + develop a master’s program in computer science. The funds will help boost SC’s defense workforce and academic research capacity. (Columbia Business Report)

• Cue the Olympics theme song. The Paris 2024 Olympics will feature several new and newish sports: breaking, sport climbing, skateboarding, surfing, and 3x3 basketball. You can follow along with Team USA and some of our favorite local athletes via WXLT’s ongoing coverage.

• How refreshing. Drink Up Week runs through today — our annual celebration of Cola’ drink culture. Local businesses are offering buzzy deals like BOGO smoothies from Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, so treat yourself and toast to our town’s vibrant bevvy scene.

• What are the three biggest threats to the Gamecocks in September? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of USC football with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
  

• 2024’s “it card” is here. Not only does it offer a $200 bonus, but also unlimited 1.5% cash back and 0% intro APR until 2025. (Annual fee? We don’t know her.)*

• Did you know? Signs of depression in men are different than those in women. See common symptoms (and how you can seek or refer help for 25% off).*

Pour over these suggestions

• If you’re unsure of what you want, let the barista know what you normally order, and they can adjust that to what they offer.
• Pourovers, when done right, should not require creamer because of the higher bean quality than what’s typically used in drip or batched coffees.
• Be willing to try the special or ask the barista what they usually make for themselves; right now, it’s a salted vanilla flat white.
• Always ask if there is a rewards program. Most places in Columbia have one.
• Always tip your barista.