David here. Last Saturday, I went to the Latin Festival, and Main Street was filled with people dancing in the streets, music playing, and the smells of savory fried snacks. This weekend, the party moves to Williams-Brice Stadium as Gamecock fans dust off their grills and tents to prepare for their epic tailgates. Cola really comes alive when the weather begins to cool down, even just a little bit.
Find out more about USC’s new masterplan | USC is being upgraded. Residence halls, Thomas Cooper Library, a new School of Medicine, and more are part of the university’s future thanks to a new master plan approved by USC’s Board of Trustees.
Where to sing karaoke in Cola | If you’ve been thinking about singing karaoke with a friend… just duet. Here’s a guide to the best karaoke spots in Columbia, featuring venues for singing, fun themes, and private rooms.
Soda City Market | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Main Street | Free | Browse the weekly market for supplies like boiled peanuts, perfect for your afternoon Gamecock football tailgate.
Tailgate on Greene Street | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | University of South Carolina | Free | Students can stop by the tailgate on Greene Street on their way to the shuttle for free food, games, and fun.
Gamecock Football vs. Old Dominion Monarchs | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 4:15 p.m. | Williams-Brice Stadium | $24-$105 | Watch as the Gamecocks take the field for the first time this season against Old Dominion.
AfricStyle 4 Africa Fashion Show | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 4-8 p.m. | Recharge Event Center | $30-$150 | Immerse yourself in a showcase of stunning designs, bold colors, and unique styles that represent the beauty and diversity of Africa.
The Revue: Drag Brunch Edition | Sunday, Sept. 1 | 12-3:30 p.m. | The Venue | $10 | Sip on Mimosas and dine on chicken and waffles at this event hosted by Paris Lefaris.
Cola Town Throwdown | Sunday, Sept. 1 | 3-6 p.m. | Piecewise Coffee Co | $10 | Cola Town Throwdown is all about bringing together local coffee enthusiasts to showcase their skills with latte art.
Plan Ahead
Vintage Market Days “A Carolina Fall”| Friday, Sept. 6-Sunday, Sept. 8 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | SC State Fair Grounds | $10-$42 | Vintage Market Days provides an opportunity for vendors to showcase their passions, crafts, and more.
Meeting Street Music Fest | Friday, Sept. 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Columbia | Free | Enjoy a lineup of multiple genres of music, including nationally and regionally renowned artists on multiple stages throughout the River District.
By the end of September, 15 new signs will be installed along local highways. The signs will commemorate + celebrate the Gamecock women’s basketball 2024 national championship win. See where the signs will be stationed. (The State)
Open
There’s a new place to get your morning pick-me-up in WeCo. Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee and Tea, owned by Akera Sellers, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting at its new Meeting Street location.
Soda Citizen
Tim Sease keeps Cola ticking. He’s been winding Columbia’s iconic Sylvan’s Jewelers clock since 1974. The historic four-faced clock on Main Street dates back to 1911 and continues to tick reliably thanks to Sease’s weekly maintenance. (The State)
Sports
Clemson needs key rookies to show out in order to win. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
It takes a village, as they say. As proud Columbians, we’re inspired by the contributions of our most tenured community members. Please join us in celebrating the legacies of those who have recently died. (The State)
You can’t beat a Soda City sunset. | Photo via Main Street District
One of the most loveable things about the Soda City is the distinct character found in each neighborhood, district, and corner of town. They all have their own personalities and purposes — some would say it was written in the stars. Let’s take a look at how our neighborhoods align with the zodiac signs.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Forest Acres
Practical and detail-oriented Virgos will appreciate the charm of Forest Acres. This “city within a city” offers a mix of upscale and more affordable areas, aligning with Virgo’s preference for quality and efficiency. Forest Acres has a little bit of everything, from hidden gems like The Other Store to all-in-one stops like Cardinal Crossing and Trenholm Plaza, making it a place where Virgos can find both convenience and quality.
Is there a Columbia neighborhood that pairs perfectly with one of the zodiacs missing from our list?Tell us about it — bonus points if you can explain why.
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