Ahh, the smell of fresh paint. Today we’re excited to share some updates to our newsletter design. We hope these changes will help us deliver an even better reader experience — but as with most remodels, we may experience a few hiccups along the way. If your email doesn’t look quite right or if you have feedback on ways we can continue to improve, please drop us a line.
In case you missed it, South Carolina Pride Movement’s Pride Week kicked off on Sunday, Oct. 13, with the 2024 theme, “Yeehaw Y’all! A Celebration for All.” The week of events lasts until Sunday, Oct. 20, including the annual Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19, with events extending through the weekend.
Here’s a rundown of the remaining festivities:
Jasper Galleries, The Nook at Koger Center | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 6 p.m.
Explore art from the local LGBTQ+ community at this pride-themed show, part of the Jasper Galleries’ monthly series.
Get Lit! Night Parade and Concert, Main Street + Laurel Street | Friday, Oct. 18 | 6 p.m.
The official kickoff to the SC Pride Festival, this free event features a parade starting at 7 p.m. and a concert with performances from RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Mistress Isabelle Brooks + Angeria VanMicheals, plus a set from Asher HaVon.
Pride Festival, Main Street | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 12 p.m.
Prepare for a free all-day celebration in the Main Street District with live music, food trucks, and vendors. Headliners include RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Phoenix, Bosco, Roxxxy Andrews, and Shannel. Big Freedia, theQueen of Bounce, will headline the festival.
Aftermath, The Senate | Saturday, Oct. 19 at 9 p.m.
The official Pride afterparty kicks off with performances by Phoenix, Bosco, Roxxxy Andrews, and Shannel, plus appearances from the Outfest Court + music by DJ EZ. Tickets are $20.
The Revue: Drag Brunch Edition, The Venue at 1626 Main | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 11 a.m.
Enjoy a mimosa-filled brunch with drag performances hosted by Paris Lefaris. Half of ticket sales support SC Pride. Tickets are $10 at the door.
And that’s not all. Learn more about the South Carolina Pride Movement and attend additional events like Free Mom Hugs, Reflection on Hope, the Pride Mass and Potluck, the PT’s Kickoff Party, the Meltdown afterparty, and a film screening of “Queens and Cowboys” at The Nick.
Asked
Asked
In what year did Columbia host its first Pride Parade on Main Street?
Morning Blend: A Jazz, Soul, and Coffee Series | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Relax with jazz from Nicholas Vlandis and a lineup of rotating musicians along with soul, funk, and R&B DJ sets from Preach Jacobs highlighting a different theme each week.
Bird ID Class | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Friends of Sandhill Childrens Garden | Free | This class will talk about backyard birds as well as a couple birds to be migrating here for the winter.
Rosé Resilience: Empowering Reproductive Health Awareness | 5:30-8 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art- Reception Gallery and Theater | $10 | Sip, savor small bites, and socialize at our networking mixer, then engage in a powerful panel discussion that sheds light on the silent struggles of infertility and the complex journey toward motherhood.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Five After Five | 6 p.m. | Five Points Fountain | Free | Join in the fun at the fountain with Rock ‘N Roll night featuring the band Sell Out.
South Carolina State Fair | Thursday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Oct. 20 | South Carolina State Fairgrounds | $15+ | We hear the Korean corn dog is the new must-try food item.
Friday, Oct. 18
Lunchtime Folk Music Series | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | This installment in the series features local acts Admiral Radio and Branhan Lowther performing in multiple short back-to-back sets.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Holy Smokes BBQ Festival | Saturday, Nov. 9 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Riverfront Park | $95-$250 | Spend the day indulging in all-you-can-eat barbecue from 50+ of the country’s top pitmasters and chefs while enjoying live music at Riverfront Park in Charleston.*
Get your robes ready — costumes are encouraged for witches and wizards of all ages. | Photo provided by the South Carolina Philharmonic
We hope you’re reading today’s email by the light of floating candles — and that it was delivered by your favorite owl.
Grab your wands, Cola, because tickets are now available for “Halloween at Hogwarts” with the SC Philharmonic. On Sunday, Oct. 27, you’re invited to the Koger Center to experience John Williams’ iconic works from the Harry Potter films, along with other musical tricks and treats.
Costumes are highly encouraged for this family-friendly matinee, and be sure to arrive early for Hogwarts-themed fun in the lobby (think: lightning bolt face painting, encounters with magical creatures courtesy of Carolina Wildlife, and photo ops).
The Toasty Hot Spot, a popular downtown breakfast + lunch carry-out spot, is relocating to Five Points in the former Pita Pit location on Greene Street. Known for its soul food, sandwiches, and savory breakfasts, the restaurant will reopen on Monday, Nov. 4, offering indoor dining and mimosas.
Closed
Good Life Cafe, a plant-forward downtown restaurant, closed after 12 years of business. The team is encouraging patrons to “Keep Living the Good Life” and recommended visiting its sister restaurant, 1624 Bistro, for similar healthy options.
Sports
USC’s women’s basketball was picked to finish first in the SEC, returning nearly all players from their 2023-24 championship season. The men’s team, predicted to finish 11th, made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017 and look to build on their success this year. (The State)
Plan Ahead
Disney On Ice presents “Frozen and Encanto” at Colonial Life Arena from Thursday, April 3 to Sunday, April 6. Families can enjoy live performances from their favorite characters like Elsa and Mirabel. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m.
Shop
The 23rd Annual Midlands Clay Arts Holiday Sale is set to run from Thursday, Dec. 5 to Saturday, Dec. 7 at Stormwater Studios, 413 Pendleton St. Over 35 local artists will offer unique ceramic pieces. Admission and parking are free.
Cause
We’ve raised $16,000+ for BeLoved Asheville from readers across North and South Carolina — thank you. 100% of donations go toward supporting food and water distribution, clothing and supply deliveries, and debris cleanup across the region.
Health
Imagine sitting in a busy cafe surrounded by chatter and music, yet hearing every word of the conversation crystal clear. With this revolutionary hearing aid, background noise fades, and the voices you care about come through with perfect clarity.*
$125. That’s how much you can save on the HP Smart Tank 6001 printer for a limited time. Bonus: A two-year supply of ink is included with your purchase.*
Eat
Eat
🥩 Get a bite of this
Steve Cook, Ryan Jones, Joe Walker, and Brian Boyer outside of the new steakhouse coming to downtown Lexington. | Photo by Forrest Clonts
A new steakhouse is set to open in January 2025 in Lexington, in the former Alodia’s Cucina Italiana spot, which closed earlier this year. The project is led by Midlands restaurateurs Steve Cook, Joe Walker, and Ryan Jones.
“Our vision is to create a modern take on the classic steakhouse — upscale yet approachable,” Cook said.”
What to expect
The restaurant will feature hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and seasonal dishes. Renovations are currently underway, with Boyer Construction preserving the building’s historic features. The restaurant will include a main dining room, private areas, and year-round outdoor seating.
Meet the owners
Steve Cook — Owner of Saluda’s, Il Bucato Pizza, and Arroyo Tacos and Tequila in Columbia, Cook brings decades of local culinary expertise.
Joe Walker — Multi-location owner of Marco’s Pizza, Molto Vino, and Scooter’s Coffee, Walker offers experience in developing unique restaurant concepts.
Ryan Jones — Former general manager of Hall’s Chophouse in Columbia, Jones contributes operational expertise to the project.
Stay tuned for more details including the name and menu, to be announced soon.
The Buy
The Buy
An easy Halloween costume — snag these Inside Out t-shirts and have the whole family dress up as Disgust, Anger, Anxiety, and your other favorite emotions for a hilarious and topical group look.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Today’s my birthday, and I’ve been reminiscing about my trip to Ireland last year. Here’s a picture of me on a hike in the Aran Islands at the blowhole in Inis Mór. With this newsletter update, we’re excited to share more photos like this — of us at events in the community or even exploring across the world.
