Flying cars, robots, and a AI animal coach may all be in our future. | Photo and edit by COLAtoday.
Move over millennials, zillennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha, there’s a new kid on the block. According to Australian social researcher McCrindle, 2025 marks the end of Generation Alpha and the beginning of Generation Beta. Feel old yet?
The impact of technology and climate change loom large in the future of Gen Beta, but there’s another major milestone — Generation Beta will be the first generation where most of its members live into the 22nd century. Babies born this year will be 76 in the year 2101.
That got us thinking — what’s Columbia going to look like in the 22nd century? We put our heads together and came up with some potential headlines from 22nd-century Soda City — they’ll be reading them in COLAtomorrow — but we want to hear your predictions as well.
“Columbia opens its 500th car wash”
Automobiles are nearly obsolete, yet the Car Wash District continues to grow, now featuring self-cleaning stations and robotic attendants. Services like the “Palmetto Pure Wash” keep your classic Scout sparkling for its occasional Sunday cruise.
“Zesto’s cone in the sky extends to outer space”
In 2101, West Columbia’s iconic landmark now doubles as a soft-serve station for space tourists.
“Swan Lake” | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $45 | Experience the world’s most in-demand ballet, “Swan Lake,” presented by Classical Arts Entertainment + performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.
Mediterranean Wines | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Sour & Salt Event Space | $72 | Learn about grape-growing regions around the Mediterranean Sea + talk about its influence over the millennia.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Village Idiot Trivia | 7 p.m. | Village Idiot Pizza Five Points | Free | Test your knowledge over a slice of pizza at this weekly trivia gathering.
Thursday, Jan. 16
Third Thursday Art Night: Jordan Sheridan | 5:30-7 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | Free | The Koger Center for the Arts partnered with The Jasper Project to open a new rotating art space, titled The Nook, in celebration of Third Thursday Art Night.
Tom’s Elton Tribute: The Rocket Man Experience | Friday, Jan. 17, Tuesday, Jan. 21 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $15-$35 | Hear this Elton John tribute band perform iconic hits like “Rocket Man” and “Your Song,” in a spectacular show featuring stunning costumes and the vocals of Tom Cridland.
Festival Of Laughs | 8 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $55+ | Don’t miss the sassy headliner Sommore, along with Lavell Crawford, Tony Roberts, and Tony Rock, as they each bring their unique style to center stage.
Thursday, Jan. 23
YLS Oyster Roast | 6-9 p.m. | City Market Place, Columbia | $35+ | Join United Way of the Midlands’ Young Leaders Society for an evening of delicious oysters, live music, and a chance to give back while connecting with the community.*
The State Museum offers many unique, memorable, and engaging summer camps. | Photos provided by the South Carolina State Museum
Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about summer camp.
Columbia’s most popular options, like those offered at the South Carolina State Museum, fill up quickly — so know your plan before spots sell out.
This year, the State Museum is offering a wide variety of summer camps in June, July, and August with fun and engaging themes for kids ages 6-12. Think:
Astro Adventures | June 9-13 + July 21-25
Diagnose the Gross | June 16-20 + July 28-Aug. 1
Making Movie Magic | June 23-27 + Aug. 4-8
Real World Robotics | June 2-6 + July 14-18
And many more
Every week-long camp focuses on a different subject, including astronomy, art, S.T.E.A.M., and robotics, each day. Pro tip: Registration is now open, so don’t wait to sign up your little ones for their first-choice camps — trust us, they will thank you.
No. 2 South Carolina women’s basketball defeated No. 5 Texas 67-50 on Sunday at Colonial Life Arena, extending their win streak to 11 games. Te-Hina Paopao and Chloe Kitts led the team with 11 points each. The Gamecocks will face No. 18 Alabama next on Thursday, Jan. 16, at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. (Gamecocks Online)
Opening
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar will open its first Columbia location on Monday, Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. in the BullStreet District. A grand opening event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 13 with free entrees for the first 50 guests and free biscuits all day.
Coming Soon
A Cold Stone Creamery is coming soon to 4333 Fort Jackson Blvd., next to Cross Hill Market. This is the ice cream shop’s third Midlands location and no opening date has been announced.
Civic
Richland County is seeking feedback for its 2025 Comprehensive Plan, with a focus on conservation, housing, and transportation. Residents can share input online via Reimagine Richland. Additional meetings are planned for later this month. (WLTX)
Jobs
Chick-fil-A Supply is hiring for 165 jobs at its new $80 million West Columbia distribution center. Roles start at $19.75 per hour with benefits + operations are expected to begin soon. (The Post and Courier)
Listen
USC’s newest football player “should’ve been a five-star.” Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Want more eyes on your business in 2025? Our self-service advertising portal is designed to help you reach our 50,199+ readers through listings, banner ads, and articles. Get started.
Active
This 28-day yoga challenge is specifically designed for women aged 40+, with transformative results (think: strength, flexibility, and mental clarity). Try Reverse Health Yoga and save 60%.*
Category
Festival
🧀 Mac and Cheese please
Segra Park will host its first Mac and Cheese Festival in March. | Photo provided by Segra Park.
The Columbia Fireflies are bringing another savory event to Segra Park with the Mac and Cheese Festival set for Saturday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Building on the success of last summer’s sold-out Taco and Margarita Festival and being the host venue of the Southeastern Barbecue Showdown, this new festival brings all things mac and cheese to the park, including food trucks, live music, and specialty concessions.
Tickets are now on sale with general admission for $10 in advance or $20 on the day (food sold separately).
VIP packages are available:
VIP ($45 pre-sale/$60 day of) | Includes a T-shirt, two drink vouchers, and general admission
Ultimate VIP ($75 pre-sale/$90 day-of) | Adds Club Level Access with a build-your-own mac & cheese bar
The Buy
The Buy
A sleek, rust-proof shower caddy with 25,000+ five-star reviews. Bonus: It’s easy to install + can hold up to 20 lbs.
Congratulations to Columbia native and former WIS anchor Craig Melvin who started his new role as co-anchor of the TODAY show. Read more about Craig’s debut and how his family and friends gathered at the Columbia High School gym to surprise him.
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