Plan ahead for this year’s festival, taking place on Saturday, March 15, 2025. | Photos by Perry McLeod Photos; gif by COLAtoday
Get ready for the 43rd St. Pat’s in Five Points festival, happening on Saturday, March 15 from from 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m., featuring 24 acts across six stages. Every year, the festival transforms Five Points into a lively hub of music, vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly attractions.
This year’s event boasts an extensive lineup + Columbia-based recording artist, producer, entrepreneur, and hip-hop activist Master Splnta will return as the host.
Headliners
Lettuce: a six-piece, GRAMMY-nominated funk band that fuses, hip-hop, jazz, soul, psychedelia, and rock.
Shane Smith and the Saints: This country, folk, and rock band has been featured on hit TV shows like “Yellowstone” and “Landman.”
The Stews: a gritty rock + indie band that formed during the pandemic and played sold-out shows at venues like Windjammer and New York’s Bowery Ballroom
Badfish: For nearly 25 years, Badfish has brought feel-good, high-energy vibes as a tribute to Sublime’s ska-punk and reggae-rock legacy.
Remember, registration for Get to the Green 5K/10K and one-mile family fun run includes festival entry. | Photo by Jessica Hunt Photography
More than music
Get to the Green 5K, 10K + one-mile family fun run | Registration includes a race shirt, medal, and festival entry.
St. Pat’s Parade | a one-mile route that starts at Devine Street + Sims Avenue and ends on College Street
Pot O’Gold Playland | The children’s area with balloons, face painting, rides, and more.
The Saint mocktail lounge | Think green + alcohol-free fun.
An inflatable Irish pub | This new pop-up pub will join the festival’s Food Truck Alley on Devine Street.
Purchase tickets | $30 until midnight on March 14; $35 at the gate.
Events
Events
Thursday, Jan. 23
YLS Oyster Roast | 6-9 p.m. | City Market Place | $25+ | 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.
Greek Dinner Night | Thursday, Jan. 16-Thursday, Feb. 6 | 5-8 p.m. | Sour & Salt Bakery | $16 | Order online for pick-up, delivery, or join in for a family-style meal.
City of Columbia Food Truck Fridays | Friday, Jan. 3 | Times vary | REI Co-Op Parking Lot | Grab lunch from a variety of local food trucks lined up at the REI Co-op parking lot.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Paint Like Bob Ross in One Day | 12-4 p.m. | State of the Art Gallery and Pottery Studio | $80 | No mistakes will be made during this painting class, just happy accidents.
Crank That Soulja Boy Party | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | 6108 Two Notch Rd., Columbia | $10 | Hop up out your bed, turn your swag on, and dance to Soulja Boy music.
The Palmetto Opera presents “Tosca” | 3 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $35 | “Tosca” will be performed in the original Italian with English subtitles projected above the stage.
Explore the culinary delights this area has to offer. | Photo provided by LTC Hospitality
Whether you’re fueling up for a busy afternoon or looking to take a delicious midday break, the 1600 block of Main Street has everything you need to make lunch the highlight of your day. You could:
Indulge in wood-fired dishes packed with bold flavors at Smoked. | We recommend: The Lobster Roll featuring tender Maine lobster, a zesty lemon tarragon aioli, and a buttery brioche bun, paired with crispy truffle fries.
Head to 1624 Bistro for fresh salads and hearty sandwiches. | We recommend: “The Michael” — grilled chicken, prosciutto, provolone, and a tangy dijonnaise, topped with fresh arugula and tomato, tucked into a soft Kaiser roll.
Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi delivers fresh sushi rolls and sizzling hibachi dishes. | We recommend: The “Main Street Roll,” a vibrant sushi creation featuring kani, tuna, salmon, and cucumber, topped with yellowtail tuna and tobiko, all perfectly complemented by a touch of wasabi.
No matter your lunch mood, the 1600 block of Main Street has you covered. Grab your friends, co-workers, or treat yourself.
Unfortunately, Winter Storm Enzo has caused some travel issues, and the USC women’s basketball game against LSU has been postponed to Friday, Jan. 24, at 5 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, but College Game Day will not be part of the broadcast anymore. All tickets purchased for the game will be honored. (Gamecocks Online)
Award
Cola is once again on the national culinary stage, with a local favorite named a semifinalist for the 2025 James Beard Awards. Robbie Robinson of City Limits Barbecue in West Columbia is up for Best Chef Southeast. The winners will be announced at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, June 16.
Coming Soon
The Shack — a new restaurant coming to Chapin where Zesto used to be — will feature a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, a new mural, indoor + outdoor seating, and more. An opening date hasn’t been announced but you can stay up-to-date with the restaurant on its social pages. (Cola Daily)
Open
Are you up for the challenge? The Game Show Challenge — a new, immersive game show experience for groups of six or more — is now open on Gervais Street, near The Hollow. Think custom games similar to gameshows you already know and love, like “Jeopardy,” “Wheel of Fortune,” and more. (Columbia Business Report)
Ranked
No. 19 — that’s the ranking the Gamecock football team finished the 2024 season with, according to the AP and the Coaches polls. The team finished the season with a 9-4 record, the most successful so far under head coach Shane Beamer. See more season highlights. (Gamecocks Online)
Sports
With just a few more weeks until baseball season, the Gamecocks are hosting three, free + open-to-the-public scrimmages at Founders Park this weekend, kicking off on Friday, Jan. 24 at 4:15 p.m. Each scrimmage will last six innings. (Gamecocks Online)
Listen
Has Dan Morgan demonstrated the ability to transform the Carolina Panthers into a winning team? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Biz
Your business expertise is in demand. Read: Local entrepreneurs need your help to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. SCORE Midlands is seeking experienced volunteer mentors to guide budding business owners to success. Ready to help make a difference? Learn more + apply.*
Wellness
Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid. With crystal-clear sound and a sleek, discreet German design, those experiencing hearing impairment can enjoy clear speech with minimum background distractions, even in the noisiest environments. Try the 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Eat
Yes, healthy grocery shopping can be easy and affordable. Meet Thrive Market, where healthy living is simple. Get groceries for the whole family delivered to your door, free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients. Join to save 30% on your first order and claim a free gift worth $60.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hers is a holistic program crafted by experts in weight loss, nutrition, and psychology. Receive personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals by a medical professional, along with access to GLP-1 medications starting at $165 per month with a 12-month plan.*
Category
Cause
Williams-Brice Stadium is turning pink
Make plans to attend the 4th Annual Cola Rosé Shower benefiting Sistercare and the Period Project. | Photo by Melissa G Photography
Cola Rosé Shower — a local organization focused on raising awareness for women’s healthcare in the Midlands — will return to Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 8. From 3 to 7 p.m., the beloved stadium will be decked out in pink instead of garnet for a day.
Participate
Last year’s shower event collected over 48,000 feminine products from ~300 attendees. If you plan to attend this year’s event, all participants must:
Guests can also enjoy sips of rosé and frosé at the open bar + dine on bites catered by Southern Way Catering while they dance the day away to hits with Shejay T.O. — the Gamecock Women’s Basketball DJ.
Purchase tickets
Tickets are currently $75 and will be $85 at the door.
The Buy
The Buy
Single use face towels. Real talk: those washcloths you’ve used for years are likely harboring bacteria and roughing up your delicate moisture barrier. Go for a hygienic, gentler alternative with Sky Organics hypoallergenic face towels, made from 100% renewable plant fiber.
Ever heard of the Podcast Brunch Club? Think of it as a local book club, but instead of reading + discussing books, each month you listen to various podcasts and then participate in thoughtful discussions with fellow podcast listeners. This month’s podcasts are about making connections — how fitting — and Cola’s local chapter is meeting on Monday, Jan. 27 at Drip to chat.
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