Independence Square, Accra, Ghana | Photo via Wiki Commons
Columbia isn’t an only child. Did you know that Columbia actually has seven sister cities? Today we’re giving you a tour of Cola’s siblings from abroad, from the comfort of your screen.
What is a sister city?
According to Sister Cities International, “A sister city, county, or state relationship is a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. A relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign off on an agreement to become sister cities.”
Accra, Ghana | Est. 15 century | In 2022, Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and Accra Mayor Elizabeth Sackey met in the Soda City where she came to learn more about our Clean Water Program and how we’re upgrading the system. Accra is home to around 2 million people but sees around 5 million more people commute in to work each day.
Yoga into the Lunar New Year | 6-6:45 p.m. | Loveland Coffee, Irmo | $30 | Join Good Company Yoga for a special Lunar New Year yoga class upstairs.
Cockstock 2025 | 8-10 p.m. | University of South Carolina | $40 | Catch Migos rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer Quavo live.
Thursday, Jan. 30
Book Talk + Signing with Arthur Turfa | 6 p.m. | All Good Books | Free | The Lexington-based author’s poems have appeared in The Petigru Review, The Lothlorien Poetry Journal; one was in the Top Ten for the 2019 Poetry Prize of The Pangolin Review.
Friday, Jan. 31
Joe Gatto: Let’s Get Into It Tour | 7-9 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $51+ | Laugh along with the comedian best known from the hit TV shows “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index.”
Friday, Feb. 7
Blue Thumb Landscaper Workshop | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Earlewood Park | Free | This free workshop is designed for grounds and maintenance landscaping professionals as an opportunity to earn continuing certification credits for pesticide and herbicide applicator licensing.*
More than 50 townhomes could be coming to nearly 3.2 acres near the West Columbia Riverwalk off Sunset Boulevard. The Trailhead Townhomes project includes plans for retail space + would be located near the Capitol Square redevelopment. A public hearing with city council is set for Monday, Feb. 3. (West Metro News)
Biz
The SC Department of Commerce awarded more than $750,000 to 13 projects through its 2025 Relentless Challenge and StimulateSC grants. Columbia projects include Boyd Innovation Center’s ColaStarts program and Main Street SC’s Small Business Photo Sprint and Story Series, supporting innovation and small business growth statewide.
Cause
Columbia Fashion Week and Goodwill SC are teaming up for a sustainable fashion event, For The Good, on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at The Venue SC. Donate gently used clothes to support Goodwill’s job training programs and learn more about sustainable fashion in the community.
Try This
There’s nothing more special than a handmade gift, and City Art is making it easy with a Galentine’s Day scarf-making workshop led by artist Alicia Leeke. No experience is needed — just bring an apron and a smile. The classes are Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the cost is $175.
Concert
The Chamber Crawl, originally set for New Brookland Tavern, has moved to Art Bar tonight. The concert features Ryan Knott on cello and Sarah Land on violin who will blend classical music and metal, featuring pieces from Vivaldi to AC/DC. The concert starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $20 online or at the door. Stick around for Linda’s Carraoke at 8 p.m.
Sports
The No. 2 South Carolina women’s basketball team beat No. 18 Tennessee 70-63 Monday night, earning their 15th straight win. Camden native Joyce Edwards led the team with 18 points as the Gamecocks claimed their 20th victory of the season. Grab tickets to see them play Auburn on Sunday. (Gamecocks Online)
Listen
How will the Carolina Panthers approach the offseason with Bryce Young solidified as the starter in 2025? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Job
Don’t let your job posting get lost on over-saturated job sites. Get premium visibility when you post on our local job board. Your first listing is free.
Eat
The Super Bowl is just 11 days away, but who’s counting. Focus your energy on the game — not cooking the snacks — by pre-ordering a catering tray from Lowes Foods. Think: Chicken tenders, wings, sandwiches, sweet treats, and more. Browse all options.*
Finance
Does your checking account pay you? With Premium Checking from AllSouth Federal Credit Union, you can earn up to 4.59% Annual Percentage Yield — that means moremoney in your pocket. Find out how. Federally Insured by NCUA.*
Asked
If your New Year’s resolutions involve incorporating more healthy habits, improving your heart health is a great place to start. For our next round of Prisma Health on Call, local cardiology experts are here to answer your heart-related questions. Ask away, and we’ll be back in a few weeks with the answers.*
Cause
Did you know? Your expertise can change lives. As a SCORE mentor, you’ll join other professionals like yourself in empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into thriving businesses. Join SCORE to share your knowledge, inspire others, and start making a difference.*
Category
Food
🍹 Shaking up Tiki Week
The Dragon Room will host Tiki Week and incorporate the flavors into its menu. | Photo by The Dragon Room
After a decade at Bourbon on Main Street, Tiki Week is moving down the street to The Dragon Room in The Vista. The celebration begins with a Tiki Feast on Monday, Feb. 3, from 6-8 p.m.
The feast, inspired by a Filipino Kamayan Feast with a tiki twist, includes a slow-roasted hog from Peculiar Pig Farm, coconut-braised chicken adobo, citrus-cilantro grilled prawns, pancit, Spam and kimchi fried rice, and more. Tickets are $45 and include the full meal plus a welcome cocktail. Grab your tickets fast, seating is limited to 50 guests.
The Buy
The Buy
A tabletop fire pit that’s less than $30. It burns smoke-free and fosters a warm + relaxing environment.
The sun is setting around 6 p.m., and with a high of 70º, Columbia’s riverwalks are bound to be buzzing this afternoon. I took a peek at the 10-day forecast showing plenty of amazing weather ahead. We deserve it after all those cold and rainy days so far this year. Here are a few ways to soak up these pre-spring warm days.
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