The community gathers under a string-lit tent for the Heirloom Breeds and Seeds event. | Photo by Forrest Clonts
Tickets are on sale for the Columbia Food & Wine Festival, happening Tuesday, April 22 through Sunday, April 27, with more than a dozen events across the Midlands. This year’s festival offers hands-on tastings, chef collaborations, and live music pairings, showcasing the many ways food and culture come together.
From vinyl-paired wine dinners to literary-inspired tastings and a music and craft beer showcase, these events highlight how storytelling, music, and culinary creativity intertwine.
Vino and Vinyl | Thursday, April 24 | Lula Drake Wine Parlour | $150 | A night where wine meets rhythm, this intimate dinner pairs a four-course menu with a curated vinyl soundtrack from DJ Preach Jacobs. Expect deep pours, deep cuts, and conversation flowing as smoothly as the wine from this James Beard Award-winning gem.
And that’s just a taste — over a dozen events will highlight our region’s best chefs, mixologists, and artisans throughout the week, culminating with the Grand Tasting on Sunday, April 27.
SC Green Industry Association Annual Conference & Trade Show | 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | $15 | This event brings together 115+ exhibitors and 16 industry speakers to cover an extensive range of landscape topics during its annual conference.
Friday, Jan. 31
Southern Exposure New Music | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | USC School of Music Recital Hall | Free | The group earspace performs “Schnee” (“Snow”), Danish composer Hans Abrahamsen’s fragile and crystalline soundscape, led by USC alum Philip Snyder.
Winter Sidewalk Sale | Through Saturday, Feb. 1 | The Devine District | Price of purchase | Shop ‘til you drop in the Devine District as local merchants offer the best post-holiday deals to make room for spring inventory.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Savage Craft Anniversary | 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, West Columbia | Price of purchase | Join Savage Craft to celebrate their fourth anniversary with an unforgettable day of games, live music, Club Savage featuring DJ StingRay 803, a mechanical bull, and more.
12th Annual Pig and Oyster Roast | 12-4 p.m. | City Roots Farm | $65 | Enjoy roasted pork, tasty sides, and clusters of fresh SC coastal oysters all day long.
Hopkins native A’ja Wilson has been named the 2024 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year, marking her third time receiving the honor. Wilson led Team USA to Olympic gold in Paris and on Sunday, Feb. 2, her jersey will be retired prior to the Gamecocks game against Auburn.
Festival
Cayce’s Soiree on State returns Saturday, March 22 with some exciting additions. New for 2025, attendees can vote on the Cayce calendar photo contest and enjoy the Future Sounds Stage featuring Freeway Music students. Live music includes Prettier Than Matt, Mitchell Lee, and Tokyo Joe.
Civic
Here’s your chance to shape Columbia’s future. The Columbia Chamber’s Leadership Columbia program is accepting applications for its Class of 2026. The 10-month development program selects about 60 participants to explore key community issues while completing a class project.
Outdoors
The Columbia Boat Show cruises into the SC State Fairgrounds Friday through Sunday, Feb. 21-23. Attendees can explore 60+ boat brands, 70 exhibitors, exclusive show deals, kids’ fishing clinics, and live music. Tickets start at $10.
Seasonal
Carowinds opens for its 52nd season on Saturday, March 15, marking its first under Six Flags. The park will debut two new family rides in Camp Snoopy and expand its seasonal events, including Summerbration and Viva La Fiesta.
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*
Sports
Is there a talent or NIL gap for South Carolina athletics? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Ready to feel better about your weight-loss goals? Through Hims & Hers, you’ll get the cheapest 12-month GLP-1 plan†, plus expert care and personalized support. From custom medications to snack ideas in the app, it’s all designed just for you. Start your free assessment.*
†Please note: Comparison based on 12-month plan prices for compounded semaglutide from 12 leading competitors as of December 2024.
Category
Biz
📋 Training grounds
The new location will first be used to train and interview potential Scout Motors employees. | Photo via Trinity Partners
Richland County announced a 41,000-sqft regional training center, set to open later this year at 101 Research Ct. near I-77 and Farrow Road. The facility will provide technical training and office space to support workforce development and economic growth.
The project is a collaborative effort between Richland County, the SC Department of Commerce, readySC, and Midlands Technical College. Scout Motors will be the first company to use the center for job interviews, testing, and preemployment training as it prepares for operations at its $2 billion, 4,000-employee production center.
“Preparing Richland County residents for the jobs of tomorrow is a top priority,” said County Council Chair Jesica Mackey. “This facility will create career pathways and attract businesses.”
Richland County’s economic development efforts have added 7,000 jobs over five years, securing projects like Scout Motors, Mark Anthony Brewing, and Cirba Solutions.
The Buy
The Buy
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Dress up your space with these adorable + affordable decorations.
This year’s Food & Wine Festival is packed with can’t-miss events, making it tough to choose. One thing’s for sure — grab your tickets early, especially for the Grand Tasting. Held at the Robert Mills Estate and Hampton-Preston Mansion, it’s become one of Soda City’s signature events.
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