Search for these T2 Cosmo Pay Stations when you need to park. | Photo courtesy of City of Columbia
Columbia’s parking meters are about to experience a change, and we’re not talking about coins. City Council approved the installation of 12 T2 Cosmo Pay Stations as part of an effort to improve its infrastructure.
The new parking meters will be strategically placed on Main Street from the 1700 Block to the 1200 Block. This process will begin on Monday, Feb. 10; while the stations are being installed the city will suspend parking enforcement in the impacted areas only. The work may also impact sidewalk access.
To use the T2 Cosmo Pay Stations, you will enter your license plate number + desired duration at kiosks and pay using a credit card or the Passport app. Once payment is complete, you will not be required to display a receipt on your car.
This system is expected to go live in early March along with other major changes to Columbia’s parking system. Starting Saturday, March 1 the city will see extended enforcement hours, higher violation fines, and increased hourly parking rates — doubling from $0.75 to $1.50.
Paint and Pour: Canvas Bags | 6-7 p.m. | Richland Library North Main | Free | Get crafty and design your own small canvas bag while sipping a soft drink.
Friday, Feb. 7
Harlem Nights: 40 Years of Misbehavin’ | 7-11 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $100+ | Step back to the Roarin’ Twenties for this night of jazz music, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres to benefit Trustus Theatre.
“Quilters: The Musical” | Friday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Broad River Arts Center | $20 | This play follows a series of stories from pioneer women sewn together to represent pieces of their lives.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Cupid’s Chase 5K | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Maxcy Gregg Park | $45 | Lace up your shoes, spread love, and run faster than Cupid’s arrow through the course.
Method Man and Redman | 8 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $75+ | The “How High” duo performs with Skyzoo, Landon Wordswell, and DJ SCrib.
Sunday, Feb. 9
Second Sunday Makers Market | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Well Collective | Free | Stock up on local produce and unique goods from local makers at this monthly market.
The SC Department of Natural Resources has begun installing concrete “reef balls” into Lake Murray. These structures aim to help shelter the fish population and protect them from predators. So far, 23 reef balls have been installed and will continue to be added for the next three years. (WLTX)
Community
Keep the Midlands Beautiful volunteers who adopted streets or highways will have their quarterly litter removal this weekend. The organization expects hundreds of volunteers Friday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 9 and will provide them with supplies. Drivers should be cautious when traveling, as volunteers may be on roads.
Coming soon
A new Cook Out restaurant is in its preparation stages in West Columbia. The barbecue-focused fast food chain will move into a site on Charleston Highway that was previously occupied by a Hardee’s. Crews have started construction, but an opening date is TBA. (West Metro News)
Plan Ahead
Picture this, the Cottontown Art Crawl is returning Saturday, March 8, to showcase Cottontown’s creativity with 175+ artists, art experiences, and live music. Attendees will also be able to leave their mark by partaking in the Interactive Community Movable Mural hosted by the Columbia Museum of Art.
Theater
Put on your theater outfit — “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience” is coming to Columbia Children’s Theatre. The musical is based on Mo Willems’ children’s book and follows Wilbur, a naked mole rat, who explores clothing styles. Tickets are on sale for the shows on Saturday, Feb. 15 + Sunday, Feb. 16.
Edu
Students at USC launched the EveryLibrarySC campaign, an effort to research and implement a public relation strategy for EveryLibrary and the EveryLibrary Institute. The initiative will support public libraries on election days, and locals can attend sessions later this month to learn more + get involved.
Sports
What contributed to the Hurricanes’ 3-0 loss to the Winnipeg Jets? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Hurricaneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Concert
On Sunday night, banjo extraordinaire Béla Fleck won his 19th Grammy — and you can catch him here in Cola later this month performing with wife Abigail Washburn and the South Carolina Philharmonic. Learn more + snag tickets.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hims & Hers makes hitting your goals simple and personalized. Answer a few questions online, and a medical provider will design a plan just for you — medications, follow-ups, and all. Plus, it’s the least expensive 12-month GLP-1 plan around†. Ready to get started?Take the free assessment.*
Stat
20%. That’s how much you can save on a bathroom renovation with Remodel Your Home. You deserve a bathroom that’s just as functional as it is beautiful. Request your free quote.*
Category
Watch
🐾 Our Palmetto State players
Torch and Ladybug are ready to play. | Photos via Animal Planet/Warner Bros. Discovery
Two SC dogs are heading to the biggest game in canine sports. The playful pups will represent the state in “Puppy Bowl XXI” where they’ll compete for the coveted Lombarky trophy.
The pre-Super Bowl game features 140+ adoptable dogs from shelters across the US. This year’s grr-diron game has representatives from 40 states and Nicaragua, including these two SC ballers:
Torch — A Labrador retriever + American Staffordshire terrier mix on Team Fluff representing Dusty Tails Animal Rescue in North Charleston.
Ladybug — A 10-year-old Chihuahua mix from Pet Helpers in Charleston. As a senior dog, she will use her wisdom to serve in a coaching role.
“Puppy Bowl XXI” airs on networks like Animal Planet and streams on Max on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. If the game inspires you to adopt a new furry friend, check out a local shelter like Pawmetto Lifeline.
The Buy
The Buy
Looking for a small something to gift your loved ones on Valentine’s Day? Shop great gifts for partners, friends, and family:
This string of warm weather has really made me enthusiastic to get outside. It has also given me an excuse to get ice cream, and while I firmly believe there’s no such thing as bad ice cream, Columbia has great options for a delicious scoop.
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