Ija Charles latest mural on Main | Photo via COLAtoday Team
We’ve rounded up some local ways you can learn more about Columbia’s Black history by visiting or virtually exploring these locations.
Columbia’s Black history and legacy
The Ija Charles mural on Main Street tells the story of Columbia’s Black Wall Street — the area of Washington Street from Assembly to Gadsden streets that once featured hundreds of locally owned businesses that supplied goods and services to the community through the 1970s.
The new Heat and Hardship exhibit is a part of the regular Robert Mills House tour.
Photo by Historic Columbia
Self-guided tours and museum experiences
Historic Columbia’s latest exhibit, “Heat & Hardship: The Hidden Labor of Enslaved Cooks,” recently opened at the Robert Mills House & Gardens. This immersive experience sheds light on the lives of enslaved cooks who worked at the property in the 1820s, featuring first-person narratives and hands-on activities exploring the labor, ingredients, and challenges of their work.
Community celebration
The 20th Annual SC Black History Parade and Festival takes place Saturday, Feb. 22, from 1-6 p.m. with a parade through the Waverly neighborhood and Five Points, followed by a festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Senator Maggie Glover serves as grand marshal, and Annie McKnight will perform.
Winter Jam | 5 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | Suggested $15 donation | Warm up the winter at this Christian music show with performances by Skillet, Anne Wilson, Colton Dixon, KB, Newsong, Micah Tyler, and speaker Zane Black.
The Ben Rosenblum Trio | 7 p.m. | The Pastor’s Study | $25+ | Start the week on a jazzy note with an intimate performance by the award-winning pianist and accordionist.
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Entrepreneurs Movie Night | 6-9 p.m. | Russell House Theater at USC | Free | The McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism & Free Enterprise + the Faber Center for Entrepreneurship screens Jerry Seinfeld’s comedy “Unfrosted.”
Historically Speaking: Lexington County in the Civil War | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Lexington Main Library, Lexington | Free | The Lexington County Museum discusses the county and its citizens during the American Civil War at this session for adults 18+.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
Queens Royals vs. USC Gamecocks Baseball | 4 p.m. | Founders Park | $5+ | Cheer for the Gamecocks as they take a swing at their opponents from Queens University of Charlotte.
Ask the Gardener Happy Hour | 4-6 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Make plant plans with conversations based on seed starting while you score drink deals.
Richland School District One is considering a year-round school calendar starting in the 2026-2027 year, with a shorter summer break and longer fall and spring breaks. The district is gathering community input through a survey open until Friday, Feb. 21. Final recommendations will be reviewed later this year. (WLTX)
Civic
The Columbia World Affairs Council (CWAC) is merging with the Columbia Council for Internationals, meaning more opportunities for locals to connect with international students and global leaders. CWAC will now oversee professional exchanges and student support programs.
Health
Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands is offering a free Healing Hearts Grief Program for children aged 5-18 coping with loss. Sessions focus on emotions, memories, coping skills, and changes, with concurrent caregiver classes. (Cola Daily)
Mansion Monday
This Lake Murray retreat at 536 Yachting Rd. is making waves. Designed to soak in panoramic waterfront views, the English Country-style estate boasts a heated pool, deep-water dock, gym, billiards room, and even a walk-in vault for your treasures.
Sports
The Gamecocks have a record-setting number of players in the NFL Combine. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of Gamecock football with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Community
What would you do if you won the SC Education Lottery? A Lowcountry winner bought a new home, an Upstate winner paid off debt, and a Midlands winner is saving up. See more local winner news + how they spent their jackpots.*
Home
House hunting can be overwhelming — especially when it comes to picking the right mortgage. AllSouth Federal Credit Union breaks it down (read: no jargon, just the pros and cons) so you can choose what works best for you. Equal Housing Lender.*
Number
$0. That’s how much it costs to post your first job listing on our community job board. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain — you’ll discover talented local candidates. Try it now.
Category
Festival
Catch 18 local bands at City Roots
George Fetner and the Strays return to the 2025 lineup. | Photo by Thomas Hammond
Eighteen bands with local roots will keep the party going across three stages, with acts like Admiral Radio, EZ Shakes, and The Mustache Brothers setting the soundtrack for the day. Before the festival kicks off, a free Mardi Gras parade will roll through Rosewood, starting at 11 a.m. Parade-goers can walk, bike, or even bring leashed dogs to join the fun.
Fun fact: Admiral Radio recently released a live version of their song “Home Tonight” filmed at the Pastor’s Study on Main Street.
Beyond the music, expect food trucks like Fleur de Licious serving Creole eats, craft vendors, and beer from Abita Brewing. Tickets are $10 with free admission for kids 12 and under.
The festival, hosted by Krewe de Columbi-Ya-Ya, honors late founder Tom Hall and raises money for local charities benefiting animals, children, and women.
Read Freely Fest, happening Friday, March 28 – Sunday, March 30, at Richland Library, has released its author schedule for the inaugural event. The festival features 40+ authors along with panel talks, exhibitors, and the return of the Overdue event that features live music, art, interactive games, and food and drinks.
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