We have a goal to raise $4,000 for COLAtoday over the next nine days. Support our positive, hyper-local approach to storytelling with a donation. We love you, Columbia.
The faces behind the big ideas. | Photo by COLAtoday
Can you build a startup in just 24 hours? That was the challenge at Startup Sprint, a fast-paced startup marathon hosted by the Boyd Innovation Center (BIC) on Saluda Avenue in Five Points. Powered by GrowCo, participants pitched ideas, formed teams, and got to work turning their ideas into real products over two days.
What happened?
16 ideas pitched
Eight teams formed
Seven startup prototypes built
This group developed a small 3D printed model of their product for their app Fall Guard.
Photo by COLAtoday
Standout ideas included Lift Us Up, an AI-powered platform for grant applications, CareerCupid, an AI-driven job-matching service, and Places, a platform simplifying connections between vendors and venues.
FallGuard, a project aimed at preventing falls among older adults, developed a 3D-printed prototype for a physical product. Other concepts tackled financial literacy, job-matching, small business support, and improving gym accessibility with Got Next.
A. AI + tech-driven businesses B. Small business + local retail innovation C. Health + wellness startups D. Community-focused platforms E. I don’t follow startups, but I love seeing the impact
Constellation Concert Series | 6:30-10 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $16+ | Death Ray Robin performs for this Music in the Observatory series show with an opportunity to check out the stars through the telescope.
City of Columbia Food Truck Fridays | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | REI Co-Op parking lot | Grab lunch from a variety of local food trucks lined up at the REI Co-op parking lot.
Porch Party | 5-7 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Unwind with the Franklin Street community while enjoying a selection of snacks + drinks from the bar.
Columbia Boat Show | Friday, Feb. 21-Sunday, Feb. 23 | Times vary | South Carolina State Fairgrounds | $10+ | This annual event is a one-stop shop for all things boating.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Americana: Béla Fleck + Abigail Washburn | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $24+ | Experience the essence of American ingenuity with this Grammy-winning duo.
Spartanburg’s charm makes it easy to feel like a local. | Photo by Sam Dean
Looking for a home that blends small-town delights with big-city perks? Enter: Spartanburg, SC, where people come for the adventure and stay for the flavor.
Whether you’re drawn to the scenic trails and foodie adventures or the new minor league baseball stadium and live music, this charming city has something for everyone.
Columbia’s greenway connection to Lake Murray is one step closer. Construction on the Lower Saluda Greenway, linking Lake Murray Dam to Saluda Shoals Park, is set to begin once permits are secured. The first phase could open by mid-2026. The full 27-mile trail to the Three Rivers Greenway depends on Carolina Crossroads’ 2029 completion. (The State)
Opening
Cline’s Salon is celebrating 30 years with a ribbon-cutting at its new Vista location near Blue Marlin on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. City officials and Vista Guild members will cut the ribbon, with refreshments and salon tours for guests.
Try This
Taste of the Town 2025 is dishing out“Global Bites, Local Sights” on Saturday, March 22 at T&S Farm in Batesburg-Leesville. Sample international flavors from local home chefs, vote for your favorite, and enjoy live music at this community-favorite foodie event.
Cause
Literacy SC, a nonprofit supporting adult literacy in central SC, is seeking volunteers to help teach reading, writing, and math. Opportunities include private tutoring, remote wellness calls, and board membership.
Festival
Next Thursday will be a green day. The St. Pat’s in Five Points Official Kickoff is set for Thursday, Feb. 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Five Points Fountain. The free, family-friendly event features Irish music and dance, kids’ activities, and the annual green fountain dyeing at 5:45 p.m.
Edu
Governor McMaster has declared Feb. 22-March 1 as Montessori Education Week in South Carolina. The Montessori School of Columbia, celebrating 41 years in Rosewood, highlights the hands-on learning approach that sets Montessori apart from traditional education.
Eat
It’s just another Mellow Monday — but with $12 medium cheese pizzas at Mellow Mushroom. Every Monday, grab this deal all day in-store or online. A cheesy way to start the week? Sounds like a good way to save some cheddar.
Sports
The SEC forcing more playoff expansion is bad news for everyone. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of Gamecock Football with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Finance
Owe more than $10,000 in debt? You’re not alone — personal debt is on the rise. Freedom Debt Relief could help by offering a personalized debt settlement plan and negotiating with creditors to reduce your amount owed (with one low monthly payment + no upfront fees). Get started.*
Coming Soon
Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in the city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or event coming soon to Columbia.
Finance
2025 is your year to put a dent in your credit card debt. Check out these top balance transfer cards offering 0% APR on transfers into 2026. (That’s nearly two years of no interest, plus some sweet rewards.) Learn more + apply.*
The Buy
The Buy
ACTIVE Wear laundry detergent. Refresh your gym clothes with this scientifically formulated enzyme blend that removes the lingering smell of sweat and body odor. It’s free from phosphates + each bag can wash up to 90 loads.
Cocky Rooster, the new wing spot coming to the former Sushi Yoshi spot in Five Points, is looking fly with a new mural from Girls Who Paint Murals. I’m looking forward to showing you a preview of the restaurant and sharing an opening date soon.
Answered
Answered
What Sporting Events Do You Want to See in Columbia?
The NCAA Tournament at Colonial Life Arena in 2019.
Photo by COLAtoday
We recently asked what sporting events you’d like to see in Columbia. Here’s what you told us:
NCAA March Madness Tournament – 57.6%
MLB Exhibition Game – 19.2%
USA Track & Field Outdoor Championship – 12.8%
Rivals in Red 2.0 – 8%
Other – 2.4%
Following the success of the Rivals in Red Tour, which brought 70,000 visitors to Columbia and earned the Governor’s Cup Award, these results show the excitement for the next major sports event in town. We can’t wait to let you know what’s coming next.
}})
