If you see a bird like this, you’ve spotted a ruby-throated hummingbird. | Photo via Matt Tillett on Wikimedia Commons
Spring is right around the corner, and our feathery friends are making their way back up the East Coast. One example is the ruby-throated hummingbird, which is expected to migrate through the Columbia area around March 15-March 30.
Did you know? The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common hummingbird species on this side of the Mississippi River and the only one to breed in the eastern US.
Catch a glimpse
If you want to see the hummingbirds before they flutter away, you’re in for a pretty sight. The species is known for being nectar feeders and are attracted to wildflowers, particularly tubular ones that are red or orange. Grab your binoculars and head to a local birding hot spot like:
Lake Murray — the area has many spots that attract birds and their watchers, we recommend the Lake Murray Dam or Dreher Island State Park
Hampton-Preston Garden — Pro tip: Look for birdwatching events
moe. | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $35 | The Buffalo-based jam band rocks out at the downtown venue.
March sale: First month free | Wednesday, March 12-Thursday, March 13 | 3 p.m. | Columbia | Now through March 13 get your first month at Planet Fitness for free + unlock your strength at any of their Columbia area locations with the PF Black Card — join for only $1 down.*
Thursday, March 13
Kid Zone: Leprechauns Unite | 3-3:45 p.m. | Chapin Branch Library | Free | Fill your pot with slime instead of gold at this hands-on, crafty gathering.
Comedy Night | 8-11 p.m. | Uncle Fester’s Music Pub | $10+ | Get a dose of local laughs at this show with Ben Jennings, David Dowdy, Matt Blizz + Gabby.
Friday, March 14
South Carolina Grown Marketplace | Friday, March 14-Sunday, March 16 | Times vary | SC State Fairgrounds | Free entry | Browse local vendors, farmers, artisans, and small businesses showing their creativity and Palmetto State pride.
Live in the Lobby Jazz: Jane Monheit | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $45+ | ColaJazz partners with the venue to present this adult contemporary vocalist with a deep passion for the Great American Songbook.
Saturday, March 15
St Paddy’s Day 2025 | 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, West Columbia | Free entry | The beer garden has Celtic vibes all day with drinks, Irish dishes, games, and performances by The Bograts, Barley juice, and Tuatha Dea.
Save up to $300 on move-in fees with code COLATODAY2025 when you apply. | Photos provided by Estates & Companies
Do you hear that? Birds are chirping and flowers are blooming — which means spring is almost here. If you’re ready to shake off the winter blues and get outside more, here’s why you should consider a move to Brookland this season:
Better weather
Moving into your new home is easier when it’s not too hot or cold — just in time to soak up everything spring has to offer.
Ready for some fun in the sun? The West Columbia Riverwalk Park is just next door, where you can enjoy a picnic or launch a kayak on the Congaree River.
Outdoor festivals
Living at Brookland means you’re just minutes from fun, year-round events like Rhythm on the River, Soiree on State, the Meeting Street Music Festival, and more.
60,000+. That’s how many students applied to USC for fall 2025 admission, breaking the university’s application record. This number is a 13% increase in perspective students from last year, and USC’s Honors College also saw a record-breaking number of applicants.
Development
Casino developer Wallace Cheves is reportedly eyeing the former Santee Outlet Mall as the site of SC’s first legal casino. The $1 billion development is contingent on the “I-95 Economic And Education Stimulus Act” being passed. Approval would also create the South Carolina Gaming Commission, housed in Columbia. (The Post and Courier)
Opening
A stylish addition is celebrating its debut in Five Points. Boutique store Copper Penny will host its grand opening today with a ceremony at 12:30 p.m. The SC-founded brand specializes in women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Sports
Score a deal next time you head to a Gamecock Softball game. The team released its 2025 promotional schedule with 17 specials this season, including Dollar Dog Day this Saturday, March 15. You can also catch promos during this Gamecock Baseball season by checking out their schedule.
Plan Ahead
The Columbia Museum of Art will bend minds at its “Through the Looking Glass: A Surrealist Gala” on Saturday, March 22, 7-11 p.m. The otherworldly event will benefit the museum with displays, an auction, food, drinks and live music from BMuzick Band. Tickets are now available.
Pets
If you’re looking for a new furry friend, you’re in luck. Columbia Animal Services’ St. Pawtrick’s Day O’Doption Special is letting you adopt a pet without spending too much green. All month long, adoption fees are waived for pets in foster homes, and all other pets have a $17 fee.
Kids
School is still in session, but two local summer camps are getting ready for the year to end. Columbia’s Parks and Recreation is now accepting registration for its Kid’s Summer Camp + Teen Enrichment Camp. Both programs start Monday, June 9.
Listen
Clemson landed six new recruits during the Elite Retreat and soared in the 2026 recruitment class rankings. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Eat
Indulge in elevated dining at Smoked. From freshly shucked oysters to expertly seared steaks — plus an extensive wine list, curated whiskey selection, and refined ambiance, your perfect night awaits. Reserve your table.*
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at NOVAtoday and craft daily, hyper-local content. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
Try This
Looking to build your dream team? Connect with incredible local talent right here in your community. Post your job listing with us today — first one is free — and find the perfect fit for your team in no time.
Correction
In yesterday’s newsletter, we shared the wrong date for the Columbia Design League’s upcoming DesignHER panel at the CMA. This Women’s History Month event will be held on Thursday, March 20. See details and snag tickets.*
Category
Development
📃 Downtown Columbia’s new direction
This view of downtown Columbia can be seen looking at Main Street from the State House. | Photo via COLAtoday
The draft highlighted intended goals with its six “big ideas:"
Build two trails to connect popular downtown destinations — the Capital Loop + Vista Loop.
Refresh downtown with accessible streets and sidewalks while increasing the area’s tree canopy.
Connect downtown by focusing on safety at intersections.
Reclaim right of way, giving more access to pedestrians and cyclists while deprioritizing vehicles.
Champion downtown’s social and cultural presence with a focus on programming and maintenance.
Streamline the development process to protect downtown and provide clear building regulations.
The city is hosting two open houses tomorrow at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center to discuss the plan. Locals can review the draft, ask questions, and share feedback. The project team is also accepting online comments through Saturday, March 21.
The Buy
The Buy
A pair of buttery soft joggers. They’re available in 16 different colors, including posh pastels like pink suede and mint green that are perfect for spring.
We’ve got a warm week ahead of us, with temperatures approaching 80° through this weekend. I think this forecast calls for outdoor dining, and if you need help finding a restaurant, we have many recommendations around Columbia.
}})
