Prepare for take-off with these new direct flights out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport. | Photo by Logan Davidson via Spirit Airlines | Logan Davidson
Spirit Airlines is bringing the magic to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) this summer with new nonstop service to Orlando (MCO), Newark (EWR), and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) — taking off Thursday, June 5.
The airline will offer the only nonstop flight from CAE to Orlando International Airport, making it even easier for Midlands travelers to visit Disney, Universal, and other top attractions. The Newark route provides another New York City-area option, ideal for travelers heading to Midtown Manhattan via Penn Station or connecting to international flights. Fort Lauderdale adds another sunny escape for Florida getaways.
Here’s what’s taking flight:
Newark (EWR): 4x weekly (starting June 5)
Orlando (MCO): 3x weekly (starting June 5)
Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 3x weekly (starting June 6)
For a limited time, Spirit is offering $50 one-way fares for bookings made by Thursday, March 20.
With more direct flights and budget-friendly fares, CAE travelers now have even more ways to hit the air this summer.
Young Professionals: Brewing Success | 4:30-7 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, West Columbia | $10 | A panel of industry pros will give their tips and tricks on creating meaningful connections.
Ramadan Night Market | 5-8 p.m. | Boyd Plaza at Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Shop with handicraft and clothing vendors, grab a post-sunset dinner from local food trucks, and participate in free activities.
Friday, March 7
“Romeo & Juliet” | 7:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, Irmo | $35+ | SC Ballet presents this Shakespearean tragedy choreographed by William Starrett.
Gamecocks Baseball vs. Morehead State | Friday, March 7-Sunday, March 9 | Times vary | Founders Park | $15+ | Come cheer on the Yardcocks as they look to bounce back from last weekend’s series.
Steep Canyon Rangers | 8 p.m. | Newberry Opera House, Newberry | $45+ | Joined by singer-songwriter Aaron Burdett, the Rangers craft songs that honor their NC mountain music’s heritage
Saturday, March 8
Cottontown Art Crawl | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Historic Cottontown Neighborhood | Free | This beloved family-friendly event will feature nearly 200 artists, live music, and food trucks.
Junior League of Columbia Pickleball Tournament | Saturday, March 8-Sunday, March 9 | 1500 Dunbar Rd., Cayce | Donation | $65 |Proceeds contribute to the mission of JLC — advocating for healthy relationships for women and children.
Lev Management, the family-owned, local franchisee of Planet Fitness, just opened their 9th Midlands location. | Photo provided by Planet Fitness
Good news, Lexington: A healthier you is right around the corner.
The Midlands’ newest Planet Fitness is now open and staffed 24/7 on 378 (near Hendrix Crossing) and offering new members one month free with a Black Card membership. Perks include:
Lake Murray Public Park, a go-to summer spot, is changing how visitors get in. Starting Wednesday, April 9, all guests must book a $5 pass online before arriving — no more first-come, first-served entry. The new system launches Wednesday, March 19, and cash payments will no longer be accepted.
Development
Columbia City Council is no longer considering a ban on private student housing downtown, but is now looking to limit dorm sizes. A new proposal would cap private dorm suites at four bedrooms. A Planning Commission review is set for Thursday, March 13, followed by a public hearing on Tuesday, April 15. (The State)
Cause
Support brain injury awareness at the Walk, Run and Roll for Brain Injury Awareness starting Sunday, March 23, at Bierkeller Columbia with a group walk, music by DJ Preach Jacobs, and family fun. Can’t make it? Participate remotely anytime through March 29.
Arts
Three Midlands artists and organizations have been named recipients of the 2025 South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts. Honorees include music educator Dr. Gail Barnes, filmmaker Wade Sellers, and the Koger Center for the Arts. The awards will be presented in May via a broadcast ceremony.
Active
Step up for heart health at the 2025 Midlands Heart Walk on Saturday, March 29 at Segra Park. The event supports CPR training and heart disease research, turning bystanders into lifesavers. Festivities start at 8 a.m., and the walk begins at 9 a.m.
Sports
What are the offensive priorities in free agency for the Carolina Panthers? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Veterinary clinics are being pushed to focus on profit, resulting in higher bills. Pet insurance could help you offset some of these rising costs — with up to 90% reimbursement. Find plans starting at only $10/month.*
Finance
Drum roll, dear readers... one of the best balance transfer cards is here. Say “see ya” to high-interest debt with 0% intro APR into 2026 (plus no annual fee, and cash back on your buys). Apply.*
Wellness
Want thicker, fuller hair in just 3-6 months?† Through Hims & Hers, you can get access to personalized, clinically proven treatments all from the comfort of home. No office visits, no insurance hassles — just real results. Get started.*
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.
†Based on separate individual studies of oral minoxidil and oral finasteride. Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.
Category
Eat
Can’t-miss March Madness deals
Presented by LTC Hospitality Services
Whether you’re watching the games or hosting, The Grand has you covered. | Photo provided by LTC Hospitality
You can catch every game during March Madness at The Grand with unbeatable specials.
Enjoy a $15 bucket of five domestic beers and dig into their fried ribs — four smoked, breaded, and fried pork ribs drizzled with Sweet Bourbon BBQ Sauce for $14. Hosting at home? Grab 40 wings for $90 (to go only).
This tournament-long lineup of food, drinks, and hoops is a slam dunk.
St. Pat’s in Five Points announced that local legend A’ja Wilson will be the Grand Marshal of the parade down Devine Street, along with the full artist lineup for the festival. Now you can map out your day so you don’t miss your favorite acts. I’m looking forward to catching Congress the Band and Winyah, two up-and-coming bands from the SC coast.
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