This library is setting the stage for Read Freely Fest. | Photo via Richland Library
Book it to Richland Library this weekend to check out Read Freely Fest — its inaugural celebration of books and literature. The event takes place at the library’s Main location in downtown Columbia, starting the evening of Friday, March 28 through Sunday, March 30.
The free festival has a packed schedule, but here’s a synopsis of what you can expect over the three days.
Author talks
On Saturday + Sunday, get ready to go beyond your favorite stories by listening to author discussions across three stages: the main stage, auditorium, and theater. The schedule is packed with 25 sessions throughout the weekend.
Book sales
Browse the exhibitors to discover curated selections of books, handcrafted goods, and art. Local independent bookseller All Good Books will help you find your next favorite read while showcasing books by the event’s authors. You can also venture into Indie Author Alley to meet local authors and purchase their books.
The Open Book 2025: Jennifer Croft | 6 p.m. | University of South Carolina, The W. W. Hootie Johnson Performance Hall | Free | The award-winning author discusses her book “The Extinction of Irena Rey.”
Silents Synced: Buster Keaton x R.E.M. | 6:30 p.m. | The Nick | $12 | Experience the 1924 silent film “Sherlock Jr.” like never before, synced to the sounds of R.E.M.
Thursday, March 27
Palmetto Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Bierkeller Brewing | Free | Grab your team, pick a beer to drink, and compete to win prizes by answering questions.
Parker Quartet Spring Concert | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $20 | USC School of Music’s current Quartet-in-Residence performs pieces by Zemlinsky, Thomas Adès, and Brahms.
Friday, March 28
We Them One’s Comedy Tour | 8 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $73+ | Mike Epps hosts this comedy tour featuring Kountry Wayne, Karlous Miller, Lil Duval, Corey Holcomb, Mojo Brookzz, and Bubba Dub.
USC’s Women in Music Showcase | 8 p.m. | The Senate | $12 | Celebrate local musical talent as USC’s rising stars take the stage.
Saturday, March 29
SC Pimento Cheese Festival | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park | Free entry | Celebrate this regional favorite with plenty of cheese samples for purchase, live music from Prettier Than Matt, an arts and crafts fair, and more fun.
With the expertise of local architecture firm Garvin Design Group, general contractor Hood Construction, and owner’s representative LCK, this reinvigorated, long-beloved building now offers Koalas fresh spaces to gather, learn, and live.
Columbia’s pedestrian and bicycle counts are cycling back, and the city is looking for volunteers to collect data over nine days in the next few weeks. Locals can sign up for as many two-hour blocks as they’d like, and the findings will support transportation usage and safety efforts.
Trending
Could Trader Joe’s be coming to Lexington? The grocer expressed interest in adding a store in the town, and locals are trying to convince the brand it’s the right location. If you agree, you can join 9,000+ people in signing a petition for a Lexington Trader Joe’s. (The State)
Opening
Cola Stacks is getting ready to accessorize Columbia. The locally founded, faith-based brand will open its retail store on Devine Street with its grand opening scheduled for Saturday, April 26. The retailer is known for jewelry and other accessories like bags and scarves.
Coming Soon
Get pumped, Big Bounce America will bring its inflatable theme park to Historic Columbia Speedway in Cayce, Friday, April 18-Sunday, April 20. The bouncy event will feature obstacle courses, a sports arena, and a space-themed playground. Tickets are on sale, and yes, adults can jump in.
Award
USC women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley was named a top finalist for the 2025 Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year. This is Staley’s eighth time being nominated, and she’s the only person who’s won four times. The award will be given out on Wednesday, April 2.
Festival
You’re in luck, Tartan Day South will return to the Midlands Thursday, April 3 through Sunday, April 6. The celebration of Celtic culture will feature kilted athletic competitions, entertainment, food, a car show, and more. The festivities happen at multiple locations, and some events are ticketed.
Cause
Ready to turn the page on your old books? The Friends of the Irmo Branch Library will accept book donations tomorrow, March 27, 2-5 p.m. Some books cannot be accepted, and there are other local options if you have more spring cleaning donations.
Announced
Comedian, podcaster, and actor Sal Vulcano is coming to Columbia this summer. The “Impractical Joker” will bring his “Everything’s Fine Tour” to the Koger Center for the Arts on Sunday, Aug. 10. Ticket sales kick off this Friday, March 28.
Plan Ahead
Harbison Theatre is reaching out with a touching tribute to an American icon. “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience” will take the stage on Saturday, April 4, starring actor + Broadway star Robert Neary. Tickets are now on sale.
Sports
Gamecocks women’s basketball pulled off a second round victory, but could USC be in trouble as they advance in the NCAA Tournament? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Asked
Did you know? Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. It’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Prisma Health experts are ready to answer your questions about colon health and screening. Ask your questions (anonymously).*
Giveaway
Hawthorne Pharmacy & Medical Equipment is giving away two early entry tickets to the Grand Tasting at the Columbia Food and Wine Festival. Enter for a chance to win — the winner will be announced on Monday, April 7. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy great food and wine before the crowds.*
Trending
Eyeing some Hoka shoes for spring hiking, running, and walking adventures? Brad’s Deals rounded up which stores are offering the best prices.*
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🎓 Support future Gamecocks
USC is working to build a nest egg for the future. | Photo via COLAtoday
Gamecocks, it’s time to flock together. The University of South Carolina’s Give 4 Garnet campaign kicks off today — an effort that aims to raise funds and invest in the future of the university.
The campaign runs for 1 day, 8 hours, and 01 second to commemorate the university’s founding in 1801. Donors are able to select which causes benefit from their gift, including academic programs, athletic teams, student organizations, and other aspects of campus life. You can even take a quiz to determine which cause you’d like to support.
Want to know how the effort is doing? You can check the leader board to see which causes are getting the most action. There are some bonuses for organizations that reach specific goals, and if you choose to make a gift, it is tax deductible.
The Buy
The Buy
A really good Wi-Fi extender, because you deserve reliable internet access (yes, even in that corner of the house). Bonus: It’s 52% off until midnight thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
As an avid Trader Joe’s shopper, I’d love to see a store come to Lexington, but at least there’s still the Columbia location. I feel like every Trader Joe’s shopper has that one item they always pick up when they’re at the store. For me, it’s Guacasalsa — it’s perfect for taco nights or dipping chips into.
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