Local leaders celebrate the announcement of the zero-emission buses. | Photo via COLAtoday
COMET is keeping Columbia moving, but it may not hit the gas. The transit system unveiled four new zero-emission buses: two New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE electric battery buses + two New Flyer 40' Xcelsior hydrogen fuel cell buses.
This bus will get you moving without the gas. | Photo via COLAtoday
The new vehicles are expected to eliminate 540 tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions, leading to healthier air, but the benefits don’t stop there. The vehicles also enhance the transit experience with:
Lower operating costs, including cheaper fuel and fewer service needs.
Fewer service outages due to the reduced likelihood of maintenance.
A quieter experience compared to diesel fuel buses.
Music for Sustainable Change | 6-7 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $8+ | Explore the impacts of climate change with 360° visuals of Columbia and music performed by a string quartet.
Retirement Master Class | 6-7 p.m. | Lexington County Main Library | Free | This educational class will cover the basics of retirement and allow attendees to ask financial questions.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Carolina Mudcats | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s White Claw Wednesday: Enjoy a game at the ballpark with $5 12oz White Claws — the perfect combo.*
Thursday, April 24
Kane Brown | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $33+ | Put some “Miles on It” and watch the country star perform “The High Road Tour” with Mitchell Tenpenny + Ashley Cooke.
Collaborative Kitchen | 7-9 p.m. | Smoked | $125 | Dig into a culinary journey where LTC Hospitality Beverage Director Greg Williamson expertly pairs wines with bold, innovative flavors.
Friday, April 25
The 2025 South Carolina Orchid Society Show and Sale | Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27 | Times vary | The Garden Club Council of Columbia Building | Free entry | See what’s in bloom, browse plants for sale, and attend classes on orchid care.
Author Talk with Amanda Gross | 7 p.m. | All Good Books | Free | The author of “White Women, Get Ready” shares her stories and discusses antiracist education to build better relationships.
The SECU DinoLab hosts a team of paleontologists who will be studying the Dueling Dinosaurs for years to come. | Photo courtesy NC Museum of Natural Sciences
It’s not an exaggeration to say there is nothing in the world quite like Dueling Dinosaurs.
The opening of the world’s first open-access paleontology lab, allowing visitors to speak directly with real scientists as they study and learn about this incredible fossil.
Plus, look forward to interactive areas where you can work with tools and technologies used in the lab.
Real estate developer Core Spaces aims to build two high-rise residential buildings on a vacant Main Street parking lot that would add 700+ units, including student housing and luxury market-rate apartments. The developer will begin seeking project approval at a city meeting on Thursday, May 1. (The State)
Community
This week, Columbia’s Department of Community Development is celebrating 50 years of service, and it plans to help the city continue to grow. The department has events planned to observe the milestone throughout the week, including a block party on Friday afternoon. (WLTX)
Closing
Banh Mi Boys is looking to sell its Whaley Street shop, but it’s not a wrap quite yet. The Vietnamese sandwich restaurant plans to continue operations until it’s sold, though there may be scheduling changes. Once acquired, the new owner could continue the franchise or renovate for a new venture. (The Post and Courier)
Environment
Anti-litter nonprofit PalmettoPride is looking to give the area a clean start with its SC Sweep Campaign from Friday, April 25, through Sunday, May 4. You can sign up to help the trash pick-up effort by finding individual events or organizing a group cleanup.
Announced
Just like a lasso, Steel Hand Brewing’s Nashville Nights is coming back around. The concert series will feature free Friday night shows starting June 6 through August 15 at 6 p.m. The lineup has been announced, with Chris Canterbury, Phillip Lammonds + Zach Meadows kicking off the series.
Real Estate
Home prices are movin’ on up — seven cities in the Columbia metro area ranked among Stacker’s 50 fastest-growing real estate markets in SC. Liberty Hill saw the greatest annual increase, with home prices rising 9%. Also on the list: Leesville, Pine Ridge, Gilbert, Summit, South Congaree + Forest Acres.
Plan Ahead
Want to help shape Richland County? Officials are hosting a second public forum to share feedback on its 2025 Comprehensive Plan. You can drop in with comments and questions at the EdVenture Children’s Museum on Thursday, May 1, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Sports
The NFL draft kicks off tomorrow, but what could it look like for the Panthers? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Cause
Raise a glass for a great cause at Steel Hands Brewing’s Cayce taproom, today through Sunday, April 27. In honor of Officer Drew Barr, Steel Hands Brewing will donate $1 for every pint of Steel Paws Wheat Ale poured to support SC law enforcement + K9 programs. Learn more.*
You had me at happy hour. Head to Taco Mundo in the Vista for Fiesta Hour, every Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Enjoy flavorful starters like the Mundo Trio Dip and sip on a frozen margarita (or two). See the deals + full menu.*
Featured Deal
Psst — This week, spend $55+ online at Clinique and get a free eight-piece kit with code GIFT. We’re eyeing: a new Almost Lipstick and best-selling mascara.*
Category
Outdoors
🧺 Another one in the basket
Picnic or walk under the historic live oaks on the Horseshoe. | Photo via COLAtoday team
You never need an excuse to plan a picnic in Columbia, but if you ever needed one, today is National Picnic Day. From historic gardens and riverfront spots, Soda City has many places where you can throw down your blanket and grab a meal with friends + family.
Build your menu with local charcuterie boards
Abundant Graze | Choose from a variety of prebuilt boxes that include cheeses, pickles, nuts, and crackers.
The Gourmet Shop | This Five Points spot has plenty of options to let you build your own board and more picnic-friendly food on the menu.
Carolina Charcuterie Company | Pick the perfect snack with packages filled with meats, crackers, and veggies. There’s even a Bitty Box and a mini box that are perfect if you don’t want leftovers.
Did you know? Sandwiches are the most popular picnic meal. If you want to sub the charcuterie board with a sandwich, there are many spots in Soda City with options under $10.
A 100% leak-proof tumbler. The Hydracy Soulmate boasts a sleek design (read: it’s cup holder-friendly), three layers of insulation to keep your drink cold for 24 hours, and is dishwasher safe.
The month is coming to an end soon, so let’s hope April showers bring Southern Magnolias. They tend to bloom in late spring, and while I’m not a huge flower person, I do think they’re beautiful. Maybe it’s time to visit a local garden?
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