5 independently owned bookstores | Find your next page-turner at these bookstores in Columbia, where you can browse titles and literally support small businesses.
Celebrating 8 with stories of Columbia’s past | To celebrate COLAtoday’s eighth anniversary, we’ve highlighted eight favorite local history stories that shaped Columbia’s past and present.
Asked
Asked
Which Columbia neighborhood name was inspired by the landscape of County Cork, Ireland?
A. Earlewood B. Old Shandon C. Arsenal Hill D. Hamptons-Old Woodland
55th Annual Cottontail Festival | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Meadowlake Park | Free | Be on the lookout for Peter Cottontail and get a basketful of fun with games, rides, crafts, food trucks, and an accessible egg hunt.
Columbia International Festival | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | SC State Fairgrounds | $10 | The event brings all of the area’s international communities together showcasing music, culture, food and performing arts.
Palladium Tour: A Century of Style | 1-6 p.m. | Forest Hills | $35+ | Learn about the history of Forest Hills through its architecture with a self-paced, self-guided community tour.
Tuesday, April 8
The Music of Led Zeppelin with Symphony | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $18+ | The SC Philharmonic uses classical elements and a “Whole Lotta Love” to pay homage to the innovative rock band.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Charleston RiverDogs | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s opening night: Kickoff the 2025 season with $2 Miller Lites, hot dogs, popcorn, and fountain sodas. Stick around post-game for a magnet schedule giveaway.
Friday, April 11
Artista Vista | Friday, April 11-Sunday, April 13 | Times vary | The Vista | Free | Celebrate the area’s arts and culture with a weekend of events including art crawls, live displays, an art market, and an art scavenger hunt.
Over 40 words from around the world have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) last month. From Ireland, the OED added “class” which is a general way of expressing approval. As in, “Today’s COLAtoday newsletter was class — you should subscribe.”
Trending
Good news for brunch-goers: the price of eggs is finally declining. The wholesale price of a dozen eggs is down by 63% from its record high in February. But that’s just the wholesale price — we’ll believe it when we see it on the shelves. (Axios)
Eat
Texas burger giant Whataburger was named one of the best Southern food chains by Southern Living. Good news — the sensation is spreading throughout the Midlands. You’re welcome, COLAtoday.
Travel
Mom, Airbnb and VRBO are fighting. The beef between the two popular accommodation platforms is thanks to a sarcastic advertisement from the latter — but we don’t like to get involved. That’s why our guide on unique places to stay in Columbia features listings from both. (Business Insider)
Sports
The Carolina Hurricanes clinched a playoff spot for the seventh straight season. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Hurricaneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
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.*
City Guide
City Guide
Can’t beat free
McKissick Museum is located on the Horseshoe in the center of the USC campus. | Photo by COLAtoday
What’s better than a day in Columbia? Free activities in Columbia. If you’re looking for something to do in the Soda City — but don’t want to open your wallet — we’ve got fun things to do that will suit every interest.
Free tours
Anne Frank Center | The Anne Frank Center at USC offers free tours. Explore the life and legacy of Anne Frank through photos and original artifacts.
Historic Columbia | Residents of Richland and Lexington counties can tour a house museum for free every third Sunday of the month. Can’t make it? Try a self-guided tour instead.
Sally Salamander Walking Tour
Embark on a self-guided adventure through downtown Columbia with the Sally Salamander Walking Tour. Follow bronze statues of SC’s state amphibian, the spotted salamander, to discover 20 notable landmarks and historic sites.
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