See a list of adoptable dogs for Columbia and take home a forever friend. | Photo via City of Columbia Animal Services
Today is National Rescue Dog Day + we’ve done some digging to highlight several local animal shelters looking for some purrfect permanent homes or foster parents. Consider lending a paw in the form of adoption, donations, time, or money.
Animal Mission is a local nonprofit that provides free or low-cost spaying or neutering services to help prevent euthanasia in local municipal shelters. See seven local shelters you can adopt from.
Adoptable pets are priced at $35 each, with ongoing special promotions throughout the year — in honor of National Rescue Dog Day, it’s waiving all adoption fees for dogs today. See a list of adoptable dogs for Columbia.
Looking to adopt or foster? Read through its pre-adoption info and the adoption process, or apply to become a foster family. Pro tip: Final Victory provides all necessary medications/treatments, food, and supplies needed during foster care.
Art History 101: Modern and Contemporary | Tuesday, May 20 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $20+ | Explore modern and contemporary, European, Asian, and American art in a casual lecture series.
Sip & Plant Workshop: Perennial Patio Planter | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | $49+ | Sip on drinks from our bar while you create an original patio planter made with two beautiful annuals.
Wednesday, May 21
Forest Acres Farmers Market | Wednesday, May 21-Wednesday, June 25 | 2-6 p.m. | Gills Creek Memorial Park | Free | Browse local farmers and artisans bringing fruit, produce, eggs, meats, honey, dog treats, and more.
Birdwatching in the Gardens | Thursday, May 22 | 8-9 a.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens | Free | Participants will learn how to identify birds by sight, sound, and behavior.
After 10 years of lululemon’s iconic yoga pant, meet the new version
Presented by The Buy
Graphic by 6AM City
Fun fact: It’s been 10 years since the Align™ pant was released — lululemon’s buttery-soft, functional yoga pant that’s amassed many a devoted fan.
Extra fun fact: In honor of the anniversary, lululemon just dropped lululemon Align No Line™, which has everything great about the original, just no front-rise seam.
$530,000 — that’s how much the SC State Fair invested in 53 students’ futures via the Ride of Your Life Scholarship. 53 high school seniors across South Carolina each received $10,000 that must be used at a SC university, college, or institution.
Development
A church and community hub in Northeast Columbia, The Brook, broke ground on a new expansion project adding 47,000 sqft to the existing facility. The new development will feature a 1,500-seat sanctuary, a cafe, an indoor play area, and more. Construction is expected to be done in 2027.
Open
A new walk-in bakery is open on Main Street in Lexington by Libby’s. Originally, Twisted Whisk was a space used as a special orders location, but now sells cakes, cupcakes, muffins, cinnamon rolls, biscuits, and more. In its first week, the bakery sold out. (The State)
Sports
The Gamecock softball team is heading to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time since 2018 after winning the Columbia Regional Tournament Sunday against North Florida. USC will host the Super Regional and the winners of the Los Angeles Regional at Carolina Softball Stadium. (Gamecocks Online)
Outdoors
Weekend With The Pros, the world’s longest-running wakeboard show, will return to Lake Murray on Friday, June 6, and run through Saturday, June 7. Watch the pro wakeboard show by boat or land, and sign up for lessons. (Cola Daily)
Listen
South Carolina’s statement win over number one. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Calling all business owners and hiring managers — we’re growing our COLAtoday Job Board, which means you can post unlimited job listings for free. No tricks or gimmicks — simply create an account and start posting.
Category
Try This
🪶 It’s almost feather weather
These migratory songbirds gather here nightly through the summer, filling the sky in a swirling display before making their way to South America. | Photo via Carolina Safari Co.
Just like us, the Purple Martins flock to Lake Murray during the warmer months. Every summer, hundreds of thousands take flight to Bomb Island, providing a glimpse into this natural phenomenon right in the Midlands. Fun fact: Bomb Island is the largest sanctuary for the Purple Martins in the United States.
How to see them
Taking a boat to Bomb Island provides the best view of the Purple Martins in action.Pro tip — the best time to see them is just before sunset.
Each year, Wingard’s Naturalist, Zach Steinhauser, offers sunset cruises to Bomb Island and has just released the new summer 2025 schedule. Evening tours will be available Tuesday through Sunday, beginning Tuesday, July 8, and run through Sunday, Aug. 24. Reservations for the 2025 Martin Season open on Friday, May 30 at 9 a.m. Pro tip: Book early because these tours fill up fast.
Asked
Asked
The Purple Martins take shelter in the trees on Bomb Island, which was once used as target practice during which war?
A. The American Revolution B. The Civil War C. WWI D. WWII
One of our favorite trends of the summer: textured handbags. From straw to beaded, these are our top five picks:
🌟 This standout wood bead bracelet handle bag is the perfect accessory for your beach vacation.
🌟 This versatile braided tote made with 70% recycled plastic is available in 35+ colors.
🌟 MANGO’s woven canvas crossbody with smooth faux leather detailing offers fun textural interplay.
🌟 This crescent straw bag with an adjustable shoulder strap will be our go-to all summer long.
🌟 An elegant rope clutch is a must for summertime weddings and cocktail parties.
Looks like Colonial Life Arena let out a “Dirty Little Secret” — The All-American Rejects will be joining the Jonas Brothers on tour when they visit Columbia on Thursday, Nov. 6. Tickets start at $51. Maybe I’ll go and sing along to some of my favorite middle school and high school pop-rock jams.
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