Play on the Plaza | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Try a design challenge or use your imagination to tap into your engineering ingenuity.
Civil War Battlefield Tour | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 12,000 Year History Park Timmerman Trail, Cayce | Free | Walk the battlefield, learn about the strategies and tactics used by both sides as Sherman marched through SC on his way to Columbia.
Salute to National Armed Forces Day Concert | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | North Grounds of the SC State House | Free | The Armed Services Veterans Band, along with members of the 282nd Army Band from Fort Jackson, perform a salute to National Armed Forces Day Concert.
Bierkeller Canalfest | Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18 | 12-7 p.m. | Bierkeller Columbia | Free | This free riverfront celebration brings together the community with local vendors, music, food, drinks, and a toast to Columbia’s history and future.
Musical Feast | 6:30-9 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $75+ | Enjoy live performances of jazz, opera, rock, classical strings, musical theatre, steel drums, and more from USC School of Music students.
Sunday, May 18
Yoga & Brunch | 9 a.m. | Steel Hands Brewing | $20 | Start your Sunday with yoga and treat yourself to Sunday brunch.
Mushroom Magic Artisan Market | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Flora And Fauna Marketplace, Lexington | Free | Immerse yourself in a world of fungi creations, featuring 30+ artisans.
10th Annual Drink Pink Rosé Festival | 12-4:30 p.m. | Hampton Preston Mansion | $45+ | Celebrate wine, eat, drink, play, and dance the day away at this yearly festival.
Noah and Charlotte — those were the most popular baby names in the SC in 2024, based on recently released data from the Social Security Administration. If you already know a Noah or Charlotte, help them out by sharing these kid-friendly Columbia activities with them.
Number
57%. That’s the percentage of Gen Zers who want to become influencers, according to a 2023 survey by Morning Consult. If you know a Gen Zer who’s less obsessed with the internet fame, introduce them to our leading industries and employers guide in Columbia. (CNBC)
Read
If your bookshelf is full of familial themes, you’re not alone. “Family” is the most popular genre in South Carolina. Challenge yourself to read more through the library’s reading challenge. (Visual Capitalist)
Seasonal
It’s written in the stars. Taurus season is coming to an end, and the time for Gemini will begin on Wednesday, May 21. The air sign is known for being adaptable + curious, but sometimes indecisive — we think Columbia Geminis would find a perfect neighborhood match in Five Points.
Tech
The World Video Game Hall Of Fame has named “Defender,” “Goldeneye 007,” “Quake” + “Tamagotchi” as its 2025 inductees. If you recall trying to keep your “Tamagotchi” alive, you might remember some of these other dead malls that thrived in the 1990s.
Sports
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and Antonio Williams connection is about to explode in 2025. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
City Guide
City Guide
How to park in Columbia
Pay station in level one of the P.J. Cannon Parking Deck | Photo by COLAtoday team
If you live in a city, you’re going to use parking, lots. Eh? Get it? Ok, we may be bad at parking puns, but we are good at parking in Columbia. Here’s a quick go-to parking guide to help you avoid tickets within city limits.
First things first
Parking rates in Columbia have recently changed, marking the first rate increase in almost two decades. In December 2024, the City Councilapproved major updates to parking rates and policies that took effect at the beginning of March. The changesaim to generate $11 million over five years.
A set of wind chimes. There’s nothing like listening to the soft melody of wind chimes in the evening summer breeze. We love this premium set for their soothing tones, durability, and silver finish.
It’s beach season in SC. If you’re planning a trip to the Carolina coast, check out these five drivable beach destinations. I’m a big fan of heading out early with a packed cooler for a day on Edisto.
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