Let’s see your flying squirrel | Are you feeling the heat, Soda City? We’ve got the solution: 10+ local splash pools, water parks, and outdoor pools in Columbia.
Survey says... | Last week, we wrote about the new 26-story and 22-story towers set to change Columbia’s skyline and house apartments for both residents + students. We wanted to know your take on the scale, design, and location. Today, we’re sharing your feedback.
Plan your June | Lucky you. You just found COLAtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events taking place throughout Columbia each month.
TRAP Yoga | 6-7 p.m. | Fit Columbia | $18 | Try this beginner-friendly flow that combines strength-building and balancing postures with the dynamic beats of trap and hip-hop music.
Sunday, June 1
Brunch Around the World 2025 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Local businesses unite for an international feast in Uptown Columbia, offering a free cultural culinary adventure.
Sip & Plant Workshop: Bonsai Pruning | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | $45 | This workshop includes a fully-rooted, untrimmed bonsai to practice on and take home with you.
Wednesday, June 4
Morning Blend: A Jazz, Soul, and Coffee Series | Wednesday, June 4-Wednesday, June 25 | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Relax with jazz music, local coffee from Curiosity Coffee Bar, and vegan breakfast options from Drake’s Duck-in.
Research suggests that the Southern accent may be diminishing — but is it in our town? We asked, and 67% of y’all said you have a Southern accent. Do you?
Outdoors
What’s that buzzing? Mosquito season is here, and according to Orkin data, Cola ranks No. 41 on its list of cities with the biggest swarms — so be prepared for some pesky guests next time you head to the park.
Number
$139. That’s the starting cost for a single-day ticket to Universal’s new Epic Universe, which the public can begin using on Sunday, June 1. Food for thought: The same amount of money could get you a year-long Individual Plus Membership to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. (USA Today)
Travel
When folks in SC search for travel tips, there’s one country that’s trending on Google — Italy. Our first tip: It takes about ~10 hours to fly there, so bring a book.
Sports
Could a nine-game SEC Schedule end the South Carolina + Clemson game? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Number
4.5 million. That’s how many people start their day with 1440, your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. Psst — It takes five minutes to read. Subscribe free.*
City Guide
City Guide
🎶 Don’t miss a beat
Jimmy Eat World performing a sold out show at their recent tour stop at The Senate. | Photo by COLAtoday
Drumroll, please. From pop to country and everything in between, Columbia is a stop on 22 artists’ and bands’ tour schedules. Scan this list and snag your tickets to ensure you don’t miss out on any of them.
Alternative + Indie
Origami Angel | Sunday, June 8 | The Senate | The indie rock duo is on tour supporting their 2024 album “Feeling Not Found.”
Country
Admiral Radio | Sunday, June 1 | Central Energy | The rising local Americana band celebrates the release of their new EP.
Brian Kelley | Friday, July 25 | The Senate | Brian Edward Kelley is best known as a member of the Nashville-based duo Florida Georgia Line.
Rock
Stevie Nicks | Wednesday, Aug. 27 | Colonial Life Arena | The Fleetwood Mac singer returns to perform hits like “Edge of Seventeen” + “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.”
⚡ These tapered linen pants are newly marked down and great if you don’t love a wide-leg style.
⚡ Grab a pair of Zella everyday joggers for a lightweight pant perfect for casual summer days.
⚡ This men’s pocket t-shirt is made from 100% cotton and on sale for under $20.
In case you missed it, I’m giving you one more story you missed this week: As we began to plan out summer content, we discussed how Columbia can feel like an “empty nester” city when the college students go home for the summer. Here are a few ideas on how to fall in love with Columbia all over again while the “kids” are away. I recommend dining out more to help fill the economic gaps students leave behind.
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