The Cayce Historical Museum has an extensive collection of Native American artifacts. | Photo by The Cayce Museum
Although 239 years might seem like a long time, the Capital City is still relatively young by global standards. Columbia was laid out in 1786 as the new seat of state government and formally chartered in 1854.
You don’t have to leave town to stand face-to-face with artifacts that predate Columbia by decades — or even centuries. Let’s take a peek at some really old stuff you can see in town.
Clovis-era arrows and points | 11,000-10,000 BC
Along Congaree Creek, archaeologists unearthed stone spear points and other tools made 11,000–12,000 years ago, where Cayce’s 12,000 Year History Park now sits.
Robert B. Ariail Telescope | 1730
The State Museum’s Ariail Collection spans 200+ telescopes, the oldest dating to about 1730 — barely a century after Galileo.
Morning Blend: A Jazz, Soul, and Coffee Series | 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.
Summer Reading Kickoff Party | 3-6 p.m. | Lexington Main at the Icehouse Amphitheater, Lexington | Free | Enjoy a vibrant celebration of stories, creativity, and fun with inflatables, face painting, water, and sensory play stations.
Thursday, June 5
First Thursday on Main | 5 p.m. | Boyd Plaza | Free | Main Street will be buzzing with local art, music, line dancing, ping pong, and more.
South Carolina Caribbean Festival | Thursday, June 5-Sunday, June 8 | 7-3 p.m. | Various locations | This four-day event is filled with delicious food, vibrant music, and island vibes.
Friday, June 6
Yoga on the Plaza | 8-9 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | This class focuses on the shapes and general alignment of basic yoga poses along with variations of sun salutations.
Jurassic Quest | Friday, June 6-Sunday, June 8 | Times vary | South Carolina State Fair | Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular Dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family.
Nashville Nights Kickoff | 6 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, Cayce | Free | Boot, scoot, and boogie down with country songwriters, and Whiskey Hat Co. will be on site creating custom hats during the kickoff event.
Saturday, June 7
Richland County Ag + Art | Saturday, June 7-Sunday, June 8 | Times vary | Columbia | Free | The self-guided tour of farms and markets features local artisans at every stop.
Dive into your wild side at the South Carolina Aquarium
Presented by South Carolina Aquarium
Get to know 5,000+ curious creatures that call our state home. | Photos provided by South Carolina Aquarium
Ever wonder who our wildest neighbors are? Hint: They don’t live in houses.
This summer, come say “hi” to them at the South Carolina Aquarium. Located right on the scenic Charleston Harbor, the Aquarium invites you to explore South Carolina’s habitats — from mountain forests all the way to the coast.
🐬 Hands-on fun
Feed friendly cownose rays, feel the texture of a sea star, and maybe even spot wild dolphins splashing in the harbor. Feeling adventurous? Take a virtual reality dive underwater or get an up-close look at sea turtle rehabilitation happening live.
☀️ Summer events
Enjoy fun events like kids’ dance classes, a sustainable seafood dinner with wine pairings, yoga beneath the Great Ocean Tank’s glow, and more.
Those hoping for a Trader Joe’s on the Lake Murray side of town are in luck. The grocery chain known for its offbeat snacks and cult-favorite frozen meals is planning a new location on Harbison Boulevard near Columbiana Center. (The Post and Courier)
Open
Thai Delicacies is now open at 1213 Sunset Blvd. in West Columbia, replacing the former Olde Country Buffet. The new spot serves Thai street food, regional Burmese dishes, boba tea, and more daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Announced
It’s all love for the 803. The 803 Day Celebration returns Friday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 3, with citywide events, including a 5K, scavenger hunt, free festival, and $8.03 deals at local spots.
Community
Toucan Tuesdays return to Riverbanks Zoo from June 10 through Aug. 12. Guests who donate two canned goods for Harvest Hope receive BOGO admission and ICEEs, helping the zoo reach its goal of collecting 5,000 pounds of food.
Concert
The Blind Boys of Alabama will perform at the Koger Center on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 3 p.m. The six-time GRAMMY-winning gospel group, known for a 70+ year career blending traditional and contemporary spirituals, hits the stage with presale tickets beginning tomorrow, and public sales opening on Friday, June 13.
Family
Richland Library and the Columbia Fireflies are teaming up for a free bilingual storytime on Thursday, June 12, from 10–11 a.m. at Segra Park. Swing by for English-Spanish stories, songs, early literacy activities, and a chance to meet Fireflies players.
Pets
Sundays For Dogs began when a veterinarian couldn’t find food she trusted for her own dog — so she made one. Try real, clean dog food for 50% off.*
Seasonal
Summer’s more fun when you can actually hear it. Whether it’s ocean waves or outdoor movies, get back in the moment with this crowd-favorite hearing aid that packs dual processing tech for the ultimate clarity. Bonus: The 45-day trial means no risk if you’re not into it.*
Post of the Day
Nothing brightens a dinner table like a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. If you’re ready to turn your backyard yarrow and snapdragons into a tabletop centerpiece, check out the upcoming floral design workshop at Boone Fox Farm, located at City Roots in Rosewood.
A really good electric bikini trimmer. Its stainless steel ceramic blades provide a smooth shave free of nicks, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. Bonus: It’s waterproof + boasts up to five hours of battery life.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Local Americana group Admiral Radio celebrated the release of their new album “Consider Me a Lighthouse” with a packed house Sunday evening at Central Energy in the BullStreet District. You can pick up a copy at Papa Jazz Record Shoppe or Scratch N’ Spin, or stream it now.
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