First, head to our Events page. Then, start scrolling to see what events are coming up, or use these key features to filter events more specifically:
The magnifying glass icon: Search keywords to find event categories or search events by name.
The “All Events” drop-down (desktop): Search for virtual events or “Editor’s Picks.”
Oh, what’s an Editor’s Pick, you ask? Those are events that our team has personally curated for our audience. Aka: fun, noteworthy, or important goings-on in the community.
Descending list icon (desktop): Choose how you want events for each day to be ordered — by time, popularity, or alphabetically.
Bullet list icon: Change the format from lists to thumbnails.
Couples Date Night Pottery Class | 7-9 p.m. | From Dust Pottery Studio | $85 | Bring your boo thang and join From Dust Pottery Studio for a night of making handmade clay baskets.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Copa de la Diversión Weekend: The Fireflies transform into Los Chicharrones de Columbia, and the first 1,000 fans will receive a Copa bobblehead.*
Dog Dad Day Golf Challenge | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Modern Companion Pet Boutique, Chapin | Free | Play minigolf with your pup this weekend for Dog Dad Day and be entered to win prizes.
Outfest: A Famously Hot Block Party | 12-8 p.m. | 1100 Park St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy performances like OUTfest Idol 2025, a drag pageant, vendors, food + beverage, community, and more.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Copa de la Diversión Weekend: See the Fireflies transform into Los Chicharrones de Columbia and enjoy a post-game fireworks show.*
Steve Ray Ladson, a singer from Hopkins, will be performing on the America’s Got Talent stage on Tuesday, June 17 at 8 p.m. Ladson is hoping his “Blackgrass Brothercana” sound will land him a spot in the upcoming live shows.
Number
300 — that’s the number of additional homes that could be developed in Columbia’s Cameron Ridge subdivision. The expansion along Garners Ferry Road is the response to the growing demand for houses and would feature ~1,800 sqft homes with two parking spots. (WLTX)
Festival
The 9th annual SC Juneteenth Freedom Fest will take place on Saturday, June 21, from 3 to 9 p.m. The annual parade will kick off the day of celebration, beginning at City Hall and proceeding to the Statehouse. A block party will follow on the 1000 Block of Sumter Street, featuring live performances, vendors, food, guest speakers, and more.
Arts
If you’re a poet and you know it, mark your calendars for the Soda City Poetry Fest happening on Friday, June 27 + Saturday, June 28. The inclusive poetry festival will feature poetry workshops, panels, and discussions that promote poetry. Check out a recap of the inaugural festival in 2024.
Drink
Main Street just got a bit more caffeinated. The Hendrix Bus, a mobile, pop-up coffee shop, will now be parked in Bourbon’s courtyard Tuesday through Friday and Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Travel
Be a part of history with this first-ever collaboration between the CMA’s three affinity groups (read: the Columbia Design League, Friends of African American Art & Culture, and the Contemporaries). Featuring a visit to the renowned International African American Museum (IAAM), this day trip to Charleston is happening Saturday, June 21.*
Number
300+. That’s how many small businesses, manufacturers, and local companies have posted jobs on the COLAtoday Job Board. Try it for yourself. Post unlimited job listings for free + get connected with top local talent.
Think it’s okay to leave pet waste on grass? Think again. Pet waste isn’t like fertilizer — it’s packed with harmful bacteria that can wash into storm drains and pollute local rivers. Trash the Poop, Richland County Stormwater’s program, encourages us to pick up pet waste for healthier communities. Learn more.*
Health
Is your active lifestyle, demanding job, or condition causing you chronic pain? Nápreva is a proprietary formula that offers relief without the harmful side effects. Try it risk-free.*
Post of the Day
@riverbankszoosc shared yesterday that Susan, the Giant Pacific Octopus named after Susan F. Boyd of the Boyd Foundation, has died.
Susan was a highly anticipated addition to the renovated Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center. The team shared in the post, “Susan gracefully entered senescence, a natural and meaningful stage for GPOs that marks the completion of a life cycle.”
Soon, a new cephalopod that has been acclimating behind the scenes will join the exhibit in the coming weeks.
🌸 Instantly update outfits for dinners out with friends when you add this flower purse for under $30.
🐚 Beach nights can’t handle this shell beaded bag with handstitched natural shell sequins.
💎 Choose your favorite color of Anthropologie’s Fiona beaded bag and watch the compliments flood in.
🥝 Madewell’s best-selling handwoven mini tote comes in bright summer colors like kiwi, apricot, and festival red.
👀 If you’re searching for something simple instead, this crochet tote bag is under $30 and will look adorable for walks, beach days, or running errands.
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.
Need help finding parking in West Columbia? The City of West Columbia released a map that highlights seven locations where you can park for free in the River District. It’ll come in handy when trying to park for the next Rhythm on the River event happening this Saturday, June 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy the free concert series at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater.
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