This new mural brings the energy of West Columbia to life with scenes of kayaking, biking, and the iconic WeCo sign. | Photo by COLAtoday
We all know that the Soda City has a vibrant art scene — and we’re not just talking about the Columbia Museum of Art or the 701 Center for Contemporary Art. One of our all-time favorite galleries? Columbia itself.
The Soda City is home to several meaningful murals and street art pieces. Today, we’re sharing where to find pieces that really paint a picture of our city.
A Splash of Color | 745 Saluda Ave. (Five Points) | Shelby LeBlanc
Right in the heart of Five Points, this vibrant mural brings goldfish, frogs, lilies, and a heron to life — 600+ hours went into capturing a feeling of transformation, courage, and resilience.
West Columbia Mural | Creative Sewing, 519 12th St, West Columbia | Lacey Hennessey
Kayakers, cyclists, and the iconic WeCo sign all show up in this mural celebrating life along the river.
Meeting Street Artisan Market | 4-8 p.m. | Interactive Art Park, West Columbia | Free | The market includes vendors selling original art, crafts, foods, and produce.
Friday, July 11
Friday Yoga Class | 9-10 a.m. | Saluda Riverwalk | Free | Join instructors from the Drew Wellness Center for calming Friday morning yoga sessions on the Saluda.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid | Friday, July 11-Sunday, July 13 | Times vary | Town Theatre | $17+ | Dive into this splashy, timeless tale directed by Shannon Willis Scruggs with music direction by Lou Boeschen.
Saturday, July 12
Cars and Coffee | 7-11 a.m. | AMC Theater 14 | Free | Kickstart your morning with classic cars as you sip on your morning brew.
New Zealand Wine Tasting | 3-4 p.m. | Hampton Street Vineyard | $33 | Join advanced sommelier Jonathan Lopez as he guides you through the regions and grape varietals of New Zealand.
Sunday, July 13
BullStreet District Walking Tour | 1-2:30 p.m. | Tour begins at the Mills Building | $0+ | This tour delves into the rich history of the former main campus of the SC State Hospital.
Dulce Losa Ice Cream Factory is now scooping sweet treats in northeast Columbia. Located near Food Lion on Summit Parkway, the shop offers 25+ flavors, milkshakes, and free toppings — plus cow-themed decor like LeBarn James in a Ridgeview High jersey.
Kids
Here’s your chance to LaLearn from the best. USC star quarterback LaNorris Sellers will host a youth football camp Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at USC’s Wellness and Fitness Center. The camp is open to ages 6–17, and space is limited.
Development
Eurocharm Group, a Taiwan-based metalworking supplier, is establishing its first North American manufacturing facility in Kershaw County. The $12 million Lugoff site will support metal fabrication and bring 46 new jobs when operations begin in 2026.
Festival
Hemingway native and James Beard-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott is the first celebrity judge named for the Southeastern BBQ Showdown. The “Chef’s Table” star will help crown the top ‘cue at Gamecock Park, April 24–25.
Number
$150,000 — that’s how much the Bugenske family, on behalf of Leo’s Pride Foundation, donated to Saluda Shoals Foundation. $100,000 will go to Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission’s Therapeutic Recreation program, and $50,000 to upgrade Leo’s Landing Inclusive Playground.
Try This
Learn to plant a salsa garden at CommuniTea with Christina: Sows and Grows this Saturday, July 12, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Finney Cultural Arts Center’s Boxcar Garden. It’s free, and you’ll leave with a plant — while supplies last.
Asked
What’s hard, shiny, pretty, and projected to be valued at $4,000 per ounce in 2026? See the answer.†*
Job
Your dream employee is probably reading our newsletter right now — want them to see your job first? Add your job listing to our COLAtoday Job Board, at no cost.
Not your average birdwatching moment. Columbia police were spotted trailing an emu last week along Broad River Road. The speedy bird (they can hit 30+ mph) gave officers a run before being safely reunited with its owner. No charges, no chase report — just another day in the Midlands.
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.
Speaking of murals — Keep the Midlands Beautiful is kicking off its “Connecting Communities” series in Swansea with muralists Girls Who Paint and local leaders. Help them celebrate with a litter cleanup on Friday, July 25 at 570 W. Second St., followed by a ribbon cutting for the new mural.
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