The Buy team here. We’re always looking for the best deals — and July is proving to be one of the best months this year for major discounts. Take advantage of these Amazon Prime Day dealsstill on sale:
A skyline view from the bridge walk taking shape at Finlay Park. | Photo by City of Columbia
The Landing — Finlay Park’s new activity hub — is where you’ll grab snacks, find shade, and launch into fun when the park reopens this fall. Expect roller skate rentals for a spin around the oval, ping pong tables, model sailboat rentals for the pond, and plenty more.
With the opening just months away, details are coming into focus — and the City wants your “Looking Forward to Finlay” memories, hopes, and stories, so be sure to share yours with them to join in on the celebration.
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The Boyd Passage Trailhead opens a fresh route on the Palmetto Trail, thanks to The Boyd Foundation. | Photos by COLAtoday
From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic lakes and mountains, our city has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Midlands area with eight routes to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.
Explore sandstone formations, fossils, and the Midlands’ only natural waterfall on this easy trail. Choose a short loop to see Little Peachtree Rock and the falls, or hike the full preserve for a longer adventure through sandy pine forest.
The ART of Real Estate | Karma Keg | 4:30-7 p.m. | Craft and Draft, Devine Street | Free | Grab a free beer, make a donation, and support the Animal Mission at this community-focused happy hour.
Waterwheel Cinema | 8-11 p.m. | Corley Mill House | $10 | Catch an outdoor screening of “50 First Dates” with food trucks, and garden seating.
Friday, July 25
Four Horsemen Exhibition Opening | 5-8 p.m. | Gemini Arts | Free | Four Artists — Corey “RocBottom” Davis, Lucas Sams, Michael Krajewski, and Thomas Washington — collaborate to create unique works of art.
Saturday, July 26
Looka That Festival Right There | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Historic Columbia Speedway, Cayce | $23 | Try that “baptized” chicken and sample Southern cuisine at this food-focused outdoor event where early arrivals get a freebie.
Library Antiques Roadshow | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lexington Main, Lexington | Free | Holli McGee of McGee Auction and Appraisal Services shares expert auction insights, then offers live appraisals for items attendees bring in.
Sunday, July 27
South Main Celebration Ride | 10:30 a.m. | Cola Town Bike Collective (starting point) | Free | Celebrate Columbia’s first protected bike lane with a 5-mile group ride and remarks from local leaders.
Anthony Green w/ Geoff Rickly + Kurt Travis | 6:30 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern | $32 | Three heavy-hitting emo vocalists from the post-hardcore scene share the stage for solo performances.
The dreaded repair bill is coming... are you covered? | Photo by Choice Home Warranty
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Chapin’s planning commission sent the proposed 382-home Brighton development back to the drawing board. Officials cited traffic, density, and design concerns ahead of a Tuesday, Aug. 5 vote. The mixed-use plan spans 161 acres off Columbia Avenue with a projected 10- to 15-year buildout. (The Post and Courier)
Coming Soon
Nicky’s Pizzeria is expanding to Red Bank, with a second location near the Farmhouse Grill expected to open sometime in December. Owner Annie Kershner says the name might change, but it will still serve Nicky’s signature New York-style pizza. (Cola Daily)
Opening
Grindhouse Skate Co. celebrates its grand opening on Saturday, July 26 at 1 p.m. in Irmo next door to Roy’s Grille. Expect giveaways, discounts, and a back-to-school fundraiser to support skating and the local scene.
Concert
ColaJazz Foundation’s new series “Alone Together: Keys & Conversation” brings award-winning solo jazz pianists to The Space at the ColaJazz Office on select Sundays, August through November. The small venue will offer intimate performances with personal storytelling, plus drinks and snacks.
Traffic
SCDOT will host a drop-in meeting on Thursday, Aug. 7 to discuss revised plans for replacing the Garners Ferry Road bridge over US 601. Construction will keep all lanes open using improved ramps and signals, with a 14-month timeline.
Festival
Celebrity chef Brian Duffy will return as a judge for the 2026 Southeastern BBQ Showdown, set for April 24–25 at Gamecock Park. Known for “Bar Rescue” and Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl,” Duffy will bring his expert palate to the table.
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A deluxe four-piece lunch set by BENTGO, currently 20% off on Nordstrom Rack. Your meal prep dreams are about to realized with these stackable, divided lunch containers, built-in matching utensils, and a water-resistant pouch that keeps food warm or cool for hours.
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.
Please pack your knives and head to the Carolinas. Bravo’s “Top Chef” is filming season 23 in Charlotte + Greenville and putting the spotlight on Southern ingredients, hospitality, and food scene. The cheftestants hit kitchens this summer, with the season airing in 2026.
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