This weekend is slated to be a scorcher in Soda City. | Photo by @sodacityaerials
We hope you’re staying cool out there, Columbia.
Much of the southeast is expected to experience extreme heat this weekend, with temperatures forecasted to break into the low 100s on Saturday and Sunday. The heat index — or, the “feels like” temperature — could be as high as 111º on Sunday.
To stay safe, know the signs of heat exhaustion, and hydrate, stay indoors as much as possible, and help care for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and pets.
Lexington County Blowfish vs. Holly Springs Salamanders | 7:05 p.m. | Lexington County Baseball Stadium, Lexington | $12+ | Start your week off by root, root, rooting forthe home team — plus, it’s Service Industry Appreciation Night.
Tuesday, July 29
Wine Tasting: High-End, Exclusive, and Rare Varietals | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Sour & Salt Bakery | $25 | This event offers a relaxed, drop-in format with no formal start time, allowing you to savor these selections at your own pace.
Wednesday, July 30
Comedy + Beer | 7-9 p.m. | Old Mill Brewpub, Lexington | $15 | Laugh along with rising comedians from the Southeast and get there early to order pre-show food.
The Center for Architecture Grand Opening | 4-7 p.m. | The Center for Architecture | Free | Come for the ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m., and stay for light refreshments and a guest speaker presentation on “Enhancing Urbanism in Columbia.”
Saturday, Aug. 2
MAGNOLIA Wild Wonders Craft Box Workshop | 10 a.m. | First Priority Garden Center | $35 | Kids will be able to create together using goodies from their Wild Wonders Craft Boxes at this hands-on nature experience.
Sunday, Aug. 3
803 Day Festival | 12-5 p.m. | Doko Meadows Park, Blythewood | $0+ | The second annual event will also feature a 5K and citywide scavenger hunt — bring nonperishable foods and school supplies for donation to local nonprofits.
Watching the new “Superman” movie soon? Keep an eye out for Bonnie Discepolo, who plays Ms. Jessop in the film. The actress was born in Columbia and started acting at Trustus Theatre and Dreher High School. (Post and Courier)
Sports
The 2025 MLB trade deadline is coming up on Thursday, July 31. While the Soda City might not be in the majors, attending a local Fireflies game could be your chance to see players before they get called up to the Atlanta Braves. (ESPN)
Eat
Here’s the scoop: South Carolinians love chocolate ice cream. That’s the most popular flavor in the state, based on a study of Google data by Beach.com. If you’re feeling more adventurous, we recommend trying one of the unique flavors that you’ll find at these local ice cream shops.
Regional
One lucky shopper at a Midlands Publix won the $292,000 jackpot from the South Carolina Education Lottery. “I’m glad I won it,” the winner said. We’re not surprised to hear it. (WIS 10)
Stat
9%. That’s how much the cost of beef has risen in the US since January. This price increase has caused some people to dub beef the new eggs, so we’re thinking a trip to a local vegetarian restaurant might help keep our stomachs and wallets full. (CNN)
Trending
❤️ sending love. According to data from Emojipedia, the classic red heart is the most popular emoji in the US. If you’re looking for reasons to use that heart more, perhaps it’s time to start exploring some local date night ideas. (Quartz)
Listen
Training camp is underway, and we’re already learning things about the Panthers’ defense this season. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
The Buy
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.
There’s nothing I love more than a summer read, so you better believe I added so many books from this list of local authors to my TBR. I do need a little help narrowing them down, though — have you read any of these books? Let me know how they are.
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