Come on, what’s more summer than this? | Photo by Forrest Clonts
The days may still be hot, hot, hot, but summer break is already winding to an end. School starts this week for several local districts, as early as this Monday for some.
Whether you’re shopping for last-minute school supplies — don’t forget South Carolinians can buy many items tax-free this weekend — or soaking up the last of the rays at a nearby pool, we’re here to help you make the most of those final days of summer break.
Tacos, Tequila, & Tunes Music Bingo | 7-9 p.m. | Tin Roof | Sip on $4 margaritas and win prizes while playing Music Bingo — tacos are also $1 off.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Board Game Speed Dating | 7-9 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, West Columbia | $30+ | Search for love over classic and new board games at this twist on speed dating — the event is aimed at people ages 25-39.
Thursday, Aug. 7
First Thursday on Main | 5 p.m. | Boyd Plaza | Free | Art, music, food trucks, and sidewalk shopping take over Main Street during Columbia’s signature monthly block party.
Friday, Aug. 8
Artists for Africa’s 13th Annual Performance Series Event | 7 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $25+ | Dancers from New York City Ballet, Columbia Repertory Dance Company, South Carolina Ballet and more will perform, alongside a silent auction — all proceeds benefit arts education in Kenya.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Learn Freely Fest 2025 | 2-5 p.m. | Richland Library Main | Free | Choose from more than a dozen fun and informative sessions — make crafts, play games, get active, explore library resources, and pick up some good-to-know life skills.
Sunday, Aug. 10
The Front Row Brunch | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Mansion on Blanding | $61+ | This luxe brunch experience for creatives and entrepreneurs includes a champagne lounge welcome drink, passed hors d’oeuvres, brand activations, and a live DJ.
See that picture above? Imagine getting one of those in the mail. No, not the jellyfish. USPS is hosting a vote through the end of September to bring back some of its most popular stamps, with options including Pixar characters, American history, and birthday shoutouts. Have your say.
Holiday
Tomorrow, Aug. 3 is 803 Day, a citywide celebration of the Midlands — or, anybody in the 803 area code. Activities include $8.03 specials, a 5K run/walk, a citywide scavenger hunt, and a festival in Blythewood. Get the details.
South Carolina just scored four-star defensive lineman Noah Clark. If you want to see the South Carolina Gamecocks in action, home games start as soon as Saturday, Sept. 6 — until then, go beyond the scoreboardwith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Trending
Older generations are getting confused by the “Gen Z stare” — a blank and expressionless glance that usually conveys boredom, judgement, or indifference. It’s often done by younger people in public; if you haven’t seen it yet, be on the lookout next time you’re waiting at a local coffee shop. (The Guardian)
Number
10,752. That’s how many days there were between the release of “Happy Gilmore” back in 1996 and the recent long-awaited sequel. If you waited that long to hit up one of Columbia’s stellar golf courses, your short game probably needs some work.
The Buy
Aveda’s hair thickening tonic. Say goodbye to fine, thin hair with this spray that expands every strand + maximizes volume for a fuller look.
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.
It’s officially August, which is National Dog Month.
I’ll be celebrating all month long by taking my 12-year-old pup, Baxter on some new hikes. If you’re also looking to treat your four-legged friends, take a look at our guide to dog-friendly businesses.
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