It’s a great day to learn something new.Learn Freely Fest runs from 2 to 5 p.m. today at Richland Library Main, offering more than a dozen educational sessions at no cost.
Whether you’re itching to try camping, craft tiny art, sew your first quilt block, or dig into your family tree, this fest is packed with ways to expand your knowledge and enhance your life.
Here are three sessions we’re eyeing:
“Explore the Human Body” | The anatomy of a perfect afternoon? Return to the classroom and learn about various human body systems.
“Historical Play: Yarn Dolls” | Create your own doll using yarn and scissors while learning about the history behind them.
Soda City Market | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Main Street | Browse this lively downtown market to find local artisans, businesses, and food vendors — rain or shine.
Sunday, Aug. 10
The Revue At 1626: Drag Brunch Edition | 12-3 p.m. | The Venue |1626 on Main | $13 | Snack on brunch delicacies while DJ Alonzo and a stellar cast of queens provide the entertainment.
Monday, Aug. 11
Sew Divine: A Gathering of Crafters | 6-7:30 p.m. | Richland Library Cooper | Free | BYOC (bring your own crafts) to connect with fellow hobbyists while you create.
Tuesday, Aug. 12
Coffee Talk | 8-9:30 a.m. | Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center, Irmo | Free | Bring your business cards to this morning meet-up for networking + a cup of Bart’s Crazy Good Coffee.
If you’ve been meaning to check Charleston’s Rainbow Row off of your bucket list, consider this a sign: It was just named the top must-see attraction in South Carolina. Already been? Try a staycation at one of these unique vacation rentals. (Money Talks News)
On This Day
Today marks 159 years since the first public roller skating rink opened to the US public back in 1866. Thankfully, Columbia has a lot more options to keep the kiddos entertained these days. (WUN)
Eat
Are Gen Z cereal killers? Sales of the boxed breakfast have fallen by 13% in the US compared to 2021 — a decline attributed to changing preferences in young Americans. But who can blame them when they have local brunch options like this? (New York Post)
Trending
“Hot Girl Summer” ruled in 2019. “Brat” summer took over in 2024. Now, this summer has been dubbed “brain rot summer” — a season with no viral anthem, no clear vibe, and scattered cultural chatter. If that makes you want to unplug entirely, touch grass at a local park. (Business Insider)
Sports
The Athletic dropped its NHL contract efficiency rankings for 2025 — how did the Hurricanes do? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Hurricaneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Number
81. That’s how many days there are until Halloween, but you can get your phalanges on this Ultra Skelly from Home Depot right now. Ready to start brainstorming costumes? Consider dressing up as one of these celebrities with ties to Columbia.
The Buy
Downy’s best-selling wrinkle release spray. Grab a pack of travel-sized bottles perfect for quickly de-wrinkling clothes on the go or at home.
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 a spontaneous Saturday plan? Here’s one idea: In honor of National Book Lovers Day today, peruse this summer reading list featuring local authors + stop by a local bookstore to grab your next novel.
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