A First Thursday on Main scene at the Boyd Plaza in front of the Columbia Museum of Art. | Photo by COLAtoday team
The Main Street District will come to life this Thursday, Aug. 7, for First Thursday with live music, art, and downtown businesses staying open late.
Boyd Plaza will feature music from MIDIMarc, Jessie and the Jinx, George Fetner and the Strays, and a performance by Mexican folk dance company Luna Creciente. Grab dinner from Dogs on the Run, a lemonade from Grab a Squeeze, beer + wine from Transmission Arcade pop-up. While you’re there, explore the 1400 block Artist Market and check out the info booths and giveaways from Field & Stream Fest and Cats Are Good for the Soul.
Asked
Asked
What events and causes should Columbia’s skyline light up for?
A new public lighting project is on the way, with plans to illuminate downtown buildings and key landmarks. Think of how Capstone glows garnet for Gamecock wins — now imagine colors for local causes like Midlands Gives Day or festive hues for holidays.
Monday Night Group Dance Classes | 6:15-7 p.m. | 103 Legion Plaza Rd, Columbia | $18 | Every class is beginner-friendly, and no partner or experience is necessary.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Silent Book Club | 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Hotel | Free | Join like-minded literary lovers for this book club where you read in comfortable, silent bliss.
Trivia Night with Dr. Factenstein | 6-9 p.m. | BOHO Pizza and Brew, Lexington | Free | Test your trivia chops with Dr. Factenstein while enjoying pizza, prizes, and free kids’ meals with adult entrees.
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.
Comedy Night | 7-10 p.m. | DiPrato’s | $13 | Join host Donovan Stroud for comedy, featuring Kenny Stempien, Aaron Westberry, and Atlanta’s Tamar Rubin headlining.
Chopt Creative Salad Co. is the latest addition to Trenholm Plaza. The fast-casual salad chain is known for its customizable bowls and chopped-to-order greens. No opening date has been announced yet.
Film
Two Dreher High School grads reunited on the set of “Superman,” one of the top-grossing films of the year. Ed Tilden served as the first assistant director, and Bonnie Discepolo played a role alongside Lex Luthor. Discepolo traces her roots back to Trustus Theatre, which recently completed renovations. (The State)
Concert
Field & Stream Music Fest is coming to Winnsboro from Friday, Oct. 3 to Sunday, Oct. 5, with headliners like Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and ZZ Top — but one local artist will earn a spot on the bill. Nominate your favorite hometown performer by Monday, Aug. 11.
Theater
Harbison Theatre at Midlands Tech has unveiled its 2025–26 season, opening with Broadway icon Jennifer Holliday on Saturday, Sept. 20. Highlights include “The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th anniversary,” “Cirque Kalabanté,” a Taylor Swift tribute, and Columbia Children’s Theatre’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
Talk
TEDxCongaree Vista is accepting applications from locals with bold, community-driven ideas for its inaugural February 2026 event. Selected speakers will receive coaching and workshop training. Apply by Monday, Sept. 15.
Wellness
NAMI South Carolina will host its annual State Mental Health Conference on Thursday, Sept. 4 at the Richland Two Institute of Innovation. The full-day event includes plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and lunch. Continuing education is approved for EMS, law enforcement, social workers, counselors, therapists, and AHEC participants.
Community
Volunteers are needed for Jubilee, taking place Saturday, Sept. 20, in Columbia. Civic groups, school clubs, and individuals can sign up for a variety of shifts to help support the day-long event and still enjoy the celebration.
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.
Try This
Love checklists and analytics? We’re hiring an Advertising Coordinator to help us shine a spotlight on our partners. We offer an amazing benefits package, including competitive 401K matching and more. Apply now and help us make mornings smarter (and snappier).
Eat
Craving s’mores but don’t have a campfire? This gooey, chocolatey mug cake brings the summer classic indoors — in just minutes.*
Environment
Illegal dumping and littering harm our water, clog storm drains, and threaten wildlife. Clean streets mean cleaner rivers for everyone — don’t litter. Report dumping to (803) 929‑6000 or join a cleanup with Keep the Midlands Beautiful. Learn more.*
A masked luchador hypes up the crowd at Segra Park’s Taco & Margarita Festival. | Photo via Columbia Fireflies
August is here, and we’ve got all the best events to make sure it’s the best yet, from signature festivals and live music to local 5Ks and markets.
Festivals
Learn Freely Fest 2025 | Saturday, August 9 | 2-5 p.m. | Richland Library Main | Free | More than a dozen hands-on sessions invite families to craft, play, get moving, and build everyday life skills.
Bierkeller Jubiläumsfest | Friday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Aug. 17 |Times vary | Bierkeller Columbia | Free | Celebrate the local brewery’s second anniversary with fresh beer releases, music, and family-friendly fun all weekend.
Jerry Cantrell - I Want Blood Tour | Friday, Aug. 29 | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $69 | Jerry Cantrell performs a mix of new solo work and Alice In Chains favorites — joined by alt-rock heavyweights Sparta.
The organization hack you need for calm, clarity, and less clutter:
🥪 Simplify your sandwich + snack bag drawer with SpaceAid’s bamboo bag storage organizer.
☕ Make your coffee station extra cute with a coffee organizer complete with a slide-out drawer for coffee pods.
🧳 Don’t overlook compression packing cubes for your next trip — you’ll fit twice as much and keep luggage organized.
🧹 This best-selling magnetic chore chart looks cute on the fridge and helps the family stay on task.
👛 Slip a purse organizer into your tote bag for instant relief from a jumble of lipstick, gum, and snacks (no judgement).
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.
I stopped by Lazy Daisy — Forest Acres’ newest coffee shop in Cardinal Crossing — for a Friday afternoon pick-me-up. The vibe is bright, charming, and laid-back, with a cozy corner filled with books and a comfy couch for relaxing while you enjoy your drink. I tried “The Daisy,” the signature drink, and built this bouquet thanks to Cricket Newman Designs.
}})
