City and design leaders cut the ribbon at the new Center for Architecture on Main Street. | Photo by City of Columbia
Downtown Columbia just gained more than a new tenant — it gained a statewide hub for design education, civic dialogue, and community engagement. The new Center for Architecture, located across the street from the Columbia Museum of Art, is the official home of AIA South Carolina and the South Carolina Architectural Foundation.
“This isn’t just about cool buildings. It’s about fostering creativity, bringing in new ideas, and boosting our local economy by celebrating how great design shapes communities for the better,” said Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann.
Jamison Hupp, president of AIA South Carolina, added, “We’ve created a dynamic space and exhibit venue where professionals, students, and the public can connect, learn, and collaborate on shaping our architectural future.”
Events
Events
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Tony Scully: New Paintings | Tuesday, Aug. 5-Friday, Jan. 2 | 11 a.m. | City Art | Free | The new exhibit features recent works by the multidisciplinary artist previously shown at Spoleto and the Kershaw County Arts Center.
Beginner Shag Group Class | 7 p.m. | Blue Moon Ballroom | $0+ | Try your hand (and feet) at SC’s official state dance in this free beginner-friendly class.
Tuesday Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Columbia Craft Brewing Company | Free | Test your knowledge on toys, “The Office,” geography, and Harry Styles for a shot at $100+ in prizes.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Ask the Gardener Happy Hour: Wildlife-Friendly Gardens | 4-6 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | As fall approaches, it’s the perfect time to start planning how to support birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects in your yard.
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.
Meet the locals who make Main Street feel like home
Presented by Main Street District
Get to know your Main Street neighbors. | Photos by Forrest Clonts, Lynn Luc, and Donaven Doughty
The best big city stories? They often come from small, everyday moments — like chatting with a friendly bartender, strolling through the farmers market, or catching up with a neighbor. In Columbia, we can find plenty of those moments on Main Street.
Take Antonio, for example. He’s a veteran who became a regular at Bourbon after just one visit. “They treat you like a valued customer and like you mean something to them... that’s why we keep coming back.”
Or Cosetta, who spends her Saturdays at Soda City Market. “I like the vibe of Main Street and The Vista and the fact that it’s all local restaurants, shops, and art galleries.”
Then there are Paul and Jean, who’ve watched Main Street grow. “When we moved here, there was hardly anybody […] and people didn’t walk Main Street on the weekends. Now, during First Thursday on Main, there [are] people everywhere.”
Banh Mi Boys has closed its shop on Whaley Street, across from Olympia Mill. The Vietnamese sandwich spot opened in 2023 and hinted at possible closure last winter.
Concert
Stevie Nicks has postponed her August 27 concert at Colonial Life Arena due to a shoulder fracture. The show’s now set for Wednesday, Dec. 3, and all tickets will still be valid. Can’t make it? Request a refund by Sunday, Aug. 31. (Rolling Stone)
Biz
McIntosh Cottage Antiques, known for English and French furniture, recently purchased a 10,000 sqft. warehouse off Two Notch Road — five times larger than its current one. The move supports online growth and a future leadership transition. (The Post and Courier)
Plan Ahead
The Columbia Greek Festival returns Thursday–Sunday, Sept. 18–21, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Admission’s free, and you can count on Greek eats, dancing, live music, shopping, and church tours.
Announced
701 CCA has named Tabitha Ott as its new full-time executive director. A SC artist and arts leader, Ott steps up from her part-time role and brings years of arts leadership experience from stints at Claflin, ArtFields Jr., and Tapp’s.
Job
The SC State Fair is hiring nearly 500 seasonal workers for its 12-day run, Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 8–19. Roles include guest services, exhibit assistants, and circus ushers, with perks like free admission, VIP parking, and team breakfasts.
Number
20%. That’s how much you can save on our self-service ad portal thanks to our Countdown to Q4 special. Hurry — it only runs until the end of the month. Use code AUGUST20 at checkout to secure your discount.
She’s already got a statue, and now she’s earning a spot in the Hall of Fame. Local legend A’ja Wilson leads this year’s class of USC Athletics Hall of Fame inductees. The three-time WNBA MVP will be honored alongside fellow Gamecock greats Natasha Hastings, Brandon Hulko, Paul Jubb, Akram Mahmoud, and Mollie Patton during a Thursday, Oct. 23, ceremony and again at the homecoming game against Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 25.
A go-to pair of running shorts to get you through hot summer workouts. This pair is under $20, has a built-in liner, and stays secure around hips thanks to a thick elastic waistband.
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.
If you’re hoping to try something tasty and in season for lunch today, look no further than Crave Market’s special tomato pie-nini available at both the Millwood Avenue and West Columbia locations. It stopped me mid-scroll, and I can’t wait to dig in. I think I’ll sub the peach caprese salad as my side.
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