An aerial view of the State House | Photo via Trinity Partners
To be an effective citizen, you have to be a knowledgeable one.
How does our local government work? Where can I have a say? Who can I go to if I have a problem? What resources are available to me?
Class is in session, Cola. We’re teaching Columbia Gov 101, where we break down different aspects of our local government to become engaged Soda Citizens that create healthier (and more effective) communities.
🧑⚖️ City Council
How does it work? Columbia operates under a council–manager form of government, where the elected City Council — including the mayor — develops policies, enacts laws, and appoints a City Manager to oversee daily operations.
Columbia’s City Council is made up of:
The Mayor
Council District members (4)
At-Large Council members (2).
Who’s who? Let’s start at the top. We’ll give you a peek into our City Council members, but strongly encourage you to get-to-know them by clicking on their names and exploring each member’s bio page on the City of Columbia’s website.
Latin Caravan | 7-10 p.m. | The Joint | Free | Come hear a mix of Latin Jazz, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, and even a little R&B.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Budweiser Thirsty Thursday: Enjoy $3 Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and soft drinks at the ballpark.*
Friday, Aug. 15
Friday Yoga Class at Saluda Riverwalk | 9-10 a.m. | Saluda Riverwalk | Free | Join instructors from the Drew Wellness Center for calming Friday morning yoga sessions in nature’s beauty.
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.
Summer Nights at the Museum | 9 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $10 | The museum will stay open late on select Fridays through the summer season.
Thanks, Columbia — y’all voted COLAtoday Best Local News Website + Best Local Music/Entertainment in the Free Times Best of Columbia 2025 Awards. We’re grateful for your support and proud to keep sharing Cola’s good news. See all 300+ winners and get celebration details for the party on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Coming Soon
Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles is joining Columbia’s first food hall, Gather COLA, opening later this year in the BullStreet District. The vendor lineup includes Smoke It Up, Los Chicanos, Cocobowlz, Spicy Voo-Doo, Bull & Bread, and bar concept Remedy.
Sports
Back in action. Cheer on the Gamecocks women’s soccer as they take on the Charleston Cougars. You cantune into the match on FloCollege. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Edu
Columbia College has restructured its academics into four schools — Arts and Sciences, Business and Leadership, Education, and Health Sciences. The changes aim to boost enrollment to 2,500 by 2030 and include a new grad studies dean and fully online evening courses starting this fall.
State
South Carolina is updating its State Wildlife Action Plan and wants your input. SCDNR is collecting feedback through Sunday, Sept. 8 to help prioritize conservation efforts for 1,700+ at-risk species. Take the survey and help shape the state’s wildlife future. (WLTX)
Arts
Laurie McIntosh’s “Tidal Transformations” opens at Stormwater Studios from Wednesday, Sept. 10 through Saturday, Sept. 20, daily 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The show features 40+ linocut prints and mixed media works from recycled materials. An artist reception is set for Wednesday, Sept. 10, 5-8 p.m.
Development
Fortune Springs Park in Winnsboro is undergoing a $2.7 million stormwater upgrade to improve drainage and reduce flooding. Funded by SCOR’s ARPA-backed program, the project includes pond restoration, new drainage pipes, and natural swales. (WLTX)
Eat
Packed with vitamins, fiber, and versatility, squash is the seasonal star your meals (and gut) need. Get tips, nutrition facts, and a recipe that proves squash isn’t just for fall.*
Try This
Make the most of summer at the Meeting Street Artisan Market, happening every Thursday in August. From 4-8 p.m., swing by the Interactive Art Park to shop one-of-a-kind finds — from handmade goods and original art to fresh bakes and locally crafted jewelry. Browse all vendors.*
Community
Grandkids coming to town? We asked local grandparents to share their go-to spots for fun, and they delivered. Check out the list.*
Beauty
Restore thinning hair with Happy Head’s dermatologist-developed, customizable treatment plans. See how good customer results are + take 45% off your first six Rx orders with code 6AM.*
For jam-packed days, these five on-the-go essentials keep us sane:
👜 This stylish + functional crossbody boasts multiple pockets and a soft leather feel for under $35.
💦 We stash these deodorizing body wipes in our car + purse because you never know when you’ll need a quick refresh.
👟 When rushing out the door, these slip-on canvas sneakers are our go-to kicks.
🌬️ This styling cream + wand stays in our purse to quickly tame frizz and flyaways that pop up on humid days.
🪫 We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once.
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.
For the second year in a row, Hotel Trundle landed at No. 6. in USA Today’s 10Best Boutique Hotels in the US. If you’re thinking about a staycation in Cola, we think it’s an excellent spot to kick back after a day of enjoying our museums, zoo, and nightlife.
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