Find ways to fall in love around Columbia. | Photo by @brett.cr3
Whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 25+ local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
You can enjoy a dinner out at Halls Chophouse, savoring perfectly cooked cuts and a fine dining experience with regionally sourced seafood in the shadow of the State House.
Craft Night | 6 p.m. | All Good Books | Free | Bring a craft project to work on at the bookstore’s community table.
“Take My Hand and Wave Goodbye” | Thursday, Aug. 21-Saturday, Aug. 23 | 8-10 p.m. | Trustus Theatre | $35+ | This play follows a family grappling with grief after a random act of gun violence.
Friday, Aug. 22
Freedom Festival International Film Festival | Friday, Aug. 22-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Ambrosia Taverna | $10+ | Sit in on screenings and network with industry professionals at this fest highlighting women and veteran filmmakers.
10 Minute-ish Play Festival | Friday, Aug. 22-Sunday, Aug. 24 | Times vary | Chapin Branch Library, Chapin | $25 | Watch eight original plays produced for the fifth annual festival.
An Evening of Soul: A Community Concert Celebrating Caregivers | 6-8 p.m. | Richland School District Two Performing Arts Center | Free | Enjoy an evening of powerful music, inspiration, and appreciation for those who care for others every day at this special concert experience, featuring Christopher Hopkins and the Soul Sessions Band.*
Saturday, Aug. 23
Soda City Comic Convention 2025 | Saturday, Aug. 23-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | $22+ | Attend the 10th anniversary of SC’s premiere pop culture event with gaming, cosplay, and live entertainment.
Main Street Latin Festival | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Main Street (Downtown Columbia) | Free | Celebrate Latin culture with live music, dancing, food, and family fun along Main Street.
Our Self-Service Ad Portal makes it easy to purchase and run ads on your schedule - no back and forth, just results. | Graphic by 6AM City
Our Self-Service Ad Portal isn’t just simple. It’s your local legends’ favorite hack. From food banks and real estate pros to indie markets and arts orgs, community partners like Banker Exchange, God’s Pantry, and Urban Craft Uprising keep coming back.
Why? The portal is low lift, high return, and gatekeeper-free.
To put it simply: “I wish all advertising was this easy.” – Alana Claxton, Banker Exchange
First-time customers, use code NEW15 for 15% off at checkout.
Vista jazz bar and cocktail lounge, The Aristocrat, may soon close after eight years. The space — including the bar and upstairs office suites — is now listed for lease. The owners are open to transferring the business to a new tenant. (The Post and Courier)
Civic
Richland County is entering the final phase of its Reimagine Richland 10-year plan update. Public forums continue Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 701 Whaley, with additional meetings through Sept. 17. Residents are encouraged to weigh in on future development + conservation priorities.
Eat
Uptown Columbia’s “Brunch Around the World” returns for a fall edition on Sunday, Sept. 14. Participating spots will serve international-inspired dishes — think Irish bites at Gardener’s Outpost and Mexican dishes at The War Mouth.
Drink
Publico hosts its second annual Margarita Fest on Saturday, Aug. 23, with $10 60-oz margarita pitchers, games, and a slip-and-slide from 12 to 4 p.m. Live music includes Jon Michaels and Martha’s Vault.
Read
Steven Crane’s 2015 novel “Staring at the Ceiling” is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a limited vinyl LP and a Nov. 15 tribute concert at Art Bar. The story, set in 1990s Columbia, follows a post-grad’s descent into the city’s underground music scene.
Award
The COMET’s Pamela Bynoe-Reed and Allison Terracio received top honors at the 2025 TASC Annual Conference for their roles in passing the $990 million Richland County Penny Tax Referendum. The awards recognize excellence in public transit leadership and support management. (The Minority Eye)
Did you know? Your primary care doctor might be the first to spot depression. From checking in on symptoms to guiding treatment, PCPs play a big role in mental health. Learn how they help patients feel like themselves again.*
Older Adults
Beyond bulk deals and clipping coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Hopkins’ own Steve Ray Ladson lit up the “America’s Got Talent” stage Tuesday night, earning SofĂa Vergara’s Golden Buzzer with his original song “Boots Like Mine.” The rising star’s first audition hit No. 2 on the iTunes Country Chart, and now he’s headed to the finale for a shot at $1 million. Watch the full performance here.
The Buy
A great way to whiten teeth from Lumineux. Go for peroxide-free whitening, which helps fight common stains from coffee, tea, and wine without leading to tooth and gum sensitivity. The starter set comes with 14 whitening strips + a two-pack of whitening toothpaste, all formulated with good-for-you Dead Sea salt, coconut oil, and lemon peel oil.
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.
Looking to plug into Cola’s local businesses and connect with other professionals? Registration is open for Crash Course Columbia, happening Thursday + Friday, Oct. 2-3. The behind-the-scenes experience takes you on tours of our entertainment districts, hidden gems, and offers a look at new developments.
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