Catch some homers on the outfield berm this season. | Photo via @ColumbiaFireflies
The Columbia Fireflies wrap up their regular-season home schedule this week with a six-game homestand against the Hickory Crawdads, but it won’t be their last time at Segra Park this season. For the first time in franchise history, they’re headed to the playoffs.
On Thursday, Sept. 11, they’ll return for Game 2 of the South Division Championship, with a possible Game 3 at home the following day if necessary. If they win that series, they’ll advance to the Carolina League Championship and could host up to two more games. Tickets are on sale now, and if a game isn’t played, the ticket will be valid for any 2026 Fireflies regular-season home game.
Events
Events
Monday, Aug. 25
Book Club: Scary Story Society | 6-7 p.m. | Cayce-West Columbia Branch Library, West Columbia | Free | Dig into interesting and chilling tales.
Loft Session: Carrie Marshall | 7-9 p.m. | The Pastor’s Study | $30 | Blending pop, blues, country, and jazz, this award-winning musician.
Tuesday, Aug. 26
Discus Open House | 2 p.m. | South Carolina State Library | Free with registration | Learn tips and tricks of the collection of subscription databases with resources ranging from books and magazines to maps and videos.
Wine Tasting: High-End, Exclusive, and Rare Varietals | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Sour & Salt Bakery | $25 | This event offers a relaxed, drop-in format with no formal start time, allowing you to savor these selections at your own pace.
The Fixx | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $50 | Catch the iconic British new wave band performing live as part of their 2025 U.S. tour.
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Comedy + Beer | 7-9 p.m. | Old Mill Brewpub, Lexington | $15 | Laugh along with rising comedians from the Southeast and get there early to order pre-show food.
Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary World Tour | 7:30 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $46+ | Brit Floyd returns to Columbia with a laser-filled tribute to Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here and more.
Brookland Commons — a new project by Still Hopes — aims to give its residents more opportunities to make the most out of their retirement while promoting a healthy and purposeful lifestyle.
The best part? They’re now officially taking pre-reservation deposits for their winter 2028 opening. Read: You could have first dibs on your dream apartment.
As part of Gamecock Athletics’ new Nike deal, football will wear Vapor F.U.S.E. uniforms + women’s basketball will sport A’ja Wilson’s signature shoes. Nike will also redesign the basketball court and give USC athletes access to its Sport Research Lab in Oregon. (WLTX)
Mansion Monday
This Lake Wateree estate is built for fun. The 6,000-sqft modern home includes a golf simulator, wine cellar, two chef’s kitchens, an infinity pool, smart home tech, and a private dock with a boat lift + jet ski ramps — all on a 1-acre lot.
Eat
Reader’s Digest picked the best burgers in each state, and you can get SC’s here in Columbia. Grill Mark’s, located in the Vista, was highlighted for its build-your-own burgers, along with a reminder to leave room for a milkshake for dessert.
Plan Ahead
The Columbia Chamber’s 122nd Annual Gala, “Uncorked,” returns Thursday, Oct. 2. The event at the SC State Museum will feature live music and local flavor to celebrate Cola. Early bird pricing ends at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, where you can save $50 on single or couple tickets.
Show
“Dirty Dancing in Concert” is coming to the Koger Center on Wednesday, Feb. 11. The live film-concert hybrid is part of a 100+ city world tour celebrating the movie’s 38th anniversary. Tickets are on sale now.
Older Adults
Richland County Recreation Commission is partnering with NU Vision to expand health and social programs for older adults. Seniors can access activities like chair aerobics and volleyball, alongside mental health services and resources provided by the nonprofit. (WLTX)
Travel
Psst — you might be overpaying for flights. Get flight alerts to dream destinations during Going’s biggest sale ever, with 53% off memberships until Sunday, August 31.*
The Melton Observatory is a great spot for viewing the stars. | Photo by COLAtoday
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.
For the ones who want a night out on the town
Smiles are contagious, and several comedy nights are happening each week around town, along with touring acts. Tuesday night comedy at Art Bar is a long-running staple and it’s one of Columbia’s hippest nightlife spots.
Whether you want to share a special moment at a pottery studio, craft unique pieces together, or are looking for athletic, art, or cooking classes, we’ve got recommendations for how to keep learning around Columbia.
Sunflow’s premium beach accessories, perfect for one last summer hurrah this Labor Day. Good news: Sunflow’s biggest sale of the year starts today, with 20% off sitewide.
🐚 The best-selling Shore Thing Chair reclines to three positions and is built to last, thanks to a rust-resistant frame + water-resistant marine fabrics.
🪸 Newly launched this summer, the Tall Sand Dune Chair has all the iconic features of Sunflow’s chairs, just 17 inches off the ground.
🌊 Looking for shade without blocking your ocean view? Say hello to the newly launched and patent-pending Happy Hut Cabana — and goodbye to awkward beach umbrellas.*
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.
The Koger Center launched the fall season of its free outdoor concert series last Friday, kicking off another round of “Live Outside” performances on the Plaza Stage. The upcoming lineup features some excellent artists with local ties, so plan ahead, bring a chair, and enjoy live music on the lawn.
September 5 - Longtooth
September 12 - She Returns from War
September 19 - John Hollier
October 3 - J Roddy Walston and The Automatic Band
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