Celebrate a rivalry that’s bigger than football. | Photos provided by Gamecock Athletics + Clemson Athletics
Each fall, the rivalry between the University of South Carolina and Clemson University takes center stage — and this year, there’s more than football on the line.
Since 2002, more than 244,000 scholarships and grants — including LIFE, SC HOPE, and Palmetto Fellows — have helped University of South Carolina students pursue their education. More than 197,000 Clemson students have benefited from lottery-supported opportunities, receiving critical aid to help make college more accessible and affordable
Whether you cheer for garnet and black or orange and purple, one thing is clear: education wins. Every ticket sold helps provide funding for scholarships and grants that give South Carolina students the chance to learn, grow, and lead.
Silent Book Club | 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Hotel | Free | Join likeminded literary lovers for this book club where you actually read in comfortable, silent bliss.
Comedy Night | 7-9 p.m. | Bill’s Music Shop, West Columbia | $15 | Get ready for some midweek laughs as local comedians take to the stage.
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Gladys’ Gang Toddler Edition: Out in the Open | 10-11 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Bring the toddler in your life down to enjoy larger-than-life sculptures outside for an opportunity to learn + play.
Ask the Gardener Happy Hour: Fall Garden Refresh | 4-6 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Grab a drink and chat with an expert gardener to gain tips + insights into maintaining your garden as the colder months approach.
Thursday, Sept. 4
Paws on the Patio | 3-5 p.m. | Halls Chophouse | Price of purchase | Your dog will thank you for this one. Treats, pup cups, and bandanas are all up for grabs, with proceeds benefiting Final Victory Animal Rescue.
First Thursday on Main Street | 6-10 p.m. | Main Street | Price of purchase | Head to the monthly celebration for local food trucks, live music, and a silent disco starting at 8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 5
Friday Yoga Class | 9-10 a.m. | Saluda Riverwalk | Free | Start your weekend with a with a sweat sesh in the great outdoors — bring a mat, towel, and water.
The Music of the Rat Pack | 7-10 p.m. | Lexington 2 Performing Arts Center | $20+ | Soak in the sounds of a bygone era of music at this tribute to some of greatest crooners to ever grace the stage.
Koger Center Presents Live Outside: LongTooth | 5-7 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | Free | Kick off your weekend with Live Outside! every Friday at 5 p.m. — this week, catch LongTooth, bringing their signature sound straight from the “dirty south.”*
Have you heard of chair yoga? The mind-body practice, which swaps a mat for a chair, has risen in popularity thanks to its easily accessible and inclusive nature. Try a few poses at home, or roll out your mat at one of Soda City’s yoga studios.
Number
37. That’s how many haunted houses are in South Carolina, according to The Scare Factor, though that number may climb if more haunts make their presence known. You can explore the directory to find one near you, but only if you’re brave enough.
Biz
Cracker Barrel’s “Old Timer” is here to stay after all. After receiving feedback on its rebranding from its patrons, the country store and restaurant has announced it will stick with its original logo. Speaking of old timers, take a walk down memory lane with Columbia’s oldest restaurant.
Sports
How are Bryce Young and company shaping up ahead of their first game of the 2025 NFL season? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Shop
LEGO’s newest ideas set was designed by Portland, OR teenager Alex Sahli, depicting daily life in Italy’s coastal villages. This is our official pitch to have a model built after Williams-Brice — or really, any of our iconic landmarks.
Holiday
Later this week, the US is celebrating one of its most important national holidays. National Cheese Pizza Day is this Friday, Sept. 5 to honor the pie that started it all. That’s Friday night sorted — grab a local pizza.
Health
New moms, your recovery matters. Postpartum care goes beyond the delivery room, supporting your body, mind, and emotions. Learn why follow-up visits are essential for a healthier, stronger start for both you and your baby.*
Outdoors
Outdoors
📚 On your bookmarks
The local authors section at Richland Library is located at the first floor entrance. | Photo by COLAtoday
A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get much better than that?
If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept recently drew in a million visitors in just three months, and has attracted 6 million since launching in 2022.
What is it?
“The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting,” according to the official city website. The space features chairs, rentable books, and multiple locations.
We can think of worse spots to turn some pages. | Photo by Randy W. via Flickr
Where would one go in Columbia?
Our vote?Sesquicentennial State Park. Think about it: Sesqui boasts 1,400+ acres, so finding a spot in the grass would never be an issue.
Winding trees provide plenty of shade to suppress the Carolina heat, and beautiful flora offers the perfect visual backdrop. Then there are the sounds of Jackson Creek, gently lapping lake water, and native birdsong to accompany the pages.
Asked
Asked
Where would you put an outdoor library in Columbia?
We’d love to share your ideas in a future newsletter.
It’s finally September — that means it’s basically fall, right? Treat yourself in honor of a brand new autumn season with top-rated decor that’s all $30 or less.
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.
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