These animals are samples of Sean Kenney’s LEGO work at other installations. | Video via Sean Kenney
Millions of LEGO bricks are coming to Riverbanks Botanical Garden this fall. Opening Sunday, Sept. 14, the zoo will debut artist Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO Bricks, a traveling exhibition of giant sculptures he’s displayed worldwide — like this five-foot-tall peacock built from 68,827 pieces.
The exhibition has toured nearly 100 cities and will stay on display at the zoo through Friday, Feb. 20.
“This exhibit is a fantastic opportunity to share our vision of conservation and environmental protection,” said Riverbanks President and CEO Tommy Stringfellow. “With the Saluda Skyride opening almost simultaneously, and the Garden marking its 30th anniversary, more guests will have the chance to explore the beauty and wonder of both Riverbanks campuses.”
Events
Events
Wednesday, Sept. 10
SoulHAUS Sessions with Preach Jacobs | Wednesday, Sept. 10| Times vary | Koger Center for the Arts | $13 | Hear a conversation with award-winning chef and writer Amethyst Ganaway.
USC Fall Literary Festival | 6-7:30 p.m. | Ernest F. Hollings Special Collections Library | Free | Journalist and biographer C.M. Kushins reads from and discusses “Cooler than Cool,” his new biography of bestselling crime writer Elmore Leonard.
Food Truck Friday | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | REI Co-op parking lot | Price of purchase | This week’s lineup features Granny’s Caribbean Cuisine & Catering, Relaxin Heifer, Purposely Made Sweets, Manjal’s Filipino, and Spicy Voodoo.
The Forgotten Garden: Exhibition Opening | 5:30-8 p.m. | One Columbia for Arts and History | Free | Ceramic artist Caroline Clark shares a garden of invented flowers — each one a tribute to her mother.
The Mothers Sketch Comedy Show | Friday, Sept. 12-Saturday, Sept. 13 | Times vary | Trustus Theatre Sidedoor | $10 | This two-night show serves as the launch of their tenth anniversary season.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Dachshunds of Columbia Weenie Walks | 10 a.m. | USC Horseshoe | Free | Expect tail wags, belly rubs, and plenty of tiny legs trotting through Cola during these monthly fall strolls.
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Constitution Day with John Witte | 6-7:30 p.m. | Joseph F. Rice School of Law; Karen J. Williams Courtroom | Free | Discover what the Founders really meant in the First Amendment at this free talk with renowned law and religion expert John Witte.*
Located between Salons by JC and Melrose Market, and surrounded by upscale retailers like New York Butcher Shoppe, this newly renovated and rebranded shopping center is ready for a new tenant to make its mark.
What would you love to see here? With mixed-use zoning, this space could become a café, boutique, fitness studio, medical office, or specialty shop. Be the Broker and let us know.
Tomorrow, Columbia’s Planning Commission will review a proposal for 314 new apartments near Five Points. The three-building complex along Gregg and Barnwell streets would include 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, a pool, lounge, and a 6-story parking garage. (WLTX)
Civic
Columbia plans to renovate four downtown parking decks, starting with Lady Street. Phase 1 includes structural repairs, waterproofing, lighting + security upgrades, and cleaning. The project is out for bid and heads to City Council in October, with work expected to begin in November. (WLTX)
Quoted
“The first bite transported me to the elementary school cafeteria, the party room at Chuck E. Cheese and the Little Caesars dining room circa 2009,” Sydney Zulywitz wrote in Free Times review about the PizzaForno vending machine on Devine Street. Did you know the machine even shares videos from its Ring-style camera?
Show
Monster Jam roars into Colonial Life Arena on Saturday–Sunday, April 18–19. Fans can expect high-flying stunts, racing, and a pit party with drivers and trucks like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, and Sparkle Smash. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m.
The Koger Center is competing for a Levitt Music Series Grant, which would fund up to 10 outdoor plaza concerts a year. Public voting runs through Monday, Sept. 15.
Eat
Quinoa is more than just a trendy grain. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this gluten-free superfood fuels energy, supports heart health, and keeps you full. Learn more about your pantry’s new MVP.*
After the store closed in 1995, the building was repurposed as apartments and has played host to everything from a performance venue + artist studios to a gym.
This fall, Tapp’s is set to reopen for shoppers as The Shoppes at Tapp’s, a new hub for local creatives in fashion, textiles, and wellness. Want to be part of history? Inquire about space rentals by emailing Hannah Brightwell.
The Buy
A really good collagen peptide serum that repairs fine lines + wrinkles to help reduce signs of aging. We love that it’s made with clean ingredients and priced under $25.
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.
We have friends in town from Germany, so last night we took them on a sunset stroll along the Saluda Riverwalk and out to Boyd Island. We were hoping to see an alligator, but it didn’t show its head. We did see a deer, a few baby snakes, turtles, and a heron. They were impressed with the amount of wildlife they could see so close to town.
