NoMa Bark Park has a full playground set for dogs to enjoy. | Photo by Mike MacDonald
Whether you need a drinking paw-tner at a local brewery, want to hit the market, or just dining out, well bone appétit. Get ready to dig into this guide for dog-friendly businesses around the 803.
Hunter Gatherer Brewery and Taproom | For those with high-energy pups, Hunter Gatherer has lots of space for them to explore (oh, and it’s right next to Owens Field park).
Jake’s on Devine | “We are always dog friendly on our back deck until 10 pm! Tuesdays + Thursdays are #YappyHour with drink specials and extra measures in place for our furiends! ” — @jakesondevine
Steel Hands Brewing | Steel Hands Brewing is making a paws-itive impact through its Steel Paws initiative — it released a Steel Paws Wheat Ale to benefit canine programs.
Music in the Garden | 6-9 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Enjoy the gorgeous weather and free live music performed by Crayer.
Cornel West and Robert P. George in Conversation | 6:30-8 p.m. | Johnson Performance Hall | Free with registration | This event brings together two scholars well known for their friendship across disagreement.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Midlands Fall Arts & Crafts Market | Saturday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Sept. 14 | Times vary | South Carolina State Farmers Market, West Columbia | Free | Browse the wares of more than 150 vendors, crafters, and local Midlands businesses at this seasonal market.
Play on the Plaza | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Every Saturday this September, the Boyd Plaza will be filled with colorful building materials for family-friendly play.
Pups & Pints Adoption Event and Donation Drive | 12-3 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, Cayce | Free | Adoption fees are waived for all animals at the event and animals come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Here’s your chance to find your new favorite restaurant. Lexington’s first-ever Week of Restaurants begins today and runs through Sunday, Sept. 21, featuring special menus, giveaways, and a punch card promo for a $250 dining prize.
Arts
The family behind State of the Art is opening 2-Story Studios in October in Cayce’s River Arts District. The new space will offer 24/7 clay studio access downstairs and five private artist studios upstairs. (Free Times)
Today Is
September 11, also recognized as the National Day of Service and Remembrance and Patriot Day, will be marked locally with the 24th Anniversary 9/11 Morning of Remembrance at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The 8:40 a.m. ceremony honors SC first responders and service members with tributes, roll calls, and a flyover.
Travel
Non-travelers can soon explore the Columbia Metropolitan Airport thanks to CAE’s new Experience Guest Pass. Starting Monday, Sept. 15, apply at least 48 hours in advance to access gates, shops, restaurants + art.
Seasonal
The SC State Fair returns Thursday, Oct. 8, through Sunday, Oct.19, with new rides, over 15 new foods, a Sandra Lee appearance, and crowd favorites like racing pigs + fried Oreos. Save up to 50% on admission and rides now through Tuesday, Oct. 7 at Circle K or online.
Sports
VISA cardholders can now register for the FIFA World Cup tickets pre-sale, through 11 a.m. next Friday, Sept. 19. If selected, applicants will be assigned a time slot to purchase tickets on or after Oct. 1. Atlanta (~ three-hour drive) is one of 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup — seven games will be played at Gillette Stadium. (NBC Boston)
Edu
USC’s College of Information and Communications named Parks Rogers the Baldwin Business Faculty Fellow, a role supporting student training in business and financial journalism. Rogers brings experience from The Washington Post and The State, and will lead classroom mentoring, industry engagement, and program development.
Eat
Scattered, smothered, covered, and now delivered. Waffle House is teaming up with DoorDash for late-night delivery from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. To celebrate the partnership, there’s a $0 delivery fee through Sunday, Sept. 14.
Plan Ahead
Don’t let your seasonal event get lost in oversaturated community calendars. Feature it right here in COLAtoday + get primo placement in front of our 52,000+ engaged subscribers. Get started.
Fun Fact
Your wait is almost over. Our COLAtoday’s Best competition opens up for nominations on Sept. 15. Hang tight while soon enough you’ll get the opportunity to tell us who deserves a place at the top in each of our localized categories.
Work is underway on Phase 1 of the Saluda Shoals Riverwalk — the first stretch of an 8-mile greenway that will eventually connect Saluda Shoals Park to the Lake Murray Dam.
While the trail is still under construction and closed to the public, the $5.5 million project marks a big step toward a 27-mile network linking Lake Murray to downtown Columbia. Phase 1 is expected to open in late 2026, giving walkers, runners + cyclists a new way to explore the rivers.
The Buy
Pumpkin spice lattes are back — and so is our quest for the perfect fall boots. Here are our top five picks of the season:
👢 These knee high boots strike the perfect balance between function and style with an anti-slip rubber outsole and chic buckle detailing.
👢 Free People’s Western booties feature a sophisticated two-inch heel, patent leather, and appliqué details for under $70.
👢 Spot us wearing these vanilla-hued suede pointed toe ankle booties to date nights and dinner parties all season long.
👢 These timeless Chelsea ankle boots are a steal for under $50. Oh, and they’re top-rated on Amazon.
👢 Sporty meets sleek in Eurosoft’s ultra-comfortable side zip boots complete with a padded footbed + round toe design.
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 weather in Columbia’s been perfect lately, so we decided to catch the Gamecock men’s soccer game at Stone Stadium. It’s a great weeknight event, and both the men’s and women’s teams have a full schedule coming up.
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