Tiered gardens lead down from Assembly Street to the renovated pond and new amphitheater. | Photo by City of Columbia
The wait is over — Columbia’s crown jewel of green space, Finlay Park, is making its grand return on Saturday, Nov. 15, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by the Jam Room Music Festival. After a $24 million transformation, the downtown park is reopening with strolling gardens, a revived spiral fountain, an amphitheater, and new spaces to gather and relax outdoors.
The city is backing the reboot with $2 million in operations funding and dedicated park rangers to help keep it in top shape.
The Jam Room Music Festival will kick off opening day with 10 acts across two stages, featuring Silkworm + “America’s Got Talent” star and Hopkins’ own, Steve Ray Ladson. Be sure to watch Ladson on the finals of America’s Got Talent on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. on NBC.
From world travels to yoga flows, what lifestyle fits you best? | Photos provided by Brookland Commons
Retirement is more than a phase — it’s a chance to lean fully into the lifestyle you love. Whether you’re chasing adventures or soaking up wellness, there’s a style for everyone. Which one feels most like you?
World wanderer: Passport ready, you’re already planning the next trip before the last one ends.
Wellness warrior: Yoga mat in hand, you thrive on nourishing body and mind.
Hobby hero: From painting to gardening, you dive headfirst into your passions.
Altruistic avenger: Volunteering and giving back fuel your purpose.
Luxury lounger: Think spa days, fine dining, and unapologetic relaxation.
Are you all in on one style, or a mix of many? See how your retirement personality fits into a community like Brookland Commons.
Palmetto Cards is trading places. The new location will be on Columbia Avenue near North Lake Drive in Lexington, expanding into a ~3,000-sqft suite. The move meets growing trading card demand and offers a more community-focused space. (The State)
Mansion Monday
This home with historic charm is located in the Wales Garden neighborhood, one of downtown Cola’s most sought-after areas. The 8,561 sqft estate blends original millwork with modern luxury — think chef’s kitchen, five en-suite bedrooms, elevator, koi pond, and wine cellar.
Cause
Host and comedian Nate Bargatze donated $250,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of America during the 2025 Emmys, using the length of acceptance speeches to determine the amount donated.Luckily for us, there’s no time limit on giving back to Columbia’s local chapter. (USA Today)
Community
Irmo and HUSH No More will host a free Community Walk to End Domestic Violence on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Moore Park. The inclusive event features a keynote by Goddest Jenkins, live performances, kids’ activities, local vendors, + free T-shirts for those who register by Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Read
Arthur Sze has been appointed the 25th US poet laureate by the Library of Congress. He will start in the fall, which is also the perfect time of year to read a poetry collection, classic novel, or romantasy tale in Columbia’s great outdoors. (The Guardian)
Weather
La Niña may be on the horizon. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 71% chance of the weather system from October to December. In Columbia, this climate cycle usually brings warmer + drier weather while in effect. (USA TODAY)
Seasonal
Fall is in the air, and it’s the perfect excuse for a day trip. On Saturday, Oct. 4, head to downtown Greer, SC (a ~2-hour drive away) for the Greer Arts & Eats Festival. Explore 80+ artisan booths, savor bites from 40+ food vendors, and enjoy live music at this free, family-friendly event.*
Featured Deal
Athleta’s Friends + Family Sale just dropped — find pieces that take you from early morning workouts to weekend coffee runs with 30% off the whole site (yes, everything).*
McKissick Museum is located on the Horseshoe in the center of the USC campus. | Photo by COLAtoday
Museums are the cultural hubs of Columbia. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about the Midlands or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 15 museums to visit in our city.
McKissick Museum | Free
McKissick is located at the heart of the historic Horseshoe on the University of South Carolina’s campus. The museum’s collections date back to 1801 and provide insight into the history of the University and the community, culture, and environment of the American South.
National Steeplechase Museum | Free admission, but donations are appreciated
Home of the Carolina Cup, learn about Camden’s equestrian history and steeplechase racing, which has deep roots in the region. The museum includes exhibits on the breeders, jockeys, and horses that have contributed to the sport.
The South Carolina Railroad Museum | $17 for adults
The South Carolina Railroad Museum features a walk-through display train featuring the 100-year-old Norfolk business car, a Southern Post Office car, a Nickel Plate caboose, and more.
The Bissell CrossWave Edge Wet/Dry Vacuum that’s $50 off for a limited time. Vacuuming and mopping separately is a thing of the past thanks to this new wet/dry vac that tackles multiple surfaces. Seamlessly remove debris and dirt from your floor while mopping to shiny perfection. Bonus: It has a self-cleaning feature.
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.
“Two stages, 10 bands, six food trucks, one good time,” promised David Stringer,” that’s what I said to Free Times when we spoke last week about Jam Room Music Festival moving to Finlay Park and hosting the grand opening event. It’s been exciting to help plan the event with the Jam Room Foundation board, and we can’t wait to share the full festival lineup with everyone on Thursday, Oct. 9, at our announcement event at Weco Bottle and Biergarten.
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