We crunched the numbers and compiled your official COLAtoday’s Best nominees. Now comes the fun part: voting. Now through Tuesday, Nov. 25, you can vote for your favorites in each category. Winners will be announced Monday, Dec. 8.
Discover local creativity at the Sesqui Artisan’s Market
Presented by South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Stroll, shop, and savor the season at Sesqui Artisan’s Market. | Photos provided by South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Mark your calendars, COLA — the Sesqui Artisan’s Market is back on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at Sesquicentennial State Park. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can stroll through a full day of art, live music, and delicious food surrounded by the beauty of fall in the Midlands.
Shop local, find something special
Meet talented local makers and explore handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, paintings, photography, and more. Whether you’re hunting for a unique gift or just love discovering new artists, this juried showcase is the perfect way to support local creativity.
Fall fun for all ages
Grab a bite from local food vendors, enjoy live performances, and soak up the crisp autumn air. It’s a family-friendly, all-ages event—so bring your friends, your kids, or even your dog for a laid-back day outdoors.
Free admission, local vibes
Admission is free with park entry, so come celebrate Columbia’s creative spirit and spend the day surrounded by art, music, and community.
Vinyl records are one vintage item you’ll find at the new Bullseye Market. | Photo by Bullseye Market
The BullStreet District news keeps coming. Soda City Market is launching a spinoff — Bullseye Vintage.
Columbia’s favorite Saturday market is taking its show on the road, expanding the Main Street magic to BullStreet with a brand-new monthly event debuting Sunday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Freed and Boyce streets, right in front of Segra Park.
The market will feature vintage clothing, vinyl, collectibles, furniture, and retro-inspired handmade goods, offering a nostalgic open-air shopping experience every third Sunday — rain or shine. The idea grew out of Soda City’s community of antique and vintage vendors, giving them a dedicated space to share their finds year-round. Vendor applications are open now.
Renovations to Williams-Brice Stadium will begin hours after the 2025 regular season wraps. The project will cut 4,100 seats from the west-lower section to add premium suites, student amenities, and wider concourses. All west-lower season-ticket holders will be relocated. (The State)
Number
15,171 pounds — that’s how much trash, recyclables, and bulk debris were removed from Lake Murray and nearby waterways during the September Lake Sweep/River Sweep. Led by Keep the Midlands Beautiful, the event mobilized 331 volunteers across Lexington and Richland counties.
Biz
Dick Dyer & Associates is expanding with a second Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter, and Volvo dealership in the Seven Oaks area. The new location broke ground this month, joining its Two Notch Road flagship location. (The Post and Courier)
Arts
Calling all artists — submissions are open for ArtFields 2026. Visual artists from 12 Southeastern states can apply to exhibit their work during the annual Lake City art competition, returning April 10–May 2. The deadline to submit is Saturday, Nov. 1
Eat
Chef Chris Williams of Roy’s Grille took 2nd place in the Sandwich category at the World Food Championships in Indianapolis. Representing Team Lake Murray Country, he impressed with his Carolina Korean Cheesesteak and Pesto and Pimento Lobster Grilled Cheese.
Plan Ahead
Grab your boots, the 5th annual Blythewood Fall Championship Rodeo rides into Prisma Health Arena this Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25. Events begin at 7:30 p.m. and include bull riding, barrel racing, and a petting zoo. Tickets start at $12.
Concert
Country fans, here’s your next stop. Twitty & Lynn: A Salute to Conway & Loretta comes to the Newberry Opera House on Friday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. — performed by their talented grandchildren, Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn. Relive the classics, feel the legacy. Supported by DiscoverSC.*
Older Adults
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Shop
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Show off your creative side with your gingerbread house. | Photo by South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition
The third annual South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition is set for Thursday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 6 at AIA Columbia on Main Street. Proceeds will benefit Home Works of America, a nonprofit that helps repair homes for neighbors in need across South Carolina.
Locals can browse hand-crafted gingerbread creations from amateur and professional teams during First Thursday on Main (December 4, 5-9 p.m.), Friday, Dec. 5 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), and Soda City Market on Saturday, December 6 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.). Awards will be announced that afternoon at 2 p.m.
The event is free for spectators, but participants will pay an entry fee. Registration closes Friday, Nov. 28, and proceeds from entry fees and donations will support Home Works of America.
The Buy
Save up to 70% on premier fall experiences with Groupon. New deals appear every day so you can discover your next “why-didn’t-we-do-this-sooner” at the click of a button.
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.
Ping pong, anyone?The Tables at Tapp’s officially opens to the public on Friday, Nov. 1, offering a new Main Street hangout spot for friendly (or competitive) matches.
Memberships run $25/month (and include a +1), or you can drop in for a $10 day pass. The space will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with weekly league nights for beginners, intermediates, and pros.
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