This year’s Jam Room Music Festival moves from Main Street to Finlay Park for the grand opening weekend. | Photo by Perry McLeod | Perry McLeod
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading into November. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
9th Annual Fall Back Fest | Friday, Nov. 7 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | State Street, West Columbia | Free | Enjoy live music from Civil Remedy and Lola Grace & the Night, interactive mural painting, local food and drinks, and the Meeting Street Artisan Market Night Edition.
Finlay Park Grand Re-Opening | Saturday, Nov. 15-Sunday, Nov. 16 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Finlay Park | Free | Check out the park and enjoy Jam Room Music Festival on Saturday, and Day Two Festival on Sunday with Shovels and Rope. Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey | Monday, Nov. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $37+ | Join travel guru Rick Steves live and in person with your SC Phil on a spectacular musical journey through Europe.
Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Ballet | Wednesday, Nov. 26, Sunday, Nov. 30 | Times vary | Township Auditorium | $50+ | Enjoy a Family Classic with Glittering Snowflakes and Waltzing Flowers. NEON Joy in Five Points | Friday, Nov. 21 | 6-9 p.m. | Five Points Fountain | Free | The holiday laser light show will take place in the Five Points Mural Lot with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in attendance.
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New signage welcomes drivers to Columbia on North Main Street. | Photo by COLAtoday
Civic
The City of Columbia unveiled new gateway signage on North Main Street as part of a citywide beautification and rebranding effort. More signs will follow at key entry points to reflect local pride.
Family
Richland County Recreation Commission is hosting Halloween events today and tomorrow, including trunk-or-treats, drive-thrus, and a haunted hayride. Festivities will be held at parks and centers across the county. All events are free and family-friendly. (WLTX)
Community
All Richland Library locations will be closed Thursday, Nov. 13, for Customer Service Improvement Day. Staff will use the time to focus on internal training and service upgrades. Online resources remain available during the closure.
Seasonal
Wingard’s Market will host its Jingle Bell Bash on Friday, Nov. 14, and Saturday, Nov. 15, with holiday sales, wine tastings, and exclusive ornaments. Shoppers can also participate in the Giftique Give-A-Thon by donating hygiene items to Mission Lexington in exchange for a 50% discount.
Fun Fact
Columbia sits at the intersection of two whole-number coordinates: latitude 34°N and longitude 81°W. You can find the exact spot on the east side of the traffic oval near Epworth Children’s Home. Thanks to reader Peter S. for the geographic scoop.
Cause
Local organizations are stepping up to fight food insecurity. The One SC Fund is activated, and local food banks, restaurants, and churches across the Midlands are offering meals and resources to support neighbors in need. (WLTX)
Biz
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
Home
Finding a mover doesn’t have to be scary.MovEase lets you request quotes, chat with movers, and book your move all in one seamless platform — it’s your one-stop solution for a hassle-free move. Learn more.*
Category
Seasonal
Hello darkness
Enjoy a sunset, rooftop view of Main Street. | Photo by COLAtoday team
When the sun clocks out early, Columbia doesn’t have to. As Daylight Saving Time ends, the days get shorter — but that gives us more reason to make the most of the dark.
Night climb at Capital City Climbing
This rock climbing gym is open until 8 p.m. seven days a week, if you’re looking for a fun activity after dark.
Pickleball after dark
At 24 Hour Pickleball, you can book time slots around the clock through the app and participate in tournaments.
Take a cooking class
From bread making to Pasta for Two and Mediterranean Couples Class— head to Let’s Cook Culinary kitchen classroom to escape the dark.
Our events calendar features things happening in and around Columbia every single day, no matter when the sun sets.
The Buy
The Shark Matrix IQ Robot Vacuum that’s 40% off for a limited time. Psst — that’s a savings of $120. The Buy Editor Emily loves its precision home mapping technology that results in a more thorough clean on multiple surfaces.
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.
Speaking of wine bars — a new one opens tomorrow in downtown Columbia. Vino Sabor, on the corner of Sumter and Lady streets, will begin pouring on Saturday, Nov. 1. Take a peek inside the moody new space.
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