Each of these foods at Gather COLA pairs well with hot sauce. | Photo by City Social
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a guest on “Hot Ones”? This upcoming event on National Hot Sauce Day will put your buds to the test.
On Thursday, Jan. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m., Gather COLA hosts “The Ones That Are Hot,” a hot sauce competition where vendors debut original sauces and compete for titles like Spiciest Sauce, Best Flavor, Most Creative, and Best Pairing. Guest judges will taste each sauce live to crown the winners, and attendees can try hot sauce-inspired menu items available only during the event.
It’s free to attend and guaranteed to bring the heat — who’s serving the milk?
Metro Diner is now open on Percival Road in the Jackson Shopping Center, serving up comfort food and all-day breakfast. The Florida-based chain offers indoor and patio seating and is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with plans to extend dinner hours to 8 p.m. soon. (WLTX)
Concert
Shower the people you love with tickets to see James Taylor and His All-Star Band at Colonial Life Arena on Friday, Sept. 11. Tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m.
Civic
The City of Columbia will host a Homebuyer Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Virginia Bedford Community Park on Recreation Drive. The free session is geared toward first-time buyers and covers credit, budgeting, and debt.
Traffic
Expect delays on Elmwood Avenue as SCDOT closes the westbound right lane for bridge repairs on Saturday, Jan. 17 + Sunday, Jan. 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The lane should reopen Monday, Jan. 19, weather permitting.
Health
Lexington Health was named the “Most Family-Friendly Hospital in the US” by Modern Healthcare. It earned top marks for benefits, flexible scheduling, on-site childcare, and staff support programs.
Tech
Headed to a Fireflies game this season? You’ll now need an MLB.com account to buy, access, and scan tickets. Minor League Baseball has merged its system with MLB’s for a smoother fan experience.
Try This
If wedding bells are in your future, the Springdale House & Gardens on Platt Springs Road will host an open house on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tour the venue, meet local vendors, and get planning inspiration.
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Home
Dreaming of a new bathroom in 2026? Make it a reality with a one-day walk-in shower installation. HomeBuddy conveniently connects you with trusted local contractors, complete with customer reviews to help ensure a smooth, hassle-free project. Enter your ZIP code for a free estimate.*
Featured Deal
Make 2026 the year your business gets noticed. Share your message with our local audience in as little as two days when you score 15% off your first ad buy on our business promo portal. Use code NEW15 at checkout to secure the deal.
Category
Entertainment
🎺 All that jazz
Catch some starlight through the Koger Center windows as jazz fills the air. | Photo via The Vista
The ColaJazz Foundation and the Koger Center for the Arts have announced the 2026 Live in the Lobby Jazz season, featuring seven performances in the Koger Center’s Grand Tier Lobby.
Bragworthy deals from local restaurants, spas, salons, gyms, and more. If one of your resolutions in 2026 is to spend less + save more, Groupon is your No. 1 resource. Uncover up to 70% in savings on experiences right in your own backyard.
Thank you, Leadership Columbia, for having me on the panel for the Arts and Culture Day at The Nickelodeon on Tuesday. It was great to see so many faces of future leaders in our community, and I was grateful to share some of my knowledge with everyone. I also got a few scoops from people there that I’m digging into and excited to share here soon.
}})
