Columbia’s 2026 ambassadors bring a wealth of local knowledge. | Photos from Experience Columbia SC
A new group of locals is helping show visitors (and locals) how to experience Cola like an insider. Experience Columbia SC announced its 2026 Ambassador class alongside the release of the new Columbia SC Insider’s Guide.
Now in its eighth year, the Ambassador Program highlights people who represent the ways Columbia lives, eats, explores, and creates.
Construction is coming to the former Richland Mall site. A new Kroger and apartments are expected to break ground this summer, with prep work underway. A public park is also planned for a later phase. (WLTX)
Number
1.52 — that’s the lowest average litter score in five years for Richland and Lexington Counties, according to Keep the Midlands Beautiful’s annual audit. The group surveys 123 roads annually to track visible litter.
Eat
Hali Cali, Big Dipper, Astronaut, What’s Up Doc, Robert Beary, The Webster Street — whatever your favorite Columbia-area sandwich is, now’s the time to vote. The State’s 2026 Midlands Sandwich Shop Poll is live. Voting ends Monday, Jan. 19 at 11:59 p.m.
Opening
A new Food Lion is opening Tuesday, Jan. 21 on Two Notch Road in the new Pontiac Towne Center near Spears Creek Church Road. The grocer is joining other upcoming spots like Eggs Up Grill and Ace Hardware. (The Post and Courier)
Festival
Drink Pink Festival is set for Saturday, May 16, with a new time and a new home at Boone Fox Flower Farm on Airport Boulevard. Started in 2015, the spring tradition invites guests to wear pink and white and spend the evening sipping wine, eating well, and dancing to live music.
Environment
Student-led climate projects will be on display at City Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. It’s part of Columbia’s Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund, with projects ranging from river cleanups to upcycled blankets. A second showcase is set for Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Admiral Radio perform at the 2025 Mardi Gras festival at City Grits. | Photo by COLAtoday
Cola’s biggest Mardi Gras celebration is back — and bigger than ever — bringing a full day of live music, food, and fun to City Roots on Saturday, Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day), from 12 to 7 p.m.
The 16th annual Mardi Gras Columbia festival, hosted by Krewe de Columbi-Ya-Ya, will feature a record-setting 19 local bands performing across three stages, marking the largest lineup in the event’s history. E.Z. Shakes, 48 Fables, and Dylan Hayes Band will headline the bill.
Before the festival kicks off, a free Mardi Gras parade will roll through Rosewood at 11 a.m. Beyond the music, expect local food trucks, craft and artisan vendors, kids’ activities, and beer and wine for purchase from Abita Brewing Company and BevSouth. Tickets are available at the gate and online, with free admission for kids 12 and under.
The festival honors late founder Tom Hall and raises money for local charities benefiting animals, children, and women.
I had the pleasure of getting an early preview of the renovated Collection Galleries at the Columbia Museum of Art on Wednesday afternoon, and I think I’m most excited for everyone else in Cola and beyond to experience it. I could spend hours in the new salon room alone. I snapped this photo of former Experience Columbia SC ambassador and artist Easel Cathedral taking it all in.
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