Plus, ride along to the SEC tournament in Greenville.
02.18.2026 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

Subscribe

Golden Isles

From our friends at

cola-weathersponsor logo.png

73º | 0% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:05 a.m. | Sunset 6:11 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Columbia. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.

🦞 Buttered tails and baseball

pre-game party drone_2022.jpg
Fans gather outside Segra Park for the Battle at BullStreet pre-game plaza party, featuring live music, food trucks and family-friendly fun before first pitch. | Photo via Columbia Fireflies
The rivalry energy is starting early at BullStreet this year.

The Columbia Fireflies are bringing back the Battle at BullStreet pre-game plaza party ahead of the 3 p.m. SC vs. Clemson baseball game at Segra Park on Saturday, Feb. 28. Starting at 12 p.m., the plaza at Boyce and Freed streets in front of the stadium will feature live music, drinks, and food trucks, so you can do all of your pre-game tailgating at the park.

Save room for a lobster rollCousins Maine Lobster Truck, the brand that broke out on Shark Tank, will make its Cola debut with buttery rolls, lobster tots, and New England Chowder. If crustaceans aren’t your thing, there’ll be brats, hot dogs, and brews for sale. DJ Roy Neptune will provide the soundtrack while fans eat, face off in some friendly rivalry at cornhole and bucketball, and let the kids enjoy face painting and balloon artists.

Events

Wednesday, Feb. 18

Degenerate Art Project II Exhibition | Wednesday, Feb. 18-Saturday, Feb. 28 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Stormwater Studios | Free

Ask the Gardener Happy Hour: Seed Starting Demo | 4-6 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free

Thursday, Feb. 19

Love Letters to Your Hometown | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Cayce-West Columbia Branch Library | Free

Partner Yoga | Times vary | Moxy Hotel | $25

Latin Caravan at The Joint | 7-10 p.m. | The Joint | Free

Friday, Feb. 20

Columbia Boat Show | Friday, Feb. 20-Sunday, Feb. 22 | Times vary | South Carolina State Fairgrounds | $10+

Gamecocks Baseball vs. Army Black Knights | 2 p.m. | Founders Park | $6+

Constellation: An Exhibit of African American Artists | 6-9 p.m. | Gemini Arts | Free

KTG, Messenger Down, Death Ray Robin, Mister Morning | 7-11 p.m. | Cat’s Kettle | $13

Blackberry Smoke | 7:30 p.m. | Township Auditorium | $54+
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Finance

Easy finance shifts that actually work

Presented by AllSouth Federal Credit Union
Allsouth.jpg
These simple money habits can help make life easier. | Photo provided by AllSouth Federal Credit Union
Little tweaks can make money feel less stressful and more manageable. Here are three simple habits from AllSouth Federal Credit Union to try:
  • Clear out old subscriptions: Cancel anything you no longer use to save money and reduce surprise charges.
  • Set tiny automatic savings: Transfer small amounts after each paycheck or round up purchases — it all adds up.
  • Organize your wallet: Keep only what you need, clean out receipts, and consolidate accounts for smoother spending.
Small habits, big peace of mind.
See three more tips

News Notes

Sports

Hop aboard — South Carolina women’s basketball is offering fan bus trips to Greenville for the SEC Tournament on Friday, March 6, Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8. Packages include round-trip transportation with options for bus-only or bus + game ticket bundles.

Number

$400,000 — that’s how much SC Launch Inc. is investing in Columbia-based QWERKY AI. The startup builds tools that help businesses use artificial intelligence more efficiently, aiming to lower costs and energy consumption while maintaining strong performance. (Greenville Business Mag)

Eat

The 4th annual Black Eats Week 803 returns Monday, June 22 through Sunday, June 28, culminating in a new “Best Of” Festival and Food Competition on Sunday, June 28, from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Gala Event Center. Black-owned restaurants and food entrepreneurs can register to participate through Sunday, May 31.

Real Estate

The City of Columbia Community Development Department will host a Homebuyer Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Virginia Bedford Community Park. The session will cover money management, credit scores, and debt strategies for first-time buyers. Registration is required.

Play

🎲 Are you looking for our Games page? You can find it here. Thanks to all of our readers who let us know you’re enjoying this page — our team is continuing to work on even more ways to play in future.

Community

What happens when faith, family, and feminism share the same stage? On Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m., the University of South Carolina’s Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse hosts a free conversation at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law featuring Erika Bachiochi. Learn more + register.*

Eat

Some nights you have the energy to cook. Other nights, you have the energy to… stare at the fridge and negotiate with it. Forkful meals arrive fully prepared, use grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, and are 100% seed oil-free. Get 50% off your first box with code CMD50.*

Health

Don’t forget to take your heart seriously. Even mild signs — like unusual tiredness, a queasy stomach, or a general sense that something isn’t right — can signal a problem. Use Prisma Health’s free Heart Health Assessment to take the first step toward a healthier heart.*

Finance

Americans are choosing this powerhouse card for smarter spending. It boasts 0% intro APR on all purchases and balance transfers for nearly two years, up to 6% cash back, a generous sign-up bonus, and zero annual fee. Add it to your wallet.*

Pro Tip

Attention Amazon Prime members — don’t miss the chance to earn extra cash on every purchase you make. Check out these 16 hacks to save money + earn more cash, all from the comfort of your couch.*

Health

Crowded restaurants, bustling cafés, lively gatherings — your social life can be loud. These best-selling hearing aids cut through the noise so you hear every word with clarity + confidence. Built with cutting-edge technology and a nearly invisible design, they fit seamlessly into your life. Start a 45-day no-risk trial.*

Sports

Ready, set, sign-up

2019-03-30-Shinkickers-Soccer-Caughman-30-scaled.jpeg
Richland County offers Shinkickers soccer for kids to developed their skills. | Photo via Richland County Recreation Comission
With even warmer weather on the horizon, you may be thinking about signing your kid up for spring sports or getting back on the field yourself. The Midlands has a wide range of leagues for both youth and adults and if you’re looking to join a team this spring, registration deadlines are approaching.

Check out these leagues to find a team sport near you.

Columbia Parks and Recreation

From youth baseball and lacrosse, to chair volleyball for seniors, and kickball for adults, Columbia Parks and Rec offers a wide variety of activities available with registration still open. Some of the leagues begin in March, so don’t wait to get signed up.

Everplay Social

From kickball + softball to volleyball, bowling, and cornhole, Everplay Sports and Social Club offers an array of sports to choose from. Registration for spring leagues closes today, Feb. 18, so pull the old squad together for a run at a rec league championship.

The Buy

A 4.6-star rated collagen mask that features a Botox-like peptide developed using Nobel Prize-winning technology. It deeply moisturizes dry skin while boosting elasticity and improving skin sebum levels.
More worth The Buy

The Wrap

If you can’t wait until the Battle at Bullstreet to try the new lobster food truck, Cousins Maine Lobster Truck will soft launch at the Finlay Park Friday concert series on Feb. 27 from 3 to 8 p.m. The Jon Rooks Band will hit the stage at 6 p.m., so pick a good spot to picnic on the oval.
COLA DAVID City Editor-Wrap.png
Click Support below to help us out!

{optout_confirm_url}

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

ADVERTISE | GUIDES | EVENTS | SHOP | SUPPORT

† Disclaimers and Legal | * Advertising Policy

The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2025 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602