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Editor’s Pick
Get the Ballpark Pass for the Fireflies 2026 season, with post-game fireworks on select nights.
Photo provided by Columbia Fireflies
Sixty-six baseball games for $99? That’s hard to beat. The Columbia Fireflies introduced a new Ballpark Pass that gives fans access to every home game at Segra Park during the team’s 2026 season.
The pass includes lawn and Home Run Porch seating for all 66 regular-season games during the Fireflies’ 10th anniversary season. Fans can reserve seats for the games they want to attend instead of buying individual tickets each time. A $199 family pass option includes four tickets per game.
The announcement comes after a milestone year for the franchise. In 2025, the Fireflies secured their first-ever playoff berth after winning the Carolina League South Division first-half title and advancing to the Carolina League Championship Series.
Publix plans to open a new store at Blythewood Marketplace on the northwest corner of Highway 21 and Turkey Farm Road. The 54,964-sqft grocery store is expected to create about 150 jobs in the growing Blythewood community.
Eat
Nick Emmanwori wasn’t the only Midlands local celebrating after the Super Bowl this year. Columbia resident Natalie Harwood won Bota Box’s national “Wing It with Bota” wine and wing pairing contest after serving judges at Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate. Here’s the recipe for her black cherry–glazed wing, paired with RedVolution wine.
Mansion Monday
Turn the key and move right in. This Heathwood home sits on a large corner lot across from Heathwood Park and features recent renovations, including updated baths and laundry. There’s an open kitchen for entertaining, a vaulted family room with a stone fireplace, saltwater pool, cabana with an outdoor kitchen, and a detached studio.
Number
4. That’s how many Columbia area projects earned recognition as SCBIZ News Top Projects for 2026. The annual awards honor standout construction projects across SC for design, innovation, and community impact. See which ones made the list.
Ranked
Working hard, or hardly working? Columbia landed at No. 110 on WalletHub’s list of the hardest-working cities in the US. Case in point: Pop into a local coffee shop, and you’ll spot plenty of local professionals putting in the grind.
Seasonal
After losing an hour of sleep this past weekend, it’s time to make it worth it. Now the sun is setting after 7 p.m. again, we can spend more time exploring Cola’s beautiful parks. If you need some inspo, our events calendar will be full of outdoor fun for the foreseeable future.
The Word
Swiftie. The term is officially in the dictionary, defined as “a fan of the music of Taylor Swift.” While Swift isn’t set to perform in Columbia again anytime soon, there are plenty of other upcoming concerts to look forward to in Soda City. (USA Today)
Eat
Some things in life just hit the spot — like a really good classic Reuben sandwich. Our go-to? The Chief Reuben at East Bay Deli. We’re already drooling over this delicious bite.*
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of Nourish patients pay out of pocket to talk to a dietitian covered by their insurance. You could be covered, too — check your coverage + get matched with a dietitian who can cut through the food noise and build you a plan to thrive.*
Elizabeth as Taylor brings Swift-style energy to the parade. | Photo via St. Pat’s in Five Points
The Word earlier this week was “Swiftie” — and on Saturday March 14, one will be leading the St. Pat’s in Five Points parade.
Elizabeth as Taylor, the internationally touring Taylor Swift tribute performer and a crowd favorite at last year’s festival, will serve as this year’s parade Grand Marshal. She’ll ride the float with her backup singers — and yes, expect a performance along the route.
The free St. Pat’s Parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, starting on Devine Street at Sims Avenue and winding through Five Points to officially kick off the festival.
Also marching: Catch the Ancient Order of Hibernians with 12 bagpipers and five drummers from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, Augusta Pipes and Drums, and Palmetto Pipes and Drums — with a quick musical stop outside Publick House along the route.
The Buy
Travel-size mouthwash you can take anywhere. Perfect for vacations, tossing in your purse, or keeping in the glovebox, this TSA-approved, top-rated mouthwash comes in portable pouches so you can freshen up anytime, anywhere. Bonus: It’s alcohol-free and safe for sensitive teeth.
If you need compost for your garden and can wait a few weeks, the City of Columbia is hosting its annual free compost giveaway on Saturday, April 4, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 123 Humane Lane. I did it last year, and you back your car up to the pile with your containers, and they help you fill them up.
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