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Plan Ahead
Places to go, people to see
Columbia chefs Alex Strickland (left) and Javier Uriarte (right) at the opening dinner in 2022. | Photo provided by Columbia Food and Wine Festival
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading into April. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
Festivals
Garnet & Black Spring Fest Block Party | Saturday, April 11 | 1-6 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | Free | Come out and meet the Gamecock Football players and grab tickets to see Darius Rucker live.
Columbia International Festival | Saturday, April 18-Sunday, April 19 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | South Carolina State Fairgrounds | $10 | The annual festival showcases the music, culture, food, and performing arts.
Meeting Street Music Festival | Saturday, April 18 | 3-9 p.m. | 900-1200 blocks of Meeting Street, West Columbia | Free | Enjoy 11 bands, great food, and a free two-day street festival in the River District, headlined by Sugar Ray.
Columbia Food & Wine Festival | Wednesday, April 22-Sunday, April 26 | Times vary | Columbia | Meet chefs and try their creations as they get creative for this annual event.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $6+ | Experience the first pitch of the anniversary season against the Pelicans watch the Carolina League South Division Championship banner reveal.*
Fireflies set to light up Segra Park for 10th anniversary opening week
Presented by Columbia Fireflies
The Columbia Fireflies return to Segra Park for a milestone season packed with themed nights and fan-favorite traditions. | Photo provided by Columbia Fireflies
It’s time for baseball to return to the Midlands. The Columbia Fireflies kick off their 10th anniversary season at Segra Park on opening night, Tuesday, April 7, launching a full week of themed fun through April 12.
With tickets starting at just $6, opening week offers something for everyone. Fans can look forward to:
Tuesday, April 7: Opening Night festivities to celebrate the start of the season
Wednesday, April 8: Dog-friendly night, perfect for bringing your pup along
Thursday, April 9: Thirsty Thursday featuring $1.50 Budweisers and hot dogs
Friday, April 10: Neon Night with a 2025 Carolina League South Division Champion rally towel giveaway
Saturday, April 11: 8-Bit Baseball Bash with retro gaming vibes and a post-game fireworks show
Sunday, April 12: Sensory Safe Night with reduced noise, softer visuals, and designated quiet zones
A proposed redevelopment of the long-vacant Capital City Stadium includes plans for a mixed-use site with new buildings and an outdoor music venue, according to conceptual renderings. The project remains under negotiation, with delays due to disagreements over the timeline. A decision is expected within 90 days. (The Post and Courier)
Eat
Looking to try a new wing spot? Calloway’s Sports Bar and Grill in West Columbia was voted the Midlands’ favorite wing spot in a reader poll by The State, earning 26% of nearly 1900 votes. The longtime Augusta Road bar is known for its double-baked wings and variety of flavors.
Concert
Ten-time Grammy winner Arturo O’Farrill will perform with the SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble at Harbison Theatre on Friday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. The “Afro-Latin Jazz Excursion” concert will highlight Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz.
Cause
Tickets are on sale for the McDaniels Gala, and limited spots remain for the Golf Classic, both of which support Lexington Health cancer patients. Since 2018, the events have raised over $4.5 million to fund care through the McDaniels-Pucci Cancer Fund.
Arts
The 7th annual Live on Lincoln returns Sunday, April 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. as the finale of Artista Vista, featuring performances from local groups like SC Ballet and Trustus Theatre. Tickets are $110, with proceeds supporting local arts organizations.
Outdoors
South Carolina’s newest state park, The Meadows at Black River State Park, opens Thursday, April 2 in Williamsburg County. The 2,000-acre site features river access, trails, a paddle launch, and picnic areas as part of a planned 70-mile river park network.
Featured Deal
Not ready for a new phone, but ready for a little extra savings each month? Bring your phone, pay $120 upfront, and get 50% off 6 months of service with America’s Best Network’s most popular UNL 5G Plan.‡*
Trending
It’s the last day of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. What’s everyone been buying? These top-rated flowy wide-leg pants and this square-neck tennis dress with built-in shorts and pockets. Get in on the savings before deals expire tonight.*
You’d think the stars of the Carolina Cup would be the horses — but it might just be the hats. The annual race in Camden drew tens of thousands over the weekend, and the crowd came dressed to impress with bold colors, big brims, and standout spring looks. If you missed it, you can browse the gallery — and if you were there in a fabulous fit, there’s a chance you might spot yourself.
It’s the last day of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Don’t miss out on these savings for your best spring season yet:
🛍️ Save $150 on the Dyson Airwrap — that’s the lowest price of the year so far — for flawless blowouts with no heat damage.
🛍️ Instead of $50, pay $29.95 today for top-rated bluetooth earbuds, perfect for listening to audiobooks during walks on sunny days.
🛍️ Speaking of walks… thanks to a 50% off deal, you can get women’s lightweight sneakers for under $20 today, featuring mesh knit fabric and a memory foam insole.
🛍️ Get luxury mascara for under $10 — tarte’s lights, camera, lashes mini size lengthens lashes and adds volume for 16 hours.
🛍️ A 46% off deal on this women’s UPF 50+ athletic jacket means instant sun protection during warm weather jogs and hikes.
I had an amazing time at Read Freely Fest at Richland Library last weekend. I got to catch some great author talks, pick up a few zines, and even meet several COLAtoday readers in person. It’s always a treat when a reader comes up to say hello. Until next year,here are some photos from the festival to help you relive the moments.
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‡Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® 2H 2025 data.
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