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🚀 Boost to the arts
The historic Ensor Keenan House is the new home of One Columbia for the Arts and Humanities. | Photo via One Columbia
Columbia’s arts community just got a boost from a new round of funding aimed at strengthening culture and civic life across the city.
City of Columbia | Funding will support programming, activation, and safety efforts as Finlay Park.
Columbia Museum of Art | Funds will go towards two seasons of programming on Boyd Plaza in spring and fall this year to activate the public space, with a special focus on increasing access for older adults.
One Columbia for Arts and Culture | A new multidisciplinary arts series at the historic Ensor Kennan House will combine music, visual art, culinary arts, and poetry to bring residents together through shared creative experiences.
South Carolina Humanities | A new Richland County capacity-building pilot program will provide training, assessments, and opportunities for collaboration to strengthen arts and culture organizations across the Midlands.
Be the broker: Big opportunity in the heart of Five Points
Presented by Trinity Partners
This prime retail/office space offers rare parking, modern upgrades, and a front-row seat to the energy of Five Points. | Photo provided by Trinity Partners
Looking to make your mark in Five Points? A unique retail/office opportunity is now available at 738 + 746 Harden St., Columbia, SC 29205 — right in the heart of the action.
With two spaces available (±1,860 SF and ±2,206 sqft.) — or combined for ±4,066 sqft. — this multi-story property offers flexibility for retailers, creatives, and office users alike.
738 Harden features:
Two dedicated parking spaces (a rare Five Points perk)
Two updated ADA-compliant restrooms
Two storage areas
Double-pane 3M tinted windows, insulation, and music wiring
746 Harden features:
Two on-site parking spots + EV Level 2 charging capability
269 SF mezzanine secure storage
LED branded signage overlooking the Five Points fountain
New Energy Star electric, HVAC with air purification, commercial shower
You may recognize Crispy Cones from Shark Tank. | Photo by COLAtoday
Opening
The Main Street District is about to get a little sweeter. Crispy Cones plans to open on Friday, March 27 near the State House and Moxy Hotel, serving soft serve in fresh dough cones grilled rotisserie-style. (The State)
Ranked
Soda City Market is back in the running for USA TODAY’s 10Best Best Farmers Market list after taking the No. 1 spot in 2025. Public voting is open and runs through Monday, April 14, at 12 p.m. The winners will be announced on Wednesday, April 22.
One local product is still dancing in the Manufacturing Madness bracket above — CardioEducator. The heart-education device is produced by a Columbia-based, female-owned small business.
Civic
Soda Citizens for People-Oriented Places will host a guided walk on Saturday, March 21 at 10 a.m. from Farmers Market Xchange to Finlay Park to examine nearby streets, walking and biking safety, and ways to make the area more inviting for residents and future investment. The tour will also share neighborhood history.
Health
The Brain Injury Association of South Carolina will host its Walk, Run and Roll for Brain Injury Awareness on Sunday, March 22, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Bierkeller Columbia. The event includes a community walk, run, or roll followed by a reception with music, food, and family activities.
Community
Columbia nonprofit The Therapy Place is celebrating 15 years of serving children with developmental delays and disabilities across the Midlands. The organization, which now serves about 180 children weekly, will host a community celebration today, March 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at its Covenant Road campus.
Event Spotlight
The Gamecocks gathered with fans for the bracket reveal. | Photo by Gamecock Athletics
The road to another Final Four starts in Columbia. South Carolina women’s basketball earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will host first- and second-round games this weekend at Colonial Life Arena beginning Saturday, March 21.
Saturday’s first round:
No. 1 South Carolina vs. Southern or Samford (First Four winner)
No. 8 Clemson vs. No. 9 Southern Cal
Monday, March 23:
Winners meet in the second round.
The SEC champion Gamecocks are making their 14th straight NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Dawn Staley. Single-session tickets are on sale now.
The Buy
A pair of arch support socks that are engineered with biofeedback technology to improve foot alignment and stability. The Buy Editor Emily loves wearing them for runs and on days she’s on her feet a lot — thanks, hyperactive puppies.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! My sunburn is still setting in from being out at the St. Pat’s in Five Points’ celebration last Saturday. If you couldn’t make it or want to relive it, Cola Daily has a full gallery of the events. If you’re looking for a hearty Irish lunch, check out the house corned beef Reuben with cabbage from Spotted Salamander.
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