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.
🏀 Run it back
Aliyah Boston and company raise the championship trophy. | Photo via South Carolina Athletics
America’s most-watched women’s college basketball team and SEC regular-season champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks, kick off their tournament run in Greenville on Friday, March 6 at 12 p.m. The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament runs through Sunday, March 8 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, and tickets are still available.
If you’re heading up I-26, here’s how to make the most of it:
The games: Quarterfinals tip off Friday, March 6, starting at 12 p.m. Semifinals follow Saturday, March 7 at 4:30 p.m., with the championship Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m.
Slam Dunk Deal Guide: Greenville businesses are offering food, drink, shopping, and attraction deals throughout tournament week.
Easy parking: Downtown garages near the arena cap out at $10 per day.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena sits just steps from downtown Greenville’s Main Street, packed with restaurants, shops, and public art.
Gamecock Club HQ: Fireforge Crafted Beer on East Washington Street will host the official Gamecock Club headquarters.
Hops & Shops | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, West Columbia | Free
Friday, April 25
Celebration of Spring Pottery Tour in Seagrove | Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Various Seagrove Potters, Seagrove, NC | Free | Visit studios, meet potters, and expand your pottery collection.*
A major alcohol distributor opened a new facility in West Columbia. Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits began operations this month at a 412,000-sqft warehouse in the Saxe Gotha Industrial Park. It’s part of an $80 million investment expected to employ about 225 people.
Development
Amarok, a Columbia-based security company, is planning an expansion into the BullStreet District. Richland County Council approved incentives for the ~$69 million headquarters project, expected to create 296 new full-time jobs. (The Post and Courier)
Civic
Richland County leaders want your feedback for the ELEVATE 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan, which will guide future transportation priorities across the Midlands. The online survey is open through Thursday, March 19.
Cause
The Junior League of Columbia’s Little Black Dress Initiative Week is next week, Monday, March 9 through Friday, March 13, and includes community give-back events and a blood drive at JLC headquarters on Tuesday, March 10. Restaurant percentage nights will take place at Cantina 76, Za’s on Devine, and Lazy Daisy Coffee.
Community
Legendary coach Frank Beamer takes the stage Wednesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts for Reflections on a Football Legacy. Hosted by USC’s Institute of Southern Studies, this free McNair Conversation explores his impact on football in the South. Pre-registration required. Register and attend.*
Gallery
The Five Points fountain has officially turned green, marking the start of Columbia’s St. Patrick’s Day season. See photos from the annual tradition that kicks off the countdown to the city’s St. Pat’s in Five Points festival on Saturday, March 14. Get your tickets now.
Community
Soirée on State returns Saturday, March 21 in the Cayce River Arts District, celebrating local art, food, and music from 2–8 p.m.. Named Free Times’ Best Music Festival 2025, the day features live music, vendors, a kids area, and community fun. Get the details.*
Arts
Keep the Midlands Beautiful will unveil the “Greetings From Lexington” mural on Monday, March 9 at 12 p.m. at the Icehouse Amphitheater. The public artwork, designed by Lexington artist Michael Geddings, is the second mural in the organization’s “Connecting Communities” series across Lexington and Richland counties.
Real Estate
Once home to the iconic Palmetto Candy & Tobacco Company, 1225-1229 Lincoln St. pairs early 20th-century charm with modern finishes. High ceilings, oversized windows, and a prime Vista location create a standout opportunity for retail or creative office users ready to make their mark. Explore the listing.*
Health
ReadyRx pairs GLP-1 treatment with structure: physician oversight, lifestyle guidance, and support designed for follow-through. If your BMI is 27+, you may qualify for 24/7 medical access and program support. Check your eligibility and save $100 as a new patient with code HEALTH100.*
The dirty soda craze is coming to BullStreet. Soda Belle — the Midlands’ roaming soda trailer known for syrup-spiked “dirty sodas” — is opening a small shop inside Gather COLA. The concept mixes Coke, Dr Pepper, lemonade, and other bases with flavored syrups for a caffeine fix that skips the coffee. The build-out is underway now, with updates expected soon.
Five viral products that are actually worth paying attention to:
🛍️ A popular swap for claw clips: these flat hair clips for better comfortability and all-day wear.
🛍️ Owala’s best-selling water bottles, now available in exclusive prints + patterns from Urban Outfitters. Or, you can never go wrong with one of the classic color combos.
🛍️ This practical long-handle wall cleaner easily goes from cleaning baseboards to high areas — no step ladder required.
🛍️ A pair of cloud slides with an ultra-cushioned sole and sleek, durable design.
🛍️ Kasa’s smart lightbulbs that have 16+ million color options + can be controlled from anywhere using a free app.
Fill your cup with some luck this March, Lucky Charms that is. Lazy Daisy Coffee shared its March specials, including the “Meet the Lucky Latte” — a vanilla latte topped with blue-vanilla cold foam and sprinkled with marshmallow cereal. They’re not the only ones with monthly specials; our coffee guide has an array of shops with seasonal menu items.
}})
