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Light show lottery
Enter the lottery to see synchronous fireflies light up Conagree National Park | Photo by National Park Services
Each spring, Congaree National Park becomes one of just a handful of places in North America where synchronous fireflies put on a coordinated light display, flashing in near-perfect unison as part of their mating ritual. The phenomenon lasts only a short window each year, which is why access is limited + demand is high. May the odds be ever in your glowing favor.
Here’s what to know before it opens:
Viewing dates: Wednesday, May 13-Wednesday, May 20
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.*
Macie and Milo’s Brew Pup, a new combo bar and off-leash dog park, is set to open today, April 2, near I-20 and Sunset Boulevard in Lexington. The space will offer drinks, a food truck, and separate play areas for dogs, plus events like trivia, live music, and brunch. (Free Times)
Open
A BEAUTYSPACE shop is now open inside Belk at Columbiana Centre, adding a new mix of beauty brands. The space features skincare, haircare, and fragrance lines as part of a multi-store Southeast expansion.
Coming Soon
If you’re in need of a late-night bite in the Irmo area, you’re in luck — a new Waffle House is under construction near Dutch Fork Road. An opening date hasn’t been announced. (The State)
Health
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in SC, a statewide effort focused on supporting kids and families. You can get involved by attending local events, sharing resources, or ordering blue pinwheels to show your support.
Arts
Get hands-on ahead of ArtFields with a free mask-making workshop led by artist Dennis McNett, happening weekdays through Thursday, April 9 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Blooms Florals and Events in Lake City. Participants can create their own masks and join the festival kickoff procession Friday, April 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Outdoor
Dig this — if you’re starting a landscaping project, like planting a tree or installing a fence — SC law requires you to call 811 at least three business days before digging. The free service marks underground utility lines to help prevent injuries, outages, and property damage.
Wellness Houz, a new boutique wellness studio in Forest Acres, focuses on infrared sauna sessions and cold plunges, giving you a chance to sweat it out, cool it down, and reset. It’s all built on the same idea of using intentional heat and cold as tools for both body and mind.
Just this week, I heard on the “Something You Should Know” podcast from author Bill Gifford about how controlled heat exposure — like saunas and hot baths — can support cardiovascular health, improve performance, and help your body respond and recover.
Grand opening details for the Covenant Road spot are still on the way, but if you’ve been curious about the sauna + cold plunge trend, you can enter to try both for just $15.
Sprucing up the house? Shop fresh rugs and runners that will brighten your home for spring:
🏡 These gorgeous area rugs aren’t just pretty to look at — they’re non-slip, thin enough to fit under doors, and low-pile so dust and dander won’t get trapped.
🚪 Treat the front porch to a 4.7-star rated striped or buffalo check doormat that’s easy to wipe down, vacuum, or throw in the wash.
🌼 Fill the whole room with a vintage floral rug that’s machine washable and complete with non-slip backing.
👟 Add a new look and extra safety to stairs with rubber backed stair treads — just place and go with no adhesive needed.
🛁 Your bath mat has seen a lot of feet — shop a fresh one that’s ultra-absorbent and non-slip for under $20.
If you’re coming to downtown Columbia this weekend for “Wicked” or Soda City Market, keep that passport app closed and change in your pocket; the meters are free. If you head to Five Points or the Bull Street District though, parking enforcement will remain in effect.
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