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Event Spotlight
Darius Rucker and USC go hand in hand. | Photo by Chris Owyoung via Gamecock Athletics | CHRIS OWYOUNG
There are still a few tickets remaining if you’re planning on seeing Darius Rucker Saturday, April 11 as part of the Garnet and Black Spring Fest, but the free festivities begin at 1 p.m. in front of Colonial Life Arena.
If you’re heading to the fest, here’s what to know:
Live music lineup — Katie DeMartini, The Saint Cecilia, and Mary English
Autographs (3 p.m.) — Meet Gamecock football players + grab a 2026 schedule poster
Food + drinks — Food trucks, beer stations, and The Golden Spur serving all day
For the family — Inflatables, face painting, balloon art, and photos with Cocky
Darius Rucker concert (7 p.m.) — Doors are at 6 p.m. for the ticketed concert inside Colonial Life Arena
Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $6+ | Celebrate local heroes for First Responders Night at the ballpark while enjoying $1.50 Budweiser 12 oz cans for Thirsty Thursday + $1.50 hot dog deals.*
Friday, April 10
Spring Plant Sale | Friday, April 10-Saturday, April 11 | Times vary | Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens | Free
Artisphere presented by Prisma Health | Friday, May 8-Sunday, May 10 | Times vary | Downtown Greenville, Greenville | Free | Browse work from 140 juried artists to find your next favorite piece while enjoying live music and exploring hands-on activities for all ages.*
A new music festival is coming to Columbia: Songbird 26 debuts Saturday, May 30-Sunday, May 31 at Finlay Park. Get tickets + view the lineup, including a free kickoff concert on Friday night.*
Outdoors
The lottery for Congaree National Park’s synchronous firefly viewing event is open now through Tuesday, April 14. Winners will get access to viewing nights scheduled for May 13-20.
Eat
Changes are coming to a few familiar Chapin spots. The former J. Peters is becoming Chapin Ale House, Catfish Johnny’s has rebranded as Nauti Turtle Bar and Grill, and The Rusty Anchor will now stay open year-round under new ownership. (The State)
Trending
A Midlands teacher is going viral for turning lessons into songs. Manning native Quatashia Witherspoon, a first-grade teacher in Clarendon County, has gained a following on TikTok for using music to help students learn — and earning recognition as News19’s Teacher of the Week.
State
South Carolina is asking for public input on which communities should be considered for Opportunity Zone designation, a program that offers tax incentives to spur investment in low-income areas. Recommendations are open through Monday, June 1.
Community
Oliver Gospel has opened a new donation drop-off site in downtown Columbia. The Hope Center on Taylor Street makes it easier for Midlands residents to donate items while supporting the nonprofit’s thrift operations and programs serving those in need. (Cola Daily)
Arts
The SC State Museum has selected 12 artists for its upcoming exhibition “In the Making: Contemporary Craft from South Carolina,” set to open Saturday, October 10. The show will feature works in media such as ceramics, fiber, and glass by artists from across the state.
Correction
We mischaracterized Congaree Riverkeeper’s position on the Congaree Riverfront District in Wednesday’s newsletter. The organization has long advocated for preserving the riverfront’s natural character while supporting public access. Weigh in with your thoughts.
Wellness
Why buy multiple supplements when one can do it all? This top-rated, lab-tested supplement delivers essential fatty acids to support brain function, heart health, joint and skin health, and overall vitality. Get it for under $25.*
Editor’s Pick
⚾️ Play ball
Scenes from the Columbia Fireflies home opener. | Photos by COLAtoday
68 degrees and clear blue skies, you couldn’t ask for better weather for a season opener. The Columbia Fireflies’ home debut was Tuesday night, and it had everything you want from a night at Segra Park — even if the result didn’t go their way.
Mason was already working the gates early, posing for photos as fans filtered in, while the merch shop leaned into the throwback “Bombers” alternate identity with fresh gear throughout. Out on the berm, kids scrambled for a home run ball like it was midseason form, while $2 Miller Lites, popcorn, soda, and hot dogs (a Tuesday staple) kept lines steady between innings.
They didn’t get the win Tuesday, but the opening series against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans continues through Sunday, April 12.
The Buy
Every week, lululemon drops new styles. From workout essentials to elevated loungewear, these are some of our recent favorites:
💎 Add a little color to your workout wardrobe with the perfect jewel-toned tank top designed with training in mind.
🎾 Or, go crazy and add a pattern. We love this retro paisley cropped tank and matching high-rise tennis skirt.
👗 Ideal for running errands, evening walks, or on the pickleball court, this pastel pink athletic dress will quickly become a staple in your spring wardrobe.
👕 No more sweating through your clothes during warm-weather outings. This men’s collared shirt boasts lightweight, quick-frying fabric for everyday wear.
👖Unwind after a long day by throwing on these ultra-soft lounge pants that you’ll never want to take off.
If you enjoy strolls along Columbia’s rivers, Saluda Shoal’s has an update, but you’ll still have to wait a little while. The future trail connecting Saluda Shoals Park to the Lake Murray Dam is well underway, with an anticipated opening in August.
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