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.
Early lines + rare finds
Inside Papa Jazz, where shelves of vinyl and CDs fill every inch of the room. | Photo by COLAtoday
If you’re showing up at 9 a.m. for Record Store Day, you’re late.
“Last year, the first guy was here at 2 a.m.,” says Woody Jones. By the time doors open at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 18, that line outside Papa Jazz Record Shoppe is already well underway.
Along Greene Street in Five Points, you’ll see lawn chairs, thermoses, and a line building well before sunrise. One year, someone brought a grill and made breakfast sandwiches for the crowd. This year, at least there’s Godspeed Coffee next door.
“It’s definitely gotten bigger,” Jones says. “Every year, the line gets a little longer.”
Across town, Scratch N Spin draws early lines of its own, but leans more toward the event side, opening at 8 a.m. with live sets from KTG, Homemade Haircuts, and The Ectomorphs, plus markdowns on many items.
Spring Plant Swap | 10-11:30 a.m. | Richland Library Blythewood | Free
Sunday, April 26
Cheers to 4 Years: Pilates on the Patio | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Craft & Draft | $30 | Celebrate four years of Rise Fitness + Wellness — ticket includes a Pilates class + special frosé, plus cake, games, and prizes.*
Dig into sustainable gardening at this free workshop
Presented by Richland County Stormwater
Learn how native plants and sustainable gardening techniques can benefit your home garden. | Photo via SC Native Plant Society
Looking to level up your gardening skills this spring? The Home Blue Thumb Landscapers Workshop returns Saturday, April 25, hosted by Richland County Stormwater and Columbia Water.
This free event covers:
Native plants
Sustainable gardening techniques
Pollinator-friendly plants
The benefits of compost and water harvesting
And more
Don’t miss your chance to elevate your garden game — space is limited, so be sure to register in advance.
After nearly two decades, plans are moving forward for the 200+ acre “Chapin Park” site in Lexington County. The proposed mixed-use development could bring ~2,500 jobs, along with a library, amphitheater, and retail space, pending further approvals and public input. (WLTX)
Sports
From Cali to Columbia — Jerzy Robinson is officially headed to South Carolina, coach Dawn Staley announced. The No. 6-ranked recruit in the Class of 2026 brings USA Basketball experience, including multiple gold medals and MVP honors.
History
Curious what Columbia’s music and cultural scene looked like in the 1980s and ’90s? You can now explore decades of Free Times archives — dating back to 1987 — at the Walker Local and Family History Center at Richland Library Main, offering a look at the city’s alternative voice over time.
Civic
Columbia officials are exploring a purchase of the Strom Thurmond Federal Building and Courthouse after it was listed for sale by the General Services Administration. Mayor Daniel Rickenmann has suggested the site could be redeveloped, including potential housing and office uses. (The State)
Edu
Allen University will welcome Jim Clyburn as the keynote speaker for its Saturday, May 9 commencement ceremony. The longtime congressman from SC has championed policies supporting HBCUs and education.
Weather
Seems a little early for this famously hot weather. Temperatures in the 90s are sticking around through tomorrow, with recent days breaking records. Cooler temps and rain are expected to move in next week. (WLTX)
Active
Grab your paddles. Junior League of Columbia’s 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament returns April 24-25 at Cayce Pickleball Complex. From a lively kickoff party to competitive doubles play, it’s a weekend of fun for a cause. Spots are limited — register to join the action.*
Think the $1.50 hot dog is the best deal at Costco? These 10 lesser-known perks might surprise you — including vacation packages and members-only movie tickets.*
Go around the world in two days. The Columbia International Festival returns this weekend, April 18 + 19, at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. Throughout the festival:
Traditional dance performances run throughout the day across multiple stages.
The international food court features dishes from 20+ countries, often prepared by people from those cultures.
Cultural exhibits span more than 120 countries, with artifacts, language, and hands-on activities like games and demonstrations.
The International Bazaar features handmade goods, clothing, and crafts.
The Parade of Nations on Saturday at 2 p.m. runs through the middle of the festival, with an adult fashion show on Saturday and a children’s show on Sunday.
The Buy
Welcome to the cotton corner. Shop great 90-100% cotton finds we love under $30 — you’ll reduce microplastic exposure, fill your wardrobe with breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics, and invest in clothes that will hold up over time.
👚 This 95% cotton tee is so cute, under $15 while sales last, and the perfect layering piece for any outfit.
👖 Speaking of outfit layering — throw this cotton linen button-down over tanks and tees all spring long.
🌼 A six-pack of breathable 95% cotton undies is what your underwear drawer has been missing.
👕 Grab this pure cotton men’s tee in a few of your favorite colors while they’re 40% off — maybe you can finally throw away those old hole-y ones.
👛 Be on trend in a square-neck cotton tee that just needs jeans, a cute purse, and jewelry to make a cute outfit.
If you’re looking to celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, head to Gardener’s Outpost for a garden party-style concert with Some Strings Attached. They’ll play a mix of classical + contemporary chamber music, plus there’ll be food from War Mouth and drinks available.
}})
