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🟡 And it was all yellow
Tripping on bricks in the Historic Horseshoe is basically a rite of passage. | Photo by COLAtoday
Just reading this might make you sneeze. Columbia jumped to the No. 27 city in the US as the most challenging place to live for spring allergy sufferers, according to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. That’s up 17 spots from last year’s ranking.
At this point, you’ve probably used your car’s windshield wipers at least once to clear off a dusting of yellow pollen. Like the past few years, pollen season got an early start in the Midlands.
The pine + cedar pollen that turns everything in sight yellow isn’t typically the pollen that flares allergies. It’s the pollen you can’t see from at least 18 other common SC trees that can cause symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and asthma.
Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $6+ | See the Fireflies on Neon Night — the first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a free Neon Rally Towel.*
A new spot for games + coffee has arrived on Huger Street. The Side Deck opened last week, bringing tabletop gaming, tournaments, and a full coffee bar to Columbia. (Free Times)
Eat
The 10th annual Taste on the River returns Thursday, June 11, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Stone River in West Columbia. The ticketed event features food, drinks, and live entertainment, with proceeds supporting local beautification projects like tree planting, landscaping, and green space expansion.
Biz
Young entrepreneurs will take over Soda City Market tomorrow, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Student Market Pop Up gives ages 16+ a chance to run their own booths and gain real-world business experience.
Health
The Turtle Twilight Pediatric Clinic, offering after-hours care, opens Monday, April 13, near Prisma Health Richland, with walk-in care for kids available 6 to 9 p.m. on weekdays. The clinic aims to reduce missed school, work, and unnecessary urgent care visits.
Civic
West Columbia will update its trash collection schedule for some residents starting the week of April 27, shifting to Monday-Thursday routes with yard waste handled on Fridays. The change aims to reduce overtime and improve service as the city grows. (The State)
Concert
The Dutch Fork Choral Society will present its spring concert, “The Road We Share: Songs of Journey and Home,” on Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. at Lake Murray Presbyterian in Chapin and Sunday, April 26, at 4 p.m. at Shandon Presbyterian in Columbia. The program features works inspired by journey and belonging.
Cause
QC Kinetix is hosting an Arthritis Awareness Month community event Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Andrews Park. A $20 table tennis tournament will benefit the Arthritis Foundation, with local vendors and lunch creating a family-friendly atmosphere.
Community
Volunteer Week is April 20–25. Join United Way of the Midlands for hands-on projects supporting housing, health, education, and youth initiatives. Give back, meet fellow volunteers, and see the difference you can make. Learn more + sign up.*
Pro Tip
Never hit the hiking trail without the essentials. This functional waist pack features a built-in bottle holder, large main compartment, and multiple zipper pockets to keep water, snacks, and safety gear organized and within reach. Bonus: it’s under $25.*
Learn
When money gets tight and prices keep climbing, cutting back can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with this list of money-saving strategies and pick one or two to begin. Even small changes can make a meaningful difference.*
Plan Ahead
Meeting Street Music Festival turns the West Cola thoroughfare into a block party. | Photo via Meeting Street Music Festival
April is filled with annual events Columbians count on year after year, with opportunities to explore local art, experience global cultures, catch free live music, and try some of the best food in the city.
Festivals
Artista Vista | Friday, April 17-Saturday, April 18 | Times vary | The Vista | Free | Celebrate visual arts, performing arts, and more with local artists.
Columbia International Festival | Saturday, April 18-Sunday, April 19 | South Carolina State Fairgrounds | $10 | Experience the music, culture, food, and performing arts of the various cultures.
Meeting Street Music Festival | Saturday, April 18 | 3-9 p.m. | Meeting Street, West Columbia | Free | Enjoy 11 bands, great food, and a free two-day street festival in the River District, headlined by Sugar Ray.
Columbia Food & Wine Festival | Wednesday, April 22-Sunday, April 26 | Times vary | Columbia | Meet chefs and try their creations as they get creative for this annual event.
Self-care isn’t all spa days and forest bathing — although we do love a nice hot stone massage. More often than not, it’s the simple things like prioritizing rest, practicing good hygiene, and practicing mindfulness. Elevate your self-care rituals with these five products:
🧤 Treat your skin to a little TLC with this best-selling exfoliating glove that removes dead skin + cleans pores.
🛏️ Look forward to snuggling into bed every night thanks to these luxury bamboo sheets with cooling properties.
🫖 Pair your new sheets with this herbalist-formulated chamomile tea to help wind down before bed.
🚿 Turn your shower into an aromatherapy escape with this top-rated pack of shower steamers.
🧦 When you’re craving comfort + relaxation, don this heated blanket hoodie.
Here are even more events that will get you out and about in downtown Lexington. The Icehouse Amphitheater calendar is filling up for spring and summer, with concerts, tribute bands, comedy shows, and special events scheduled through August. Highlights include Sister Hazel, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, and weekly Icehouse Live performances.
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