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🍑 You had us at local and fresh
You’ll find whatever fruits are ripe and in season like the summer peaches seen here. | Photo by COLAtoday
Get ready to fill up your reusable shopping bags with fruits and veggies, because it’s farmers market season in Columbia. We rounded up 12 markets that are worth a visit.
Cayce Farmers Market | Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Artista Vista | Friday, April 17-Saturday, April 18 | Times vary | The Vista | Free
Meeting Street Music Festival 2026 | Friday, April 17-Saturday, April 18 | Times vary | 900-1200 blocks of Meeting Street, West Columbia | Free
Tuesday, April 21
USC Symphony Orchestra: War & Peace | 7:30-9 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $8+ | Dr. Alicia W. Walker leads USC ensembles and soloists in works by Haydn and Vaughan Williams exploring war and peace, — plus a pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. by Dr. Scott Weiss.*
Thursday, May 14
Colonial Life Charity Classic | Thursday, May 14-Sunday, May 17 | Times vary | Woodcreek Club, Elgin | $20 | The future stars of the PGA Tour are coming to Columbia — plus, enjoy live concerts nightly and free admission for kids, students + military.*
This digital model shows the hotels with Colonial Life Arena in the background. | Graphic via Columbia Design/Development Review Commission
Development
Plans for a mixed-use project near the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center are moving forward again after reapproval. The proposal includes two Hyatt hotels (301 rooms), a 183-unit apartment complex, and parking. Developer Ben Arnold said it could break ground this year. (The Post and Courier)
Opening
Beck’s Nails and Spa will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting on Friday, April 17 at 12:30 p.m. at the corner of Main Street and Elmwood Avenue. The salon offers nail and spa services designed to create a relaxing experience.
Sports
Rory McIlroy claimed the green jacket at The Masters Tournament last Sunday, while several golfers with local ties made the cut. Dutch Fork grad Dustin Johnson finished 33rd, and Clemson alum Jacob Bridgeman placed 41st in his debut. (WLTX)
Cause
The fourth annual Madelyn’s Fund Pink Bow Fashion Show + Auction returns Thursday, April 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Central Energy in BullStreet. Familiar faces from across the Midlands will walk the runway, with outfits auctioned off alongside curated experiences.
Civic
Columbia released its 2026 Annual Action Plan outlining how federal HUD funds may support housing and services for low- to moderate-income residents. Public comments are open through May 1, with meetings set for Tuesday, April 21 + Thursday, April 23. (WLTX)
Gallery
Take a look at scenes from last Saturday’s Garnet and Black Spring Fest, where Gamecock fans gathered for a free block party with live music, games, and player meet-and-greets. The day wrapped with concerts from Lauren Alaina and Darius Rucker. (Cola Daily)
Shop
Nordstrom’s end of season saleis on. Save up to 50% off best-selling spring items, like Sanctuary’s top-rated The Perfect T-Shirt. Hurry — the sale ends tomorrow, April 15.*
The Buy
This No. 1 best-selling jelly tote bag that we’re low-key obsessed with for spring and summer. The tip-proof design keeps your tote upright, but it still folds flat to pack or store. It’s also waterproof, easy to clean, and carry-on approved — hello, beach vacay bag. Grab your favorite color (we like iridescent) and let the compliments pour in.
Hopefully I’ll be relying a little less on farmers markets this year for tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs — those are some of the plants I picked up last week at the Historic Columbia Plant Sale. I don’t always have the best luck, but I enjoy growing heirloom varieties like Tommy Toe and Yellow Pear tomatoes, which date back 100-200 years.
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