Outdoors

takeout food by river
Outdoors
Best places to work outside in Columbia
When the sun is shining and the weather is perfect, pack a bag and head out to one of the many spots great for remote work in Columbia. From coffee shops to public parks, we have a plethora of places to refresh your mind and step away from your home desk.
April 14, 2026 03:25 PM
 · 
Ben McBee
Girls Who Walk Columbia group
Wellness
Join one of these local active walking and running clubs around Columbia
Looking for free ways to stay active, improve your cardio, stay motivated, or just some new friends? Explore and join a local walking or running club.
January 6, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Congaree Cleanup.jpg
Outdoors
Historic relics found in Congaree River cleanup
Dominion Energy’s Congaree River cleanup unearthed Civil War relics, including a Confederate saber and various-sized cannonballs.
November 14, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
Load More
Latest News
More from COLAtoday
COLAroseshower.png
BizBrief
Women leaders making waves in Columbia
We asked our readers which women leaders in Columbia business are making history today — you nominated local CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs shaping the region’s future.
March 19, 2026
 · 
Cat George
Three Notch'd-9925.png
Food
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Columbia
Dining in Columbia is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
March 18, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Koger Center Live Outside Large.jpeg
Arts
Free concerts return to Koger Center lawn
Free concerts return to the Koger Center lawn this year with 10 Levitt AMP shows spanning spring Saturdays and fall Thursdays.
March 17, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Image from iOS (3)
City
Celebrating Women’s History Month through art in Columbia, SC
Women’s History Month is in full swing in Columbia — here are a few ways to support local women in the arts.
March 17, 2026
 · 
Samantha Robertson
ensor_keenan_house.jpg
Arts
Knight Foundation awards $280K to Columbia arts and civic engagement projects
Six Columbia organizations receive $280,512 from the Knight Foundation to support arts programming, Finlay Park activation, and civic engagement initiatives.
March 16, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
IMG_5630 Large.png
Sports
The return of the Capital City Bombers
The Fireflies revive the Capital City Bombers at Segra Park July 10–12 with throwback merch, promotions, and Columbia baseball history.
March 12, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
A ruby-throated hummingbird with green feathers on its back, black wings, and a red throat. It's perched on a tree branch.
Culture
When and where to spot hummingbirds in Columbia
Birds like the ruby-throated hummingbird will be appearing in Columbia in the spring — find out where you can go to catch a sighting.
March 12, 2026
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
William Starrett receiving the Order of the Palmetto.jpg
Arts
Ballet leader honored on stage
South Carolina Ballet’s William Starrett received the Order of the Palmetto during the company’s 65th anniversary performance.
March 11, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Congress-StPats5_25-0352.jpg
Your guide to St. Pat’s in Five Points 2026
Plan your day at the 44th annual St. Pat’s in Five Points with this quick guide to music, the parade, races, and more.
March 10, 2026
Larry Hembree.jpg
Arts
Columbia arts leader Larry Hembree to receive Visionary Award
Columbia arts leader Larry Hembree will receive One Columbia’s 2026 Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award, honoring decades of cultural leadership.
March 10, 2026
 · 
David Stringer