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Each summer, hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins flock to Bomb Island on Lake Murray, forming the largest known roost of its kind on the planet.

Culture

How to see the Purple Martins in Columbia

These migratory songbirds, the Purple Martins, gather here nightly through the summer, filling the sky in a swirling display before making their way to South America.⁠

May 19, 2025

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Staff

Sponsored

Flip the switch to summer with Edventure

Head to the children’s museum on Saturday, May 31 for a fun-filled day designed to spark joy and minimize screen time.

Sponsored by EdVenture Children’s Museum

History

Historic Columbia honored the 2025 Preservation Award Winners

These awards recognize the individuals and projects that have contributed to the ongoing preservation of Columbia’s architectural and cultural heritage.

May 16, 2025

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David Stringer

Arts

The City of Columbia is looking for artists to feature in Finlay Park

Artists looking to display their art for two years inside of the revitalized Finlay Park must submit their applications by the end of May. Keep reading to see how it will work, what you’ll win if chosen, and the artwork criteria.

May 15, 2025

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Samantha Robertson

Development

Richland Mall development to be anchored by Kroger Marketplace

The City of Forest Acres released updates on the Richland Mall development, including its first tenant, a prototype Kroger Marketplace, and construction timelines.

May 15, 2025

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Samantha Robertson

History

Then and now on the 1400 block of Main Street

The 1400 block of Main Street has seen city halls, fires, banks, and modern design, and now it’s changing again.

May 14, 2025

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David Stringer

Sports

Playing tennis in the Midlands

Get into tennis across the Midlands with courts, leagues, and lessons in Columbia, Lexington, and beyond.

May 14, 2025

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David Stringer

Sponsored by euphoria

Development

Columbia’s skyline is set to feature two new apartment towers

The 26-story and 22-story towers will change Columbia’s skyline and house apartments for both residents and students — we want to know your thoughts on the project.

May 13, 2025

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Samantha Robertson

Food

Viral TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee came to Columbia

Keith Lee’s viral food reviews bring massive crowds to locally owned businesses that deserve the spotlight — where else should he have gone in Columbia?

May 13, 2025

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Allie Remhof