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Business
How to shop local on Small Business Saturday
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
November 26, 2025 10:26 AM
 · 
David Stringer
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Culture
COLAtoday is hosting Drink Up in July to celebrate beverages and beverages makers
Throughout the month of July, COLAtoday will be sharing content celebrating the beverage industry in our community.
May 26, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A Carolina Crate box from Lowes Foods being carried on a man's shoulder through a field of crops
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Support local by eating local with this subscription box
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Meet John Sherrer, Director of Preservation for Historic Columbia
Also an Experience Columbia SC Ambassador, John knows a lot about our city — past and present.
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The front of the Mast General Store with a busy Main St. in the background.
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Here’s where to find unique, local gifts
Enter: Main Street District.
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Culture
Attend the 38th Vista Lights event in Columbia
We’re giving you a full rundown and guide to the annual 38th Vista Lights holiday event in Cola.
November 14, 2022
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Development
Richland Mall redevelopment includes apartments, a grocery store, and a park
Parts of the Richland Mall will be demolished in the process and be rebuilt into apartments, a brewery, retail spaces, and more.
November 9, 2022
 · 
David Stringer
Manish Dayal Halloween
Culture
Dress up as one of these 8 Columbia-based celebrities for Halloween
Happy Halloween, Soda Citizens. Dress up as one of the most recognizable characters or local celebrities.
October 29, 2021
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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City
NowOpen: Fern the Flower Shop
January 31, 2020
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mlattimore
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City
Independent bookstore opening in Main Street’s Arcade Mall
January 7, 2020
 · 
Sam
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Food
Columbia Food & Wine Festival: What’s still on the table?
Columbia Food & Wine Festival returns April 22–27 with chef dinners, tastings, and ticketed events still available.
April 18, 2025
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David Stringer
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What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.
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The Southeastern BBQ Showdown returns in 2026
The Southeastern BBQ Showdown returns to Columbia in 2026 with 40 teams, live music, and celebrity judges.
April 17, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
The ColaJazz Fest Main Stage with a band performing. Two people are in front playing horns while there are four performers in the background on a saxophone, a cello, drums, and a guitar.
Culture
Main Street Jazz Fest returns May 10 + May 11
The ColaJazz Foundation organized this show that will bring five musicians to a free Saturday show on Main Street.
April 16, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Sports
Three Gamecocks selected in 2025 WNBA Draft
Three Gamecocks — Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin — were selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft, continuing Gamecock’s pro pipeline.
April 15, 2025
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Live Music Venues in the Midlands
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
April 15, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Jackie Robinson wearing a suite and tie surrounded by a group of people .
Culture
Jackie Robinson’s history in Columbia
The trailblazing player visited Columbia after retiring from baseball, and his legacy will be honored at a Fireflies game.
April 14, 2025
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Culture
How did inflation impact Columbia in March?
The Consumer Price Index indicated inflation was slowing in Columbia in March 2025, and some categories saw costs deflate.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A wooden path on the Saluda Riverwalk on the left with a wooden rail overlooking the Saluda River to the right. Woods and trees are in the background behind the water.
Culture
How to celebrate Earth Day in Columbia
Invest in our planet via local, national, and global Earth Day initiatives.
April 14, 2025
 · 
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City
Google.org funds AI skills for SC nonprofits
Google.org’s grant will support hands-on AI training for local nonprofits looking to boost efficiency.
April 11, 2025
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David Stringer