David Stringer
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Articles by David Stringer
Jeni’s opens in BullStreet with free scoops
Jeni’s is saying hello to Cola with ice cream on the house. Jeni’s Ice Creams will open its first Columbia scoop shop Thursday, Oct. 22 in the BullStreet District across from Gather Cola. The grand opening celebration runs 6 to 10 p.m., with free scoops throughout the evening and Jeni’s swag for the first 50 people in line. Five attendees will also win a year of ice cream, which means one free signature serving each week.
Skip the air travel and treat Columbia like a tourist
Compared to a year ago, the cost of domestic air travel is up 18%, and international travel costs 7.5% more. That’s the perfect excuse to skip the TSA line and pretend you’re on vacation in Columbia at these local spots: There is plenty for visitors to do in Cola, and Experience Columbia’s attraction passes make it easy to hit a few of the Soda City’s biggest spots. The CoolPass includes admission to EdVenture, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, and the South Carolina State Museum.
Bluetile’s first Nike SB Dunk lands in Columbia
A butterfly-inspired sneaker tied to SC sunsets, migration, and home is about to make its debut in Five Points. Bluetile Skateshop is releasing its first-ever Nike SB Dunk Low Pro, a major milestone for the skateshop as it celebrates 25 years in Five Points. The design draws on the monarch butterfly, with wing details, fuzzy laces, and hexagonal touches that nod to pollinators, while also tying into themes of resilience and finding your way home.
Gervais Street Bridge Dinner returns as Three Rivers Bridge Dinner
Columbia Food and Wine Festival is underway, but another signature Soda City food event is changing course. The Gervais Street Bridge Dinner will now be known as the Three Rivers Bridge Dinner. Set for Sunday, Oct. 25, the event will still bring guests to the Gervais Street Bridge for an evening of dining, live entertainment, and sunset views over the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree rivers. Organizers say the new name puts the focus more squarely on the three rivers behind the event.
Richland Library’s collectible card
Richland Library is giving National Library Week a hometown twist with a limited-edition library card designed by Columbia-born artist and writer ND Stevenson. The collectible card features Nimona, the title character from Stevenson’s bestselling graphic novel-turned-Oscar-nominated Netflix film, and is now available at all Richland Library locations. The design first debuted at Read Freely Fest in March, where festivalgoers got the first shot at claiming one.
The ultimate spring weekend is here
This beloved tradition, the Pickens Azalea Festival, sponsored by Quantiy Granite Cabinets and Flooring and annual Friday Night Cruise with Vyve, is blooming into its 42nd year — bringing color, community, and celebration to downtown Pickens. Just a short drive from Greenville, the festival returns Friday, April 24 through Saturday, April 25, inviting guests to experience a weekend filled with local charm, live entertainment, and free family entertainment.
Cinnamon Roll Deli expanding to Lexington
One of Columbia’s is opening a second location across the river. Cinnamon Roll Deli is expanding to Lexington, taking over the former Café Strudel space (not the West Columbia location). Known for its oversized cinnamon rolls and breakfast + lunch menu, the Devine Street restaurant has built a following since opening in 2016. “This next chapter is incredibly meaningful for us,” co-owner Jody Kreush said.
Crossing Assembly Street could get easier
Crossing Assembly Street from downtown to the Vista is a journey, and now there’s a plan to change that. The City of Columbia and the SCDOT are seeking public input on the Main Street Vista District Connector Project, which looks to make the trek across Assembly more pedestrian-friendly. That stretch connects the State House, downtown, and USC, and sees steady foot traffic throughout the day. Around 100 years ago, Assembly Street near the State House featured a curb market.
New at the zoo: Riverbanks welcomes a rare primate with a story
One of the world’s most endangered primates has a new home at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. A pair of cotton-top tamarins — Pepita and Caqueta — has arrived at the zoo’s Conservation Outpost, including a young female with a rescue story. Pepita, now six months old, came to Riverbanks after being raised in a situation that wasn’t suited for a primate. When she arrived, she was malnourished and needed intensive care.
What to expect on Record Store Day in Columbia
If you’re showing up at 9 a.m. for Record Store Day, you’re late. “Last year, the first guy was here at 2 a.m.,” says Woody Jones. By the time doors open at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 18, that line outside Papa Jazz Record Shoppe is already well underway. Along Greene Street in Five Points, you’ll see lawn chairs, thermoses, and a line building well before sunrise. One year, someone brought a grill and made breakfast sandwiches for the crowd. This year, at least there’s Godspeed Coffee next door.
Seaboard Vista project breaks ground
The Seaboard Vista project in the Vista is officially underway after a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday morning. The mixed-use redevelopment, led in part by Mashburn Construction, will bring restaurants, retail, office space, and apartments into a group of historic buildings along Gervais and Lady streets. For Mashburn, the project also marks a milestone year.
Editor’s Pick: Godspeed opens in Five Points
After a run of pop-ups and a year spent building out the new space, Godspeed Coffee opens in Five Points today. The menu keeps things familiar, There’s a rotating slushie now, starting with a brown sugar cold brew, plus mocktails alongside espresso, batch brew, and tea. Everything in the case at the counter is baked in-house — oatmeal cream pies, lemon blueberry muffins, brown butter chocolate chunk cookies, banana bread, and focaccia — a lineup that makes it hard to choose just one.
Riverfront vision takes shape
Columbia’s riverfront plans are moving out of the idea phase — and into public input. “This is your riverfront,” Mayor Daniel Rickenmann said as the city begins gathering feedback on the Congaree Riverfront District. The first public meeting is set for Wednesday, April 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Senate’s End.
Columbia’s newest book festival is turning the page to year two
The evening features live music from Admiral Radio and 2 Slices, plus hands-on art, workshops, and creative activities filling the library after dark — from zine making and collage to an open mic with Soda City Poetry and a community mural in progress.Book it to Richland Library this weekend to check out Read Freely Fest as it returns for year two.
Free concerts return to Koger Center lawn
Free concerts on the Koger Center lawn return this year with a new name and fresh lineup. The brings 10 shows to the Plaza Stage from 5 to 7 p.m., with indoor backup if stormy weather rolls in. Shows run Saturdays from April 18 through May 9, then Thursdays from September 10 through October 15.
Celebrating Women’s History Month through art in Columbia, SC
It’s Women’s History Month — and Columbia’s arts community is leading the way. Want to support local women creatives? Here are a few places to start. Columbia Design League presents DesignHER tomorrow, March 19, at the Columbia Museum of Art with a Women’s History Month panel spotlighting women shaping design across the Midlands.
Knight Foundation awards $280K to Columbia arts and civic engagement projects
Columbia’s arts community just got a boost from a new round of funding aimed at strengthening culture and civic life across the city. On Monday, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation announced $280,512 in grants supporting six projects focused on cultural vibrancy and civic engagement.
The return of the Capital City Bombers
The Capital City Bombers are coming back to Columbia — at least for one weekend this summer. The Columbia Fireflies will take the field as the Bombers, Columbia’s old minor league team, from Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12 at Segra Park as one of the team’s alternate identities. Fireflies fans may remember a similar promotion in 2024 when the team played as the Columbia Grits. In addition to these shirts, the team has jerseys and hats for sale online and at the team store.
Ballet leader honored on stage
SC Ballet’s 65th anniversary performance ended with an unexpected moment for the company’s longtime leader. As performers took their bows last Saturday following the Sapphire Ballet & Gala at the Koger Center for the Arts, CEO and Artistic Director William Starrett was surprised on stage with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
Your guide to St. Pat’s in Five Points 2026
Last year, we dove into the history of St. Pat’s in Five Points — tracing how a small neighborhood celebration grew into one of SC’s largest one-day festivals. This year, the 44th annual St. Pat’s in Five Points returns Saturday, March 14, to the Five Points village for a full day of music, food, and Irish-inspired fun. Here’s what to know before you go: Hit a jog to start your day at the Get to the Green road race.
Columbia arts leader Larry Hembree to receive Visionary Award
Columbia’s arts community will celebrate one of its most influential champions this month. One Columbia for Arts and Culture has named Larry Andrew Hembree the 2026 recipient of the Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award, honoring decades of leadership that have helped shape the Midlands’ cultural landscape.
Free fitness classes launch at Finlay Park
Beginning Monday, March 16, Finlay Park is adding another reason to stop by — free fitness classes nearly every day of the week. Organized with Drew Wellness Center and local instructor Michaela Leung, the new Fitness at Finlay program will bring nearly 200 free health, fitness, and wellness classes to the park through Friday, October 30.
New COLAtoday readers share their favorite restaurants
When new readers subscribe to COLAtoday, we ask one simple question in the welcome email: What’s your favorite restaurant in the Columbia area? The answers roll in every week, and after sorting through recent responses, a few clear favorites rose to the top — from longtime local staples to newer spots across the Midlands. Y’all have great taste. Il Giorgione | 2406 Devine St. | This local Devine Street favorite serves house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian dishes.
Gamecocks begin SEC Tournament run in Greenville
America’s most-watched women’s college basketball team and SEC regular-season champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks, kick off their tournament run in Greenville on Friday, March 6 at 12 p.m. The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament runs through Sunday, March 8 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, and tickets are still available.
5 spring plant sales to shop around Columbia
Looking to refresh your garden beds and boxes this spring? With temps already warming in Columbia and our average last freeze around Monday, March 24, now’s the time to plant ahead. Several local plant sales — including a few with presales — are coming up soon, and the best picks tend to go fast. Here are five to put on your radar before your favorite blooms, natives, and veggie start sell out. Stock up on fruits and veggies for your garden at the Historic Columbia annual spring sale.
Design & Shine fashion show heads to Camp Cole
living with disabilities will debut collections inspired by their original artwork at Design and Shine on Thursday, March 12, at Camp Cole in Eastover. The runway event is sold out, but the collaboration behind it continues. The show brings together Camp Cole and Alivia, a New York-based womenswear brand that transforms artwork by creators with disabilities into bold, wearable designs.
215 artists take over Cottontown’s front porches this Saturday
Columbia’s spring festival season kicks off Saturday, March 7, as the 8th annual Cottontown Art Crawl returns from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., transforming the historic Cottontown/Bellevue neighborhood into a one-day, open-air gallery. This year brings a record 215 local and regional artists setting up on front porches, sidewalks, and closed-off streets. Artists feature everything from paintings and photography to ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, and fiber art.
ColaJazz Fest heads to Finlay Park with international jazz talent
ColaJazz is moving to a bigger stage this spring. The ninth annual ColaJazz Jazz & Roots Festival will take over the newly renovated Finlay Park for the first time on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16, marking a new chapter for the homegrown festival. What started as a grassroots jazz gathering on Main Street has evolved into a staple spring event in the Soda City, bringing in nationally recognized artists and pairing them with local and regional talent.
Rodney McMillian returns for major CMA spring exhibition
A major spring exhibition is bringing a Columbia-born artist back home. The Columbia Museum of Art will present Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil, from Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, June 28. The exhibition brings together more than 30 works across painting, video, and large-scale installations assembled from industrial materials and discarded household objects — including new pieces debuting here.
Spring Game replaced by Darius Rucker concert and block party
Instead of a spring football game this year, USC Athletics is launching the Garnet & Black Spring Fest on Saturday, April 11. The event features a concert at Colonial Life Arena headlined by Darius Rucker and Lauren Alaina, along with a free block party in Foundation Square outside the arena. Ongoing construction at Williams-Brice Stadium made hosting the annual spring game challenging, as the university prioritized preparing the stadium for its Saturday, Sept. 5 home opener against Kent State.
SOCO opens new coworking Space at Gather COLA
SOCO — voted Best Coworking Location by you — is opening its new 9,500-sqft workspace inside Gather COLA on today, February 26. Called SOCO Gather, the new location brings 24 private offices, three coworking areas, three meeting rooms, and about 1,000 sqft of outdoor workspace to the second floor of the new food hall. It’s the locally owned company’s third Midlands location, joining its two existing Columbia-area spaces and expanding its ~200-member network.
Needlepoint is back: Here's how to try it in Columbia
Needlepoint is having a major comeback moment, as more Americans embrace “analog activities” to replace screen time. These offline hobbies range from puzzles to scrapbooking, but needlepoint has quickly become one of the biggest standouts. Etsy reports searches for “beginner needlepoint items” are up 208% year-over-year, and social media trends like #WIPWednesday (“Work in Progress Wednesday”) encourage needlepointers to share their latest projects and cheer each other on.
Wingard’s Market nominated for National Best Plant Nursery Award
Spring is right around the corner, and one local shop for plants and more is getting attention on the national stage. Wingard’s Market has been nominated for Best Plant Nursery in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, a national honor recognizing standout garden centers across the country. Even better? They’re currently sitting in the No. 1 spot. The 10BEST Awards spotlight top destinations and businesses across travel, food, lifestyle, and local favorites.
Editor's Pick: Big Percy on display at SC State Museum
What may be the largest documented sweetgrass basket ever made is now on display at the South Carolina State Museum, crafted by a Mount Pleasant artisan. Corey Alston’s “Big Percy” stands 5 ft tall, stretches nearly 4 ft wide, and weighs 80 pounds. The museum is submitting it to Guinness World Records as the largest documented basket of its kind. The newly commissioned work will become part of the museum’s permanent collection and is on view in the renovated Lipscomb Art Gallery.
Anchor Investment Management launches Impact Fund
If you’re a Midlands nonprofit mapping out summer programs or new initiatives, here’s a fresh funding opportunity to put on your radar. Columbia-based Anchor Investment Management is celebrating its 25th anniversary by launching the Anchor Impact Fund, a new grant program to support local nonprofits. In its inaugural year, the firm will award $25,000 in honor of the milestone. Cycle 1 will focus on health and education initiatives.
Fireflies launch Battle at BullStreet plaza party
The rivalry energy is starting early at BullStreet this year. The Columbia Fireflies are bringing back the Battle at BullStreet pre-game plaza party ahead of the 3 p.m. SC vs. Clemson baseball game at Segra Park on Saturday, Feb. 28. Starting at 12 p.m., the plaza at Boyce and Freed streets in front of the stadium will feature live music, drinks, and food trucks, so you can do all of your pre-game tailgating at the park.
Read Freely Fest unveils 2026 lineup
Bookmark the last weekend in March, Read Freely Fest returns to Richland Library Main Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29 with an even bigger lineup in its second year. The free festival features nationally recognized authors, writers with local connections, and an Indie Author Alley. With more than 40 authors announced, this is your cue to start scouting your next favorite writer.
USC exhibit marks America’s 250th
Columbia is home to handwritten Revolutionary War documents — and this year they’re on display. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, USC Libraries is celebrating with “Echoes of Independence: 250 Years of Revolution and Memorialization,” a yearlong exhibit inside Hollings Library at Thomas Cooper Library. On display: Brig. Gen.
Local love: COLAtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
We want to celebrate all the businesses that make the Midlands so special. In honor of our many movers and shakers, we’re asking readers to nominate small businesses they love so we can share them with the whole audience. We’ll be here to share a new batch of small businesses every month, so bookmark this page to come back for more, especially if you’ve enjoyed our Small Business Week and Today’s Best coverage.
The Great Backyard Bird Count in Columbia
Get your binoculars ready, Cola. The Great Backyard Bird Count starts today. The annual Bird Count runs Friday, Feb. 13 to Monday, Feb. 16. The community science event — the first online citizen-science project of its kind — invites people from across the globe to go outside, watch, learn about, count + celebrate birds. The annual winter event helps scientists better understand bird populations before one of their yearly migrations.
What’s new at Founders Park for South Carolina Baseball
Baseball is back at Founders Park starting tomorrow, Feb. 13, as the Gamecocks baseball open a new season. Due to expected weather, South Carolina will now face Northern Kentucky in a Friday doubleheader. Game 1 begins at 1 p.m., with Game 2 starting 45 minutes after the opener concludes. Saturday’s first pitch remains at 2 p.m. When fans head through the gates, here’s what’s new around the ballpark: This year, you can grab a beer bat.
Sugar Ray flies into WECO
Sugar Ray is set to fly into West Columbia for a Saturday night headlining at the third annual Meeting Street Music Festival. The free, two-day festival returns Friday and Saturday, April 17-18, transforming Meeting Street into a spring block party featuring live music, food, and family fun. This year’s lineup features 11 bands across multiple stages, spanning bluegrass, jazz, pop, rock, and country.
Carolina Band wins Metallica Marching Band Competition
Williams-Brice Stadium got a jolt of heavy metal at halftime last fall, and now that sound could land USC’s Carolina Band in college football’s biggest video game. The Mighty Sound of the Southeast was named the Division I grand-prize winner in Metallica’s national collegiate marching band competition, recognized for a halftime performance that brought the band’s music and logo to the field.
First look: Columbia Food & Wine 2026
Columbia Food & Wine Festival returns for its ninth year, Wednesday, April 22-Sunday, April 26, with five days of dinners, tastings, competitions, and workshops. With more than 10 events staged around town, this year’s programming ties history and culture through the venues and menus. “We design the festival to be an exploration of Columbia — its neighborhoods, its voices and its creative spirit,” said Kelly Glynn, co-director of the Columbia Food & Wine Festival.
Editor's Pick: Bird Photographer of the Year lands at SC State Museum
Spring migration season brings an international bird photography exhibition to Columbia. “Bird Photographer of the Year” lands Saturday, March 7 at the South Carolina State Museum, featuring 70 award-winning images from photographers in 115 countries. The photos capture birds in motion, in flight, and in rare, intimate moments across a wide range of habitats. The exhibition also makes room for a closer-to-home perspective.
Stephen G. Morrison Visionary award returns
The Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award is returning this spring, honoring individuals who’ve helped shape Columbia’s arts and cultural landscape. Presented by One Columbia for Arts and Culture, the award celebrates community leaders whose vision and civic commitment have made a lasting impact on the city.
Event Spotlight: SoulHAUS Sessions with Cecil J. Williams
The Koger Center for the Arts will host a special edition of SoulHAUS Sessions on Thursday, Feb. 27, featuring an intimate conversation with photographer and civil rights documentarian Cecil J. Williams. Hosted by Preach Jacobs, the conversation will explore Williams’ lifelong work capturing pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement and preserving history through photography.
The Taste of Lake Murray returns
If you enjoy the annual Independence Day fireworks over Lake Murray, this is an event you’ll want to support. Taste of Lake Murray returns at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia. The event is the sole fundraiser for Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration, the longtime summer tradition produced by Capital City/Lake Murray Country since 1989.
Applications open for Leadership Columbia Class of 2027
If you’ve ever wondered how decisions get made around Cola — or wanted an inside glimpse of the people, systems, and issues shaping the Midlands — this might be for you. Applications are now open for the Leadership Columbia Class of 2027, a long-running leadership development program offered through the Columbia Chamber.
What makes ice so dangerous?
Did you know 0.25 inches of ice weighs as much as two feet of snow? That’s why all eyes are on the forecast as the Upstate braces for what could become “a long-duration ice event.” According to WLTX’s report yesterday, models show up to .32 inches of ice in some parts of the Midlands. Then, Arctic air is expected, with little cool temps for several days.
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