David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

David Stringer

Newsletter Editor

David is based in Columbia, SC where he’s lived since graduating from UofSC’s School of Journalism in 2006. In his 20+ years in the Soda City, he founded Scene SC, an outlet covering the SC music scene, and has contributed to local publications including SCETV, Jasper Magazine, Free Times, and The Post and Courier. He currently serves on boards for One Columbia for Arts and Culture and the Jam Room Music Festival.

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A plate of baked oysters topped with herbs and cheese sits on crushed ice. Beside it is a glass of white wine.
Food
New 865today readers share their favorite Knoxville restaurants
We asked new 865today subscribers to share their favorite restaurant in Knoxville, and these 10 spots were mentioned the most.
March 13, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
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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
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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
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David Stringer
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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
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New COLAtoday readers share their favorite restaurants
We asked new COLAtoday subscribers their favorite restaurant in the Columbia area. These 10 spots were mentioned the most.
March 5, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
NCAA WOMENS BASKETBALL: MAR 05 2023 Southeastern Conference Women’s Basketball Championship - Tennessee vs South Carolina
Sports
Gamecocks begin SEC Tournament run in Greenville
South Carolina opens the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Friday, March 6, in Greenville, with fan deals, downtown events, and the Gamecock Club headquarters.
March 4, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Outdoors
5 spring plant sales to shop around Columbia
Presales are open and spring temps are rising — here’s where to stock up on natives, heirlooms, and blooms before they sell out.
March 3, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Cottontown Art Crawl
Festivals
215 artists take over Cottontown’s front porches this Saturday
Cottontown’s front porches transform into an open-air gallery with art, live music, and food trucks on Saturday, March 7.
March 2, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Musicians on a stage in the daylight. The stage reads "ColaJazz Fest" and there are rows of seated people. The group on the right have lawn chairs while the people on the left sit at tables.
ColaJazz Fest heads to Finlay Park with international jazz talent
The free May 15–16 festival features Martin Bejerano, Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso, Endea Owens, and more at Finlay Park.
February 26, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Arts
Rodney McMillian returns for major CMA spring exhibition
Columbia-born artist Rodney McMillian debuts a wide-ranging solo exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art this spring.
February 26, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
St. Pat's Colatoday
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Columbia
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
February 26, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Spring Game replaced by Darius Rucker concert and block party
Spring football gives way to a Darius Rucker–headlined concert and free Garnet & Black block party on Saturday, April 11.
February 25, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Small Business
SOCO opens new coworking Space at Gather COLA
SOCO opens a 9,500-sqft coworking space inside Gather COLA in the BullStreet District.
February 25, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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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.
February 24, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
A hand holds a vibrant cross-stitch depicting a witch and a haunted house against a blue, starry sky, bordered with green polka dots. Vinyl records form a colorful background.
Arts
Needlepoint is back: Here’s how to try it in Columbia
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
February 23, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
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Events
Editor’s Pick: Big Percy on display at SC State Museum
A Mount Pleasant artisan’s massive sweetgrass basket is now on display at the South Carolina State Museum.
February 19, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Outdoors
Wingard’s Market nominated for National Best Plant Nursery Award
Lexington’s Wingard’s Market leads USA TODAY’s Best Plant Nursery vote, and supporters can cast ballots daily through March 9 to keep them at No. 1.
February 19, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Nonprofits
Anchor Investment Management launches Impact Fund
Anchor Investment Management is celebrating 25 years by awarding $25,000 in grants to Midlands nonprofits focused on health and education.
February 18, 2026
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David Stringer
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Sports
7 disc golf courses in the Midlands
Learn how and where to play disc golf in the Capital City.
February 18, 2026
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David Stringer
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Sports
Register for these spring sports for youth and adults
Build your social network through team-building sports in Columbia, like kickball, softball, and pickleball.
February 17, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Sports
Fireflies launch Battle at BullStreet plaza party
Live DJ, food trucks, yard games and family fun kick off the Battle at BullStreet before gates open.
February 17, 2026
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David Stringer
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Events
Read Freely Fest unveils 2026 lineup
More than 40 authors are headed to Richland Library Main Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29.
February 16, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Thomas Cooper library
History
USC exhibit marks America’s 250th
A new USC exhibit explores 250 years of revolution and rare South Carolina artifacts.
February 16, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Small Business
Local love: COLAtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
February 12, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
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City
The Great Backyard Bird Count in Columbia
The Great Backyard Bird Count invites participants to observe and report birds to help track global populations.
February 12, 2026
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David Stringer
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Sports
What’s new at Founders Park for South Carolina Baseball
Opening Weekend begins Friday, Feb. 13 with a Friday doubleheader and new upgrades at Founders Park.
February 11, 2026
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David Stringer
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Travel and Outdoors
Grow some shade in Columbia, SC 🌳
Join in on the initiative created by Columbia Green.
February 10, 2026
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Sugar Ray flies into WECO
Sugar Ray headlines the free, two-day Meeting Street Music Festival, bringing live music, food, and spring block-party energy to WECO.
February 9, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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City
Visiting 3 of Columbia’s sister cities
Columbia has seven sister cities worldwide, fostering cultural ties. Explore Cola’s connections to Accra, Ghana; Kaiserslautern, Germany; and Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
February 6, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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