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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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

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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

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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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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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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

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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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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

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History

USC exhibit marks America’s 250th

A new USC exhibit explores 250 years of revolution and rare South Carolina artifacts.

February 16, 2026

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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

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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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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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Travel and Outdoors

Grow some shade in Columbia, SC 🌳

Join in on the initiative created by Columbia Green.

February 10, 2026

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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

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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

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History

5 ways to honor Black history in Columbia

Discover more about Columbia’s African American history.

February 4, 2026

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Entertainment

Carolina Band wins Metallica Marching Band Competition

USC’s band won Metallica’s collegiate competition with a halftime tribute, earning a national prize and a spot in EA Sports’ game.

February 2, 2026

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Events

First look: Columbia Food & Wine 2026

Columbia Food & Wine returns with chef-driven events across town, plus Tastemakers early ticket access and a new USC scholarship.

February 2, 2026

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Events

Editor’s Pick: Bird Photographer of the Year lands at SC State Museum

An international bird photography exhibition opens in Columbia this spring, with local bird highlights and the upcoming Flock Fest.

January 28, 2026

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Arts

Stephen G. Morrison Visionary award returns

The Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award is back, spotlighting individuals whose leadership helped shape Columbia’s creative identity.

January 28, 2026

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Events

Event Spotlight: SoulHAUS Sessions with Cecil J. Williams

SoulHAUS Sessions brings civil rights icon Cecil J. Williams to the Koger Center for an intimate artist talk.

January 27, 2026

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Food

The Taste of Lake Murray returns

Tickets are on sale now for Taste of Lake Murray, supporting Lake Murray’s Independence Day fireworks.

January 26, 2026

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City

Applications open for Leadership Columbia Class of 2027

Leadership Columbia offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, issues, and decisions shaping the Midlands.

January 22, 2026

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City

What makes ice so dangerous?

Ice storms in SC have caused widespread damage in the past, and as we brace for winter weather, we spoke to a meteorologist to find out why.

January 22, 2026

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City

New boutique hotel opens in historic fire station in the Vista

The 59-room Lantern Columbia opens inside the former fire station as the Vista continues evolving.

January 21, 2026

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Take a look at Black Dog Pizza

Black Dog Pizza is expected to open in late January on Main Street underneath The Hendrix.

January 20, 2026

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Entertainment

St. Pat’s in Five Points announces 2026 lineup

Get to know the musical lineup that will keep you entertained at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day in Five Points Festival, the largest one-day fest in South Carolina.

January 20, 2026

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Broaden your bookshelf in 2026

Find your next great read when you join Richland Library’s Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge.

January 16, 2026

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Mardi Gras Columbia brings 19 local bands to City Roots

The 16th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival features 19 local bands across three stages, plus a parade, food vendors, and craft beer.

January 15, 2026

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City

Meet Experience Columbia SC’s 2026 ambassadors

Experience Columbia SC introduces its 2026 ambassadors, highlighting locals shaping how visitors experience the Midlands.

January 15, 2026

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Events

Ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Columbia and how to commemorate his life and legacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

January 15, 2026

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