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.

Support Good Local News

Fountain in the Historic Columbia gardens.jpg

Culture

Skip the air travel and treat Columbia like a tourist

April 23, 2026

·

Nike Dunks.jpg

Business

Bluetile’s first Nike SB Dunk lands in Columbia

Bluetile’s first Nike SB Dunk arrives in Columbia with a butterfly-inspired design and a Five Points block party on Saturday, May 2.

April 23, 2026

·

City

Richland Library’s collectible card

Richland Library is marking National Library Week with a collectible ND Stevenson card and a behind-the-scenes nod to library workers.

April 22, 2026

·

Bridge Dinner Provided.JPG

Food

Gervais Street Bridge Dinner returns as Three Rivers Bridge Dinner

The Gervais Street Bridge Dinner is back this fall, returning as the newly renamed Three Rivers Bridge Dinner.

April 22, 2026

·

cinnamon roll deli spread.jpeg

Food

Cinnamon Roll Deli expanding to Lexington

Columbia’s Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli will open a second location in Lexington, taking over the former Café Strudel space.

April 20, 2026

·

Assembly Rendering.jpg

City

Crossing Assembly Street could get easier

Columbia and SCDOT are seeking public input on plans to improve safety and connectivity along Assembly Street in downtown Columbia.

April 20, 2026

·

Cotton-top_tamarin_(Saguinus_oedipus),_Singapore_Zoo_-_20100316.jpg

City

New at the zoo: Riverbanks welcomes a rare primate with a story

Riverbanks Zoo welcomes endangered cotton-top tamarins, including a young female rescued from the pet trade and now on view.

April 16, 2026

·

papa jazz.jpeg

Business

What to expect on Record Store Day in Columbia

Long lines, exclusive vinyl, and live performances bring crowds to Papa Jazz and Scratch N Spin.

April 16, 2026

·

GVL_Horizon_Records_RSD_APR2024

Small Business

Here’s where to find new and used vinyls at record stores in Greenville, SC

Whether you’re participating in Record Store Day 2024 or you’re just looking to shop local for some music, we’ve rounded up record stores in Greenville, SC.

April 15, 2026

·

Pickleball Columbia.jpeg

City

12+ activities for older adults in Columbia

If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.

April 9, 2026

·

Travel and Outdoors

Surviving pollen season in Columbia, SC

Does pollen season have you wiping your eyes and nose? Blame the hidden tree pollen as spring allergies kick into high gear.

April 9, 2026

·

Seaboard Mayor-7875.png

Business

Seaboard Vista project breaks ground

Developers break ground on a mixed-use Vista project, with Mashburn relocating its headquarters during its 50th year.

April 7, 2026

·

95994777_1102962630073818_4551445574727690712_n

Food

U-pick strawberries in the Midlands

Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.

April 6, 2026

·

Sports

Tee it up at these Columbia golf courses

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Scottie Scheffler, these 22 golf courses in Cola are sure to make for a good round.

April 2, 2026

·

Soda City Market-4243.png

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.

April 2, 2026

·

Conagree National Park

Events

Catch Congaree’s fireflies glow

Enter the lottery for a chance to experience Congaree National Park’s synchronous firefly display.

April 1, 2026

·

Godspeed GIF.gif

Food

Editor’s Pick: Godspeed opens in Five Points

April 1, 2026

·

Cola Chefs.jpeg

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.

March 30, 2026

·

Congaree Riverfront Aerial-full.jpg

Riverfront vision takes shape

Columbia kicks off public input on a 100-acre Congaree Riverfront District with a meeting on Wednesday, April 1.

March 26, 2026

·

Three people are working together in what appears to be a warehouse or workshop with doors and windows. Two individuals wear blue "volunteer" shirts, while one person in a hoodie uses tape and a marker. They seem to be organizing or preparing materials for a project.

Culture

Where to make spring cleaning donations in Columbia

Doing some spring cleaning and have items to donate? Check out these 14 spots in the Columbia area accepting clothing and supply donations.

March 25, 2026

·

Read Freely Entrance.jpeg

Festivals

Columbia’s newest book festival is turning the page to year two

Columbia’s book festival returns Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29 with author talks, panels, and events across downtown venues.

March 23, 2026

·

Three Notch'd-9925.png

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.

March 18, 2026

·

Koger Center Live Outside Large.jpeg

Arts

Free concerts return to Koger Center lawn

Free concerts return to the Koger Center lawn this year with 10 Levitt AMP shows spanning spring Saturdays and fall Thursdays.

March 17, 2026

·

Image from iOS (3)

City

Celebrating Women’s History Month through art in Columbia, SC

Women’s History Month is in full swing in Columbia — here are a few ways to support local women in the arts.

March 17, 2026

·

Samantha Robertson

Arts

Knight Foundation awards $280K to Columbia arts and civic engagement projects

Six Columbia organizations receive $280,512 from the Knight Foundation to support arts programming, Finlay Park activation, and civic engagement initiatives.

March 16, 2026

·

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

IMG_5630 Large.png

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

·

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

William Starrett receiving the Order of the Palmetto.jpg

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

·

Larry Hembree.jpg

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

·