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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Play

10+ pools, water parks, and splash pools in Columbia

Do you need more ways to beat the heat? Check out our list of pools, water parks, and splash pools in Columbia.

May 23, 2025

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Play

Columbia’s summer concert lineup

Stevie Nicks? Check. Jerry Cantrell? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple check this list of upcoming concerts and get your tickets before they sell out in Columbia, SC.

May 22, 2025

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Events

Something Small Catering opens an intimate event space

This new Columbia event space offers custom catering for showers, dinners, with room for up to 99 guests.

May 20, 2025

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Food

Sip and savor at these wine bars in Columbia

Try a glass, enjoy a tasting, or take home a bottle at these Cola wine bars.

May 20, 2025

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Emily Shea-Owen

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History

Historic Columbia honored the 2025 Preservation Award Winners

These awards recognize the individuals and projects that have contributed to the ongoing preservation of Columbia’s architectural and cultural heritage.

May 16, 2025

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History

Then and now on the 1400 block of Main Street

The 1400 block of Main Street has seen city halls, fires, banks, and modern design, and now it’s changing again.

May 14, 2025

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Sports

Playing tennis in the Midlands

Get into tennis across the Midlands with courts, leagues, and lessons in Columbia, Lexington, and beyond.

May 14, 2025

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Food

Global brunch crawl hits Uptown Columbia

Uptown Columbia’s brunch crawl, happening Sunday, June 1, features global menus, tastings, food trucks, and cultural activities.

May 12, 2025

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Small Business

River Drive Creative brings two Columbia music brands together

Caroline Guitar Co. and Archer Avenue Studio have moved into a shared, custom-built creative space on River Drive.

May 12, 2025

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Live

How to park in Columbia

Parking can be frustrating, especially while living in a city, so we’ve put together a handy go-to guide on how to park in Columbia.

May 9, 2025

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Samantha Robertson

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Travel and Outdoors

The Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies are blooming

Experience the rare Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in bloom in Columbia’s rivers and at Landsford Canal State Park.

May 8, 2025

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Small Business

What makes Columbia’s small business scene special?

Local business owners share what makes Columbia’s small business scene collaborative, creative, and community-driven.

May 8, 2025

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Small Business

Local owners shout out their favorite spots

Columbia business owners highlight their favorite local spots, showcasing community pride during Small Business Week.

May 6, 2025

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City

Graduation week in Columbia

Columbia’s graduation season is here with ceremony details, key times, and ways to celebrate citywide.

May 6, 2025

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Business

Small Business Week has arrived in Columbia

Join us at COLAtoday, we’re celebrating Small Business Week in the Midlands from Sunday, May 4, to Saturday, May 10.

May 2, 2025

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City

Celebrate Bike + Preservation Month in Cola

Celebrate Columbia’s history and bike culture with events, tours, and rides throughout May.

April 30, 2025

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Events

Explore Moore Farms and Southern art at Lake City’s ArtFields

Visit Moore Farms during ArtFields to explore gardens and view 400 works of art, with $100,000 in prizes.

April 28, 2025

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Culture

Pick up a new hobby (and put down your phone)

Ditch the doomscrolling for a more creative or relaxing hobby.

April 25, 2025

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Nonprofits

USC Students revive the Ice Bucket Challenge for mental health

USC’s viral Ice Bucket Challenge revival has raised $320,000+ for mental health, with help from influencers and celebrities.

April 24, 2025

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Events

Birdwatching in the Gardens: A spring migration

A spring morning of birdwatching in Columbia, where migrating warblers, local gardens, and unexpected bird facts stole the show.

April 24, 2025

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Food

New steakhouse coming to downtown Lexington

Midlands restaurateurs Steve Cook, Joe Walker, and Ryan Jones are opening a modern steakhouse in Lexington in May 2025, featuring hand-cut steaks, seafood, and seasonal dishes.

April 23, 2025

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Food

Plan a Soda City picnic

Plan the perfect picnic in Columbia by prepping your meal, packing your equipment, and picking a scenic local destination.

April 21, 2025

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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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Food

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

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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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Play

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

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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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Inside The Laundry: A historic space with a new spin

The Laundry blends restored architecture and flexible design to host weddings, corporate events, and celebrations with historic character.

April 11, 2025

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Columbia’s art scene takes center stage

A weekend of art, performances, and community events returns to Columbia’s Vista April 11–13.

April 9, 2025

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Food

U-pick strawberries in the Midlands

Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.

April 9, 2025

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