Kickoff to Small Business Week Press Conference
2025-05-05 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Bierkeller, 600 Canal Side Street Suite 1009
The City of Columbia in partnership with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Richland County, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) are hosting a press conference to kick off National Small Business Week 2025 on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Bierkeller Brewing Company, located at 600 Canalside Street, Suite 1009.
Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann, South Carolina State Senator Russell Ott (District 26), Richland County Administrator Leonardo Brown, President and CEO of Columbia Chamber Carl Blackstone, and SBA District Director Melissa Lindler will provide remarks. The City of Columbia and Richland County will also present a proclamation in honor of National Small Business Week 2025.
National Small Business Week recognizes the contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners and celebrates their tenacity. We invite the community to join us for this event!
For more information, please contact the Office of Business Opportunities at (803) 545-3950 or send an email to OBO@columbiasc.gov.

The Street Project Film Screening
2025-05-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Nickelodeon Theater, 1607 Main Street, Columbia, SC, United States
Join Cola Town Bike Collective for a screening of The Street Project at the Nickelodeon Theater starting at 6:30 PM. This powerful documentary explores how communities are reclaiming their streets for safety and livability. Stick around after for a panel with local leaders and advocates. This event is free, but please visit the Nick’s website to reserve your seat.

National Bike & Roll to School Day
2025-05-07 | SC
Join a local event or sign up to organize one at your school – find out more at walkbiketoschool.org.

Lunch & Learn: House History
2025-05-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Richland County Public Library, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Join us at the Richland Library in the Local History Room to discover tools and methods for researching your historic Columbia home!
Learn more here: https://www.richlandlibrary.com/event/2025-05-07/preservation-month-researching-your-house-history
See more events for Historic Preservation Month Here: https://www.columbiacompass.org/celebratemay.html

Shop Dog Suspension Group Mountain Bike Ride
2025-05-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Harbison State Forest
Meet at Harbison State Forest; contact shopdogsuspension@gmail.com with any questions.

Cola Women/Trans/Femme/Non-binary Cyclists Ride
2025-05-07 18:30 - 19:30 | Cola Town Bike Collective, 711 Elmwood Avenue
Meet at 6:30PM for a 10-12 mile, no-drop monthly social ride for femme/trans/women/nonbinary riders. Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood Ave) and follow cola_wtfnb_cyclists on Instagram for details.

(SOLD OUT) 12th Annual Small Business Week Conference
2025-05-09 09:00 - 22:00 | Marriott Columbia, 1200 Hampton St, Columbia, SC, 29218, United States
The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities is hosting the City of Columbia’s 12th Annual Small Business Week Conference. During this year’s conference we will provide information and resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs with a vendor showcase and breakout sessions from local subject matter experts. In addition to the conference, the U.S. Small Business Administration will host an awards ceremony and match making sessions for those attending.
This year’s keynote speaker is Major General Daryl Hood, Commander of the Army Training Center and Fort Jackson and TV and radio personality, Cynthia Hardy will serve as our Mistress of Ceremony!
Registration is now open at https://sbwc2025.eventbrite.com. Early bird tickets are now on sale for $25 until April 24th. After the 24th, the price will increase to $35.00. For any questions regarding the conference, please contact Kalenna Ginyard, OBO Program Compliance Specialist at (803)545-3960 or send an email to OBO@columbiasc.gov.

National Dog Mom Day Adoption Promo
2025-05-10 | Columbia Animal Services, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
Adoption fees waived for all dogs, ONE DAY ONLY.
See the dogs & cats at Columbia Animal Services that are looking for a new home here: https://24petconnect.com/ColumbiaAdoptablePets

SOLD OUT - Window Repair Workshop
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00 | 1623 Richland Street
As a part of Historic Preservation Month in Columbia, we are hosting a Window Repair Workshop. Join us to learn to unstick, re-rope, and restore historic wood windows.
See more events for Historic Preservation Month Here: https://www.columbiacompass.org/celebratemay.html

Lunch & Learn: Protected or Not
2025-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 | All Good Books, 734 Harden St, Columbia, SC, 29212, United States
Learn the how’s and why’s of Columbia’s preservation protections.
Registration Encouraged: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-learn-protected-or-not-tickets-1337283293329?aff=oddtdtc
See more events for Historic Preservation Month Here: https://www.columbiacompass.org/celebratemay.htmlreator

Community Planning Workshop - Presentation of Concepts
2025-05-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue, Columbia, 29203
Councilwoman Tina Herbert, City Planning and Toole Design will be facilitating a community planning workshop for stakeholders to develop a vision and goals for the future development of the property at River Drive between Park Street and Main Street, adjacent to the future Vista Greenway extension.

Bike Month Pub Tour
2025-05-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Outspokin’ Bicycles, 3223 Devine Street
Join Outspokin’ and Midland SORBA for a cycling ‘Pub Tour’ – a leisurely-paced ride visiting WECO, Columbia Craft, and Craft & Draft. Meet at 6 PM at Outspokin’ Bicycles (3223 Devine Street). Helmets and lights are required, see the Facebook event for additional info.

Cycle Center Basic Bike Maintenance Clinic
2025-05-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Cycle Center
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) and build your bike knowledge! Register by emailing info@cyclecenter.com.

Columbia Black Expo: Black Owned Wine & Spirits - Kick Off Reception
2025-05-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Runway 728, 724 S. Edisto Street, Columbia, SC, 29205, United States

Bike to Work Day
2025-05-16 07:30 - 08:30 | SC
Ride with a group or on your own to arrive at the State House (Gervais Street side) at 8:30 AM, take a group picture, and ride down Main Street to City Hall. Group rides start from:

Outspokin’ Bicycles, Devine Street (7:45 AM)
The intersection of Earlewood Drive and Recreation Drive (8:00 AM)
Cycle Center (8:00 AM)

Columbia Black Expo: Taste of Black Columbia
2025-05-16 19:30 - 23:00 | SC State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC, United States
Experience the Taste of Black Columbia!
​Step into a world where every dish tells a story and every flavor sings of history. On May 16, 2025, join us for a night where our culinary culture takes center stage, from 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
Get your ticket, bring your appetite, your dancing shoes and prepare to experience the Taste of Black Columbia.

Friends of Harbison Trail Work Day
2025-05-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Harbison State Forest
Meet at the Harbison Ed Center to volunteer with Friends of Harbison State Forest; bring work gloves, water, and snacks, and wear appropriate clothing; tools will be provided. Details on the Friends of Harbison Facebook page.

Energy Efficiency Workshop
2025-05-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Historic Melrose Heights, 1429 Hagood, Columbia, SC, United States
As part of Historic Preservation Month in Columbia, learn how to improve the energy efficiency of your house. Watch a blower door demonstration and learn the basics of window repair.
Registration Encouraged: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-energy-efficiency-in-historic-homes-tickets-1337268067789?aff=oddtdtcreator
See more events for Historic Preservation Month Here: https://www.columbiacompass.org/celebratemay.html

Columbia Black Expo
2025-05-17 10:00 - 17:00 | SC State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC, United States
Join us on May 17th, 2025, at the SC State Fairgrounds from 10 am to 5 pm for the Columbia Black Expo.
Experience a day filled with enriching talks, cultural exhibitions, and a showcase of Black business excellence.
The mission of the Black Expo is to promote economic development through increased exposure for minority-owned businesses. African-American owned businesses have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the public and procurement officers from major corporations and government entities. It is also an opportunity for major corporations and government entities to develop viable working relationships with minority-owned businesses while marketing their products and services to a growing consumer market.
The Expo is also a forum to educate, enlighten and inspire the entire community and the African-American community in particular. Aside from economic development, exposure to cultural resources is a part of the focus for this event.
Come, be inspired, network, and shop with local vendors.

Preservation Bike Tour
2025-05-18 09:00 - 11:00 | 2200 Sumter St, 2200 Sumter St, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
As part of Historic Preservation Month in Columbia, join us on a tour of recent projects in the Cottontown, Earlewood, and Elmwood historic districts.
Registration REQUIRED: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bike-tour-cottontown-earlewood-elmwood-tickets-1337296773649?aff=oddtdtcreator
See more events for Historic Preservation Month Here: https://www.columbiacompass.org/celebratemay.html

Eau Claire Baptist Church Youth Day
2025-05-18 16:00 - 19:00 | Eau Claire Baptist Church, 4427 N. Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The ONSE team will be onsite to support Eau Claire Baptist Church as they host their Community Prayer Day. The day will highlight first responders and youth violence.

National Rescue Dog Day Adoption Promo
2025-05-20 | Columbia Animal Services, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
$5 adoption fee for all pets, ONE DAY ONLY.
See the dogs & cats at Columbia Animal Services that are looking for a new home here: https://24petconnect.com/ColumbiaAdoptablePets

Midlands Ride of Silence
2025-05-21 18:45 - 20:00 | Cola Town Bike Collective, 711 Elmwood Avenue
This silent ride honors cyclist who have been injured or killed while riding. This year’s ride will leave from the Cola Town Bike Collective. Sign in will begin at 6:45 PM. The route is approximately 7 miles. There is no fee, but donations to defray the cost of the police escort would be appreciated. See the National Ride of Silence website to learn more about the focus of this powerful event.

Masonry Repointing Workshop
2025-05-22 17:00 - 18:00 | Cottontown Historic District
As part of Historic Preservation Month in Columbia, join us for the Masonry Repointing Workshop to learn the basics of masonry repointing and repair with an expert mason.
Registration REQUIRED: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-brick-repointing-workshop-tickets-1337306633139?aff=oddtdtcreator
See more events for Historic Preservation Month Here: https://www.columbiacompass.org/celebratemay.html

Mota Crosslinking Business Academy's 5th Annual SC AAPI
2025-05-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Mota Crosslinking Business Academy, 933 13th Street, West Columbia, 29169, United States

Game Night with Councilwoman Tina Herbert
2025-05-23 16:30 - 18:00 | Lorick Park, 1735 Lorick Ave, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
Neighborhood Safety and Engagement is hosting an evening full of fun and games with Councilwoman Tina N. Herbert!
An evening of fun for all ages with board games, cards, and video games. Light snacks will be served for attendees.

Shop Dog Suspension "Set Up" Clinic
2025-05-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Harbison State Forest
Harbison State Forest parking lot; contact shopdogsuspension@gmail.com with any questions.

ONSE and G.R.I.T. Mental Health Mixer
2025-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
The G.R.I.T. Project Networking Mixer is designed to bring together mental health professionals, educators, and coaches in a space that celebrates their invaluable contributions.
By fostering connection and professional growth, we aim to build a stronger, more supportive community while showing appreciation for the work these individuals do to positively impact lives every day. The G.R.I.T. Project is committed to advancing mental health awareness, resilience-building, and career development for youth while the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement is dedicated to strengthening communities through outreach and support.
By working together, our missions align to expand mental health care and awareness, reinforcing the importance of accessible mental health resources in our community.
Register for the event here: https://forms.columbiasc.gov/250823900638962

Bingo Cat: The Gathering
2025-05-31 15:30 - 20:00 | Cola Town Bike Collective, 711 Elmwood Avenue
Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective, registration at 3:30 PM, roll out at 4 PM. All ages, prizes, and after party.

Coffee With A Cop!
2025-06-04 08:00 - 10:00 | McDonald’s, 4801 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
