Sunny War - Free Outdoor Concert at the Koger Center
2026-04-25 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Plaza Stage at Koger Center, 1051 Greene Sr, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The Koger Center for the Arts has set the headliners for the first Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series, a series of free outdoor concerts sponsored in part by the Levitt Foundation. The concerts will take place on the Plaza Stage on the Koger Center’s front lawn from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., with the rain location being indoors in either the Black Box Theater or second floor lobby.
The Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series is dedicated to uplifting Columbia as a cultural hub and destination for accessible entertainment. The series is supported by a variety of community partners, including the Jasper Project, ONE Columbia, ColaJazz, South Carolina Philharmonic, University of South Carolina Student Life, Black Nerd Mafia, the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement, the Columbia Chamber, the Vista Guild and the City of Columbia.
Geared to towns and cities with populations under 250,000, Levitt AMP grantees reflect the three goals of the LevittAMP Music Series program: Amplify community pride and a city’s unique character; enrich lives through the power of free, live Music; and illustrate the importance of inclusive and vibrant public Places. From rural Alaska to Appalachian Main Streets and Midwestern locales, Levitt AMP is a catalytic opportunity for towns and cities across America to realize a shared mission—building community through music to create a healthy and thriving future for all. Columbia is the only Levitt AMP location in South Carolina.
Columbia residents are encouraged to follow along with the development of the series over the next three years by visiting www.KogerCenterForTheArts.com, and following @LevittAmpColumbia and @KogerCenterForTheArts on Instagram.

Design Review Commissions Training | Monday, April 27th, 2026
2026-04-27 15:00 - 17:00 | City Hall, Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
A training session for the newly appointed Urban Design Review Commission (U/DRC) and the Historic Preservation Design Review Committee (HP/DRC) will be held on Monday, April 27th, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in City Council chambers, City Hall, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, 29201. The meeting will review the processes, procedures, by-laws, and expectations of these quasi-judicial board members and the role of staff.
The training session is open for the public to attend, but public participation will not be accommodated.

Complex History: State House Grounds Monument Tour
2026-04-29 08:00 - 17:00 | South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais St, Columbia, SC, United States
The grounds of the South Carolina State House are meant to be a neutral space that represents all citizens of the state, but what stories are actually being told there? Join the Coalition of Columbia’s Historic Districts (CCHD)and City preservation staff as we discuss the monuments on the State House grounds. This tour unpacks the complex history of the monuments, including who they represent and how they got there.
Topics will include the construction and design of the State House itself, how the landscape has been arranged, and why those changes were made. The tour will last just over one hour and start at the George Washington statue at the base of the State House steps. Come with curiosity and leave with a fresh perspective!
Registration Recommended: Complex History: State House Grounds Monument Tour Tickets, Monday, May 11 • 5:30 PM – 7 PM | Eventbrite

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
2026-04-30 | Columbia Animal Services, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
Adoption fees waived for ALL pets, all day. Includes puppies and kittens. All pets come spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated at the time of adoption.

WOW Studio One Theatre & Film Festival
2026-04-30 08:00 - 2026-05-02 17:00 | Downtown Columbia
Lights. Legacy. Opportunity.
WOW Studio One Theatre & Film Festival Makes Its Downtown Debut in Columbia, SC
A Three-Day, Grammy-Style Celebration of Theatre, Film, and Creative Power
April 30 – May 2, 2026 | Downtown Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, SC —The city of Columbia is about to take center stage.
WOW Studio One proudly announces the inaugural WOW Studio One Theatre & Film Festival (WSOTFF), an immersive three-day celebration of storytelling, performance, and creative innovation taking place April 30 – May 2, 2026, in the heart of downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Passes can be purchased at wsofestival.com.
This highly anticipated festival transforms downtown into a vibrant hub for artists, filmmakers, industry veterans, and audiences from across the Southeast and beyond, positioning Columbia as a rising destination for theatre and film.
Produced by WOW Studio One and sponsored in part by the City of Columbia, Experience Columbia SC, and the South Carolina Arts Commission, WSOTFF 2026 is designed to spotlight bold voices, create access, and generate real opportunity for creatives ready to elevate their careers.
A Festival Built for Artists — and the Industry
WSOTFF blends artistry, education, and access into a high-impact, multi-track experience, including:
Curated film screenings (short films, features, and trailers)
Staged readings and theatrical showcases of new and original works
Live pitch sessions presenting projects directly to industry executives
Audition and casting opportunities with real-time feedback
Lunch & Learn sessions featuring intimate industry conversations
Celebrity panels, masterclasses, and networking mixers
The WSO Red Carpet Awards Ceremony, a Grammy-style celebration honoring excellence in theatre and film
“This festival is about creating access,” says Tangie Brickhouse-Beaty, Founder of WOW Studio One and Executive Producer of WSOTFF. “We are building a room where talent meets opportunity — where stories are seen, voices are heard, and careers can shift in a single weekend. Artists don’t just show up here. They are coached, connected, and positioned.”
Industry Powerhouses Take the Stage
The festival will welcome an exceptional lineup of celebrity guests, executives, and creative leaders who will teach, mentor, and engage directly with attendees throughout the weekend.
Confirmed industry participants include:
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs — Award-winning actor and director with over 40 years of excellence across film, television, and stage
Tressa Smallwood — NAACP Award-nominated producer and CEO of Megamind Media, creating impactful film and television content
Phaedra Harris — Esteemed Hollywood casting director, writer, and producer with more than three decades of industry leadership
Jalene Mack — Entertainment attorney, producer, and cultural advocate protecting artists and advancing creative equity
Javon Johnson — Multi-award-winning actor, director, and writer, and series regular on Tyler Perry’s The Oval
Scott DuPont — Film producer and financing strategist helping independent filmmakers fund, position, and scale their projects
Natarsha Garcia — “The Star Maker,” elite talent manager and acting coach guiding artists toward career breakthroughs
John Ewing — Veteran film and theatre producer and national touring promoter connecting audiences nationwide
Amy Brower — South Carolina casting professional expanding access and visibility for regional talent
Vanessa Lynn — Bestselling writer, producer, script coach, and founder of Urban Playwrights United
Arischa Conner — Accomplished actress featured in Emmy-nominated television series with extensive experience across theatre, film, and TV
Comedian Akintunde — Nationally touring, award-winning comedian, actor, author, and network television writer known for his clean, high-impact storytelling across TV, vertical dramas, and podcasts
Wade Sellers — Award-winning documentary filmmaker, director, and producer developing compelling stories across film and television
Additional celebrity guests, panelists, and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.
Together, these industry leaders will guide masterclasses, panels, pitch sessions, auditions, and intimate conversations, offering rare access to real decision-makers in today’s theatre, film, and television landscape.
A Cultural Moment for Downtown Columbia
WSOTFF is expected to draw more than 250 attendees, including creatives, sponsors, VIP guests, and industry professionals — contributing to Columbia’s creative economy while welcoming regional and national visitors into a weekend of culture, collaboration, and celebration.
From red carpet arrivals and live performances to powerful conversations and project launches, the WOW Studio One Theatre & Film Festival promises to be WOW from the door to the encore.
Submissions Now Open
Playwrights and filmmakers are invited to submit original works for consideration. Selected projects will be showcased live before industry professionals and engaged audiences.
Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities Available
Businesses and organizations are invited to align as official sponsors and partners. With regional marketing exposure, on-site brand visibility, and engagement with a culturally diverse and professionally driven audience, sponsors receive high-impact promotional value.
Tickets On Sale Now
Festival passes and event tickets — including VIP experiences — will be available soon.
For submissions, sponsorship opportunities, and event updates, visit:
👉 www.wsofestival.com
Media Inquiries:
WOW Studio One
Email: info@wsofestival.com
Phone: 803.545.4256
Follow WOW Studio One on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for announcements, artist highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.
About WOW Studio One
WOW Studio One is a theatre, television, and film company dedicated to elevating diverse voices and producing authentic, impactful stories. Through original productions, artist training, and community-centered events, WOW Studio One creates bold platforms where creativity thrives and meaningful stories take center stage.

Strong Roots Parenting Initiative
2026-05-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Arsenal Hill Park, 1812 Lincoln St., Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
ONSE will host the first session of the inaugural Strong Roots Parenting initiative. Will work with parents and guardians to have hard conversation, and get back to being themselves. This will be an intensive, once-a-week cohort focused on reconnecting with yourself outside of your titles and responsibilities. Together, we will create a safe and supportive space to reflect, grow, and build tools that strengthen both you and your family.

Pups & Pints Adoption Event and Donation Drive
2026-05-02 12:00 - 15:00 | Bierkeller, 600 Canal Side Street Suite 1009
Join us at Bierkeller Brewing Co. from 12-3pm for the Pups & Pints Adoption Event and Donation Drive!
Adoption fees waived! Please come prepared with a collar and leash if considering adoption. All pets come spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on basic vaccines at the time of adoption.

Five OHM - Free Outdoor Concert at the Koger Center
2026-05-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Plaza Stage at Koger Center, 1051 Greene Sr, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States

Preservation Bike Tour
2026-05-03 09:00 - 11:00 | 1400 Block of Main St., 1400 Main St, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Join planning staff for a bike tour of historic African American resources in downtown Columbia

Hop on your bike and join City preservation staff on a bike tour through time as we discuss the importance of Columbia’s historic African American resources. The tour will include a look at the Green Book sites that were safe havens for travelling African Americans during the Jim Crow era.
Helmet required. Limited to 20 participants, so register now!
This bike tour was originally held in May 2024. This year’s tour will feature many of the same sites from the original tour with the addition of a building tour and a slight modification to the tour route.

"$5 Fiesta" Adoption Promo
2026-05-05 | Columbia Animal Services, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
$5 adoptions, all pets all day. All pets come spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on basic vaccines at the time of adoption.

Proclamation + Mabel Payne Award
2026-05-05 16:00 - 17:00 | City Hall Third Floor Chambers, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina
Join Columbia City Council as they officially declare May as National Historic Preservation Month.

Glizzy Guzzle
2026-05-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Cola Town Bike Collective, 711 Elmwood Avenue
Join Street Meat for a 6 mile ride around downtown with time at the end to talk and hangout at the bike collective!

National Bike & Roll to School Day
2026-05-06 | SC
Join a local event or sign up to organize one at your school – find out more at walkbiketoschool.org.

13th Annual Small Business Week Conference
2026-05-06 09:00 - 15:30 | Pastides Alumni Center, 900 Senate St, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The City of Columbia Business Opportunities presents the 13th Annual Small Business Week Conference!
Join us to…

Recognize local business who have continued growing successful businesses
Receive free business resources from local resource partners and organizations
Attend informative breakout sessions on building your brand, marketing, and AI to help with your small business growth and sustainability
Network with other small business owners and entrepreneurs

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Macie P. Smith – Owner and CEO at Diversified Training Consultants Group, LLC
Mistress of Ceremony: Dr. Ashlye V. Wilkerson – Leadership Expert/Speaker/Motivator with Phenomenal Women Leading, LLC
Register Online at columbiaSBWC2026.eventbrite.com
Questions? Contact Kalenna Ginyard | 803-545-3950 | OBO@columbisc.gov

Bingo Night
2026-05-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
Senior Programming Presents: Bingo Night!
1st Wednesday of every month, join us for games, prizes, fellowship, and fun!

Cola Women/Trans/Femme/Non-binary Rides
2026-05-06 18:30 - 19:30 | Cola Town Bike Collective, 711 Elmwood Avenue
Meet us for a 10 mile, no-drop monthly social ride for femme/trans/women/ nonbinary riders + stop for a sweet treat downtown. Follow Cola_WTFNB_Cyclist on Instagram for more updates.

Injury Prevention and Nutrition for the Cyclist
2026-05-06 18:30 - 19:30 | Outspokin’ Bicycles, 3223 Devine Street
Join us at Outspokin’ with Mitch Hanks from TriFit Physical Therapy and Erin Kesterson from Fuel Your Sport are presenting a night tailored to the cyclist. Discuss common injuries, best practices for injury prevention and fueling endurance athletes. ​Register + check out the Facebook event page for more details.

Lunch & Learn: House History
2026-05-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Richland County Public Library, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
To mark National Historic Preservation Month, join us for a lunchtime learning opportunity in the Walker Local and Family History Center to discover tools and methods for researching your historic Columbia home. And get a deep dive into using Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps to discover historic images of your home or structure when considering historically appropriate renovations.
Presented by Margaret Dunlap, manager of the Walker Local and Family History Center in partnership with Betsy Kleinfelder with the City of Columbia’s preservation office.

Board of Zoning Appeals (BoZA) Meeting
2026-05-07 16:00 - 18:00 | City Hall, Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Regularly scheduled Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting. Application deadline for this meeting is April 3, 2026. For more information, call 803-545-3333 or visit the BoZA page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

"Kitten Shower" Donation Drive
2026-05-09 09:00 - 16:00 | Columbia Animal Services, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
“Kitten Shower” donation drive for neonatal kittens. Drop off donations at the shelter and learn more about the basics of kitten fostering!
CAS Amazon Cat Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1CIXKCWADOK92

Street Meat Alley Cat Race
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | 634 B. Ave, 634 B Ave, West Columbia, SC, 29169, United States
This is a Classic Alley Cat race! Upon departure, each rider receives a sealed envelope with 5 location clues. Riders must find each checkpoint, complete the activity, collect a stamp, and return to Cola Town Bike Collective. The order you visit checkpoints is up to you. The winner is the first rider to return with all 5 stamps. All ages, awards, and after-party! Register here –www.cognitoforms.com/StreetMeat/_2026StreetMeatAlleyCatEntry

Carolyn Wonderland - Free Outdoor Concert at the Koger Center
2026-05-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Plaza Stage at Koger Center, 1051 Greene Sr, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States

Black Dog Pizza Grand Opening
2026-05-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Black Dog Pizza, 1649 Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Black Dog Pizza brings a fresh energy to downtown Columbia, blending Old World inspiration with a modern, laid back pizza bar experience.
Known for its crisp, Neo Neapolitan style pizza, Black Dog is designed to be the kind of place where you can grab a quick lunch, split a few pies with friends, or stay awhile and enjoy the atmosphere.
The menu features high heat pizzas with blistered crusts and airy interiors, along with classic favorites, rotating specialty pies, sandwiches, salads, and shareable plates. Guests can also enjoy a bar program built to pair perfectly with pizza nights, featuring negronis, spritzes, craft beer, wine, and more.
Built around its signature oven and guided by the philosophy of “Flour • Fire • Brick,” Black Dog focuses on house made dough, quality ingredients, and bold flavors in a welcoming downtown setting.

Sharing the Road Community Meeting Session 1
2026-05-12 11:00 - 13:00 | Virginia Bedford Community Center, 1113 Recreation Dr, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The Sharing the Road project team has developed draft program, policy, and project recommendations aimed at making our roadways safer, and we want to share them with you at a second round of public open houses on Tuesday, May 12th!
These draft recommendations are built upon the input we received in October and November at meetings and via our online survey and interactive map, coupled with best practices and crash data-driven findings. In addition to sharing more systemic recommendations to address roadway safety, we will be sharing a High Injury Network map, as well as some conceptual ideas for potential safety-related improvements along roadway segments and intersections located within the High Injury Network.
Ways to Engage:

Attend a community meeting! Meetings will be a drop-in format, and provide an opportunity to engage directly with the project team and review the systemic and location-specific draft recommendations.

Tuesday, May 12th from 11AM – 1PM and 4PM – 6PM at Virginia Bedford Community Center, Earlewood Park, 1113 Recreation Drive, Columbia SC 29203

Learn more via the project website: https://planninganddevelopment.columbiasc.gov/safe-streets/
Sign up to receive email updates regarding multimodal transportation planning + events: https://forms.columbiasc.gov/243375701335858
Stay tuned for a project survey – to be released subsequent to the May 12th meetings through June 9th!

About the Selected Roadway Segments + Intersections
With the development of our High Injury Network map, we were grateful to note that a number of our partners are already working to address safety concerns for all users along a number of these key corridors. As the selection of locations for conceptual design is a part of the planning process, the project team worked to select locations which were not being otherwise addressed but posed a more pressing safety concern and complexity of design. These projects are conceptual and do not have funding allocated at this time. Your local knowledge can help inform this process, and the resulting project recommendations can help position the City and our partner agencies to make future funding requests. Locations we’ll be discussing are:
Intersections

Beltline Blvd at Two Notch Rd
Covenant Rd at N. Beltline Blvd + Pine Belt Rd
Elmwood Ave at Main St
Laurel St at Huger St
River Dr at Sunset Dr

Segments

Academy/W. Beltline (I-277 – Two Notch)
Elmwood Ave (I-126 – Bull)
Farrow Rd (Beltline Blvd to Chappelle)
Huger St / Whaley St (I-126 – Wayne)
Two Notch Rd (Taylor/Forest – Cushman/Pine Belt)

About the Planning Effort:
Sharing the Road will analyze the safety issues faced by all road users, from our more vulnerable users, like pedestrians and cyclists, to transit riders and personal and commercial vehicle operators. This planning process is partially funded by and aligns with the USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The process and resulting plan will:

Result in an official public commitment that establishes a target date to significantly reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries.
Identify the City’s High Injury Network through the analysis of crash data and public input.
Build on prior planning efforts like Walk Bike Columbia and Columbia Compass while focusing specifically on how to improve roadway safety for all users.
Identify systemic and specific safety needs + priority projects for the City and partner agencies to collaborate on moving forward.
Align with the USDOT Safe Streets and Roads For All program, which is partially funding this effort. The resulting plan document will also position the City for future potential grant funding.

Sharing the Road Community Meeting Session 2
2026-05-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Virginia Bedford Community Center, 1113 Recreation Dr, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States

Ribbon Cutting & Celebration
2026-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Cola Town Bike Collective, 711 Elmwood Avenue
This ribbon cutting event recognizes recent improvements to the Cola Town Bike Collective space and updates to the public bike repair stand network across Columbia, completed in partnership with Leadership Columbia.

Planning Commission (PC) Meeting
2026-05-14 16:00 - 18:00 | City Hall, Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Regularly scheduled Design/Development Review Commission Meeting. Application deadline for this meeting is April 13, 2026. For more information, call 803-545-3333 or visit the PC page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

Bike to Work Day
2026-05-15 08:30 - 09:30 | 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, 3223 Devine Street @ 8:00AM. RSVP at RSVP@outspokinbicycles.com
Curiosity Coffee, 2327 Main Street @ 8:15AM
Cycle Center, 1001 Harden St. @ 8:00AM

Bike to the Ballgame
2026-05-15 17:45 - 19:00 | Outspokin’ Bicycles, 3223 Devine Street
Join Cola Town Bike Collective and Outspokin’ Bicycle in biking to the ball park to support the Fireflies! We’ll swing by Cola Town Bike Collective and head over to Segra Park! Click Here to Register

Touch-A-Truck
2026-05-16 09:00 - 13:00 | 1700 Block of Main Street, 1700 Block of Main Street
WHO: City of Columbia Public Works Department, Columbia Police Department, Columbia-Richland Fire Department, various other City of Columbia Departments
WHAT: Public Works in conjunction with Soda City will be inviting various departments to join them and place their vehicles on display for the public. These departments include the Columbia Police Department, Columbia-Richland Fire Department, Columbia Water, Parking Services and Parks and Recreation. Come get a look at some of the City’s largest trucks and heavy equipment as well as demonstrations on how they work. There will be lots of fun activities, games, and more! This is a free event and citizens are encouraged to attend and bring their children.
