Board of Zoning Appeals (BoZA) Meeting
2026-01-08 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | 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 December 5, 2025. For more information, call 803-545-3333 or visit the BoZA page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

3rd Annual Violent Crime Remembrance Vigil
2026-01-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
The ONSE is hosting the Vigil as a heartfelt opportunity for our City to stand together in honor of the lives lost to violence and to support the families, friends, and neighbors who continue to carry their loved ones’ memories every day. The vigil is hosted to provide a safe and welcoming space where survivors and loved ones can find comfort, reflection, and solidarity. Together, we acknowledge the impact violence has had on our communities, share meaningful stories, and recognize the strength of fellow community members as they continue to heal. In addition to remembrance portion, the event will provide important updates on violence prevention efforts, highlight current data and trends affecting Columbia, and connect residents with supportive resources.

College Place Neighborhood Association monthly meeting
2026-01-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Columbia College Women’s Business Center, 1301 Columbia College Dr, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement staff will attend the monthly community meeting to gain feedback from residents as well as provide an update on violence prevention and neighborhood safety.
This event is hosted by Columbia College Neighborhood Association

College Place Neighborhood Association monthly meeting
2026-01-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Arden Elementary, 1300 Ashley St, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The ONSE will attend the monthly community meeting to gain feedback from residents as well as provide an update.

Planning Commission (PC) Meeting
2026-01-15 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 December 15, 2025. For more information, call 803-545-3333 or visit the PC page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

Belmont Neighborhood Association monthly meeting
2026-01-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Gable Oaks Apartments, 901 Colleton Street, Columbia, SC, United States

Design/Development Review Commission (D/DRC) Meeting
2026-01-22 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 December 22, 2025. For more information, call 803-545-3222 or visit the D/DRC page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

Columbia Council of Neighborhoods Monthly Meeting
2026-01-22 18:30 - 19:30 | Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue, Columbia, 29203

G.R.I.T. Mental Health Mixer
2026-01-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
The ONSE is partnering with the G.R.I.T. Project to host a networking mixer, 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.

National Big Wig Day with Columbia Animal Services
2026-01-30 | Columbia Animal Services, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
Big Wig Day is an annual, fun-focused, charity-based day where participants wear bold, colorful wigs to raise money for cancer research and support organizations. We have some fun content planned with the animals, and we will be encouraging folks to donate their $35 that they would have spent on their new best friend’s adoption fee, to a cancer research or support organization of their choice instead. Cancer has touched all of our lives in some way, and as an organization that receives so much help and support from the community, we want to take this small opportunity to give back as well.

Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Showcases
2026-02-03 15:30 - 18:00 | City Hall Lobby, 1737 Main St, Columbia, SC, 29212, United States
The City of Columbia Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund grant recipients will host two Climate Action Showcases displaying information on their Climate Action Projects. Each booth will showcase project information and feature volunteers to speak about the project and its outcome. The showcase is drop-in style.
The January 20, 2026 showcase will feature approximately half of the 17 grant recipients and will take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall lobby. The remaining recipients will be featured at a second showcase on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., also in the City Hall lobby.
Bloomberg Philanthropies awarded the City of Columbia $100,000 in 2025 to distribute to youth aged 14-25 to conduct a climate action project. Projects ranged from upcycling athletic uniforms to blankets to a river cleanup and anti-litter education campaign. Attendees will represent the University of South Carolina, the Darla Moore School of Business, Columbia College, the SC Wildlife Federation, Dreher High School and the NAACP Youth Council.
The public and media are invited to attend.

Bingo
2026-02-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States

Healthy Conversations
2026-02-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States

Before You Pitch: Protecting The Plan
2026-02-04 12:00 - 13:30 | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/before-you-pitch-protecting-the-plan-tickets-1981040933761?aff=oddtdtcreator
Are you a current or aspiring small business owner with big plans for the new year? Join us on February 4th for this informative event!

The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities and Project OneWay will be hosting the Before You Pitch: Protecting the Plan workshop on Wednesday, February 4th beginning at 12:00 P.M.
Before You Pitch is a dynamic virtual lunch & learn designed to help you move forward with confidence. Join us for a practical, empowering session led by Corporate Attorney Doug Lineberry, an experienced intellectual property attorney with more than two decades in the legal profession, as he breaks down how entrepreneurs can protect their ideas while still taking calculated, strategic risks. From trademarks and patents to copyrights and trade secrets, this session will give you the foundational knowledge you need to share your vision safely and smartly.
If you’re ready to protect your ideas, pitch with confidence, and unlock new possibilities for your business—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Register, bring your questions, and take the next step forward—on us.
This will be a virtual workshop and the Zoom information will be provided to those who register. For more information, contact the Office of Business Opportunities at (803)545-3950 or send us an email to OBO@columbiasc.gov.

Reserve a Spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/before-you-pitch-protecting-the-plan-tickets-1981040933761?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Scrub Shop Grand Opening
2026-02-04 15:30 - 16:30 | 2101 Main St, 2101 Main St, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The City of Columbia is proud to announce the grand opening of The Scrub Shop at its newest location in downtown Columbia.
The Scrub Shop, South Carolina’s largest uniform retailer, has opened its newest location at 2101 Main Street in downtown Columbia, marking the company’s first step into the Midlands market and joining the ongoing downtown revitalization and current Bull Street projects.
Founded more than 15 years ago in the owner’s garage, The Scrub Shop has grown into the state’s leading uniform provider, serving healthcare systems and organizations across South Carolina.
“We are humbled and very thankful with the opportunity to begin our Midlands footprint,” said Billy Messer, CEO. “Being part of downtown’s revitalization while staying true to our core beliefs; “Providing a Professional Look at a Price You Deserve” makes this opening especially meaningful.”
The company is the exclusive uniform provider for Prisma Health, offering payroll deduction for more than 34,000 employees. Lexington Medical Center employees are also eligible for payroll deduction in-store, and the company works closely with MUSC facilities, providing uniforms and company logo wear.
The company’s mission remains unchanged:
“Clothing those who care for others!”

Just Ink About It 2 Grand Re-Opening
2026-02-04 16:00 - 17:00 | 2101 Main St, 2101 Main St, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The City of Columbia is proud to celebrate the grand re-opening and 1-year anniversary of Just Ink About It 2. The businesses’ journey began in 2022 with the establishment of the original Just Ink About It location opening on Hardscrabble Road.
“To our clients – thank you for trusting us with your stories, your memories, and your self-expression,” said Shavonee Singletary, General Manager. “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to create quality body art through tattoos and piercings. To the community – thank you for welcoming us and continuing to support local business. Your acceptance and encouragement mean so much to us.”

Board of Zoning Appeals (BoZA) Meeting
2026-02-05 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 January 9, 2026. For more information, call 803-545-3333 or visit the BoZA page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

Go Red Columbia Community Press and Photo Op
2026-02-06 12:00 - 14:00 | City Hall Third Floor Chambers, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina
Let’s have a heart to heart, about heart disease. The public is invited to participate in the City of Columbia’s Go Red for Women community photo op to help and support the women affected by heart disease, the number 1 killer of women.
This year’s event will be held on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 6, 2026. The Go Red for Women movement encourages awareness of this issue and action to help save lives. Both men and women are encouraged to wear red the day of the event. There is no cost to participate.
The public and media are invited to attend this event.

PALSS Annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Event
2026-02-07 11:00 - 18:00 | PALSS Office, 2638 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC, 29204, United States
The ONSE staff will participate as a community vendor and set up a table to engage directly with community members. This event provides an opportunity to share resources, build relationships, and demonstrates the collective commitment to health equity, safety, and community.

Annual Senior Red & White Gala
2026-02-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Greenview Park, 6700 David Street, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States

Columbia Police Department Recruitment Event: Session 1
2026-02-10 11:00 - 13:30 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia Police Department will host a hiring event to share details about the Police Officer Candidate and Class 3 Officer positions. The event will include an informational session hosted by CPD recruiters and the opportunity for one-on-one discussions.
Pre-employment documentation will be required for candidates who wish to move forward in the hiring process.
Documents include:

Valid driver’s license
SSN card
Copy of birth certificate
Copy of high school diploma
Ten (10) year driving record
& credit report for a national credit bureau.

Columbia Police Department Recruitment Event: Session Two
2026-02-10 17:00 - 19:30 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States

Lunch and Learn
2026-02-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States

Planning Commission (PC) Meeting
2026-02-12 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 January 12, 2026. For more information, call 803-545-3333 or visit the PC page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

Meadowfield Valentines Dance
2026-02-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Woodland Park, 6500 Olde Knight Parkway, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States

“Love is Blind” Matchmaking Adoption Event
2026-02-14 12:00 - 15:00 | Columbia Animal Services, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
Columbia Animal Services. We will be pairing potential adopters with adoptable dogs based on their personality traits, without laying eyes on each other first. Then comes the big reveal, where we will introduce the dog that fits each personality profile!
Adoption fees waived for participating dogs.
Due to logistics, we’ve changed the time from the previously announced10 AM-1 PM to an updated time of 12 PM-3 PM.

The Red Zone Sports Diner Grand Opening
2026-02-16 11:00 - 12:00 | 7500 Wilson Blvd, 7500 Wilson Blvd, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
Who: Mayor Pro Tem Tina Herbert, City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities in partnership with Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity, and The Red Zone Sports Diner owner Vanesia Davis Kelly
What: The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities in partnership with the Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity will be hosting the grand opening of The Red Zone Sports Diner on Monday, February 16, 2026 beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The Red Zone Sports Diner is more than just a restaurant – it’s a one of a kind, high-energy gathering place where great food, sports culture, and community connection come together. The Red Zone Sports Diner stands out as the only true sports diner in the area, giving guests a unique destination where the excitement of the game meets a welcoming, family-friendly dining experience. The Red Zone Sports Diner offers all day breakfast, giving customers’ freedom to enjoy their favorite morning classics whenever they want. In addition to its diverse menu and full bar, the diner creates a game day atmosphere every day, making it the perfect place for fans, families, and friends to relax, celebrate, and create lasting memories.
Vanesia Davis Kelly, owner of The Red Zone Sports Diner, is a healthcare professional and business leader, who is deeply committed to service, innovation, and community impact. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects a passion for improving quality of life from creating job opportunities and mentoring employees within the hospitality industry to leading initiatives focused on healthcare access and community wellness.
The Red Zone Sports Diner will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Columbia Parks & Recreation AARP Meeting
2026-02-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
Join us for fun, fellowship, and helpful information!
Enjoy games, connect with others, and learn about community and health resources with Columbia AARP Chapter 753.
Open to adults 50+
Free to attend!
For more information contact: 803-476-0933

Jackie Green: 803-429-0957

Belmont Neighborhood Association monthly meeting
2026-02-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Gable Oaks Community Resource Center, 901 Colleton St, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The ONSE staff will attend the monthly community meeting to gain feedback from residents as well as provide an update on violence prevention and neighborhood safety.
Event hosted by Belmont Neighborhood Association

Understanding A.I.
2026-02-17 14:00 - 15:30 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
Learn how to understand and use AI tools in clear, practical, and easy-to-follow ways. We’ll break down what AI is, how it works, and how it can be used in everyday life without the confusing tech language.
Info@FastforwardTC.Com
