City of Columbia, Columbia SC

Meadowfield Valentines Dance
2026-02-12 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Garden Workshop
2026-02-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue, Columbia, 29203

Design/Development Review Commission (D/DRC) Meeting
2026-02-19 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 19, 2026. For more information, call 803-545-3222 or visit the D/DRC page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

Homebuyer Workshop
2026-02-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Virginia Bedford Community Center, 1113 Recreation Dr, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
A Homebuyer Workshop to learn essential steps in the home buying process.
Topics Include:

Money Management Tips
Understanding credit scores and reports
Debt Management Strategies

This session is perfect for first-time buyers looking for guidance on making informed financial decisions. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the tools you need for successful homeownership!
Register here: https://forms.columbiasc.gov/260067833553964

Crown & Ash Cigar Lounge Grand Opening
2026-02-20 14:00 - 14:30 | Crown & Ash Cigar Lounge, 101 Sparkleberry Crossing Rd. Suite 4, Columbia, SC, 29229, United States
The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting the grand opening of Crown & Ash Cigar Lounge on Friday, February 20, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. City representatives will be in attendance.
Crown & Ash Cigar Lounge is an experience for all cigar lovers – from beginners seeking guidance to aficionados chasing complexity. Customers can explore hand-selected cigars, expertly paired with premium beer and curated wines. The atmosphere seamlessly blends timeless sophistication with modern comfort, featuring leather seating, warm lighting, and rich finishes to create the perfect space for conversation, relaxation, and indulgence. In addition to offering cigars and spirits, they will host private events, live entertainment and host guided experiences designed to teach people about cigars, how they are made and beverage pairings.
Dr. Tiniece Javis, a native of Orangeburg, SC, is a graduate of South Carolina State University and received her Master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina in Mathematics Education and Educational Administration respectively. Currently, Dr. Javis is the Director of Human Resources for the City of Columbia. Justin Nelson, who is from Charlotte, NC, currently serves as Plant Manager for Martin Marietta Materials and a graduate of South Carolina State University and the University of Phoenix. Through Crown & Ash Cigar Lounge, Dr. Javis and Mr. Nelson’s goal is to bring people together through their love of cigars and provide a relaxing environment for people to enjoy.
Crown & Ash Cigar Lounge is located on 101 Sparkleberry Crossing Road, Suite 4, Columbia, SC 29229 and their hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Finlay Fridays - Live in the Park - The Reggie Sullivan Band
2026-02-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Finlay Park, 930 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Start your weekend at Finlay Park with live music from The Reggie Sullivan Band!

Educational Event for Beat the Heat—Plant a Tree Initiative
2026-02-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Johnnie Cordell Breed Leadership Lecture Hall, 1301 Columbia College Dr, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
Columbia Green and the City of Columbia are excited to partner with Columbia College to offer our next free educational event for Beat the Heat—Plant a Tree on January 31st at Columbia College. This popular event highlighting the Beat the Heat program is a collaboration between Columbia Green and the City to give away thousands of shade trees to property owners across greater Columbia. Urban trees are our best defense against extreme urban heat, air pollution, storm water runoff, and the health disparities that exist in neighborhoods lacking a healthy tree canopy and ready access greenspaces.
This month’s event, hosted by Columbia College at the Johnnie Cordell Breed Leadership Lecture Hall, will focus especially on the health benefits of trees and the public health imperative of rebuilding our urban canopy. Why? Because numerous studies show that lack of access to a healthy urban tree canopy has many negative effects on public health outcomes, including higher incidence of stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
Columbia College got involved with Beat the Heat because they see this partnership as a way to do something about the public health crisis that exists all around them. “The 29203 zip code spans approximately 62 square miles and is home to over 41,000 people across communities rich with talent, resilience, and opportunity for impact. It is also a place facing serious health inequities, including one of the highest rates of diabetes-related amputations in the nation,” said John Dozier, president of Columbia College “That reality calls for action. We are leaning into partnerships and solutions that strengthen health, build knowledge, and improve daily life in our neighborhoods. Partnering with Columbia Green to put more trees into our community is a practical step we can take right now. Healthier neighborhoods begin with shared responsibility, and this is an invitation for our neighbors to join us and learn how to access free trees to help reforest the places they call home.”
Brian Neiger, Superintendent of Forestry and Beautification for the City, said that several tree canopy studies undertaken by the University of South Carolina show a significant decline in our urban canopy, specifically on private property. “The City is planting many more trees in public rights of way each year than we must take down due to age, storm damage, or disease, so we know that most of this loss is due to development on private property. By giving away shade trees to property owners, we are helping to reverse a 22% decline in our urban canopy over the last 15 years.”
A special challenge faced by the people who live in the 29203 area and surrounding areas is that a great many people rent their homes. “We encourage both renters and property owners to attend our events so that working together, we can get large numbers of shade trees into our neighborhoods, especially in areas with low urban tree canopy, said Jennifer Young, Executive Director of Columbia Green. “Even if property owners don’t attend, renters can take information about Beat the Heat back to their property owners who can request free trees. We have many renters who offer to plant trees if their property owner will order them. We have also had a couple of apartment complexes apply for enough trees to plant entire groves. So, whether you own residential or commercial property, we are here to help you grow some shade!”
Adam Elvington, President of Columbia Green, works tirelessly to protect urban greenspaces. He spends much of his time hiking, birdwatching, and helping to remove invasive plants and trash from public greenspaces. “Protecting our existing trees and rebuilding our urban forest doesn’t just add beauty to our city,” he says. “Our urban forest is the ecosystem that insects, pollinators, birds, and creatures—including us—depend on for our survival. Planting trees today is an act of hope for the world we will leave to our children and grandchildren. It all starts in your own backyard.”
Beat the Heat – Plant a Tree kicked off in July of 2024 with a celebration and educational event at Benedict College. Originally funded by a USDA grant, the program is now entirely funded by private donations to Columbia Green, a 501 (3) (c) nonprofit. Since its inception, the project has given away over 1,550 native 7-gallon shade trees. “On average, it costs about $100 to deliver a 7-gallon native shade tree with a TreeDiaper® watering device to a participant’s door,” explained Young. “Providing free educational events and resources, free trees and watering devices, and coordinating distribution requires that we raise money,” she said. “A lot of it. We all know the adage that money doesn’t grow on trees…? Well, the truth is, trees grow on money. So, whether you are an individual, or the leader of a business or industry in greater Columbia, by contributing to our reforestation efforts, you can join our team of heroes.” Young added that their goal is to raise a million dollars to fund trees.
To learn more about the program and see the list of available trees, visit the Beat the Heat page at columbiagreen.org. “Even if you cannot attend one of our events, if you own property, you can apply to receive free trees on our website,” added April Lucas, Beat the Heat Committee Chair. “Get your orders in now if you want to plant during this planting season,” she said. “Our planting season here is SC runs from mid-October to early March. After early March, it isn’t safe to plant young trees if you want them to survive the summer heat. But we will continue to take orders for trees throughout the year and will resume distribution in October for the 2026-2027 planting season.”
Beat the Heat educational events are free and open to everyone. Come and learn how you can be part of the solution to urban heat and foster a healthier community, starting in your own backyard.
Sign up to attend at: https://columbiagreen.org/beattheheat
Share with a friend…or your whole neighborhood! If you rent your home, please share with your property owner.

Old School Gospel Concert
2026-02-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Greenview Park, 6700 David Street, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States

First Quarter ONSE Community Resource Fair
2026-02-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Bethlehem Baptist Church, 5909 North Main St., Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The ONSE is partnering to host its first quarterly resource fair of 2026. The purpose of the event is to connect residents with essential services in a welcoming environment and help reduce barriers to access for individuals and families in need. Participating service provides will have materials to share about their services and mobile units will be available for testing and other wellness services.

Black History Game Night
2026-02-25 13:00 - 14:00 | 1735 Busby St, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States

Steinway Piano Gallery Grand Opening
2026-02-25 13:30 - 14:00 | Steinway Piano Gallery, 3217 Devine St, Columbia, SC, 29205, United States
Steinway comes back home. Steinway & Sons returns to Devine Street with the opening of its new Steinway Piano Gallery in Columbia. Steinway & Sons was the flagship piano line for Rice Music House which was located on Devine Street for many decades until they moved in the early 2000s.
“I still remember walking into the old Rice Music House on Devine Street as a child and discovering the beauty of the Steinway Piano. Leaving Devine Street was a sad day for many of us, to now return to our historic roots of the Shandon community with this beautiful boutique filled with the complete family of Steinway pianos is a dream come true,” said Robert Schaeffer, VP of Steinway Piano Gallery – Columbia.
When Mark and Katherine Love purchased Rice Music House in June of 2024, they committed to returning to Devine with a rebranded Steinway gallery.
The new boutique gallery features the full line of Steinway-designed pianos, including hand-crafted Steinway & Sons, Boston, Essex, and Spirio, which is featured in the new Spirio Lounge.
The new gallery is the fourth in the Steinway Carolinas group of Steinway Galleries. It joins the Charlotte, Greensboro, and Greenville, galleries as the exclusive representative for Steinway & Sons in the area.
“Devine Street has always been the upscale center of retail for the Columbia area, and there was just no place else we wanted to be,” said Mark Love, CEO of Steinway Carolinas. Katherine Love, President, said that Devine Street is ‘a perfect fit’ and is excited to have found the right home for the boutique.

Procurement & Contracts Forum for Small Businesses
2026-02-25 15:30 - 18:00 | Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue, Columbia, 29203
Overview

Join us for the Small Business Procurement & Contracts Forum to learn how City procurement works and how to compete successfully.

What you’ll learn:

How the City’s contracting & procurement process works
Step-by-step guidance on navigating the eBid system
How to read & understand solicitation packages & requirements
Who to connect with—meet City decision-makers
What upcoming procurement opportunities are available & how to track them

⚠️ Space is limited—register early to secure your seat today!

Read more

Columbia Council of Neighborhoods Monthly Meeting
2026-02-26 18:00 - 19:30 | South Edisto Park, 1914 Wiley St, Columbia, SC, 29205, United States

Finlay Fridays - Live in the Park - Jon Rooks Band
2026-02-27 18:00 - 21:00 | Finlay Park, 930 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Start your weekend with a live concert at Finlay Park! This Friday will feature the Jon Rooks Band

Junior Salsa
2026-02-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Emily Douglas Park, 2431 Terrance Way, Columbia, SC, 29205, United States

Black History Celebration
2026-02-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Greenview Park, 6700 David Street, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States

Black History Heritage Ball
2026-02-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Charles Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia, SC, 29204, United States

The OAU Pan African Annual Jollof Rice Competition 2026
2026-02-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Community Room at the Sheriff’s Department, 2500 Decker Blvd, Columbia, SC, 29206, United States
The OAU Pan African Annual Jollof Rice Competition 2026 is bringing the heat, the culture, and the ultimate Jollof bragging rights to the city. Come taste, celebrate, and see who takes home the crown.

Distinguished Guest of Honour:

Honorable Daniel Rickenmann, Mayor of City of Columbia
Representative Leon Howard, South Carolina House of Representatives
Mrs. Doris Omoile Afam, Entrepreneur

Chief Sponsor

Chief Dr. Eleanya Ogburu (Miri Oma), CEO Midlands Neurology and Pain Associates

Chief Judge of the Competition

Barrister Mrs. Ngozi Ezeihuaku (Oso di eme)

Bingo Night
2026-03-04 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!

Senior BINGO
2026-03-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States

Board of Zoning Appeals (BoZA) Meeting
2026-03-05 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 February 6, 2026. For more information, call 803-545-3333 or visit the BoZA page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

Ramadan Sharing 2026
2026-03-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Masjid Noor UI Huda, 800 Amberley Rd., Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
ONSE staff (Dr. Fordham) will attend this event as part of the “4” Block Promise community engagement initiative. This event seeks to provide a mosque tour, educate attendees of faith and tradition, and close in prayer.

Finlay Fridays - Live in the Park - Opus & The Frequencies
2026-03-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Finlay Park, 930 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Start your weekend with a live concert at Finlay Park! This Friday will feature Opus & The Frequencies

NEW DATE - Jump Start Your Heart Day Party
2026-03-07 11:00 - 13:00 | Finlay Park, 930 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
WHAT: February is National Heart Month and in conjunction with the Go Red movement, which encourages awareness of heart disease and heart health, the City will hold the third annual “Jump Start Your Heart” Day Party on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Finlay Park.
The event was originally scheduled for February 21 but has been rescheduled due to forecasted rain to ensure the best possible experience for attendees, vendors and participants.
The “Jump Start Your Heart” Day Party will feature a variety of FREE activities including health screenings, giveaways, health-related exhibitors, workouts, pickleball demonstrations and more.
Exhibitors will be open for the entire duration of the event for individuals who would like to drop in and receive educational and health-
There is no cost to participate.
WHERE: Finlay Park, 930 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201
WHO: The public and media are invited to attend this free event.
WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Project Unity USA Community Leadership Forum on Crime and the Economy
2026-03-07 13:00 - 15:00 | South Carolina Department of Archives and History, 8301 Parklane Rd., Columbia, SC, 29223, United States
ONSE staff (Dr. Fordham) will attend and serve as a panelist for the discussion regarding crime and the economy. Dr. Fordham will share insights on violence premention and how crime impacts local economies.
