City of Columbia, Columbia SC

G.R.I.T. Mental Health Mixer
2026-01-28 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | 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

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.
