Stuff the Storage: One-Day Donation Drive
2025-03-22 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 3800 North Main St, 3800 North Main St, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia is proud to partner with The Brook for their annual Love Week outreach initiative, inspired by John 3:16. This year, The Brook is supporting Rapid Shelter-Columbia, recognizing its vital role in serving those experiencing homelessness.
Join us for a one-day donation drive to collect essential items like toiletries, furniture, bedding and household appliances to support our unhoused neighbors. Your generosity can make a lasting impact! Let’s come together and serve our city with love.

Lifeguard Training Classes
2025-03-22 10:00 - 17:00 | Charles Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia, SC, 29204, United States

Gear Up and Garden!
2025-03-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Granby Park, 100 Catawba Cir, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States

Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee - Standing Committee Meeting
2025-03-25 13:00 - 14:00 | City Hall, Second Floor, Mayor’s Conference Room, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States

FastTrac Growth Venture
2025-03-25 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Midlands Technical College Northeast Campus, 151 Powell Road, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The Office of Business Opportunities is no longer accepting applications for the 2025 FastTrac Growth Venture course. If you have any questions, you can contact our office at (803)545-3950 or send an email to OBO@columbiasc.gov.
FastTrac Growth Venture is a course designed to support the entrepreneur seeking to take their existing business to a higher level. This program assists entrepreneurs in analyzing their current business condition to identify the best opportunities for growth. Budgeting, sales strategies, management team roles, operational systems and business plan implementation are key areas of emphasis. The course also facilitates networking between entrepreneurs and experienced professionals.
This training is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with more in-depth business skills to grow their business successfully. 2025 is the 22nd year of the collaborative partnership between the City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities and Midlands Technical College in providing the FastTrac Growth Venture training to local business owners.
To be eligible to participate in the FastTrac Growth Venture course, participants must:

Have a small business located in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, or Saluda counties.
Have a business plan or must be in operations for more than five (5) years.

Be one of the lucky few selected for this course and join the many who have successfully risen to the challenge.

Mayor's Coffee with the Press
2025-03-26 09:00 | City Hall, Second Floor, Mayor’s Conference Room, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Mayor Daniel Rickenmann will hold an informal coffee with the press the last Wednesday morning of every month. These will be informal coffee talks where representatives from all press outlets are invited to come for an update from him and to ask questions. The sessions will be held in the Mayor’s Conference Room at City Hall, 1737 Main Street. Each session will be scheduled for approximately 45 minutes.

Fleet Services Hiring Fair
2025-03-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Earlewood Park, 1113 Recreation Drive, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia will be hosting a career fair to promote openings within the Fleet Services department. As the backbone of the city’s operations, the Fleet Services department plays a vital role in maintaining and repairing our fleet of city vehicles to ensure the safety, efficiency and reliability of our many services to the community. This event is aimed at skilled technicians who are passionate about keeping our fleet running smoothly.
We are actively hiring for a variety of roles:

Light Vehicle Technician
Light Vehicle Technician, Second Shift
Heavy Vehicle Technician
Heavy Vehicle Technician, Second Shift
Heavy Vehicle Technician, Senior
Master Heavy Vehicle Technician

On the spot interviews will be held during the career fair and offers may be provided to qualified candidates. Here are a few great benefits to working with the City:

Competitive Benefits – Health, Retirement, etc
Professional Development
Various/multiple career opportunities

Game Night
2025-03-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States

NxLevel For Micro Entrepreneurs
2025-03-27 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
The Office of Business Opportunities is no longer accepting applications for the 2025 NxLevel For Micro Entrepreneurs course. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office at (803) 545-3950 or send an email to OBO@columbiasc.gov.
NxLevel For Micro Entrepreneurs Course
The NxLevel For Micro Entrepreneurs course is training that prepares entrepreneurs to compete, win, and survive in the market place. It is designed for businesses with less than five employees. Participants learn how to choose a business idea, develop a business plan, develop a marketing plan, understand market analyses, explore financing options, assess risk management, develop a customer’s service philosophy, as well as other relevant entrepreneurial skills.
To be eligible to participate in the NxLevel For Micro Entrepreneurs course, participants:

Can reside or have their small business located in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, or Saluda counties.
In the process of starting a small business or have been in operations for two (2) years or less.

Food Truck Friday!
2025-03-28 11:00 - 15:00 | 2300 Bull Street (REI Co-op parking lot at BullStreet, corner of Bull and Colonial), 2300 Bull Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Each Friday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, join us in the REI Co-op parking lot on Bull Street to enjoy lunch from a variety of food trucks!
Check out the line up for February’s food trucks:
March 7, 2025:

Lunch Box
Mamas Taste of the World
Moma Kno’z Butter Bites
Wise’s Fish & Fries

March 14, 2025:

Brown Bag Deli
Diamond’s Smokehouse BBQ
Fishers of Men
Kurt’s Kitchen

March 21, 2025: The Blood Connection Mobile Blood Drive Unit will be parked alongside the food trucks, so come out, grab lunch, and give blood to help save a life!

Fresh Pours & Mo’
Smoke It Up
Snacks & Things
Tacos Oink Oink

March 28, 2025:

Diamond’s Smokehouse BBQ
Kurt’s Kitchen
Lunch Box
Purposely Made Sweets

Tai Chi
2025-03-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Riverfront Park South, 312 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States

Father's Rights Workshop
2025-03-29 11:00 - 13:00 | Greenview Park, 6700 David Street, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States

Bingo Social
2025-04-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States

Creative Time at Columbia Art Center
2025-04-02 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-04-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Columbia Art Center, 1227 Taylor St., Ste. C
This class is a mixed media class geared towards ages 9-16. The instructor will guide the students through a mixed media class which will consist of painting, collage and other arts. The instructor will help each child to tap into their “hidden” resources that they may not be aware of. Each session will meet for four weeks.
Requirements:

• Registration fee covers materials, instruction and operational costs.
• Minimum number of students: 3
• Maximum number of students: 6

For more information call (803) 545-3093 or email ArtCenter@columbiasc.gov

How Money Works
2025-04-02 18:30 - 19:45, 2025-04-09 18:30 - 19:45 | Greenview Park, 6700 David Street, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
Learn How Money Works!Join us for a FREE financial education series every Wednesday in April, starting April 2 from 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM at Greenview Park!Gain valuable insights on money management, financial planning, and wealth-building strategies with Dr. Ken and Yolande Roach, expert financial consultants.For more info: 803-754-5223Take control of your financial future—see you there!

Board of Zoning Appeals (BoZA) Meeting
2025-04-03 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 March 7, 2025. For more information, call 803-545-3333 or visit the BoZA page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

Food Truck Friday!
2025-04-04 11:00 - 15:00 | 2300 Bull Street (REI Co-op parking lot at BullStreet, corner of Bull and Colonial), 2300 Bull Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Each Friday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, join us in the REI Co-op parking lot on Bull Street to enjoy lunch from a variety of food trucks!
Check out the line up for February’s food trucks:
April 4, 2025:

Diamond’s Smokehouse
Guy’s Hotdogs
Kurt’s Kitchen
Snacks & Things

April 11, 2025:

Cindy’s Cakes & Catering
Fishers of Men
Lobster Dogs
Maurice’s Catering

April 18, 2025: HOLIDAY (No FTF)
April 25, 2025: CD BLOCK PARTY!

Brown Bag Deli
Guy’s Hotdogs
Mamas Taste of the World
Tacos Oink Oink
Petite Sweets Bakeshop

The Prevalent Universe Grand Opening
2025-04-04 11:30 - 12:30 | 228 Assembly Street, 228 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States

Super Saturday Session
2025-04-05 08:30 - 13:00 | Ensor House, 801 Wildwood Avenue, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The ONSE is partnering with USC’s Upward Bound Program and Big Homie Lil Homie mentoring program to present a Super Saturday Session. The event will feature a parent workshop, a senior seminar, a session on social emotional learning, information on initiatives for males and females, as well as networking opportunities. The event is free and open to the public and lunch will be provided for attendees.
Event Components:

Parent Workshop
Social Emotional Learning
Teambuilding Activity
Senior Seminar
Male group initiative Session
Female initiative Session

Easter Egg Hunt
2025-04-05 11:00 - 12:30 | Booker Washington Heights, 2611 Grant Street, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States

Moms, Babies, & Families Marketplace
2025-04-05 11:00 - 15:00 | Charles Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia, SC, 29204, United States
Come connect, learn, and be empowered at this FREE event!
Join us at the Marketplace for a wealth of information and resources supporting women, moms, babies, and families. Discover vendors specializing in every stage of women’s health and wellness!
Event Highlights:

Vendor Resources: Meet vendors ranging from all stages of women’s health, pregnancy support and postpartum care
Expert Panel Discussions: Immerse yourself in inspiring stories from provider experts, birth workers, dads and mothers with lived experiences.
Blood pressure screenings: Know Your Numbers! Get free health screenings with our community partners.
Kids Play: Bring the family and enjoy face painting, balloon making and much more!

Petco Love Adoption Event
2025-04-05 12:00 - 17:00 | Petco (Fort Jackson), 110 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC, 29206, United States
Columbia Animal Services has a newly formed partnership with Petco Love! They are going to host CAS periodically for small scale adoption events, and Petco Love Lost is now our primary platform for reuniting lost pets with their families.

The Laundry Grand Opening and Tours
2025-04-09 04:00 - 17:00 | The Laundry, 2046 Talley St, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The Grand Opening for The Laundry, Columbia’s newest event venue located in the BullStreet District, is set for April 9, 2025. The celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m., followed by tours at 4:30 p.m. and a grand opening party at 5:00 p.m.
This highly anticipated venue is set to become a premier destination for weddings, corporate gatherings and special events in the heart of Columbia. The event will provide media with an exclusive first look at the restored historic building and an opportunity to interview key stakeholders behind the project.
ABOUT THE LAUNDRY
Nestled in the heart of Columbia’s thriving BullStreet District, The Laundry is a meticulously restored event venue that blends historic charm with modern elegance. Originally built in 1883, this Italianate-influenced space offers nearly 8,000 square feet of versatile indoor areas across two levels — providing a stunning backdrop for weddings, corporate gatherings and private celebrations. Beyond its beautifully designed interiors, The Laundry features “The Grove,” an expansive outdoor green space framed by majestic trees, perfect for open-air receptions and ceremonies. With its rich history, architectural beauty and state-of-the-art amenities, The Laundry is poised to become Columbia’s premier destination for unforgettable events. To learn more and book an event, visit https://www.thelaundryatbullstreet.com/ or follow The Laundry on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thelaundryatbullstreet.

Fishing With Friends
2025-04-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Southeast Park, 951 Hazelwood Rd, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
Join Parks and Recreation for “Fishing with Friends” at Southeast Park. This free event will take place at a fully stocked pond. Be sure to bring your own fishing equipment, limited live bait will be available. The event will include a friendly competition for the biggest fish in length, as well as a casting contest. You’re welcome to bring coolers, but please refrain from bringing glass.

Grand Reopening of Monkee’s of Columbia
2025-04-09 17:00 - 18:00 | 3211 Devine St, 3211 Devine St, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann, Columbia Economic Development, and Owner Morgan Chapman will be celebrating the Grand Reopening of Monkee’s of Columbia!
Monkee’s of Columbia proudly welcomes new owner Morgan Chapman to the Devine Street business community! With a passion for fashion, styling, and building lasting relationships, Morgan and her team are committed to making Monkee’s more than just a boutique — it’s a place where timeless style and personal connections come together.
Monkee’s of Columbia offers a curated collection of beloved classics and fresh new brands, ensuring every shopper finds something special. Whether visiting in-store or browsing online, customers can expect a personalized and memorable shopping experience.
“I’m thrilled to welcome both familiar faces and new friends, and I look forward to helping them discover styles that make them feel confident and beautiful,” says Morgan.
For more information, visit https://monkeesofcolumbia.com.

Planning Commission (PC) Meeting
2025-04-10 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 March 10, 2025. For more information, call 803-545-3333 or visit the PC page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.
