Experience Columbia SC

10/12/2026

One city, a lot of different vibes.

Spend the afternoon shopping along Devine Street, catch the energy of Five Points, explore what’s new in the BullStreet District, stroll Main Street or settle in for a meal in Forest Acres.

However you like to explore, Columbia, S.C. has a neighborhood that fits the mood.

📸: Forrest Clonts, Robb McCarter, When in Columbia, Five Points, Derek Bennion

10/09/2026

Date night plans? We’ve got you. 💘

Whether you’re craving pizza, cocktails, Indian cuisine, Mexican favorites or a more elevated dinner, Columbia, SC has plenty of spots worth making a reservation for.

Save this for your next night out + send it to the person you’re taking with you.

📸: Forrest Clonts, Lynn Luc, Anna Surette, Partner Photo

10/06/2026

Sip around Columbia and find out this fall! 🍹

10/01/2026

Meet James Agens ‘24, Meg Syms, M.A. ‘14 and Ashley Elsey ‘15, your in-the-know guides to Experience Columbia SC. Follow along on this page as we step beyond the Horseshoe with these three over the next month, sharing all of the places, eats and people that make Columbia feel like home.

10/01/2026

There’s a lot happening in Columbia, SC this October. 🍂

Kick off the month with First Thursday on Main, celebrate at Carnaval Del Barrio and the Italian Festival, make your way to the South Carolina State Fair and keep the fun going with Famously Hot SC Pride Festival.

Save this lineup for later and start making those October plans. Which event is already on your calendar? 👇

09/30/2026

Columbia — You’re so much more than just a pretty face ❤️

📸: Tucker Prescott, Forrest Clonts, WLTX

09/30/2026

They may be cooking in West Columbia, South Carolina, but City Limits Q knows their brisket and pork ribs. Vote for them in the USA Today's competition for the Best Texas-Style BBQ of 2026.

Texas-style barbecue is all about letting the meat speak for itself. No heavy sauces, no distractions — just brisket (and other cuts) cooked low and slow over hardwood, seasoned simply with salt and pepper to let the smoke do the talking.

09/29/2026

Two of Columbia's iconic BBQ spots have been nominated for USA Today's Best Carolina-Style BBQ and we know they have what it takes to earn that top spot. Go vote between now and October 18 for Doc's Barbeque and Southern Buffet and Little Pigs BBQ buffet.

Low and slow: that's the Carolina way. Renowned for its tender, hardwood-smoked pork and tangy vinegar, ketchup, or mustard-based sauces, Carolina-style barbecue is a regional treasure that's rightly earned fans all over the country.

09/28/2026

What was Columbia, S.C. like in the ’90s? 📼

Think packed shows, mall days, Gamecock weekends, Five Points nights and a city growing into the Columbia we know and love today.

What do you remember most about Columbia in the ’90s? Drop it in the comments — we might need a Part 2. 👀

📸: COLAtoday / 6AM City, Richland Library, Rick Noble, HipPostcard, Columbia Closings

09/25/2026

Fall plans in Columbia don’t have to come with a big price tag.

From cultural celebrations and live music to food, family fun and community traditions, some of our best fall festivals are completely free to attend.

Consider this your sign to plan an easy, approachable fall getaway to Columbia. 👀

📸: Experience Columbia SC, Bee Turner, Historic Columbia, Forrest Clonts, COLAtoday, Cola Daily, Sean Rayford, Columbia Star