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Hey Columbia, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Free compost for residents, a dog park bar debate, and BockFest 2026 + lots of fun things to do for free.

Quick money tip: 2025 was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%. Analysts expect the momentum to continue, making precious metals a smart way to protect your savings. Curious how it works? Check out AHG’s free investor guide.*

📰 In the news

Local gardeners take note: Free compost for City of Columbia residents is coming April 4 at the Public Works Solid Waste Division site, perfect for gardens and landscaping, but not available to commercial businesses — get date, location, and details.

Pet-friendly hangout sparks debate: Developers plan a fenced dog park bar with picnic tables and a food truck in Cottontown on North Main. Some neighbors raise zoning concerns and questions about liquor insurance costs — see plans and local concerns.

Traffic overhaul draws local reaction: A roundabout is planned on Highway 6 in Lexington County at Jim Spence and Meadowfield roads, and SCDOT plans to install an all-way stop to improve safety before construction — see what’s planned and why.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*

Paying hundreds of dollars a month for car insurance? Switching providers could save you up to $600 a year, and shopping around is way faster than it used to be – free comparison tools like this one make it easy.*

Highlights this week:

• Shuck unlimited oysters for a cause
• Fire truck pull fuels pediatric research
• South Carolina Philharmonic serenades Hampton-Preston gardens
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home*

💎 Local business spotlight

Let them zoom: If your pup’s been giving you side-eye at the leash, NOMA Bark Park is a membership-based community spot with separate small/large areas, shade trees, benches, running water, and evening lighting—a low-stress way for local dogs (and humans) to socialize without the chaos. (nomabarkpark.org)

Upgrade your unwind time: Craving a little pause button? Slip into OCCO Luxury Spa + Salon for legit massages, glow-boosting facials, and a calm lounge vibe that makes doomscrolling feel optional—aka a quick reset that actually sticks.

Late-night shenanigans await: Whether your week needs a weird-and-wonderful reset or just a no-frills pour, Art Bar keeps Columbia’s creative mischief humming with karaoke, trivia, and live sets in a delightfully offbeat space (yes, the Blue Lady is watching). Round up a friend and make a midweek promise to stay for “just one.”

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, *their curated kits are worth a look →

The $1,300 mistake most Americans make every year: According to the National Financial Education Council, poor financial literacy costs the average American over a thousand dollars annually. That’s not investment losses. That’s money lost to bad decisions, missed strategies, and advice from people who may not always put your interests first. There’s a free way to fix that, and it starts with one question. Find out what it is →

$22k in interest (on a $30k balance): That’s what minimum payments cost you over 20 years. You’ll pay back nearly double what you borrowed, and your credit card company is counting on you not doing that math. Debt settlement programs negotiate balances down and get people out of debt in 2-4 years instead of 20. Learn more about how they work →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared five programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as “normal wear and tear,” and they’re 100% on you. We looked into solutions that fill that gap. Here’s what we found →

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🚲 Basic Bicycle Maintenance Clinic @ Outspokin’ Bicycles | Wednesday (3/18) at 6:15 PM – Your bike called, it wants fewer mystery noises and TLC. Swing by the Devine St. shop for a free basics clinic covering pre-ride checks, flat fixes and prevention, proper drivetrain lube, and gear and brake tweaks, plus a Q&A. Email [email protected] to reserve a spot.

🎨 Vista Art Night @ Koger Center for the Arts | Friday (3/20) at 5:30 PM – Remember the Lady Vista mural on Gervais? Her creator, Cait Maloney, is taking over The Nook at the Koger Center with a free opening reception, fresh illustrations, and plenty of clever design that beats staring at your walls, and your inbox.

🍺 BockFest 2026 @ Bierkeller Brewing Company | Saturday (3/21) at 12:00 AM – Spring’s finally showing off, so Bierkeller’s firing up Bockfest, a proper German-style kickoff to Keller season with fresh bocks, fest food, and live tunes. Free to wander in, easy to linger. Ceremonial keg tapping, green views, and zero pretense. Prost, Columbi-ja.

🚘 Japanese Import Car Drive-In @ Town of Irmo | Saturday (3/21) at 9:00 AM – Think your Miata still turns heads, or at least starts? Roll into the Japanese Import Car Drive-In at the Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival, free to attend at Town of Irmo’s admin lot. Showing your ride? Spots are limited, pre-register, and chase the Treasure Goblin trophy.

🎨 Midlands Spring Arts & Crafts Market @ South Carolina State Farmers Market (West Columbia) | Saturday (3/21) at 9:00 AM – The Midlands’ biggest handmade market returns to the South Carolina State Farmers Market with 150 plus makers, free admission, free parking, and pets welcome. If your porch needs less pollen and more personality, browse, chat, and leave with something you did not know you needed.

🎷 Jazz Jam Session @ Curiosity Coffee Bar | Sunday (3/22) at 4:00 PM – Curiosity is teaming up with ColaJazz for a laid-back jazz jam, the kind where the solos cook and the food truck changes every time. No cover, all ages, and drinks from espresso to wine. A proper weekend wind-down, with actual musicians, not playlists.

🧶 Craft Night @ All Good Books | Monday (3/23) at 6:00 PM – Bring that half-finished scarf to AGB’s Craft Night, grab a seat at the community table, and call it quality time. Crochet, scrapbook, chat with crafters, listen to an audiobook, it’s free, no registration, kiddos welcome, and coffee, tea, beer, and wine are available for purchase.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Columbia report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 51°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 51. West wind 6 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Northwest wind 2 to 8 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 52°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 0%

Partly sunny, with a high near 52. East wind around 3 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Southeast wind around 2 mph.

This house is wild

Rich hardwoods, two fireplaces, and a formal living room frame this updated home with a tucked-away office and an oversized kitchen. Gas stove, double ovens, two refrigerators, and pantry with wine fridge surround an island opening to the family room. A luxe primary suite, covered porch, fenced yard, and Brennen, Crayton, Flora zoning complete the package near USC and downtown.

Take a peek inside →