NEWS & Happenings

The Congaree Vista Guild will welcome new and returning students to the area with its participation in the 3-day Capital City Kickoff event. Vista businesses will participate on Saturday, August 29 from 1-5pm with special promotions as well as a free concert in Finlay Park at 6 p.m.

The Capital City Kickoff is a 3-day experience intended to acquaint new and returning students to various areas in Columbia and showcase areas known for shopping, dining and entertainment.

"The Capital City Kickoff is a great opportunity for the Vista’s businesses to show what they have to offer in dining, entertainment and shopping,” said Congaree Vista Guild Executive Director, Abby Anderson. “We hope students will join us on Saturday afternoon and enjoy a meal, some shopping and everything the Vista has to offer.”

Several Vista businesses are participating in the Capital Crawl with specials and discounts on August 29th to welcome guests to the area.

- AURA Kitchen + Bar (916 Gervais Street)- Visit AURA and enjoy a live DJ, student-exclusive food and drink specials, and giveaways throughout the event. Students with a valid college ID will receive 15% off food, enjoy our handcrafted mocktails and signature menu, and have the opportunity to enter a giveaway for an Aura Kitchen + Bar gift card by following us on social media. 

- South Carolina State Museum (301 Gervais Street)- All students receive free museum general admission on August 29 from 1 - 5 p.m.

- Grill Marks (711 Gervais Street)- Come enjoy free mini shakes as well as drink and food specials. Experience the limited time offer: Sweet Caroline burger made with brisket chili combo with fries and Marks Lager/or soda $16.99. Branded swag giveaway drawing starts at 4:30 (must be present to win). Experience outdoor games on the patio.

- Addam’s Gamecock Gear (740 Gervais Street, Suite 150)- Stop by for all your Gamecock needs to start the school year! Special discount for attendees while you enjoy light refreshments! Also, enjoy a free gift when you follow Addams Gamecock Gear on Instagram (while supplies last).

- Experience Columbia SC Visitors Center (1120 Lincoln Street)- The Columbia Visitors Center is excited to welcome all our new students to the city! We love sharing all of the fun and interesting things that Columbia has to offer! Come by for maps, insider information and advice about Columbia, FREE popcorn and treats, door prizes, and discounts on Columbia merch and locally made items!

- The Raccoon’s Den (1223 Lincoln Street)- Enjoy new sale items and enter the raffle for free admission to the next art class.

- Escapology Columbia (717 Lady Street, Suite D)- Join the escape with a 20% off discount code (USCVISTA20) that is valid from Thursday through Saturday. Also, enter the raffle to win a free game for up to 6 players.

- Downtown Beach Bar & Grill (918 Gervais Street)- Join us for a beach party with a special guest DJ. Frozen cocktails drink specials and $1 off Tacos!

- Small Mart At Richland Library Main (1431 Assembly Street)- Small Mart is an annual celebration of all things tiny! This year’s free event includes an incredible artist market with nothing over 4 inches, tiny games and art activities, and Finders Keepers, a tiny art scavenger hunt.