Good morning, Columbia.

Local residents are invited to submit their pumpkin carvings via the website’s Chime In page for a chance to be featured on Live At Sunrise next week—on Halloween, the best design will be selected.

Trent Rash, executive director of The Missouri Symphony since August 2019—Columbia’s trusted art guide—has curated a series of events featuring a Sondheim musical at 111 Orr Street from October 23-26, a jazz concert at Murry’s on October 26, The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Columbia Entertainment Company on October 30-November 2 and November 6-9, an art festival at the Wyndham Executive Center on November 1-2, and a Shaky Graves concert at The Blue Note on November 12. This guide offers local art lovers a clear view of upcoming culture highlights.

Daniel Boone Regional Library announced the winners of its Flash Fiction Contest that asked writers to tell stories inspired by the North Woods.

The contest celebrated creative work with entries that vividly focused on the setting (organized by the library).

Mizzou's landscape team earned the Grand Award at the PGMS Green Star Awards on October 23 in Louisville — the top honor for universities with over 500 acres after 12 industry peers evaluated turf management, design, safety, challenges, budget, and sustainability.

Multiple law enforcement agencies across Mid-Missouri will accept unused and expired prescription drugs Saturday as part of the national Drug Take Back Day organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Drop-off sites (including Harry S. Truman VA Hospital and MU Student Center in Columbia) will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Boone County commissioners will add $50,000 from American Rescue Act Funds to the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri to keep shelves stocked amid concerns over delayed SNAP and WIC benefits during the government shutdown.

Food Bank spokesperson Katie Adkins said the extra funds will support operations for about 11,000 to 12,000 monthly clients — a measure aimed at easing rising local food insecurity.

MoDOT is urging drivers to practice safe driving after reports show highway fatalities dropped only 1% from last year and may soon increase.

The department will host safety events on Oct 28 in Chesterfield—at noon—and on Oct 29 in Columbia, Lee’s Summit and Springfield to review prevention efforts.

City crews will repair concrete on West Ash Street near the ARC parking lot entrance at 1701 W.

Ash St. starting 7 a.m. Monday with plans to finish by 4 p.m. Tuesday—work may extend if weather causes delays. Temporary lane closures will be in place, but one lane remains open and flaggers and signs will guide traffic.

Columbia/Boone County Public Health & Human Services announced two walk-in flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be held next week—Tuesday, Oct.

28 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Friendship Christian Church—Friendship Building and Thursday, Oct. 30 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Columbia Public Library, available to all residents. Residents can receive the updated flu vaccine regardless of insurance and may pay $125 for the COVID vaccine if uninsured.

The Hunter's Guild - A Tribute to K-Pop Demon Hunters

2-5 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Celebrate K-Pop demon hunters with an exciting show at this community event.

Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball Exhibition

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Tickets available — Catch the Missouri Tigers take on the Maryville Saints in an exciting women's basketball exhibition.

Hocus Pocus Movie Night

6:30-9 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Experience the Sanderson Sisters in this Halloween classic filled with witchy fun and spooky laughs for the whole family.

2000s Halloween Party at The Blue Note

9 PM – 12 AM — The Blue Note — Entry details not specified — Celebrate the nostalgic vibes of the 2000s with electrifying entertainment and costumes.

Kolton Moore & The Clever Few Concert

8 PM — Rose Music Hall — Cost TBD — Experience the rising sounds of Kolton Moore & The Clever Few in an engaging live performance.

2025 Missouri Tigers Basketball Season Tickets

Sun, Nov 2, 11:59 PM — Hearnes Center — Ticket purchase — Secure your season tickets for an exciting year of Missouri Tigers basketball action.

Historic Wood Windows: Myths, Maintenance & Restoration

6-7:45 p.m. — Sawdust Studios — Free admission — Discover the myths of window replacement and learn about historic restoration techniques from an expert.

Main Street Summit

Main Street Summit is a premier business event that brings together 1,000+ business owners, operators, and entrepreneurs for expert-led sessions across seven industry tracks, including venture/startups, manufacturing, construction, franchising, health, faith & work, and non-profit - all happening November 4-6, 2025 in Columbia, MO. This event is relevant to the Columbia community as it positions the city as a hub for small business innovation and growth, attracting world-class speakers and industry leaders to share practical insights in intimate, small-group settings rather than traditional conference formats, while showcasing Columbia as a destination for entrepreneurial excellence in the heart of Main Street America.

Main Street Summit

Main Street Summit is a premier business event that brings together 1,000+ business owners, operators, and entrepreneurs for expert-led sessions across seven industry tracks, including venture/startups, manufacturing, construction, franchising, health, faith & work, and non-profit - all happening November 4-6, 2025 in Columbia, MO. This event is relevant to the Columbia community as it positions the city as a hub for small business innovation and growth, attracting world-class speakers and industry leaders to share practical insights in intimate, small-group settings rather than traditional conference formats, while showcasing Columbia as a destination for entrepreneurial excellence in the heart of Main Street America.

Bitchin Bajas Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Cafe Berlin — Tickets from $0 — Experience the ambient sounds of Bitchin Bajas in a top-rated local venue.

Elio Screening

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Experience a heartwarming intergalactic tale of humanity's worth through Elio's adventure.