Good morning, Columbia.

Tickets are now on sale for the Columbia Values Diversity Celebration, an annual breakfast that will take place on Jan.

28 from 7-9 a.m. at Wyndham Expo Center—this event will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with live music, community speakers, awards and art shows. The city will also offer sponsorship for premium seating.

The 24th annual Partnership Against Hunger food drive ended Tuesday in Columbia when donors gave over $115,000 to help those facing food insecurity — a $50,000 gift from Veteran's United Foundation doubled the support, and every dollar raised will provide three meals.

The drive ran from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Meals on Wheels of Columbia is giving seven free frozen meals per household member each week at Broadway Christian Church from noon to 3 p.m. on Thursdays for SNAP-eligible Boone County residents during the holiday season — the program expanded when SNAP benefits were suspended and now supports waiting list households with canned and dry food while community partners work to increase support.

Jabberwocky Studios runs an art mobile that brings free art lessons to kids in neighborhoods across Columbia.

The program uses art as a universal language to help children learn and express themselves.

This year Boone Electric donated $1,000 to each of Rock Bridge, Hickman, Battle and Centralia high schools through its ballgame and theater events initiative—boosting local education funding.

Job Point is filing its charter school application by Jan.

31 to secure new funding—ensuring its services continue after losing a federal grant. If approved, the school will open for the 2027-28 school year and may force Columbia Public Schools to raise taxes to cover costs.

Frontier Schools applied to open a charter school in Columbia, adding to plans by Job Point.

Parents at Thomas Hart Benton Elementary are divided, with some favoring more school choice while others worry that diverting public funds from Columbia Public Schools will harm all students.

MoDOT plans safety improvements at the intersection of U.S. 63 and Route CC in Boone County after 11 crashes occurred in the past five years — including one fatality and one serious injury — by removing a crossover and adding acceleration and deceleration lanes.

Community members will have a chance to speak at a public meeting on December 9 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Sturgeon City Hall while construction is set to begin in 2026 and comments will be accepted from November 25 through December 23.

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Fry 2025

8 AM – 12 PM — Knights of Columbus CKC Event Center — $50 for individual turkeys, $99 to include a donation turkey — Enjoy perfectly fried turkeys while supporting local community projects.

Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA

8:45-9:45 p.m. — voco The Tiger Hotel — Up to 10% Off — Experience the magic of music from Queen and ABBA under candlelight in a beautiful venue.

Siilk Live Performance

7-10:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the haunting lyrics of Siilk's music as they perform live in Columbia.

SIU Edwardsville Cougars vs. Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball

2-3:30 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Check for ticket prices — Catch an exciting matchup in women's collegiate basketball.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — Jesse Hall Auditorium — Tickets start at $138 — Experience the enchanting performance of the classic holiday ballet filled with magic and joy.

Elf The Musical

2-4 p.m. — Macklanburg Playhouse — Refunds available — Enjoy a whimsical story of Buddy the Elf discovering his true identity in this festive musical.

Elf The Musical

2-4 p.m. — Macklanburg Playhouse — Refunds available up to a week prior — Delight in the holiday spirit with a musical adaptation of a beloved Christmas tale.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Historic Grand Ballroom, Tiger Hotel — Tickets Selling Fast — Experience a magical evening of Christmas carols performed by the Lisetso String Quartet under candlelight.