Breaking down the numbers

• The cost of living is 21.2% higher in Raleigh.
• To maintain our standard of living, we would need to bring in $60,592 to our Cola household.
• The median cost for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,631, which is $310 more than Cola.

• Far Niente & Friends Wine Dinner | Tue., Oct. 25 | 6-9 p.m. | Deca Dessert Bar, 301 Columbia Ave, Chapin | $175.00 | Amazing wines will be paired with a five-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Christopher Holme and the Chophouse Culinary Team.
• UofSC Symphony Orchestra - Zuill Bailey Plays Dvorak | Tue., Oct. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St, Columbia | $0.00 - $30.00 | Grammy-Award winning cellist Zuill Bailey is back.

• Drag Bingo: Ghoul’s Night Out | Wed., Oct. 26 | 6-9 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St, Columbia | Ghoulish glamour comes to life in this spooky bingo game and frightful fashion show where guests walk the haunted runway.
• The Rocky Horror Show | Wed., Oct. 26 - Sat., Oct. 29 | 8-10 p.m. | Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St, Columbia | $28.00 - $75.00 | The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Thigpen Main Stage just in time for Halloween.

• Enjoy Art in the Garden at the 2nd Annual Unumb Center Social | Thu., Oct. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | Boyd Foundation Horticultural Center at the Hampton-Preston Gardens, 1615 Blanding Street, Columbia | $75.00 | Tickets include heavy hors d’oeuvres, libations from an open bar, and access to a silent auction highlighting local artists such as Sugar and Lola, Emily Hudson, The Unumb Center’s very own clients, and more.
• Garden Asana | Thu., Oct. 27 | 8:15-9:15 a.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin Street, Columbia | Breath-centric, in-person, for everybody.

• Fall Plant Sale | Fri., Oct. 28 - Sat., Oct. 29 | 8 a.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion, 1615 Blanding Street, Columbia | Attendees will be able to purchase and learn about a wide array of plants propagated from the Living Collections across all of its historic sites.
• Fright Night Laser Lights | Fri., Oct. 28 | 6-10 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $8.00 - $10.00 | Enjoy a frightful night at the State Museum featuring a laser show choreographed to Stranger Things music in the planetarium, Dark History Tours, food, brews + more — come in costume.*
• The NoMa Flea | Fri., Oct. 28 - Fri., Dec. 16 | 6-9 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St, Columbia | Free | The Friday market features vintage curators, candle makers, fine artists, herbal healers, fashion designers, local jewelers, and expert collectors with beverages + foods available.
• Spooky Spirits Bash | Fri., Oct. 28 | 7-11 p.m. | Junction 800, 800 Gervais Street , Columbia | $100.00 - $180.00 | A fun Halloween event ft. raffle games, food, drinks, and music — all funds raised go to providing camp experiences for children and adults with disabilities, illnesses, and other life challenges.*

• 78º | Partly cloudy | 6% chance of rain

• The Gamecocks have officially moved into the Top 25 in this week’s college football rankings. After securing back-to-back wins at Kentucky and against Texas A&M last Saturday night, the Gamecocks are now ranked No. 25 in the Associated Press + AFCA Coaches polls. ⬆️ (AP)

• R&B legends, Kem and Ledisi, announced that “The Soul II Soul Tour” is coming to Colonial Life Arena on Friday, Feb. 3. Ledisi won a GRAMMY last year for Best Traditional R&B performance for the song “Anything for You.” Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. 🎵

• The Love Your Block grant application is now open. Apply for up to $1200 to take on a sustainable project in your neighborhood like revamped signage, beautification, or neighborhood events. Applications are due by Thurs., Nov. 10. 🏘️
• TD Bank has partnered with the PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation to enhance opportunities for disabled Veterans in the Midlands. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The 6 to 8 week curriculum is taught by PGA professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. ⛳

• The UofSC Department of Theatre and Dance will present Bess Wohl’s inventive comedy “Small Mouth Sounds” Nov. 11-18 at Longstreet Theatre. Tickets are on sale now, and guests are encouraged to enter from the rear breezeway off Sumter Street.

• Monster Mash? How about Monster Matcha? Head over to Blum Coffee to try the new Pumpkin Chai and Monster Matcha, and keep a googly eye out for some drinks dyed red. 👹

• Fair food fanatics are everywhere — even in the SEC. ESPN commentators Tom Hart + Jordan Rodgers caught some national attention when the SC State Fair delivered a foot-long corndog, a donut burger, and a giant turkey leg during the Gamecocks game against Texas A&M. 🚀

• Have any unused or expired prescription medication? Sat., Oct. 29 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Stop by Lexington Medical Center (222 E. Medical Ln.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to dispose of pills, liquids, and patches (needles will not be accepted). 💊

• We want to make sure that you’re catching all the sports coverage you need to join the conversation. As the fall season gets going, tell us what kind of sports content you want to see in COLAtoday. By completing the survey, you’ll be entered in a drawing for a chance to win team-branded swag up to $100 in value.

• Attention, COLA travelers: Want more nonstop flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)? Then you’ll need to do one thing: Fly local. We’re sharing five reasons CAE should be your go-to choice when taking to the skies (hint: one reason includes more routes). ✈️ *

• Did you know? Soda Citizens can access free tax services to file their returns + claim their tax refunds via the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The Cooperative Ministry is searching for volunteers to help support VITA for the upcoming tax season. Learn more + sign up to volunteer.*

• Here’s a friendly reminder that we’re less than a week out from Halloween. Have you bought your costume yet? What about the candy? And if you wanna be the coolest parent or grandparent on the block — while increasing your trick-or-treater’s nighttime visibility — grab this affordable 100-pack of glow sticks.*

• Did you know you can support COLAtoday through our retail store? We’re celebrating Columbia’s unique landmarks and history with our online shop. Show off your COLA pride with stickers, hoodies, mugs, and more. No need to wait. Start shopping.