The rules + details:

• Riverbanks Zoo & Garden - Wild Lights | Wednesday, Jan. 3-Sunday, Jan. 14 | 5-9 p.m. | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia | $19.99 | Catch the Wild Lights exhibition before it closes until the next holiday season.

• Tommy Stinson (The Replacements) | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 7-10 p.m. | The Spaze, 804 S. Edisto Ave., Columbia | $25-$100 | Tommy Stinson, best known as the bassist for The Replacements and a former member of Guns N’ Roses, plays a rare solo show.
• Modern Shag Night | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 8:30-11 p.m. | Bill’s Music Shop, 710 Meeting St., West Columbia | $5 | Learn this Southern staple dance and mingle with other Shag dancers.

• Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous | Friday, Jan. 5-Sunday, Jan. 21 | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $10 | Catch the exhibit before its last day.

• Gamecocks Mens Basketball vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 12 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $20+ | The Gamecocks tip off SEC play at home and look to go 13-1 on the season.
• Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, 7300 College St., Irmo | $50 | Sing along to your favorite hits like “Dreams,” “The Chain,” and “Landslide.”

• Gamecocks Women’s Basketball vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 1 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $25+ | Watch the No. 1 Gamecocks as they begin their SEC journey.

Should I arrive early?

How long is each concert?

Can I bring my kids?

• 929 Kitchen and Bar — which opened in 2018 in a former bridal shop in the Vista — announced plans to close for renovations through mid-February. Aiming to reopen before Valentine’s Day, it promises a fresh atmosphere and new menu. Can’t wait? MOA on Main Street offers a few 929 favorites.

• West Columbia secured a $288,000 grant from USDOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. This funding — aimed at improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers — will upgrade the Highway 1 Corridor with new crosswalks, sidewalks, and traffic calming measures.

• Longstanding West Columbia music venue, New Brookland Tavern, relocated to Five Points, taking over the former Cotton Gin spot on Harden Street. Check out photos from their opening night, showcasing the popular local band Sequoyah Prep School. (Free Times)

• Elevated lead levels, likely from Fort Jackson’s munitions activities, are contaminating Gills Creek watershed in Columbia. Detected near Rockyford Lake and downstream, this pollution poses risks to the ecosystem and public health. DHEC is accepting public comments on this issue until Monday, Jan. 15. (The State)

• The SC Philharmonic’s “Beethoven & Blue Jeans” event returns on Saturday, Jan. 13, featuring pianist Andrew Armstrong. This casual, denim-themed concert at the Koger Center for the Arts includes Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto + works by Brahms and Farranc, blending the comfort of cotton with classical music excellence.

• Four Main Street restaurants are offering half-price specials through Wednesday, Jan. 31. Enjoy half-off lunches at The Grand on Main, Hanabi Hibachi and Sushi, and Smoked, valid weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, Goodlife Café is offering half-off dinners from 4 to 8 p.m.

• Help shape Able SC’s understanding of disabilities by participating in a brief, anonymous five-minute survey through Wednesday, Jan. 10. The survey will help the organization gauge public perceptions of people with disabilities.