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“I got a rock”
A scene from last year’s Trunk or Treat at Brookland-Cayce High School. | Photo provided by Lexington School District Two
Halloween is rapidly approaching, and you know what that means — time for a few tricks, hopefully more treats, and we’ll leave out that bit about the feet this time.
When it comes to the kiddos getting the most sweets out of Halloween, it pays to plan. We’ve rounded up a few trick-or-treating events around Cola so those bags will sag.
Boo at the Zoo | Friday, Oct. 18-Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 6-9 p.m.
Join Riverbanks Zoo for a spooktacular night of trick-or-treating and Halloween-themed activities like the haunted carousel and spooky train rides. This event is perfect for kids under 12 + tickets are $15-$18.
Saluda Shoals Park Trick-or-Treat Trail | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This Halloween-themed trail at Leo’s Landing Playground, is perfect for kids 12 and under. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 day of.
Brookland-Cayce High School Trunk or Treat | Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 5-7 p.m.
This free event on Brookland-Cayce’s campus invites families to enjoy trick-or-treating, with candy from student groups, faculty, and volunteers.
Not-so-Spooky Halloween Stroll | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 2-5 p.m.
Families can trick-or-treat through Richland Library Main and 16 businesses on Main Street for candy and non-food treats as part of the Teal Pumpkin Project.
Five Points Trick-or-Treat | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 2-4 p.m.
Take a stroll through the Five Points village collecting candy from local merchants, plus fun interactive experiences like pumpkin pong and free pinball for kids at Bang Back Pinball Lounge.
Trunk or Treat with Historic Columbia | Monday, Oct. 28 | 5:30-7 p.m.
Take your sweets with a side of history at this free event on the grounds of Robert Mills House with candy, games, and music by DJ Roy Neptune. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.
Asked
Asked
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever received trick-or-treating?
SC Phil Presents Juliet and Her Romeo | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Koger Center | 15+ | Shakespeare’s classic story comes to life through Prokofiev’s moving ballet score.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Artists Pop-Up at the Columbia Visitors Center | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Columbia Visitors Center | Free | Each week, Experience Columbia features at least two artists of different mediums and styles.
The Price is Right Live! | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $29+ | Come on down to this interactive stage show.
Sunday, Oct. 20
The Revue: Drag Brunch Edition | 12-3:30 p.m. | The Venue |1626 on Main | Price of purchase | This drag brunch is hosted by the one and only, Paris Lefaris.
Those Lavender Whales Concert Film | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Nickelodeon Theatre | $12 | In the summer of 2023, the surviving members of Those Lavender Whales, joined by family, friends and special guests, gathered in Columbia to pay tribute to the music and memory of Aaron Graves.
Presented by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
Croquet is gaining popularity as a form of exercise that people of varied physical abilities can enjoy together. | Photo provided by Still Hopes
It’s no secret that association croquet is fun for all ages and abilities — but did you know it has potential health benefits? Think: Improved physical fitness, concentration, and mental agility. It can also reduce stress.
That’s why Still Hopes is especially excited about its latest addition: a new croquet court and pavilion, gifted by resident Susan F. Boyd. Now, the older adult community can enjoy this popular sport with friends and family without leaving home.
Robinson Room’s final day of service at 1614 Main St. will be Sunday, Oct. 20. The restaurant is relocating to a new, unannounced spot on Main Street, reassuring customers that this is not a closure but a step toward something special.
Award
Lexington Medical Center has earned “Magnet with Distinction” recognition for nursing excellence, becoming the only hospital in SC to achieve this honor. Only 13 hospitals nationwide currently hold this designation, recognizing high-quality patient care and nursing leadership.
Civic
Richland County Councilwoman Allison Terracio proposed a construction moratorium in Columbia’s Olympia neighborhood to preserve its character. The pause would allow time to set guidelines under the county’s land development code, ensuring future projects fit the area’s historic charm. (WLTX)
Shop
Wingard’s Market has renamed their Gift Shoppe to the Giftique, offering a boutique shopping experience just in time for the holiday season. Located in the original Wingard family home, the shop features unique gifts + local items.
We’ve raised $17,000+ for BeLoved Asheville from readers across North and South Carolina — thank you. 100% of donations go toward supporting food and water distribution, clothing and supply deliveries, and debris cleanup across the region.
Sports
The wrong team is favored in Oklahoma vs. South Carolina. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Finance
If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Experts identified these top credit cards for anyone looking to pay down debt with no interest until 2026.*
Drink
Staying hydrated is easy (and delicious) with NativePath’s Hydrate drink mix. Each serving includes essential amino acids + electrolytes that foster optimal hydration with zero added sugar.*
Environment
Environment
🌳 Throwing good shade
Different local trees you can plant around Columbia.
| Photo by COLAtoday team taken at Gardener’s Outpost.
Fun fact: Did you know that areas with less tree canopy can be 10 degrees hotter?
Columbia Green — a local nonprofit that promotes beautification through gardening, horticulture, education + conservation — is hosting an educational lunch with free food and will distribute tree vouchers for those who wish to receive a shade tree. The event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Eau Claire Print Building at 11:30 a.m.
The Beat the Heat initiative offers residents native species trees at no cost to make the city more beautiful + sustainable. Over the next five years, it hopes to plant 1,750 new shade trees on private property at no cost to property owners.
Can’t make it to the lunch, but still want a tree? Columbia Green has you covered.
The Buy
The Buy
These best-selling flameless floating candles. Transform your living room or entryway with a touch of October magic, thanks to these candles that appear to be floating in midair.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Speaking of shade trees around Columbia, I have a few favorites. Next time you’re downtown at Soda City Market or walking around the State House, take a second to take in the beautiful oaks at Trinity Episcopal Church. This live oak is one of three in the churchyard.
