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Hi Columbia, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: World Cup fan events, Wizard of Oz on Ice, and Reel Fest 2 DIY films + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

City celebrations and service changes: Columbia will host World Cup events in June and July as a satellite host to draw fans and boost business, while Missouri approved extended alcohol service unless cities opt out — see what’s planned and allowed.

Get to know Molly Fox: Rockin’ Against Multiple Sclerosis highlights a growing support system where families connect, share resources, and lift each other up while navigating everyday life with MS — read Molly Fox’s bio.

Insights on agriculture’s future: FAPRI-MU will host the Womack Missouri Ag Outlook Conference on April 8 at MU Bradford Research Farm in Columbia, featuring Seth Meyer and Richard Fordyce on markets and policy — explore agenda and key topics.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Help shape Columbia’s future together
• Watch literary heroes save a bookshop
• Free pop culture show at Columbia Mall
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Where burgers meet pool: Billiards on Broadway serves hand-pattied burgers, hand-cut fries, and Missouri craft beer while the game’s on. For a low-key win, the move is the Famous Billiards Burger, then a round on the tables with a friend.

Roll into something retro: Level Up Entertainment tucked a legit skate floor into its 80s-themed expansion, with hardwood under your wheels, a giant Pac‑Man disco ball, and vibes that make lap two feel like 1994. Cruise with kids, circle solo, or sneak a nostalgia lap between arcade wins.

Art fix without the fuss: Need a quick brain boost? Inside Ellis Library, the Museum of Art and Archaeology packs six continents and five millennia into one visit, plus an Art-o-Mat vending machine for tiny artworks. Wander a few minutes and leave feeling smarter, calmer, and oddly accomplished.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Columbia for grown ups

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎬 Reel Fest 2 @ King Theodore Records | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – REEL FEST 2 keeps the gloss low and the storytelling high, courtesy of King Theodore Records. Micro-budget films from everywhere, DIY presentation, and a crowd that prefers guts over gadgets. Proof you do not need Marvel money, just a vision, caffeine, and stubborn optimism.

🎨 The Popcorn Easel Art Show @ 404 Tiger Meeting Rooms | Saturday (3/7) at 5:00 PM – Craving art that doesn’t involve staring at your couch? An immersive mix of visual art, live music, and a performance showdown, hosted by Authoruhtee, headlined by St. Louis poet Just Aaron, and because this is COMO, select tickets include popcorn and a raffle.

🧶 Crochet for Kids Workshop @ Speckled Frog Toys & Books | Sunday (3/8) at 1:30 PM – Sign up kiddo and yourself for a crochet workshop where supplies are included, projects build each session, and screens take a nap. Ages 7+, $20 per participant, bring hooks and yarn if you’re picky. Registration closes February 28, so stitch it on the calendar.

🎼 MOCOP 2026 @ Broadway Christian Church | Sunday (3/8) at 7:30 PM – Catch Missouri’s winning composers at a free MOCOP concert as the Columbia Civic Orchestra and CAAM perform new works across open and high school, orchestral and choral. Grammy winner Dr. Stefan Freund conducts, and you get serious culture, proud parents, and zero ticket fees.

🍽 121st Kingdom of Callaway Supper @ William Woods University | Tuesday (3/10) at 5:00 PM – Whether you were born here or just know the back road to Cranes, the 121st Kingdom of Callaway Supper at William Woods is your reunion, with gallery mingling, hearty dinner, and a program. Tickets are $20, sold anywhere you run errands, with honorees revealed soon.

⛸ Wizard of Oz on Ice @ Jesse Auditorium | Wednesday (3/11) at 7:00 PM – Dorothy and the gang are trading the Yellow Brick Road for ice at Missouri Theatre, and yes, the Wicked Witch skates better than your nephew. Big choreography, vibrant costumes, and a reimagined Oz that actually surprises, perfect for date night, kids, or your inner Munchkin.

👩 Her-Story in the Making: Callaway Women’s Luncheon @ The Brick District Playhouse | Thursday (3/12) at 11:00 AM – Whether you’ve been running committees since the PTA era or just want to widen your circle, this new Callaway County women’s luncheon serves up a keynote, a panel, and real talk on empowerment and connection. Come for the catered lunch, stay for the connections.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/6 Moonsault Happy Hour + First Friday @ Cafe Berlin – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 March First Friday @ North Village Arts District – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 Members of the Vinola Trio @ First Baptist Church of Columbia – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 The Popcorn Easel Art Show @ 404 Tiger Meeting Rooms – 5:00 PM
• 3/7 Faded Youth @ Columbia American Legion Hall – 7:30 PM
• 3/8 Tim Langen @ Columbia Public Library – 2:00 PM
• 3/8 MOCOP 2026 @ Broadway Christian Church – 7:30 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Columbia report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 66°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 11%

Patchy fog before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. West wind around 5 mph. Later: Scattered rain showers before 9pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 56, with temperatures rising to around 60 overnight. Southeast wind 2 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

—

Tomorrow – High: 77°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 66%

Rain showers likely before 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. South wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 44, with temperatures rising to around 48 overnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

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Take a peek inside →