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Looking to Make Friends in Columbia? Our New Dinner Club Saves You a Seat

Issue #833

October 08, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 87, low of 53

🍽️ Looking to Make Friends in Columbia? Our New Dinner Club Saves You a Seat

👉 10/30: Maury Regional Foundation to Host Survivor Lunch

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Looking to Make Friends in Columbia? Our New Dinner Club Saves You a Seat

Looking to make friends in Columbia? It’s easier said than done.

Most of us go to work, see the same faces, head home and do it all again the next day. Columbia is full of interesting people, but we rarely get the chance to sit down with them for more than a quick hello. So we’re doing something about it.

This month we’re launching the What’s Up Columbia! Dinner Club. Six people. One table. A good meal and real conversation.

Here’s how it works: You take a short personality quiz, and we match you with five compatible people. We book the restaurant and let you know where you’re headed the morning of the dinner. After everyone eats, all the tables meet up at a surprise after-party.

It’s open to everyone over 18: solo diners, couples, people who just moved here and people who have been here for years. You just have to show up.

Each dinner also sends a wave of business to local restaurants on a weeknight, and your ticket helps support What’s Up Columbia!

📍 Downtown Columbia
🗓️ Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 PM
🍽️ Book your seat here

Can’t make this one? Sign up to get updates on future dinners.

Here’s to breaking bread and building something real.

10/30: Maury Regional Foundation to Host Survivor Lunch

The Maury Regional Health Care Foundation invites breast cancer survivors and community members to come together for a special luncheon celebrating survivorship, connection and hope on October 30 presented by Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) OB-GYN and Plastic Surgery.

The luncheon will be open starting at 11 a.m. at Antrim Celebrations, located at 2759 Pulaski Highway in Columbia with the program beginning at 11:30. The featured speaker, Brenda Frierson, is a 21-year breast cancer survivor who will share her personal journey of hope and survivorship.

Breast cancer survivors in attendance will also receive special recognition as the event celebrates their individual milestones and the community of support surrounding them.

“This event is about celebrating the courage, strength and resilience of breast cancer survivors, as well as the support networks that have stood by them through their journey,” said Foundation Executive Director Rita Thompson. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for making this celebration possible and, through their generosity, helping to provide vital support to more individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis.”

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation’s Breast Center Fund, which provides resources and support for women during and after breast cancer treatment. The fund helps provide comfort items, such as wigs, head coverings, camisoles and lymphedema garments, as well as educational resources and programs designed to enhance care and quality of life.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 4.3 million women in the United States were living with a history of breast cancer as of January 2025. By 2035, that number is projected to grow by approximately 1 million — the largest increase among the 10 most prevalent cancers.

Individual tickets are $40 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. To purchase tickets, learn more about sponsorships or support the Breast Center Fund, visit MauryRegional.com/SurvivorLunch or contact the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation at 931.380.4075. R.S.V.P. by October 16.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, October 8th

Friday, October 9th

Saturday, October 10th

Sunday, October 11th

Monday, October 12th

*Stay tuned as we add more events often!

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, October 8
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM
James Gregory - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM

Friday, October 9
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Ryan Keeler - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Six One Five Collective - Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Alyssa Marie Coon - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
Scott Southworth & The Honky Tonk Anonymous Band - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Escape - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, October 10
Second Chance Countrygrass - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 11 AM-2 PM
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Carson Phillips - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
7 X Band - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 3-7 PM
The Alderson Jazz Collective - McCreary’s, 7-9 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Chuck Johnson & The Handsome Hooligans - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Jake & Mikayla - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM

Sunday, October 11
Grasskickers - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM
Badd Penny - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:30 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk