Good morning, Augusta.

The YMCA of Greater Augusta launched its food drive today—helping federal workers and SNAP recipients cope with the government shutdown.

The organization also asks for donations of rice, beans, and non-perishables and needs volunteers to pack and deliver food at its ten CSRA locations.

SNAP benefits may stop by week’s end if Congress does not act, which could leave many local residents with no food aid and in need of help from food pantries such as Golden Harvest Food Bank, Salvation Army Center of Hope and YMCA branches—these groups offer hot meals, food boxes and free rides for eligible callers. Residents should call ahead to check hours and eligibility.

Destination Augusta, the Augusta Sports Council and Film Augusta will honor four residents and one local business at the Augusta State of Tourism: The Feel Good City celebration on Nov.

5 at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center from 4 to 6 p.m.—officials will highlight tourism milestones for 2025—and share plans for 2026 and beyond.

The Georgia Carolina State Fair returned to downtown Hale Street and ran until Oct.

26 — it marked its first event since Hurricane Helene.

After a house fire left a local family displaced, the Red Cross provided emergency supplies and shelter—helping them begin recovery efforts.

The organization will continue offering support as the family works to rebuild their home.

Walmart finished a 14-week remodel of its Martinez Neighborhood Market at 3851 Evans to Locks Rd, adding new concrete floors, a pharmacy with a wellness room, updated paint and a digital deli board.

A re-grand opening ceremony was held on Friday, Oct 24 at 10 a.m.—and the company plans similar upgrades for other local stores as part of a national update.

A new commercial development named Patriot’s Square is planned at the corner of Columbia Road and William Few Parkway in Columbia County and will include a Sonic Drive-In, a Big Blue Marble Academy daycare, and a large food store that may hint at a Lowes Foods location — Lowes Foods has stated no formal agreement exists and a rezoning application shows nine parcels with further details still unconfirmed.

The Greater Augusta Arts Council is hosting the Annual Winter Art Showcase at City Gallery at 535 Telfair Street to display local artists' work priced at $200 and under for the holiday season.

An Artist’s Reception (December 5th, 5:00–7:00 p.m.) will let visitors meet the creators.

Styx will perform in Augusta on February 20th, 2026 at Bell Auditorium, marking the band’s fifth visit since 2001 — tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Halloween.

Local experts say residents should check their heating systems and follow safety tips as cool weather approaches—such measures help prevent fire hazards and carbon monoxide leaks.

Guidelines include installing detectors and scheduling professional inspections to keep homes safe.

Restaurant inspections conducted from October 17th to 24th showed that all Augusta National locations passed with perfect scores—inspectors found no health violations at the Washington Road kitchens.

Other local eateries received mixed marks, with officials noting issues such as improper food storage and expired products.

Greubel Mixed Martial Arts in Augusta is a community gym where fighters train in boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and MMA.

Co-owner Mark Greubel said his gym will travel to Abu Dhabi in November — continuing a legacy of world champions — as it builds skills and community.

Zero Zero Boo 2025

October 30 - November 2 — Dink'd Pickleball — Registration required — Compete in a festive pickleball tournament in Augusta, GA.

Gracewood’s Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat

5-8 p.m. — Gracewood Manor — Free admission — Experience autumn festivities with trunk or treating and seasonal fun.

2025 Augusta Halloween Bar Crawl

4-10 p.m. — Tank N Taps Sports Bar & Grill — Tickets available — Celebrate Halloween with a spooky bar crawl featuring themed drinks and vibrant nightlife.

Candlelight Tribute to Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

8:45-9:45 p.m. — Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Tickets Required — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by the Listeso String Quartet in a unique candlelight setting.

Grand Kyiv Ballet - Swan Lake

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Miller Theater — Tickets starting at $52 — Experience a stunning performance of Swan Lake by the Grand Kyiv Ballet.

Home Free's Jukebox Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — Ticket pricing varies — Experience a night of fan-selected songs with the harmony and humor of Home Free.

The Mighty Ducks Screening

2-5 p.m. — Miller Theater — Free entry — Experience a classic film and create new memories in a historic Augusta movie palace.

Augusta Symphony - Yacht Rock Classics

7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Theater — $50 to $105 — Experience smooth sounds of the ’70s and ’80s reimagined through orchestral arrangements in a nostalgic musical journey.

The Nutcracker: Magical Christmas Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — $41.50 to $189.50 — Celebrate the season with a captivating holiday experience featuring Tchaikovsky's timeless score and delightful performances.

Augusta Anime-Fest

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Columbia County Exhibition Center — $20 — Experience a vibrant celebration of anime culture in Georgia's premier convention for fans and collectors.