True/False Film Festival
March 1-4, 2012
Exploring fact, fiction, and what lies in between, the True/False Film Festival flickers to life in Columbia, Missouri, the city with the country's oldest journalism school. Championing films that breathe new life into the nonfiction format, the festival features the finest new movies redefining the now-exploding form. Four days of thrilling nonfiction film call for active, participatory viewing of movies that blur the line between fact and fantasy, documentary and narrative, propaganda and journalism. Dispelling the notion that documentaries are stuffy and dry, the True/False fest will honor lively work that evades easy categorization. The festival is traditionally held the first weekend in March.
For more information go to www.truefalse.org.
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Shop Hop
April, November, 2012
Held once in Spring and again in Fall, The District Shop Hop offers shopping with a twist of entertainment. From 5 to 8pm, enjoy free snacks and refreshments while you stroll through your favorite District shops. Participants will also enjoy incredible and exclusive discounts from Columbia´s finest retailers and restaurants, not to mention live demonstations, trunk shows and more! This fun-filled, experience is perfect for a girls´ night out or a mother-daughter outing. Dates to be announced. For more information call (573) 443-2651.
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Artrageous Fridays
January 20 | April 20 | July 20 | October 12 & 13, 2012
A quarterly event, free and open to the community, Artrageous Fridays is a celebration of The District's thriving arts and cultural scene. As you make your way along the self-guided art crawl, rejoice in the preservation and innovation of our historical Downtown and North Village Arts District, the installations and sculptures funded in part by the Office of Cultural Affairs, and the streetscapes designed by local artisans.
The continued growth of Artrageous Fridays and its participants is a testament to the devotion and support the City of Columbia and its citizens share for the arts. Limitless in their expression, local businesses and artists will expose you to both traditional and progressive areas of art including painting, sculpture, dance, music, film, photography, movement, and more! Ever-inventive and exciting, each Artrageous Friday promises awe and inspiration.
Come support and interact in the arts as you discover, appreciate, and purchase the cultural offerings of The District. For more information go to www.artrageousfridays.com.
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Earth Day
April
Celebrate Mother Earth! Held each April in The District on the Sunday closest to National Earth Day, a unique community celebration and downtown festival features a street fair, children's activities, two large entertainment stages, environmental education exhibits and much more! For more information call (573)874-7460.
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9th Street Summerfests
May - October, Dates TBD
Enjoy evenings this summer starting in May. All of north 9th street (between Broadway and Walnut) will be blocked off for the biggest block party you've ever been to - complete with food and beer! Even better, this festival attracts some of the best names around--from Wilco to the Wallflowers from Chuck Berry to Willie Nelson, thanks to The Blue Note. Summerfests are held May, June, July, August, September... Why not come and check it out? You know you want to...
For more information go to www.thebluenote.com.
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Memorial Day Parade
May
Held each Memorial Day weekend, this exceptional air show is presented by the Salute to Veterans Corporation to honor all veterans. The air show, held at Columbia's Regional Airport features more than 50 military aircraft from WWI to present on the tarmac and in the air. Marvel at the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute team. Honored heroes, military aircraft demonstration teams, and patriotic musical performances are just a part of the excitement. The Memorial Day parade winds through the beautiful streets of The District featuring more than 100 floats, veterans reunion groups, bands, military vehicles,and patriotic organizations. For more information call (573)443-2651.
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J.W. Boone Ragtime Celebration
First week of June
A celebration of the music and history of the musician John William Boone, one of The District best known residents. A contemporary of ragtime artist Scott Joplin, J.W. "Blind" Boone was renowned for his contribution to this unique musical genre. Held each year in The District in early June, the festival immediately follows the annual Scott Joplin Festival in Sedalia, Missouri. Activities may include tours of J.W. Boone related sites, seminars by historians and musicologists and concerts by modern ragtime artists.
For more tickets call (800) 292-9136.
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Art in the Park
The First Saturday and Sunday in June
Art in the Park is a 51-year old festival presented by the Columbia Art League. It takes place amidst the verdant tranquility of Stephens Lake Park, at the junction of Broadway and Old 63, just east of The District. Art in the Park is the largest and oldest fine arts festival in mid-Missouri. The festival features more than 120 artists both from Missouri and from across the United States, displaying and selling fine arts and crafts in a variety of media. For younger visitors, the hands-on children's creative tent has a variety of take-home art projects, plus the Youth Roots Stage has 7-hours of entertainment for children. The main stage features a daily 7-hours of musical entertainment by local and regional artists playing everything from Bluegrass to Reggae, Country to Jazz, and Blues to Big Band. You will also see strolling musician, watch art demonstrations, listen as storytellers weave their magic on children and adults alike.
For more information call (573) 443-8838 or go to www.cal.missouri.org.
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Dog Days Sidewalk Sale
Last Weekend in July
To most people, the dog days of Summer are the hottest time of the year. To us, it's the time for the hottest sales. The Dog Days Sidewalk Sale is largest outdoor sale, featuring deep discounts on your favorite clothing, shoes, home accessories and more. For information call (573) 442-6816.
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Roots 'n Blues 'n BBQ
September 21-22, 2012
Returning for its sixthyear, the Roots 'N Blues 'N BBQ Festival is a celebration marrying the Missouri traditions of St. Louis Blues and Kansas City BBQ. Along with the 4d Annual KCBS Sanctioned BBQ competition, this two-day fest will feature internationally-known acts on three stages. Past years have featured Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Del McCoury, Jerry Douglas, Bettye LaVette, Tab Benoit, Dale Watson, Ruthie Foster, Harper, James Slim Hand, The Record Collector, Fitz and the Tantrums, the David Wax Museum, Mavis Staples, Los Lobos and more. Whole Hog VIP passes will also be sold. For more information, visit www.rootsnbluesnbbq.com.
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Citizen Jane Film Festival
2012 Date TBD
After featuring screenings of many celebrated films—including an Oscar-nominated documentary, an Emmy-award winner, and Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winners—the 2011 Citizen Jane Film Festival promises to deliver again an intimate yet empowering experience.
Citizen Jane gathers acclaimed filmmakers and enthusiastic audiences each fall in Columbia to support and celebrate some of the most daring, accomplished and interesting work by women filmmakers while helping carve strong, non-stereotypical roles for women in the film industry, both in front of and behind the camera.
The 2-day event, hosted by Stephens College (second-oldest women’s college in the country), is held in a variety of District venues, and it showcases the best of narrative, documentary and experimental film. In addition to screenings introduced by filmmakers and followed by lively Q-and-A sessions, Citizen Jane includes panel discussions, workshops, live music events and special performances.
For more information go to www.citizenjanefilmfestival.org
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Halloweenie
2012 Date TBD
Are you teeny? Then come to Halloweenie! A safe and fun time for the little ones, come down to The District and trick-or-treat at your favorite stores and restaurants. Everyone starts handing out candy at 4 pm and the festivities are usually over by 6 pm. For more information call (573) 442-6816.
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Living Windows Festival
The First Friday in December
As the weather turns colder, shopkeepers throughout The District begin planning for the annual Living Windows Festival. On the first Friday in December,from 6-8 p.m., shopkeepers move all the merchandise, out of their front windows and stage live holiday performances for onlookers. As the rest of us begin our holiday shopping, they're concentrating on sewing costumes, building sets, writing scripts and baking cookies for customers. Merchants go to great lengths to outdo one another--making each year's displays even more impressive than before. The night itself is a celebration of the holidays. The District features open houses, strolling carolers, holiday treats,and visits with Santa--all against a backdrop of holiday lights. The District is your place for unique and stylish shopping. It's the place to go for exciting nightlife or to meet friends for dinner. It's a lively mix of historic architecture, sidewalk cafes and street musicians. Discover the holidays. Discover The District. For more information, call (573)442-6816.
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First Night Columbia
New Year's Eve
Make the most of this meaningful occasion by celebrating it with your family, friends, and the community. First Night Columbia provides a safe, alcohol-free, and innovative alternative to the typical New Year's Eve fare. First Night Columbia is presented to provide a wide array of entertainment and art for all, with a special venue just for teens! Throughout the night enjoy a variety of music, dance and theater along with a children's procession, a resolution sculpture, burden burning barrels, art displays, an art creation area to make festive wear, and more! A grand procession will lead revelers to the outdoor finale at midnight in the Courthouse Square. A First Night Button provides unlimited access to every indoor venue all evening long. So button up and have a happy, prosperous New Year. Admission buttons are available at the Columbia Parks and Recreation beginning in early December. For more information call (573) 874-7460.
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