True/False Film Festival
February 28 - March 3 in The District
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. Three 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 last weekend in February.
For more information go to www.truefalse.org.
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Shop Hop
Saturday, April 27 - all day
Friday, November 1 - 5 to 8 pm
Held once in Spring and again in Fall, The District Shop Hop offers shopping with a twist of entertainment. 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. For more information call (573) 443-2651.
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Artrageous Fridays
Last Friday of the quarter, Jan 18, April 19, July 19, Oct 11-13
The Gallery Crawl is now Artrageous! The addition of Orr Street studios, The Village Art Walk, The Missouri Contemporary Ballet and PS:Gallery to existing art venues such as the Columbia Art League, Bluestem, The Bingham Gallery, Poppy, and The Missouri Theatre in The District are a sure sign that art is playing a greater role in how Columbia defines itself as a city. Artrageous Fridays will occur the fourth friday of each quarter from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This quarterly event is a collaboration between local galleries and District businesses, the aim of which is to create an art event that will encourage visitors and locals alike to spend time in the downtown area experiencing various art forms. This is an opportunity for the public to see the scope of what the arts in Columbia has to offer.
For more information go to www.artrageousfridays.com.
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Earth Day
April 21 (Rain date, April 28)
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
Dates to be announced.
Enjoy your Wednesday 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 27
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 - July 26 - 29
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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Citizen Jane Film Festival
October 4 -6
After several successful years featuring screenings of many celebrated films—including an Oscar-nominated documentary, an Emmy-award winner, and Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winners—the 2010 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
Friday, October 25
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) 874-7460.
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Small Business Saturday
Saturday after Thanksgiving
Small Business Saturday is a day for everyone — from the business owners who create jobs to the customers who buy locally — to support small businesses that invigorate the economy and keep communities thriving.
It began in 2010 when American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help small businesses get more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. As a consumer, you are a key part in helping small businesses thrive. By shopping or dining at a small business, you're showing your support for all the small communities around you. This means you could be helping local entrepreneurs offer more jobs, which in turn invigorate the economy. In 2010, over 100 million people came out to shop at independently-owned small businesses on the day. So join in and show your support for your favorite small business and search for savings on unique merchandise while experiencing spectacular service--a cornerstone of many small businesses. For information call (573) 442-6816 and check out Small Business Saturday on Facebook.
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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 to 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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