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Juneteenth Black heritage is celebrated at Douglass Park in central Columbia with bands, choirs, speakers, games and food. www.gocolumbiamo.com.
at First Baptist Church. The series consistently calls on local talent, yet mingles in guest performers from across the country and world. Concerts generally get underway in October and run through May. Odyssey also works with a number of other cultural organizations to present The Plowman Chamber Music Competition and Festival during the spring of odd-number years. odysseymissouri.org.
Hot Summer Nights A six-week lineup of musical performances ranges from classical to pop. The event sponsored by the Missouri Symphony Society provides entertainment to all ages with a diverse repertoire. www.mosymphonysociety. org.
JULY
◄ Fire in the Sky Annual free fireworks celebration of the Fourth of July will take place in downtown Columbia. www.gocolumbiamo.com. Show-Me State Games The Olympic-style sports event hosts competitors in approximately 40 sports, including judo, tennis, golf and soccer, to promote healthy competition and sportsmanship. www.smsg.org. Mizzou International Composers Festival Audiences are exposed to musical world premieres during this festival, where established composers mingle with and coach emerging composers from across the globe. newmusicsummerfestival. missouri.edu.
AUGUST MidMo Pridefest An annual celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and ally community in MidMissouri. This event features music, food, vendors, children’s activities and information on community organizations. www.midmopride.org.
and tradesmen to demonstrate their trades and sell their wares. The event also provides music, hay rides, children’s activities and more. www.gocolumbiamo.com. Roots N Blues N BBQ festival ▲ Held in Stephens Lake Park, this large celebration features a variety of music, food and other entertainment, drawing in thousands of people from across the country. www.rootsnbluesnbbq.com.
OCTOBER Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival Held the second full weekend in October in Hartsburg, the event features craft vendors and a variety of pumpkinrelated activities, plus lots of pumpkins for sale in all shapes, sizes and colors. www.hartsburgpumpkinfest.com. University of Missouri Homecoming Celebrate with a parade and tailgates, plus myriad campus activities over the preceding week, including extravagant Greektown house decorations. www. missouri.edu.
SEPTEMBER
“We Always Swing” Jazz Series The jazz program brings in top talents to Columbia, offering an educational program and films to promote, preserve and celebrate jazz. Performances generally start in October and are scheduled through the following spring. wealwaysswing.org.
Boone County Heritage Festival and Craft Show The festival celebrates the history of Mid-Missouri by bringing in artisans
Odyssey Chamber Music Series This concert series presents intimate yet ambitious chamber music performances
Boone Dawdle The True/False Film Fest hosts this annual summer bike ride from Columbia to Rocheport, where a dinner is served and a film is screened. www.truefalse. org/dawdle.
Spooktacular This annual and free alternative to door-to- door trick-or-treating on Halloween night features games, activities and treats. www.gocolumbiamo.com.
NOVEMBER Columbia Jaycees Holiday Parade On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, this kid-friendly event includes a parade with visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus. www. columbiamojaycees.com. Black Culture Awareness Week Centered on the mission of the Gaines/ Oldham Black Culture Center at MU, the weeklong event features a soul food dinner, musical performances, guest speakers and discussions. diversity.missouri.edu.
DECEMBER Living Windows Festival On the first Friday in December, the downtown district hosts live window displays, strolling carolers, visits with Santa and more. www.discoverthedistrict.com. Holiday Homes Tour Serving as the primary fundraiser for the Women’s Symphony League, the tour features some of Columbia’s most decorated homes to celebrate the holiday season. The event hosts a silent auction and bake sale. mosymphonysociety.org/ womens-symphony- league. City Kwanzaa Celebration This annual event celebrates the black holiday based around family and community. A free holiday feast, entertainment and community awards will be given at the event. www.gocolumbiamo. com.
