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CA L E NDAR OF EVENTS Editor’s note: These events typically take place in Mid-Missouri on an annual basis. COVID-19 has greatly altered the landscape of live events; check event websites for info on what is or isn’t being held, and what is being moved to virtual venues.
Anne Jacobson of Columbia prepares for the 2020 True/ False Film Fest March March at the Boone County Courthouse lawn.
JANUARY
[DON SHRUBSHELL/ TRIBUNE]
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Through art, music, dance, awards, discussion and food, residents celebrate diversity and the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. www.gocolumbiamo.com. North Village Arts District First Fridays The first Friday of each month, venues in the North Village Arts District host a crawl with entertainment and educational opportunities. www.facebook.com/ NorthVillageArts-District.
FEBRUARY Black History Month Art and film events, community conversations and celebrations featuring food and gospel music gather residents to celebrate Black History Month. www.gocolumbiamo. com.
MARCH True/False Film Fest Drawing in documentary filmmakers and fans from across the country, the annual event features some films discovered at Sundance, Toronto and other festivals as well as world premieres. Attendees watch screenings, talk with directors, listen to buskers and celebrate at parties. www. truefalse.org. Missouri Beer Festival At this festival held sometime each spring, attendees sample various microbrews and craft beers, including a number of selections from Missouri breweries. Local vendors create a food court, and live music is performed. www.missouribeerfestival. com.
APRIL Unbound Book Festival A free book festival celebrating literature and bringing in authors across a number of different genres, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s literature and poetry. The event features author interviews, panels on a range of book-related subjects and writing contests. www.unboundbookfestival. com.
Earth Day Hosted by the Columbia Earth Day Coalition, the event features music, games, workshops and displays on going green. It takes place in MU’s Peace Park and on surrounding streets. www.columbiaearthday.org.
MAY Bike, Walk & Wheel Week The week of events promoting non-motorized transportation includes a focus on bicycle commuting, safety, trail riding and more. www.gocolumbiamo.com. Movies in the Park Family-friendly films are screened outdoors in Flat Branch Park on Friday evenings, once a month, May through September. www. gocolumbiamo.com. Family Fun Fest Held the third Wednesday of every month from May through September. Located at Cosmo Park, the event features a new theme each month and provides familyfocused entertainment through music, performances, art activities and more. www.gocolumbiamo.com. Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater Concert Series This series of free musical performances runs from May through September featuring local acts in an outdoor setting. www. gocolumbiamo.com. Pedaler’s Jamboree Held each Memorial Day weekend, this event combines a music festival and trail ride with stops along the Katy Trail. www. pedalersjamboree.com.
Centralia Anchor Fest A part of life in Centralia since 1987, this family-friendly festival features live music, food, sports, car and tractor shows and more. Traditionally held the weekend after Memorial Day. www.centraliamochamber. com/anchor-festival.html.
JUNE Columbia Art League’s Art in the Park During this weekend of June, this free-entry, family-oriented event celebrates art by bringing in artists from across the country. This year’s physical event was canceled, but CAL featured exhibiting artists in a virtual fashion. www.artintheparkcolumbia.org. Shelter Gardens Concert Series Columbia ensembles perform free Sundayevening concerts, typically in June and July in this pastoral setting. Styles and performers range from community bands and classical music to bluegrass and Cajun bands. www.shelterinsurance.com/ aboutshelter/companyevents. Juneteenth Black heritage is celebrated at Douglass Park with bands, choirs, speakers, games and food. www.gocolumbiamo.com. Hot Summer Nights A six-week lineup of musical performances ranges from classical to pop. The event, featuring the Missouri Symphony Orchestra, provides entertainment to all ages. This year, in lieu of a physical festival, the MOSY presented a “Greatest Hits” festival online, drawing from performance archives. www. themosy.org.
