Following this Outdoors Issue, the Vox print edition will be on hiatus until Sept. 6. We packed this issue with summer essentials to keep you active and entertained, including an events calendar for July and August.
HIKING GUIDE
Vox paves the way for your next adventure with this guide to trails in mid-Mo, plus packing tips and first-aid advice. PAGE 16
PAINT THE TOWN
Art isn’t reserved for formal galleries and dark theaters. Columbia offers an array of outside artistic activities this summer. PAGE 4
OLD DOG PARKS, NEW TRICKS
Tackle CoMo’s dog parks like a pro with two experts’ etiquette tips. PAGE 6
A-PLUS PATIOS
Have an appetite for open-air dining? This patio list provides both outdoorsy and urban. PAGE 7
FLY AWAY HOME
The Raptor Rehabilitation Project treats injured raptors to release back into the wild while educating the public about the species. PAGE 8
TRAIL-WORTHY TITLES
Travel to Appalachia, East Africa and more with these wilderness-inspired reads. PAGE 10
FREEWHEELIN’
Easygoing yet expert, Walt’s Bike Shop manager Sarah Ashman embodies the business. PAGE 12
BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED
A new stage has helped Rose Park flourish since its inception one year ago. PAGE 13
CAN IT!
Opt for aluminum on your next adventure with these cans of craft beers. PAGE 14
REAL NATURALS
Three local photographers capture nature’s beauty with the click of their cameras. PAGE 28
COVER DESIGN: KEEGAN POPE
COVER PHOTO: ABIGAIL YOUNG
The Vox office might be on a break, but the box office sure isn’t. Read reviews throughout the summer of the season’s latest flicks. Check them out under the “Movie reviews” tab on the website.
We love writing just as much as novelists, poets and authors do, so of course, Vox will continue publishing online book reviews in the upcoming months.
Prep your planners because Vox ’s calendar of events, including concerts, plays and more, will keep you up to date.
320 LEE HILLS HALL, COLUMBIA, MO 65211
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Two summers ago, I packed up my SUV with a tent, some snacks and my best friend and drove 13 hours from my family’s home in California to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. The next day, as we concluded the Cape Royal Trail and stood on the edge of what I would consider the eighth wonder of the world, I cried. Nature is awe-inspiring, humbling, and it’s all around us, even here in Columbia, 1,253 miles from my favorite national park. —Annamarie
Every spring break, I visit my family in Utah, and we hike, sometimes through knee-deep snow or freezing rain, sometimes miles through national parks. I always envied their stunning environment. I grew up in North Texas, where hiking meant walking a paved trail through sparse, scrubby trees. When I moved to Missouri, its rolling hills, caves and rivers were just as amazing to me as the mountains. Missouri’s beauty is one of its most endearing traits. All you have to do is go outside. —McKenna
For our Outdoors Issue, we chose an all-inclusive approach that includes something for urbanites and alpinists alike. So pop a squat on your porch or in your hammock, and read what mid-Missouri nature has to offer, including dog parks (Page 6), restaurant patios (Page 7) and the Pinnacles (Page 19).
Editor: Annamarie Higley Digital Managing Editor: McKenna Blair Creative Director: Keegan Pope Photo Editors: Jessi Dodge, Liv Paggiarino Associate Editor: Shannon Wilson
Contributing Writers: Meg Cunningham, Nat Kaemmerer, Cary Littlejohn, Christina Long, Kathryn Palmer, Lucy Shanker, Chloe Wilt Editorial Director: Heather Lamb Executive Editor: Jennifer Rowe Digital Director: Sara Shipley Hiles Office Manager: Kim Townlain
We’re social.
Roomful of Teeth
Tuesday, October 23 | Missouri Theatre
Ailey II
Tuesday, October 30 | Jesse Auditorium
Rosario Andino, pianist
Friday, November 2 | Missouri Theatre
US Army Jazz Ambassadors
Wednesday, November 7 | Jesse Auditorium
MU Choral Union: Handel’s Messiah
Thursday, November 15 | Jesse Auditorium
St. Louis Symphony
Sunday, January 20 | Jesse Auditorium
Legally Blonde, the musical
Friday, February 1 | Jesse Auditorium
Peg + Cat
Wednesday, February 6 | Jesse Auditorium
Canadian Brass
Monday, February 11 | Jesse Auditorium
ETHEL/Robert Mirabal: The River
Thursday, February 21 | Jesse Auditorium
Shanghai Opera Symphony Orchestra
Tuesday, February 26 | Jesse Auditorium
Celtic Nights
Tuesday, March 5 | Jesse Auditorium
Show-Me Opera: The Magic Flute
Friday/Saturday, March 15 & 16 | Missouri Theatre
Russian String Orchestra
Tuesday, March 19 | Missouri Theatre
Missouri Contemporary Ballet
Friday/Saturday, Nov. 16 & 17 | Missouri Theatre
Great Russian Nutcracker
Wednesday, November 28 | Jesse Auditorium
Noel
Wednesday, December 5 | Jesse Auditorium
The Ultimate Christmas Show
Wednesday, December 12 | Missouri Theatre
Plowman Chamber Finals
Sunday, March 24 | Missouri Theatre
Missouri Contemporary Ballet:
Carmina Burana
Friday/Saturday April 5 & 6 | Missouri Theatre
Glenn Miller Orchestra
Saturday, April 13 | Missouri Theatre
MU Choral Union: Mozart’s Requiem
Thursday, April 25 | Missouri Theatre
Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Friday, May 3 | Missouri Theatre
Missoula Children’s Theatre: The Frog Prince
Saturday, May 11 | Missouri Theatre
Missouri Contemporary Ballet: Alice in Wonderland
Saturday/Sunday June 1 & 2 | Jesse Auditorium
Take your love of the arts outdoors with these five summer events
BY CHLOE WILT
The first plays performed on outdoor stages took place in Athens, Greece, in the fifth century. In Columbia, the outdoors still is a perfect venue to enjoy the arts. Here, we’ve collected artistic adventures for a multitude of interests, including music, theater and glow-inthe-dark bicycling. We promise: These five events are worth leaving the air conditioning behind.
HOT SUMMER NIGHTS
Stephens Lake Park is home to Roots N Blues N BBQ. This summer, it provides space for a different kind of outdoor concert — a symphonic one. Show goers can expect performances by the Missouri Symphony Society in the outdoor amphitheater. Concessions and food trucks will be on site, but feel free to bring in your own food and beverages along with a blanket or lawn chair.
Where: Stephens Lake Park, 2001 E. Broadway
When: July 12 and Aug. 2, 7 p.m.
Price: Free
Make yourself cozy at Cosmo Park for a movie both kids and kids-at-heart will love. Every second Friday of the month from May through September, Columbia Parks and Recreation hosts Movies in the Park. July’s movie is the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. August will feature Coco, a movie about music and Dia de los Muertos.
Kona Ice and Eats & Treats will provide concessions.
Where: Cosmo Park, 1615 Business Loop 70 W.
When: July 13, 8:45 p.m.; Aug. 10, 8:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Sample the latest Collector’s Series wines from Les Bourgeois Vineyards in a newly remodeled tasting room. You’ll be able to enjoy live music and appetizers as well. The wine bottle labels were created by winning artists who will be selling their work at the event.
Where: Les Bourgeois Vineyards, 14020 W. Highway BB, Rocheport
When: July 14, 2-6 p.m.
Price: Free
The Maplewood Barn Community Theatre has offered plays and musicals since its beginning in 1973. This summer, the company will perform Sweeney Todd and The Tempest. Bug spray, long pants and blankets are recommended if you want to sit on the grass in front of the outdoor stage.
Where: Maplewood Barn Community Theatre, 2900 E. Nifong Blvd.
When: All shows start at 8 p.m., box office at 7 p.m.
The Tempest: June 28 to July 1
Sweeney Todd: July 26–29, Aug. 2–5, and Aug. 9–12
Price: $10, $3 children for The Tempest; 12, $3 children 10 and under for Sweeney Todd
Get creative and decorate your bike with anything that will glow — bracelets, glow-in-the-dark paint, tape or glitter — and join in a family-friendly, nighttime bike ride along the MKT Trail. Kaleidospoke is an event that features live music, s’mores, food trucks and an illuminated bike trail. Parks and Recreation hosts the trail ride starting
For the past 45 years, Maplewood Barn Community Theatre has been performing outdoor shows. Last summer’s Pump Boys and Dinettes with Dan Wright was one of the productions staged under a curtain of stars in Nifong Park.
at Flat Branch Park. Riders can get lastminute tuneups from Walt’s Bike Shop before they follow the 4-mile route to a party at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area. There will be performances from The Burney Sisters and Clashing Patterns before the return trip back up the trail.
Preregistration is required and includes the supported ride, glow accessories, access to the Twin Lakes Recreation Area and s’mores.
Where: Flat Branch Park, 101 S. 4th St.
When: Aug. 18, 7-10:30 p.m.
Price: $15, pre-registration required
You need more than a Frisbee for a successful dog park excursion
BY MEG CUNNINGHAMThe dog days of summer are here, which means plenty of summer days with your dog. Columbia offers three fenced dog parks and two leash-free nature areas for its residents — both those furry and not. Use these tips to help ensure things don’t go awry the next time you and Rover explore the great outdoors.
Dog parks in Columbia are all offleash, but Gabe Huffington, the parks services manager at Columbia Parks and Recreation, says 4-foot leashes are required for entering and leaving dog parks. “There is a lot of traffic in the parking lot,” Huffington says. “They are going to pass by dogs and owners on their way in, and so we want to make sure that as you are entering and exiting, your dog is always on a leash.” It is never a bad idea to have them handy inside the parks, either.
Choose from one of these five locations, grab a leash, and get to playing.
DOG PARKS
situations. Jessica Schlosser, the owner of Lizzi & Rocco’s Natural Pet Market, recommends recall training at home.
Schlosser says the best way to start recall training is by getting your dog’s favorite treat and having it come to you when called. Start somewhere with few distractions, such as a living room, for success. “Once they have that under control, move that same training to your backyard, so now there are sounds, there is nature,” Schlosser says.
LEASH-FREE AREAS
Bear Creek Nature Area
It is important that your dog responds to your vocal commands in order to prevent potentially aggressive yet easily avoidable
No amount of recall training can guarantee your dog will always respond to you. Schlosser recommends carrying treats with you when taking your dog out so you can reward it for good behavior but also distract it if needed. “I can always entice (my dogs) to come back to me and pay attention me, Schlosser says, “and then (I) reward them for leaving whatever that stimulus is alone to pay attention to me.”
If you haven’t taken your dog to the dog parks before, Huffington suggests stopping by without your furry
leaving
friend to get a feel for the park. That way, Huffington says, you can see the environment and what kinds of dogs play there. You can also ease your dog into social settings such as dog parks by taking them for short amounts of time when the parks aren’t busy. Mornings and evenings are the most popular times during the summer months, Huffington says, so plan your visit accordingly.
All of Columbia’s dog parks are equipped with doggie bags and disposal, so there is no excuse not to clean up after your dog. It is the responsibility of attendees to make sure the parks stay clean, Huffington says, so make sure to be considerate to others.
Find other rules and ordinances regarding dog parks on the Columbia Parks and Recreation website.
Twin Lakes Dog Park is divided into multiple areas for different times of the year and different sized dogs. McCall, the golden retriever who belongs to Vox ’s digital managing editor, shows off proper dog park etiquette (and her love of a nice shady spot).
I can always entice (my dogs) to come back to me and pay attention me, and then (I) reward them for
whatever that stimulus is alone to pay attention to me.
—Jessica Schlosser
Let’s be honest: Some of us are less outdoorsy than others. Summer in Columbia almost always involves a nice patio. But “patio” is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of outdoor areas, some more fitted to your particular style. So, Vox created a ranking on a scale of one to four trees of restaurant patios from most rustic to most polished to ensure you end up with the ambience you prefer.
CHIM’S THAI KITCHEN
Location: 11505 S. Easley River Road
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What you’ll spend: $8-$12
Chim’s is one of Columbia’s best-kept secrets. Located 20 minutes from downtown, the little shack is set up along the Missouri River at Cooper’s Landing. The venue has live music, a few picnic tables and a whole lot of nature. There’s only outdoor seating available, so check the weather forecast beforehand.
MULBERRY GRILL & BAKERY
Location: 101 Howard St., right off the Katy Trail in Rocheport
Hours: Saturday, 1 p.m.-sunset and Sunday, 11 a.m. to sunset
What you’ll spend: $10-$12
Ever been biking down the Katy Trail and suddenly gotten a strong craving to stop exercising and eat pizza?
This cozy family-owned restaurant is a few feet from the trail in the shade of a mulberry tree. It’s famous for the outdoor brick oven on the patio. Mulberry doesn’t have indoor seating, so you’ll have to give the outdoors a shot to enjoy this grub.
LOGBOAT BREWING CO.
Location: 504 Fay St.
Hours: Tues.-Thurs., 3-10 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Saturday, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Sat. and Sun., 1-6 p.m. What you’ll spend $10-$13
It’s possible to sit inside at Logboat Brewing Co., but once you walk up to the grassy expanse outside, you’ll opt to sit there. You never really know what to expect from an afternoon at Logboat. There’s usually a food truck serving up delicious eats, dogs roaming the wide plot of land that occupies almost an entire city block and sometimes even live music.
LAS MARGARITAS
Location: 10 Southampton Drive
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat.
and Sun., 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
What you’ll spend: $14-$17
A little more casual, a little less nature, a lot more cilantro. The Mexican restaurant features a wraparound patio that stretches out over Swan Lake. “No other restaurant in Columbia has that kind of view,” manager Martin Esquivel says. However, the lake is far enough away that you can choose whether to immerse yourself in the natural aspects of the venue.
FLAT BRANCH PUB AND BREWING
Location: 115 S. Fifth St.
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
What you’ll spend: $15-20
Flat Branch Pub and Brewing’s patio puts an upscale twist on outdoor eating. The area almost always has people flowing in and out, which server Melanie Vasquez says is largely because of the landscaping. “Our gardener does a really good job,” she says. “Sometimes while you’re sitting on the patio, you almost feel like you’re transported elsewhere.” The fence is draped in ornate foliage and sprinkled with fairy lights, which adds an ethereal atmosphere.
THE ROOF
Location: 1111 E. Broadway, eighth floor
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 4-11 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
What you’ll spend: $20-25
If you want more of the luxurious outdoors and less of the bug-spray smell, The Roof, atop The Broadway hotel, is your spot. While relaxing on its modern patio, you can enjoy elegant cocktails and sophisticated appetizers. Lead server Rhia Knapp says the environment is perfect for young business professionals or a more mature audience. “During the chilly summer nights, you can come sit along the long fireplaces and have your own little bonfire,” Knapp says. But don’t worry; you won’t need to start the fire yourself.
“Our hospital side is our ICU where birds receive moment-by-moment care,” Rainwater says. “(The center behind the hospital) is for the birds who need feeding and watering, and maybe they’re training to relearn to fly and hunt.”
BY CHRISTINAA Harry Potter-themed sign is nailed to the gate of the MU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Raptor Rehabilitation Project. It declares the location as a site for the “Care of Magical Creatures.” Tucked behind the vet school’s teaching hospital, the project center is a haven for birds and bird-lovers alike.
The Raptor Rehabilitation Project is a non-profit rehab center for birds of prey, including eagles, owls, hawks and vultures.
Project manager Abigail Rainwater says the organization has three main goals: educating the public, rehabilitating birds to be returned to the wild and advancing avian research and medicine.
The project has a 24/7 emergency phone line that anyone can call to report an injured raptor. A team from the project then helps safely capture the bird and bring it in for trauma care.
In addition to treating raptors, the project offers educational presentations. Seven birds are too injured to be released into the wild and permanently live at the project; they serve as educational ambassadors. Volunteers teach the community why it is important to preserve raptors.
“They help maintain that very fragile balance in our food web and in our ecosystem; they’re also some of the best pest control we have” Rainwater says. “By maintaining our raptor species, we’re really maintaining ourselves and our own health.”
Aside from the medical and educational aspects of the project, the staff likes to have fun with the birds. Rainwater says they usually name incoming birds according to a theme. Currently, birds are named for trees, but previous themes include Star Wars, old
rock bands (one bird is named Iggy Pop) and Transformers.
Rainwater’s day-to-day work extends far beyond brainstorming nicknames, though.
Abigail Rainwater, the manager of Raptor Rehabilitation Project, says an often overlooked service of raptors is pest control. “Without them, we would be truly overrun,” she says. For instance, vultures, like the one pictured, eat carcasses. They can break down disease in their very acidic stomachs, she says.
“I do so much hands-on with the birds, and I love that,” she says. “From feeding to trimming talons and beaks to helping with physical therapy to even buying rats and mice.”
An MU College of Veterinary Medicine project works to preserve some of nature’s fiercest predators
LONGRainwater, holding a juvenile vulture that was released into the wild at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park after rehabilitation in November 2016, has run the Raptor Rehabilitation Project for nearly four years.
Emma, a red-tailed hawk, is an educational ambassador who’s been with the project since 2005. “It’s such a rare experience to get to say, ‘I had lunch with a red-tailed hawk today, what did you do?’” Rainwater says.
Rainwater says she once found a home for an owl named Huggy at a zoo in New York, and she had to fly the bird commercially from Missouri. She learned that only parrots are allowed in the main cabin with passengers, so Huggy had to ride with the cargo.
Although volunteers affect the health and quality of life of the birds, the birds also have an impact on them.
Volunteer Judith Lincoln has been with the project for 14 years. She came to the project after holding a raptor at a Renaissance fair, where she says she fell in love with the animals.
“To have a wild bird come to you,” Lincoln says, “that connection was amazing. You’re right up close. You can see how their feather patterns are and the shape of their nose. It’s intense.”
Jim Bednarz, the Vice President of the Raptor Research Foundation, an organization that spreads scientific information about raptors, and he says people like Lincoln might feel compelled to help raptors out of admiration.
“There’s an innate attraction to birds of prey,” he says. “They show a sense of power and strength and elegance that we as humans appreciate.”
Immediately call the College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital at 882-7821 or 882-4589. The Raptor Rehabilitation Project will then send a team of trained volunteers to help you safely move the animal. Only move the raptor yourself if it is in imminent danger. In this case, follow these steps:
à Wear thick gloves, such as welding gloves
à Gently throw a towel over the bird (this should help to calm it)
à Be aware of defensive posturing, with the bird lying on its back and attacking with its talons
à Carefully move the bird to a box or dog kennel
à Keep the bird in a dark, quiet room
à Do not offer it food or water
Follow this trail of questions to discover your next outdoorsy book BY CHLOE WILT
Trailblazers and bookworms alike, these novels will transport you on an outdoor adventure. Choose a book to read while relaxing in a hammock by the river or lounging in the luxury that is your air-conditioned home from this curated list of nature-themed titles.
To the great outdoors I go.
Will you be taking this book on the trail or to the couch?
AC, please.
Are you a night owl or early bird?
I’m a poet, and I know it.
I’ll take the rays.
I’m a stargazer.
Do you need some outdoor inspiration? Yes, I wanna get movin’.
I’d rather get lost in a good book than in the woods.
Poetry or prose?
BLACK NATURE: FOUR CENTURIES OF AFRICAN AMERICAN NATURE POETRY
Camille T. Dungy
This anthology of nature poems by 93 black poets is the first of its kind and best enjoyed in a sun-speckled forest. The collection of works broadens perceptions of African-American history and literature.
No-brainer — novels.
Philip Connors
This upcoming sequel to Fire Season, to be published in August, will inspire you to keep that river you’re floating down clean. Phillip Connors details his experience working as a wilderness lookout during a fire in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico.
ASTROPHYSICS FOR PEOPLE IN A HURRY
Neil deGrasse Tyson
WILD: FROM LOST TO FOUND ON THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
Cheryl Strayed
Romance or adventure?
I love love. I’m a thrill seeker.
LOVE, AFRICA
Jeffrey GettlemanBEARSKIN
James A. McLaughlin
Contemplate the universe under the stars on a camping trip with this beginner’s guide to astrophysics. Famed physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson breaks down the nature of the cosmos and the concepts of space and time.
Following the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed embarked on a solo 1,100-mile journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. Her trials, failures and ultimate success will inspire you to set out on an adventure. The novel was adapted into a movie in 2014.
Jeffrey Gettleman, a journalist and former war correspondent, writes about his time in East Africa as a college student. A service trip forced him to leave a newfound love but led to his love of the region. This coming-of-age story is about adventure, happiness and long-distance romance.
This fictional adventure captures both the beauty and danger of the Virginia Appalachian wilderness.
Protagonist Rice Moore found a job preserving the natural forests — a foolproof hideaway from the Mexican drug cartel he betrayed in Arizona.
Since 1967, Walt’s Bike Shop has served Columbia’s cycling community, and for the past 20 years, Sarah Ashman has managed the day-to-day operations of the shop. Laid back but passionate about bikes, Ashman says she feels fortunate that she has the opportunity to build connections with local bikers and carry out owner Frank Morris’ vision of the lifetime service policy. When she started in the mid-’90s, mountain bikes were flying off the shelves, and now bike-packing is en vogue, but she says getting people out on midMissouri’s trails will always drive Walt Bike Shop’s mission.
How did you get into biking?
Well, my dad was a recreational cyclist. My brother and I both got into it. When I got a bike shop job in college, I loved it. Working at a bike shop is really a community-type job. You get to know everybody in the cycling community. In Columbia, it’s pretty tightknit. It’s a very social job, which is nice.
Describe some of your most interesting, memorable customers.
We have had some very neat customers. We have one fellow who has ridden all over the place — from here to Alaska. And he’s in his 70s. Mark,
the assistant manager and my husband, does a lot of adaptive bikes for customers with physical limitations. Whether it’s balance issues or mobility issues, we do some hand bikes for people who are in wheelchairs.
What’s it like working with your husband?
We take different days off, so even though we work together, we really only work together three days a week. Since we have small kids, we take different days off so we don’t need as much child care. I think we complement each other really well.
How has Walt’s changed in the past 20 years?
We added the outdoors section and the addition of the fitness equipment. Both of those things have kind of morphed throughout the years. The camping department used to be a lot bigger than it is now. That has kind of shrunk and streamlined into bike-packing and other stuff that complements bike touring. Bike-packing is a really big category right now. Instead of putting everything on their back and hiking into the woods, you load up your bike, touring style with racks and bags. Bike-packing is one of the biggest growing categories in the cycling industry right now. The design of new bikes and products is for bike-packing and touring.
What tips do you have for people who might be biking on the road this summer?
Really learning the rule of the road. Knowing how to ride defensively in traffic. The city of Columbia offers a great course called confident city cycling. It is a course that teaches you how to ride correctly in traffic. There’s certain things you think you’re doing correctly to be safer, but there’s actually other ways to do it. We have several customers a year who get hit by cars riding on sidewalks because it’s not when they’re actually on the sidewalk. It’s when they’re crossing the street. The cyclist will just jet right across and the car has no expectation that a cyclist is coming and they get hit.
After two decades, how do you feel about having made a career at Walt’s?
I never thought I’d stay here. I wanted to move west. But I love it here, and I feel fortunate. I never hate coming to work, which is great. I get burned out like everyone else, but I love it. Working at a bike shop is a little bit unique in that you’re part of a community — the bigger cycling community.
—KATHRYN PALMER KIESERAfter 20 years, SARAH ASHMAN continues to wheel out her expertise to Columbians
Just a few years ago, the blank lawn and the patio at Rose Music Hall were divided by a fence. Now, with renovations and the addition of the outdoor stage, the lawn has grown into a lively slice of Columbia’s music scene.
Matt Gerding, co-owner of Rose Music Hall and The Blue Note, oversaw Rose Park’s remodel. Before he and coowner Scott Leslie took over the venues in 2014, the space included a small patio, a platform for bands and the fence. Today, it’s filled with picnic tables, outdoor lighting and is on its way to becoming a staple.
Using the outdoor space immediately came to mind after Gerding and Leslie bought what was formerly Mojo’s. “It just seemed like a prime spot to do something cool like that, and to attract national talent, and have it sort of raise the profile of the park in terms of some of the local shows that we were doing,” Gerding says. Gerding and Mike Nolan, the general manager of The Blue Note, have a vision of Columbia’s North Village as a district bustling with weekend foot traffic and showcasing the close-knit community of local music lovers.
Judson Ball, co-founder of Logboat Brewing Co., worked at Mojo’s before it was Rose and says the transformations opened up much-needed park space. “When you’re in downtown Columbia, there’s not a whole lot of places you can go that have that grassy area that kind of has a park-like feel,” he says. “You don’t feel too pressured that you’re taking up space at the table.”
Ball says there wasn’t much in the neighborhood a few years ago except for a few restaurants. Now, business is booming. New businesses like DrinkKraft and Yoga Sol have opened.
Summer of Shows
Summerfest brings bands to Columbia for (mostly) outdoor concerts. Summer shows include:
Rose Park
Lucero: July 12, gates 5:30 p.m., show 6:30 p.m., $15
On Ninth Street
Jon Pardi: July 19, gates 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $35 advance, $40 day of Turnpike Troubadours: Aug. 31, gates 6 p.m., show 7 p.m., $25 advance, $29 day of Chase Rice: Sept. 8, gates 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $27.50 advance, $30 day of
The changes have also allowed some The Blue Note’s Summerfest events to move to Rose Park’s stage and give musicians a large, open-air venue.
Tony Lotven and his band, The Fried Crawdaddies, have had a longstanding slot on First Fridays (the North Village arts event) during Rose’s happy hour. Lotven says he’s excited about the neighborhood’s heightened popularity.
“It’s nice that it’s having a place covered outside that’s big enough to handle the whole band,” he says. Big enough to handle bands, and of course, lots of people, too.
BY BEN KOTHE
For decades, canned beers largely consisted of bottom-of-the-barrel options. But since 2011, according to data from the Brewers Association, more and more craft brewers are choosing the metal receptacle, especially during summer, so you don’t have to compromise taste as you hit the trails.
Colette Farmhouse Ale
Great Divide Brewing Co.
Denver, Colorado
Perfect for: hiking, camping
This spicy, yeast-driven beer pops with notes of pineapple and lemon. The higher alcohol by volume makes this an excellent choice if you need to watch your pack weight.
Dale’s Pale Ale
Oskar Blues Brewery
Longmont, Colorado
Perfect for: backpacking, biking
Oskar Blues isn’t just great at canned craft brews; they began the trend of canning craft beer in the first place. Its flagship beer is a hoppy pale ale with a
sweet, malty backbone and citrus aromas. If you don’t know what to bring, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Float Trip Ale
Piney River Brewing Co.
Bucyrus, Missouri
Perfect for: paddling, float trips
One of Piney River’s year-round offerings, the light-bodied Float Trip Ale fulfills its promise of a crisp beer perfect for all-day floats.
Ginger Lemon Radler
Boulevard Brewing Co.
Kansas City, Kansas
Perfect for: biking
Sweet but not sour, this creation from Boulevard is for anyone experiencing the heat of a Missouri summer. The ginger and lemon provide balanced tartness that makes this beer something to bring on your next Katy Trail trip.
Trail Bender Wheat
Bur Oak Brewing Co.
Columbia, Missouri
Perfect for: biking
Unlike some other bready, malty brews, Bur Oak’s Trail Bender Wheat is a light and refreshing wheat beer that won’t fill
you up. The spice and citrus notes make this beer a perfect trail-side treat.
Snapper IPA
Logboat Brewing Co.
Columbia, Missouri
Perfect for: hiking, camping Piney notes and strong fruity flavors of
pear and peach make this American IPA from local favorite Logboat Brewing Company, which can be identified by the reptilian creature sprawled across the can, a great choice for fans of this style. The level of hops isn’t too much to keep this beer from being approachable and refreshing.
Columbia Parks and Recreation has 48 trails listed in its directory. Missouri State Parks make up another 80 parks and historic sites. With such natural abundance, choosing a place for your next hiking excursion can be confusing and stressful. One trail might be great for a solo hike, but what if you plan to bring your dog or your children with you? Or add fishing, kayaking or bird-watching to the day’s itinerary?
More adventures await in Missouri’s great outdoors than we could possibly print on these pages. We narrowed this list of trails to just six selections for hiking (and a bonus one for biking). Each fulfills a different goal, whether you’re looking for views, history or simply a park with a lot of options. We selected local parks and ones as far-flung as the Lake of the Ozarks so you can decide just how far away from it all you’d like to be. So, lace up your boots and break out the bug spray: It’s time to take a hike.
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Finger Lakes State Park is just one of the many natural escapes at your fingertips in mid-Missouri. The park offers canoeing, kayaking and fishing as well as camping and a motocross track. This Vox hiking guide outlines seven options to consider the next time you want to hit the trail.
Hike like a naturalist and look for these native flora and fauna, all active during the summer.
Throughout June and July, edible, reddish-purple berries are borne from the white flowers of this small tree. They attract birds and are also called Juneberries.
This turtle has a large head and a long neck and tail, as well as strong jaws capable of injuring humans. It prefers bodies of water with muddy bottoms and abundant vegetation.
Look for these spiny, reddish-purple flowers on the sides of streams, highways and railroads. They can grow up to 10 feet tall, providing nectar for monarch butterflies and nesting materials for goldfinches.
The brown recluse is a venomous hunting spider that often hides in closets and drawers. They have trouble biting humans unless they are crushed against the skin, so they are unlikely cause to harm otherwise.
These are two of the three kinds of tree frogs found in Missouri. Both have adhesive toes that they use to climb. Listen for the trilling sounds they make on summer evenings during breeding season from April to July.
This 24- to 42-inch nonvenomous snake dwells in various watering holes. They are gray to reddish-brown and banded with a cream-colored belly.
The most common venomous snake in Missouri is grayish-brown to pinkish-tan with hourglass-shaped crossbands. They spend time among trees or piles of dead leaves. Seek medical treatment if bitten.
Limestone cliffs rise high above the Silver Fork at Pinnacles Youth Park. Cross the creek to get to the 1-mile trail that leads to the top and the 300-millionyear-old rock formations the park is named for.
BY LUCY SHANKER
If you’re afraid of heights, the Pinnacles is not for you. Don’t be fooled by the moniker: This trail is no walk in the park. Although the distance itself isn’t wildly rigorous at about a mile long, it’s still enough to get your heart rate up. Not to mention the climbable 80-foot limestone formations at the end, which are over 300 million years old, according to a previous piece by the Missourian. Privately held in trust by the Boone County Pinnacles Youth Foundation, it is one of the less intense hiking trails in Columbia in terms of length. Pile everybody into the van, and enjoy the privately owned, open-to-the-public park, but don’t forget a leash for the dog — it’s required. 850 E. Pinnacles Road, Sturgeon; open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 449-7946
For the ’gram: the top of the rock formations
Don’t miss: Silver Fork Creek, before the actual climb OF NOTE
Pavilions for comfortable lunch spots
No, we’re not talking about the Missouri band performing at Roots N Blues N BBQ this year. We’re talking about the 3,700 rolling acres that inspired those guys to name their band after this state park. About an hour and a half drive from Columbia, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a day trip kind of place. Not convinced yet? Well, Conde Nast Traveler named Ha Ha Tonka the most beautiful place in Missouri. With more than 15 miles of trails, exploring the park is accessible for people with a range of skill levels. It’s also home to geological wonders: sinkholes, caves and sheer bluffs. But what you really won’t want to miss are the ruins of a stone castle that overlook the park and Lake of the Ozarks. Take Castle Trail to see and bring your kids, too. This 0.4-mile path is one of the easier options. If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, try the Turkey Pen Hollow Trail. You’re sure to see most of the park on the 6.5-mile trail. Ha Ha Tonka is proof that you should never underestimate the beauty of mid-Missouri.
1491 Missouri D, Camdenton; open 7 a.m. to sunset, April to October, 8 a.m. to sunset, November to March; park office open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April to October; 346-2986
For the ’gram: top of the Castle Trail for an expansive view of the Lake of the Ozarks
Don’t miss: historic castle ruins OF NOTE
Short drive to Lake of the Ozarks for restaurants, bars and hotels
BY CARY LITTLEJOHN
Whether it’s a sprained ankle or surprise rainstorm, each trip to the trail can come with its own set of twists and turns. And nothing can ruin a hike quicker than being unprepared for these unexpected scenarios. A well-stocked backpack is your solution. Lynn DeCapo, Alpine Shop’s assistant manager at the Columbia location, shares some essentials of day hiking.
A flashlight or headlamp is a commonly forgotten item on a day hike because people don’t consider the possibility of getting lost. But it happens, and suddenly, a day hike has turned into a night outside. A light source is vital after the sun goes down. A headlamp, such as the Diamond Cosmo 200 ($29.95) you to keep your hands free.
For day hikes, scale down. A small hydration pack, such as the Camelbak Lobo ($100) should be plenty for your hike. As you venture into backpacking, you’ll want to upgrade to a larger pack like the Osprey Atmos AG 65 ($270) tip: Packs between 30 and 40 liters are a great all-purpose size — small enough for day hikes and big enough for extended trips.
Matches in a waterproof container typically suffice as a fire source. This is a last-resort item. If an overnight stay becomes necessary, starting a fire is important, and rubbing two sticks together isn’t very practical.
Maps are often overlooked in our digital age as we primarily rely on phones for our navigational needs. But a physical map and compass are must-haves on serious hikes. Be sure to take the necessary time to learn
No matter the length of your hike or backpacking trip, never leave home without a first-aid kit. Most kits are available based on group size and number of nights on the trail. A popular model is the Ultralight and Watertight Medical Kit .7 ($29), which contains enough supplies for one to four people for up to four nights.
Staying hydrated is key. Some packs have internal reservoirs that make drinking on the trail easy. And classic water bottles, such as a 32-ounce Nalgene ($10.95) out of style, but they might be less convenient on the trail and require multiple fill-ups.
You never know how useful and versatile a multi-tool can be until you need one. For a 2.6-ounce toolbox in your pocket, try the iconic Swiss Army Camper Knife ($34) This device includes two blades, a saw, corkscrew, can opener, bottle opener, toothpick, screwdrivers and
Rock Bridge
Memorial State
Park is a natural playground with caves, boardwalks and, of course, room for playing a little jump rope.
When kicking it on a trail, the last thing you want is for blisters, heat or itchy ivy to be kicking you. Use these tips to avoid and treat some common hiking maladies.
Prevention: Recognize and avoid the plant. “Leaves of three, let it be” is a decent approach. Also remember poison ivy’s leaves alternate on the stem rather than lining up left to right and it grows as a vine or woody shrub.
Treatment: Use cold compresses, topical corticosteroids or antihistamines.
Prevention: Drink water, even when you don’t feel thirsty, according to the Red Cross. Also avoid caffeine, wear lightcolored clothing and take frequent breaks.
Treatment: Heat cramps are the least severe heat-related illness. Go to a cooler place and drink water or electrolytes, such as Gatorade. Pale or ashen skin, nausea and weakness are signs of heat exhaustion. Remove clothing as possible and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. Vomiting or passing out are signs of heat stroke, also indicated by high
body temperature, red skin and shallow breathing. Call 911 and cover the person in cool water and ice if possible.
Feet first
Prevention: Merino or synthetic wool socks will keep your feet protected and warm even if they get wet, says Lynn DeCapo, associate manager of the Alpine Shop.
Treatment: Use moleskin for pinched or raw skin. Tougher than a bandage, it’ll cover the injury and prevent further rubbing.
BY NAT KAEMMERERPrevention: Support your ankles with sturdy, tightly-laced boots that come up around your ankles. Use hiking poles for extra support, DeCapo says. These will help you find an extra foot on the ground, especially when crossing water or navigating rough terrain.
Treatment: For injuries, use the RICE method, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. That means rest your ankle, ice it if you can, compress to keep down swelling and elevate the ankle.
Rock Bridge is a park with numerous hiking options. About 15 minutes south of downtown, Rock Bridge was established in 1967. It has over 25 miles of hiking trails and numerous streams and caves. There are eight different trails, including the popular Devil’s Icebox Trail, which is a short but rugged boardwalk path leading past the rock formation that gives the park its name. The majority of the trails are rated as moderate in difficulty and are 1 to 3 miles long, but many of them have connector routes that allow hikers to shorten their walks. For those seeking a longer hike, the nearby Gans Creek Wild Area Trail System provides over 8 miles of rugged trail. Visitors who want to test their outdoor skills should try the Orienteering Course, during which participants can use only a map and compass to navigate unmarked terrain to find 30 separate markers.
5901 South Highway 163; open sunrise to sunset every day; park office open 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Mon. to Fri.; 449-7402
For the ’gram: the park’s namesake rock bridge formation, plus the Coyote and Shooting Star Bluffs on the Gans Creek Wild Area Trail System
Don’t miss: Connor’s Cave, a 150-foot cave with a stream for wading
Guided tours of Connor’s and Devil’s Icebox caves (helmets and flashlights are provided)
Along the banks of the Missouri River is the 4,431-acre Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. The Missouri Department of Conservation bought the land as a way to protect Missouri’s wetlands after nearly 90 percent of the state’s wetlands had been lost. Located at the southwest edge of Columbia near McBaine, Eagle Bluffs is a prime spot for birdwatching and, as the name would suggest, bald eagle sightings. Hike along the expansive Missouri River on a 2.2-mile trail, or park your car near one of the 17 wetland pools that are home to resident and migrant birds. The park is a hunting and fishing spot, but check state regulations before gearing up and heading out. Eagle Bluffs is also a popular place to train hunting dogs. Just make sure to keep them on a leash when they aren’t in training.
6700 W. Route K; open 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.; 445-3882
For the ’gram: Eagle Bluffs Overlook off the Overlook Trail
Don’t miss: Missouri River Marina at Cooper’s Landing, 11505 S. Smith Hatchery Road
Hunting and fishing with proper licensing OF NOTE
Native plants bloom from the verdant landscape of Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.
Don’t just let nature take its course; be prepared before you pack up and head out. Consult these valuable resources to discover outdoor opportunities, essential tips and insider tricks.
The Alpine Shop, located at 1102 E. Broadway, has a wealth of information about the region’s best hiking on its Facebook page. The page also is where the business publicizes its educational events that aim to get more people outdoors. From now until September, the store offers varying levels of kayak proficiency courses, including one for dry-land basics, which will teach participants about recommended gear, and other classes for beginner and intermediate kayakers.
View Missouri’s state parks by region with this site. In the central Missouri area, there are 11 parks listed. There’s also an extensive “optimize your experience” tab with articles about plants and animals you might see in Missouri parks and potential trips that require less than a tank of gas.
Check here for a comprehensive list of trails, parks and outdoor facilities in Columbia. If a local park isn’t on the State Parks website, you’ll likely find it here. Locations and descriptions for Columbia’s dozens of outdoor options are catalogued, and the city provides basic park and trail safety tips as well.
BY NAT KAEMMERERThousands of trails in a worldwide database are available through this app with dozens listed in the Columbia area alone. It allows users to rate the trails with a five-star system and on a scale of easy, moderate or hard. Aside from leading you to nearby hikes, the app also lets you select a hike and record your progress along the trail as well as add trips for future park-goers.
This website not only suggests hikes in your area that are ranked on a detailed difficulty system, it also contains articles about gear, hiking safety and outdoor skills to aid newbie hikers. Take note of the “before you go” tab for planning essentials.
Take your four-legged friends on a walk or a run along Bear Creek Trail, and stop by the dog park in Garth Nature Area. The fenced-in dog park is about 3 acres. It has a pond the pups can splash in and a picnic table where you can have a rest. The trail in northern Columbia connects two popular parks: Cosmo Park on the west side of town and Albert-Oakland Park to the east. At 4.8 miles, this wide limestone trail follows the natural drainage system of Bear Creek. There is even a boardwalk at one section that crosses the water. The trail is one of the eight major trails in Columbia like the MKT and Hinkson Creek trails. It is tree-covered, making for a quiet and cool hike with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Trail spans from Cosmo Park, 1615 Business Loop 70 W., to Albert-Oakland Park, 1900 Blue Ridge Road; open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; 874-7460
For the ’gram: the boardwalk crossing Bear Creek
Don’t miss: Movies in the Park at Cosmo every second Friday from May to September
Garth Dog Park located just off of the main trail
Long Branch is just over an hour’s drive north of Columbia and has three different hiking trails. Lakeview Trail is the easiest in the park at .6 miles. It’s open to bikes as well and as its name suggests, offers great views of Long Branch Lake. For a change of scenery, the 1.5-mile Little Chariton Prairie Trail has a moderate difficulty rating and gives hikers a glimpse of Missouri’s natural prairie landscape. Serious hikers and backpackers should try the 7.5-mile Bee Trace Trail, which was named after the honeybees that were attracted to the hollow trees in the area. It is rated as the most difficult trail in the park.
For water activities, bring a boat and launch at one of the three paved boat ramps. If you don’t have your own boat, rent a kayak from the Marina Store for a day on the lake. The beach is also open for swimming and fishing.
28615 Visitor Center Road, Macon; open sunrise to 10 p.m.; park office open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; (660) 773-5229
For the ’gram: waterfall at the midway point of the Kelley Branch Trail
Rent kayaks ($10/two hours or $30/day) and canoes ($10/two hours or $25/day); beach closed for 2018 due to dam repairs
BY CARY LITTLEJOHN
With 24 miles of shoreline, water activities, such as kayaking, are a popular choice at Long Branch State Park. The park also has three worthwhile hiking trails that traverse the area’s native prairie terrain.
For the ’gram: great view of Long Branch Lake at the end of Lakeview Trail
Finger Lakes sits on land once used by the Peabody Coal Company for a strip-mining operation and contains more than 70 miles of off-road vehicle trails. It’s a mixed-bag for hikers: Its close proximity to Columbia is a huge plus, but there is only one hiking trail, Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail. As the name suggests, this trail is designed for mountain bikers. The narrow 2.75-mile trail is rarely out of sight of a road, and natural sounds are often drowned out by the din of ATVs in the distance. But at the midpoint of the trail, there is a waterfall with an overlook area. On the backside of the trail, you can find a beautiful stretch of pine forest. The park offers several activities, namely the ATV trails. But waterrelated fun is also an attraction at Finger Lakes. Many of the lakes left behind by the mining company were joined together to form connected water paths, which can be navigated by canoes and kayaks. Finger Lakes State Park Water Trail consists of two sections, each a little more than two miles long with a connector that allows visitors to paddle the entire 4.5-mile water trail.
1505 Peabody Road; open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., April to October, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., November to March; 443-5315
Kayaks rent for $10/hour or $40/day, paddles and life jackets included
For these three photographers, the outdoors provide inspiration for their art
BY CARY LITTLEJOHNNature is full of marvels, and Columbia is no exception. Recording a moment in the outdoors, such as a bird taking flight or a star’s position in the sky, can’t always be done with words. Three of Columbia’s nature photographers have each developed their own distinct ways of catching nature in the act.
Some photographers consider themselves documentarians, and others see their craft as an artistic endeavor. Phillips exemplifies the photographer-as-artist role. As a marketing and branding professional, her photography is often incorporated into her work, but nature photography holds a special place for her. She speaks about nature with reverence. When asked why she chooses to photograph nature, she responds without hesitation: “It’s limitless. It’s everywhere. I really feel like, as a spiritual philosophy, we’re all connected, and nature exemplifies that connection.” She finds these connections during long drives or walks in the woods through nearby parks. She likes to photograph landscapes but also smaller, often overlooked occurences in nature.
“I really like forms — the way a root wraps around a rock or the way two trees intertwined,” she says. “And patterns — in bark or in rock.”
Phillips suggests expanding beyond your phone’s camera if you’re new to photography or considering it seriously. She also stresses intentionality. “When I look through the camera lens, it is 100 percent focus,” she says.
Camera: Nikon D750
Favorite places to take photos: Three Creeks Conservation Area, Eagle Bluffs, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and Grindstone Nature Area
Notable: Phillips’ photography exhibit, entitled “Nature Therapy,” is showing at Talking Horse Productions in Columbia through the end of June.
Photography is about capturing that perfect image, at least in Horne’s work. With each trip, he seeks out his preferred subject: wildlife, particularly birds.
He’s captured lightning-quick hummingbirds and the wide wingspan of Bandy, the bald eagle at Eagle Bluffs with a band on its leg.
Horne emphasizes the importance of research in wildlife photography. “Learn the animal because no bird, no picture,” he says. Wandering around without knowledge of the animal you’re photographing is unlikely to produce quality results. But Horne doesn’t stop after learning the habits of birds. He also studies the weather, specifically the sun. Natural light is key to wildlife photography, and with The Photographer’s Ephemeris app on his phone, he’s able to gauge when and where to be to capture his subjects in soft golden light.
Horne has learned a valuable lesson: You don’t have to travel far and wide to get quality shots. He utilizes his backyard, where he’s set up feeders, various places for the birds to perch and a blind to conceal himself. But midMissouri has plenty of locations nearby for aspiring bird photographers.
Camera: Nikon D500, 200-500 mm telephoto lens
Favorite places to take photos: Eagle Bluffs and Jefferson City’s Binder Park
Notable: Horne is a member of the new Friends of Eagle Bluff Photography Group, which aims to showcase photos of the conservation area
Bai’s love of photography began in high school, when his participation in a statewide high school photography competition sparked a lifelong interest.
An engineer by day, Bai dreams of developing a professional reputation in photography. Sweeping landscapes are his preferred subject.
Bai says the beauty of nature is the biggest draw for him. “It’s a moment that I want to capture by myself,” he says. “Nature feels like a human being, changing every day, and I want to catch the moment because every day is different; it gives a different feeling.”
But Bai’s appreciation of nature doesn’t fade with the sun’s setting. He also practices astrophotography, which is the photography of stars. He says location is key for astrophotography because photos only turn out well in places where there is no light pollution, such as
Favorite places to take photos: Yosemite, Death Valley and Saguaro national parks
Notable: Hao recommends the Tony & Chelsea Northrup YouTube channel for those beginning the study of photography
the American West.
Technology is instrumental to his development as a photographer. That doesn’t necessarily mean the latest and greatest camera gear. Rather, the most important tool for him is the internet and its numerous photography how-to videos.
“I basically just go to a YouTube channel, watch it, buy the book from the institute and read it and try to practice myself,” Bai says.
Bai encourages aspiring photographers to do the same and take advantage of the internet so they can join its bustling community of professional photographers and enthusiasts. He also suggests that they post the photographs they take to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and 500px.com. The feedback of other photographers is an invaluable learning tool. Bai believes these are essential steps for up-andcoming photographers to improve their skills.
Nature feels like a human being, changing every day, and I want to catch the moment because every day is different; it gives a different feeling.
-Hao Bai
“ “Bai captures images of breathtaking landscapes, such as a waterfall and its pool, but he also goes in search of the perfect places to photograph the nighttime landscape of the sky.
Shrek the Musical
Everybody’s favorite ogre takes the stage in this musical rendition of the 2001 movie. Watch Shrek win over the hearts of Fiona and audiences alike in this fairytale. July 12–14, 19–21, 7 p.m.; July 14–15, 18, 22, 2 p.m., Rhynsburger Theatre, $16; $10, children 17 and under, 882-7529
Hamilton Trivia and Singalong
Transport yourself to 18th-century New England at this Hamilton-themed event. Contestants will be quizzed on their knowledge of the history, songs and pop culture related to the award-winning musical. Aug. 17, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Columbia Public Library, Free, 443-3161
Arcana
The Lovers, the Devil, the Fool and more come together at Columbia Art League’s tarot-themed exhibit. Local artists contributed their interpretations of the famed cards, which will then be combined to form a collaborative deck. Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. to Nov. 9 at 6 p.m., Columbia Art League, Free, 443-8838
Water Festival
Get close and personal with nature at
this family-friendly event about streams and aquatic animals. You’ll catch waterdwellers and learn from displays, such as an interactive stream model, and explore Connor’s Cave. July 21, 9 a.m. to noon, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Free, 449-7402
Columbia Pet Expo Unleashed
Fur real, you won’t want to miss out on this day full of raffle prizes, pet contests, food truck treats and more. All proceeds from the event benefit No Kill Columbia’s Spay Neuter Project. Aug. 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Stephens Lake Park, Free, (636) 536-7450
MidMO PrideFest
Celebrate the CoMo LGBTQIA community for the festival’s 14th year. The event for all ages will include entertainment, vendors, food and resources regarding local organizations. Aug. 25, 1–9 p.m., Rose Music Hall, Free, pride@midmopride.org
Cheers! Central MO Wine & Beer Festival
In true festival fashion, this event will include food trucks, live music, raffles and samplings of wine and craft beers. June 30, 5–10 p.m., downtown Sedalia, $30, (660) 829-3434
Wine and dine barbecue-style at this event that will take you from Glasgow to Westphalia. This casual wine tour has seven winery locations where delectable summer wines and delicious barbecue will be served. July 7–8, 12–6 p.m., $20, 698-3012, see missouririverwinetrail.com for a list of locations
Sing happy birthday to DogMaster Distillery as the business celebrates its fourth year. There will be food, music and, of course, spirits to mark the momentous occasion. July 28, 4–10 p.m., DogMaster Distillery, Free, 777-6768
The regional showcase attracts top young talent wanting to show off new work. The weekend of performances kicks off with the festival’s resident ensemble, Alarm Will Sound. July 23–28, 7:30 p.m., Missouri Theatre, $18, adults; $10, students, 882-2604
Over the course of five days, campers learn
an instrument, start a band, write a song, create art and more. The week culminates with a showcase and dance party meant to empower young women. July 28, 2 p.m., doors; 2:30 p.m., show, The Blue Note, $7, general admission; $5, students, 874-1944
Bring your dancing feet to this outdoor event that consists entirely of local, regional and national jazz. The Jazz Forward Initiative is partnering with Rose Music Hall for this night of music and fun — for free! Sept. 2, 11 a.m., doors; noon, show, Rose Park, Free, 874-1944
More than 30,000 athletes converge in CoMo for the annual Show-Me State Games, which include Olympic-style sports such as archery, wrestling and gymnastics. July 20–22, July 27–29, all day, locations vary, Free, 882-2101
Mark your calendars because this Labor Day weekend will be filled with tailgating and football. Cheer on the Tigers at Mizzou’s season-opener against the University of Tennessee-Martin. Sept. 1, 3 p.m., Faurot Field, price varies, 882-6501
