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Columbia Parks & Recreation offers a variety of special events throughout the year. Events showcase Columbia's cultural diversity, encourage volunteerism and promote health and wellness. From preschoolers to seniors, special events also provide a lot of fun and entertainment.
January | February | March | April | May | June
July | August | September | October | November | December
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Candle Light March & Memorial Celebration
Monday, January 16, 2012 - 6:30 pm
The candle light march will begin at 6:30 pm at Douglass High School. The Memorial Celebration will be held at 7 pm at St. Paul AMC (501 Park).
Black History Month 2012 Celebration
Host the History: Schedule and host a Black History presentation! Organizations, schools, agencies etc. please call for reservations. Groups can view a presentation on site or at your location for free, weekdays in February. Call Bill at 874-6379.
Panel Discussion: “Does Obama Deserve a Second Term?”
Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Join a panel discussion featuring conservative, liberal, and moderate voices discussing President Obama in this election year. Time will be allowed for comments and questions.
African-American Film & Discussion: “Two Nations of Black America”
Tuesday, February 14 and 21, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Armory Sports Center - 701 E. Ash
Black History Month Talent Showcase Blow Out
Thursday, February 16, 2012, 7-9 p.m.
Douglass High School Gym
A great evening of entertainment featuring singers, dancers, rappers, poets and more.
Gospel Explosion & Soul Food Dinner Musical Celebration
Sunday, February 26, 2012, 3 p.m.
St. Luke UMC – 204 E Ash
Come and enjoy lots of great gospel music from local and regional acts. Afterwards there will be a soul food feast for all that attend.
Women's Month 2012 Activities
Women's History Month Exhibit
Organizations, schools, agencies etc please call for reservation. Our staff will bring the exhibit to you and give a presentation. Call Bill at 874-6379.Weekdays in March.
Women's Month Film and Discussion
Tues, March 6, 2012 - 6:30 pm
Armory Sports Center
Enjoy the documentary "Oprah, the Past, Present and Future" and learn about the vision and passion that makes Oprah Winfrey an icon! A short discussion will follow. Free!
Precious Moments/Women’s Award Recognition
Thurs, March 15, 2012 - 6:30 pm
Armory Sports Center
come share a precious moment with that special woman in your life with a poem, song, story or acknowledge her however you wish. Let her know how important she is to you.
35th Annual Train Show
Sat, March 17, 2012, 10 am-3 pm
Paquin Tower, 1201 Paquin Street - FREE
All aboard! Come to the Train Show and see a wide variety of displays involving trans and the early days of transportation as well as video and photographs on rail travel. Sponsored by Mid-Mo Railfans, Columbia Parks and Recreation & Paquin Tower Recreation Council.
Tons of Trucks
Wed, April 4, 2012
Rainbow Softball Center at Cosmo Park, Free
Trucks and other vehicles of all shapes and sizes will be on display for you to admire, wander around, climb on, and sit in. Access the Rainbow Parking Lot through main entrance of Cosmo Park. This event is free and held in rain or shine. Free!
Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt
April 5, 2012, Register by April 2
Riechmann Pavilion at Stephens Lake Park
Get your flashlight and basket ready for the annual Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt! Win prizes! Parks and Recreation is teaming up with Mizzou’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism students to bring the community this event. Cost is $7 per child. Pre-registration required. Times vary by age:
Ages 3-5: 7:30 pm
Ages 6-7: 7:45 pm
Ages 8-10: 8 pm
Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza (ages 12 & under)
Saturday, April 7, 2012, 12-1:30 pm
Douglass Park, FREE
Bring your children out for a fun candy-filled egg hunt before Easter. There will be 3 separate hunts designated by age. Other activities will include coloring, face painting, toss games, and more. Hunt will begin at 12:45 pm. In case of rain, we will give away candy under the shelter.
Note: Please call 874-6378 if you or your organization would like to volunteer by hosting a game or activity.
Kite Flying Day
Saturday, April 14, 2012 - 12-2 pm
Douglass Park Ball Field, FREE
Bring your kites and let's have a great time! This is a great chance for parents to fly kites with your children and family just like the good ole days! A number of kites will be given to children that do not have one to fly. Contest categories are Largest Flying Kite, Smallest Flying Kite & the Highest Flyer. Prizes will be awarded to winners. LET'S FILL THE SKY!
Family Fun Fest: Teen Fest
Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 6-8 pm
Flat Branch Park, Free
3rd Wednesday April through September
Entertainment for the whole family, including activities, music, bounce house, face painting and more. Each month features a different theme. This month:
Teen Fest will feature local teen talent, bungee run, art wall, activities and more. Sponsored by the Youth Community Coalition and in collaboration with the Rainbow House.
The Family Fun Fest series is sponsored by Convention and Visitors Bureau, KPLA 101.5 radio, KOMU TV8, Columbia Home magazine and EntPro Entertainment.
Earth Day
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Check columbiaearthday.org for details.
Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater Concert Series
Norm Ruebling Band
Thursday, May 3, 2012 7-9 pm, Free
Outdoor Movies in the Park
Friday, May 4, 2012, 8:30 pm
Flat Branch Park, $2 per person, free for kids 8 and under
Bring a blanket and enjoy a movie on the large, inflatable screen under the stars! Concessions available. No rain dates. Sponsored by Parks and Recreation and KPLA 101.5.
This month: Puss In Boots (PG)
Hershey Track and Field Meet
Saturday, May 5, 2012, check in at 9 am, begin at 10 am
Hickman High School Track
Introduction to track and field activities for both boys and girls. Local winners advance to state meet, with chance to further advance nationally to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Free to kids ages 9-14 (proof of birth date must be provided). Register at Parks and Recreation office, the Armory or the ARC.
MLB Pitch, Hit and Run
Saturday, May 5, 2012, 10 am, Free
Albert-Oakland Park
Mary Goldstein Water Safety Day
Sunday, May 6, 2012, 4-6 pm, Free
Hickman Pool
Jumpstart to a safe summer in and around the water! This clinic will feature four stations to reinforce safe habits, skills and fun water games. Registration required, as space is limited.
11th Annual Bike, Walk & Wheel Week
May 12-19
Check our web page for the whole schedule!
MLB Pitch Hit and Run
Saturday, May 12, 2012, 9:30 am registration, 10 am event starts
Official skills competition of Major League Baseball, event is free and open to boys and girls. Children must be ages 7-14. Copy of birth certificate required.
Kids Bicycle Safety Challenge
Saturday, May 12, 2012, 10 am-noon, Free
Shelter Insurance parking lot
Family Fun Fest: Fitness is Fun
Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 6-8 pm
Flat Branch Park, Free
3rd Wednesday April through September
Entertainment for the whole family, including activities, music, bounce house, face painting and more. Each month features a different theme. This month:
Fitness is Fun will celebrate Bike, Walk and Wheel Week and will include activities and demonstrations showing you how to get fit! Sponsored by the ARC.
The Family Fun Fest series is sponsored by Convention and Visitors Bureau, KPLA 101.5 radio, KOMU TV8, Columbia Home magazine and EntPro Entertainment.
Trails Run 5K Walk & 10K Bike
Saturday, May 19, 2012, 9-10 am, Free
MKT Trail at Stadium entrance
Join the walk/run or bike on one of Columbia's most beautiful trails. The run/walk/bike is not a timed event. Pre-registration is not required. Free! All participants will get a t-shirt.
Shred Fest Skateboarding Event
Saturday, June 2, 2012, 4-7 pm
Columbia Skate Park at Cosmo Park
Celebrate National Skateboarding Day with Shred Fest! Enter the best trick contest, enjoy great music, helmet giveaways and food. All ages are welcome at this free event! Presented by Parks and Recreation, Parkside Skate Shop, Tiger Pilot Club and Youth Community Coalition.
Saturday-Sunday, June 2-3, 2012, 10 am-5 pm (Sat) and 10 am-4 pm (Sun)
Organized by the Columbia Art League. Will feature more than 110 artists, musical and magical entertainment and children's creative area. Free parking at Boone Medical Plaza and regular shuttle bus to the park. Visit artinthepark.missouri.org for details.
Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater Concert Series
Missouri Symphony Society
Thursday, June 7, 2012 7-9 pm, Free
Outdoor Movies in the Park
Friday, June 8, 2012, 9 pm
Flat Branch Park, $2 per person, free for kids 8 and under
Bring a blanket and enjoy a movie on the large, inflatable screen under the stars! Concessions available. No rain dates. Sponsored by Parks and Recreation and KPLA 101.5.
This month: The Muppets (PG)
Lunch in the Park
Starts June 11 thru August 10, 2012
Douglass Park Shelter - 11:30 am-1 pm
All children are welcome to enjoy lunch in the park on weekdays! Lunch will be served at the Douglass Park shelter. This program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and the food program is carried out in a partnership between the City's Health Department and Voluntary Action Center. Lunch is not served on July 4.
Family Fun Fest: Explore Outdoors
Wednesday, June 20, 2012, 6-8 pm
Flat Branch Park, Free
3rd Wednesday April through September
Entertainment for the whole family, including activities, music, bounce house, face painting and more. Each month features a different theme. This month:
Explore Outdoors promises an evening of fun with nature! Learn about Missouri's fish, birds, parks, camping and more about what the outdoors has to offer.
The Family Fun Fest series is sponsored by Convention and Visitors Bureau, KPLA 101.5 radio, KOMU TV8, Columbia Home magazine and EntPro Entertainment.
Annual Juneteenth Days
Saturday-Sunday, June 16-17, 2012, 3-8 pm
Come and celebrate African-American heritage in the park with bands, choirs, speakers, games and food. Bring your lawn chair or blanket.
2nd Annual Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 30, 2012, 9:30 -11:30 am, Check in from 9-9:30 am
Philips Park
Bring the whole family and enjoy a morning of fishing! Prizes will be awarded for first fish caught, largest and smallest fish in each age category. Co-sponsored by Mo. Dept. of Conservation.
4th of July Fire In The Sky:
The 60th Annual Celebration of an
American Tradition
Wednesday, July 4, 2012- Free
Location Downtown Columbia- Entertainment starts at 7 pm - Fireworks begin after 9 pm
Music, entertainment and fireworks! For more information, call 874-7460.
Fall Leisure Times published
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater Concert Series
Thursday, July 12, 2012 7-9 pm, Free
Teen Night at Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center
Friday, July 13, 2012, 8:30-10:30 pm, $2 per person
Outdoor Movies in the Park
Friday, July 13, 2012, 9 pm
Flat Branch Park, $2 per person, free for kids 8 and under
Bring a blanket and enjoy a movie on the large, inflatable screen under the stars! Concessions available. No rain dates. Sponsored by Parks and Recreation and KPLA 101.5.
This month: The Smurfs
Family Fun Fest: Around the World
Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 6-8 pm
Flat Branch Park, Free
3rd Wednesday April through September
Entertainment for the whole family, including activities, music, bounce house, face painting and more. Each month features a different theme. This month:
Travel the globe with dancing, games, music and more. Find out what other children around the world do for fun.
The Family Fun Fest series is sponsored by Convention and Visitors Bureau, KPLA 101.5 radio, KOMU TV8, Columbia Home magazine and EntPro Entertainment.
Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater Concert Series
Thursday, August 2, 2012 7-9 pm, Free
Outdoor Movies in the Park
Friday, August 10, 2012, 8:30 pm
Flat Branch Park, $2 per person, free for kids 8 and under
Bring a blanket and enjoy a movie on the large, inflatable screen under the stars! Concessions available. No rain dates. Sponsored by Parks and Recreation and KPLA 101.5.
This month: Dr. Seuss' the Lorax
NFL Punt, Pass and Kick
Saturday, August 11, 2012, 9:30 am check in, free
Cosmo Park Football Field #4
Family Fun Fest: It's a Circus
Wednesday, August 15, 2012, 6-8 pm
Flat Branch Park, Free
3rd Wednesday April through September
Entertainment for the whole family, including activities, music, bounce house, face painting and more. Each month features a different theme. This month:
The night will be complete with the Ringtop Circus Band, Ann Gaefke's performing dogs, face painting, balloon animals, games and more. Jeff Copeland will amaze and captivate us with his magic show.
The Family Fun Fest series is sponsored by Convention and Visitors Bureau, KPLA 101.5 radio, KOMU TV8, Columbia Home magazine and EntPro Entertainment.
Teen Garage Band Bash
TBA
Top of Parking Garage, 6th & Cherry, $2 admission
Columbia Parks & Recreation, Public Works and the Youth Community Coalition are throwing a "back to school" band bash. Different area teen bands will be jamming throughout the evening. If you're in a local teen band and are interested in performing, please contact Erin at 874-6341.
Pooch Plunge
TBA
Finish off the 'dog days' of summer at Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center. The pool (sorry no slides) is open for dogs and must be accompanied by an adult. DOGS SWIM ONLY! Owners are responsible for cleaning up any accidents! Dog and owner must be pre-registered to participate. Limited space! Friendly dogs only! Call 874-7460 to register with a Visa or MasterCard.
Annual Heritage Festival & Craft Show
September 15 & 16, 2012 - 10 am-5 pm 
Nifong Park, Hwy 63 S at AC exit, FREE
Visitors will be taken back to the traditions of the past. Listen, learn, and see history as it comes alive. See artisans and tradesmen dressed in 19th century attire demonstrating their trades and selling their wares. A large contemporary handmade craft area will also be featured. Enjoy entertainment on two stages including music, dancing and storytelling. Saturday Ghost Stories (8-9:30 pm) are sponsored by the Mid-Missouri Organization Storytellers. Tour the Historic Maplewood Home and the Walter’s Boone County Historical Museum. Great food and a beautiful park setting will make the Heritage Festival a family tradition!
Family Fun Fest: Creative Kids
Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 6-8 pm
Flat Branch Park, Free
3rd Wednesday April through September
Entertainment for the whole family, including activities, music, bounce house, face painting and more. Each month features a different theme. This month: Participatory art activities and kid-friendly performances of music, theater and dance. Sponsored by the City's Office of Cultural Affairs and the Missouri Arts Council.
The Family Fun Fest series is sponsored by Convention and Visitors Bureau, KPLA 101.5 radio, KOMU TV8, Columbia Home magazine and EntPro Entertainment.
ONE SKY - ONE WORLD DAY
TBA, 10 am-4 pm
Cosmo-Bethel Park
Join kite flying enthusiasts from all over Missouri for this special one day event. Similar events will be held all over the United States and around the World.
Holiday Toys for Columbia's Youth
TBA for 2012
Get in the giving spirit this holiday season! When you are out shopping this holiday season, pick up an extra gift for a needy child. Monetary donations are accepted at 1 South 7th Street . We accept cash, check or debit/credit card. A letter of receipt for tax purposes will be provided for your generosity. Please call 874-7460 for more information.
Tiger Night of Fun
Wednesday, October 31, 2012, 6-8 pm
Hearnes Center
Don't miss the annual free alternative to going door-to-door for candy! Tiger Night of Fun will feature games, activities and plenty of treats. If your group or organization is interested in sponsoring a booth, contact Janel at 874-7700.
Winter Leisure Times published
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Holiday Toys for Columbia's Youth
TBA for 2012
City Kwanzaa Celebration
TBA for 2012
Come celebrate this African-American holiday which is based around developing positive families and communities. There will be community awards given, entertainment and a holiday feast. Please call 874-6379 for more information. Free.
Santa Hotline
TBA for 2012
Children between the ages of 3-10 can call the North Pole from 9 am to 3 pm and will have the opportunity to speak with Santa or Mrs. Claus or one of the many elves. CALL 874-7473 or 874-6335.
First Night® Columbia in The District
TBA for 2012
Ring in the New Year at mid-Missouri’s premier celebration! Revelers will enjoy a spectacular variety of entertainment at 12 venues in downtown Columbia. Young visitors can visit the "Create and Celebrate" area and participate in their own procession at 9:15 p.m. that will end with a fireworks display. At 11:30 p.m., the People’s Procession will lead revelers to the finale at Courthouse Square with a countdown and fireworks at midnight.
Admission buttons will be available December 1 for $8. Those 7 and under will be admitted free, and those purchasing a button ahead of time will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Admission will be $10 at the door. For more information, visit http://www.firstnightcolumbia.org
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