Special Events

Parks & Recreation
Creating Community through People, Parks and Programs

Special Events

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

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Candle Light March & Memorial Celebration Clipart image of a flag with MLK on it.
Monday, January 19, 2009 - 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. Luke UMC.

February

Train Show
(moved to March)
Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 10 am-3 pm
Paquin Tower, Free

See a wide variety of model trains and displays on the early days of transportation as well as movies and photographs on rail travel. Coordinated by Mid-Mo Railfans and Columbia Parks & Recreation.

Black History Month Celebration
Columbia Black History Exhibit, February 2009

Organizations, schools, agencies etc. please call for reservations. Our staff will bring the exhibit to you and give a presentation. Call Bill at 874-6379. Weekdays in February.

Discussion about President Barack Obama
Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 6:30 pm - Free - Armory Sports Center
Come and discuss and share your feelings about this historic event in Black and American History.

Gospel Explosion & Soul Food Dinner Musical Celebration
Sun, February 22, 2009
3 pm at St. Luke United Methodist Church – 204 E. Ash
Come and enjoy lots of great gospel music from local and regional acts. Afterwards there will be a soul food feast.

March

Women's Month Activities
Women's History Month Exhibit, March 2009
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 3 on 3 Women’s Basketball Tournament
March 8-12, 2009
Douglass High School Gymnasium
Fee: $25 per team
This is a double-elimination tournament, so each team will play at least two games. The games are a 20-minute running clock. Trophies go to 1st through 3rd place. Call 874-6378 for more information. Maximum of 5 per roster, for females ages 15 and up.

Precious Moments/Women’s Award Recognition
Wed, March 18, 2009, 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.

Train Show
Sat, March 21, 2009, 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

April

Tons of Trucks
Thursday, April 2, 2009 - 4-7 pm
Rainbow Softball Center parking lot (1615 Business Loop 70 W)
Free
Have you ever sat in the driver's seat of a fire truck, seen the inside of a police car, or climbed in the back of a dump truck? Well here is your chance! 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 rain or shine. Co-sponsored by Parents as Teachers.

Kite Flying Day
Saturday, April 4, 2009, 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!

Paquin Easter Egg Hunt
Wed, April 8, 2009, 9 am
Paquin Tower, 1201 Paquin Street
Area children are invited to come and see the Easter Bunny and hunt for candy. Reservations are required. Please call 874-7473 for available spots in the schedule.

Easter Eggstravaganza (ages 12 & under)
Sat, April 11, 2009, 12-2 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 on hand will include coloring, face painting, toss games, and more. In case of rain, we will be on hand to 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.

Festa Palooza
Sat, April 18, 2009 12-3 pm (no rain date)
Flat Branch Park , 4th & Cherry Sts
Celebrate you and your community at Festa Palooza! FREE food, bounce house, games, and fun activities for youth of all ages! Performances with prizes for solo artists, bands and dancers! This is a family-friendly event in honor of "Child Abuse Prevention" and "Alcohol Awareness" month. Call Becky at 449-0182 to sign up for "Rock the Park". Sponsored by Youth Community Coalition, Rainbow House, Columbia Parks and Recreation and other agencies.

Earth Day 2009
Sun, April 19 12-7 pm (Raindate: 4/26)
Peace Park Downtown Columbia, Free
Join in this free, public festival celebrating the Earth. Enjoy music and dancing from noon-7 pm, kid's activities from noon-5 pm, environmental information, and more. Call 875-0539.

May

Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound
Sats, May 2-23 8am, 9am or 10am walks

Sats, May 30 thru June 20

Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd.

Pre-register with Columbia Parks & Recreation 874-7460, Visa & MasterCard accepted

MOVIES IN THE PARK 2009 - 2nd Friday May thru September!
Fri, May 8 8:45pm - Wall-E (G)
Fee: $1 per person; children 12 & under are free

Sponsored by Columbia Parks & Recreation, KPLA 101.5, and U.S. Cellular
Join us for a community event that is fun for all ages. The movies, shown on a giant inflatable screen, resemble a Drive-In without cars, yet offers better sound, soft grass, and the gorgeous stars above. Grab a blanket or low lawn chair and head out for an unforgettable evening of cinema. Concessions available. No rain dates. Call the movie hotline at 819-0620 for details. Pre-show activities and entertainment scheduled at 8 pm.

8th Annual Mayor's Challenge: Bike, Walk & Wheel Week
May 2-9
May 2 - Kickoff at Flat Branch Park, 1-4 pm
May 3 - Cycle Recycle at the GetAbout Columbia office on 7th St. between Walnut & Ash, 1-3pm
May 7 - Try Transit Thursday - Ride the bus for free today
May 8 - Breakfast Station Day throughout Columbia, 7-9 am. Individuals with bikes ride free on Columbia transit all week long. Visit www.getaboutcolumbia.com

FAMILY FUN FESTS 2009 - 3rd Wednesday May thru October!
Wed, May 20 6-8 pm - Fitness is Fun
Flat Branch Park, 4th & Cherry Sts
Dancing, bicycling, martial arts and more fun ways to stay fit. Enjoy performances by the Academy of Fine Arts competitive baton twirling team, Flipz USA, CAT TaeKwan-Do. Fun demostrations, hands on activities and fitness related information. Bike or stroller valet will be available courtesy of the PedNet Coalition. Sponsored by the ARC.

June

National Trails Day
Sat, June 6 - MKT Trail at Stadium entrance, Free
5K Walk/Run/Bike 9:00 am
Nature Expo 9:00am - 12:00 noon
The run/walk/bike will be held from 9-10am at the Stadium entrance to the MKT Trail. Take advantage of a trail-side educational opportunity to meet with experts and organizations that specialize in stream restoration, wildlife habitat and other issues relevant to preserving the natural environment of Columbia's parks and trails. The event is free and open to the public. The run/walk/bike is not a timed event. Pre-registration is not required.

"REEL" Time with Kids

Sat, June 6 9 am - 1 pm
Bass Pro Shop's Sportsman's Center
Free & open to all children accompanied by an adult
Rods and reels, tackle, bait, and fishing instructions will be provided. There will also be displays and crafts relationg to fishing and conservation of natural resources. The clinic is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Columbia Parks and Recreation, Bass Pro Shops, and the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. For more information contact Brian McKaige at 573-884-6861.

Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound
Sats, June 17 thu July 25 8am, 9am or 10am walks

Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd.

Pre-register with Columbia Parks & Recreation 874-7460, Visa & MasterCard accepted

Art in the Park
Sat, June 6 10am-5pm
Sun, June 7 10am-4pm
Stephens Lake Park, Free
120+ artists, musical & family entertainment stage and children's creative area. Free parking at Boone Medical Plaza and shutle bus to the park organized by the Columbia Art League. Visit http://artinthepark.missouri.org for info.

MOVIES IN THE PARK 2009 - 2nd Friday May thru September!
Fri, June 12 9:00 pm - Madagascar Escape 2 Africa (PG)
Fee: $1 per person; children 12 & under are free

FAMILY FUN FESTS 2009 - 3rd Wednesday May thru October!
Wed, June 17 6-8 pm - Stream Extravaganza
Flat Branch Park, 4th & Cherry Sts

An evening of fun, frogs, fishing poles, nature tattoos, learning & more for the whole family. You'll find out about watersheds & streams that run through Columbia and the wildlife that depends on those streams. Touch wildlife pelts, make bird feeders & identity "Tattletale Bugs" that indicate the health of a stream. Over twenty fun activities for all ages. Come and see how this former EPA cleanup site was transformed to a beautiful park complete with a meandering stream.Bike or stroller valet will be available courtesy of the PedNet Coalition. A Collaboration with Columbia Public Works.

Father-Daughter Dance Night
Sat, June 20 6-8 pm
ARC, 1701 West Ash St.

Pre-registration $15 per couple, $3 additional daughter

Calling all dads and daughters, you don't want to miss our 11th Annual Father-Daughter Dance Night! Come enjoy dancing, refreshments, and even learn a few dance steps. What a great opportunity for dads and daughters of all ages to spend some fun, quality time together on Father's Day weekend!

Lunch in the Park
TBA
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.

Annual Juneteenth Days
Sat-Sun, June 20-21, 3-8 pm (DATE CHANGED)
Douglass Park, Free
Come and celebrate African-American Heritage in the park with bands, choirs, speakers, games, and food. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and come have some fun. Call 874-6379 for information.

July

Annual ABC 17 Fire In The Sky 2009

The 57th Annual Celebration of an American Tradition

Sat, July 4 - Free
Gates open at 6:30 pm
University of Missouri Memorial Stadium (corner of Stadium and Providence Rd)
An annual celebration of an American tradition! Bands perform at 7 pm and 8 pm. Fireworks will begin shortly after 9 pm and will be choreographed. The celebration is free, concessions will be available. Please do not bring any fireworks to the stadium. For more information, call 874-7460 or visit www.kmiz.com

Armed Forces Day Public Swim
Tues, July 7
Fee $1.50 with a valid Military I.D.
To show our appreciation to those who serve our country, each person who shows a valid Miliitary I.D. will get in to the aquatic facilities for only $1.50. We will still be open to the general public.

MOVIES IN THE PARK 2009 - 2nd Friday May thru September!
Fri, July 10 9:0 pm - The Tale of Desperaux (G)
Fee: $1 per person; children 12 & under are free

Teen Night Swim
Fri, July 10 8:30-10:30 pm
Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center
Fee: $1, Teens ages 11-15
Looking for a place to go on a Friday night? Teens ages 11-15 years join us for a fun-filled night of music, swimming, and dancing. This is a drug and alcohol free environment.

Itty Bitty Beach Party
Sat, July 11 9:30-11:30 am - Pre-registration required.
Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center

Fee: $3 per person, (all attending must pay) Ages infant - 6 years
A special party day just for little ones and their parent/guardian! Come join in the fun and experience children's water play area without having to compete with the "big" kids. Each itty bitty participant will receive a prize. A minimum number of participants must be pre-registered. Parents must stay with their participant at all times.

FAMILY FUN FESTS 2009 - 3rd Wednesday May thru October!
Wed, July 15 6-8 pm - Around the World
Flat Branch Park, 4th & Cherry Sts

Travel around the world and see dancing and hear music from many cultures. Bike or stroller valet will be available courtesy of the PedNet Coalition.

Teen Night Swim
Fri, July 31 8:30-10:30 pm
Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center
Fee: $1, Teens ages 11-15
Looking for a place to go on a Friday night? Teens ages 11-15 years join us for a fun-filled night of music, swimming, and dancing. This is a drug and alcohol free environment.

August

MOVIES IN THE PARK 2009 - 2nd Friday May thru September!
Fri, August 14 8:45pm - Coraline (PG)
Fee: $1 per person; children 12 & under are free

FAMILY FUN FESTS 2009 - 3rd Wednesday May thru October!
Wed, August 19 6-8 pm - It's a Circus!
Flat Branch Park, 4th & Cherry Sts
Clowns! Performing Dogs! Circus Music! The night will be complete with the Big Top Circus Band, Ann Gaefke's performing dogs, face painting, balloon animals, games and more. Jeff Copeland will amaze and captivate with his magic show. Clown face painting and clown parade!Bike or stroller valet will be available courtesy of the PedNet Coalition.

September

TEEN GARAGE BAND BASH

Fri, September 4, 7-10pm

Top of 6th and Cherry Street Parking Garage
Fee: $2.00

Columbia Parks and 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 with rockin' tunes. Contact Erin at 874-6341 for more information.

POOCH PLUNGE

Tues, September 8

Oakland Family Aquatic Center

Price: $4 per dog

5:30-7:00 pm - Small dogs, 25 lbs or less

7:15-8:45 pm - Large dogs, 26 lbs +

Finish off the 'dog days' of summer! 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 an accidents. Dog and owner must be pre-registered to participate - there is limited space! Friendly dogs only please! Call 874-7460 to pre-register.

MOVIES IN THE PARK 2009 - 2nd Friday May thru September!
Fri, September 11, 7:45 pm - The Jungle Book (G)
Fee: $1 per person; children 12 & under are free

FAMILY FUN FESTS 2009 - 3rd Wednesday May thru October!
Wed, September 16 6-8 pm - Creative Kids
Flat Branch Park, 4th & Cherry Sts

Experience the arts! Enjoy free participatory art activities and kid-friendly performances of art, music and dance. Bike or stroller valet will be available courtesy of the PedNet Coalition. A Collaboration with the Office of Cultural Affairs.

Annual Heritage Festival & Craft Show
September 19 & 20, 2009 - 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 three stages including music, dancing and storytelling. Saturday Evening 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!

For more information, call 874-7460.

October

ONE SKY - ONE WORLD DAY
Sunday, October 11, 209, 10am-4pm
Cosmo-Bethel Park

Free!
Joing kite flying enthusiasts from all over Missouri for this special one-day event at Cosmo-Bethel Park. Similar events will be held all over the United States and around the world.

FAMILY FUN FESTS 2009 - 3rd Wednesday May thru October!
Wed, October 21 6-8 pm - Percussion Phun
Flat Branch Park, 4th & Cherry Sts

Drums here, drums there, drums everywhere! Marching drum lines, cultural drum performances and drummers beating out rhythms in every corner of the park. Bike or stroller valet will be available courtesy of the PedNet Coalition.

Tiger Night of Fun
Saturday, October 31, 2009, 5-7 pm
Price: Free!
Join the fun at the Hearnes Center for the annual Tiger Night of Fun -Columbia's safe alternative to door-to-door trick or treating! Children will enjoy activities, games, and treats - for FREE! For more information, call 874-7460.

November

Family Fun Night at the ARC
Friday, November 6, 7-9 pm
Price: $3 per person
Bring the whole family for an evening of games and activities in the Gymnasium, including beach-ball volleyball, basketball, relay games and many others.

December

City Kwanzaa Celebration
Saturday, December 5, 2-5 pm
Douglass High School
Come celebrate this African-American holiday which is based around developing positive families and communities. There will be awards given, entertainment and a holiday feast. For more information, call 874-6379.

Santa Hotline
Saturday, December 5, 9 am-3 pm
Children between the ages of 3-10 can call the North Pole from 9 am to 3 pm. Children will have the opportunity to speak with Santa or Mrs. Claus or one of the many elves and personally give them their Christmas lists. Call 874-7473 or 874-6335 only on this date.

Santa's Splash and Dash
Friday, December 11, 4-9:30 pm
Activity & Recreation Center
Fee: $20 first child, $15 per additional
Drop your children off at teh ARC Water Zone for some Christmas crafts, swimming, movies, and snacks while you do your holiday shopping. Pre-registration is required. You may drop off and pick up your child at anytime during this event. Space is limited.

Holiday Toys for Columbia's Youth
Monetary Donations are being accepted October 26
through December 18.
Get in the giving spirit this holiday season! When you are out shopping this holiday season, pick up an extra gift for a need child. Monetary donations are also accepted at 1 South 7th Street. A letter of receipt for tax purposes will be provided for your generosity. Please call 874-7460 for more information on giving or being a recipient.

First Night Columbia on New Year's Eve
Thursday, December 31, 2009, 6:30 pm to midnight
The District and Stephens College