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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 17, 2011 - 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 (204 East Ash).
Black History Month Celebration
Columbia Black History Exhibit
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.
African-American Film and Discussion: "The Underground Railroad"
Wed, Feb 9, 2011, 6:30 pm, FREE - Armory Sports Center
Annual Discussion: African-American Health Concerns and Health Care Responsibilities
Tues, Feb 15, 2011 - 6:30 pm - FREE - Armory Sports Center
Join us for a discussion about the effects of the new national health care plan.
Black History Month Talent Show
Thurs, Feb 17, 2011, 6:30 pm - FREE - Douglass High School Gym
Come out and see some dynamic talent, including singers, dancers, rappers and more.
Gospel Explosion & Soul Food Dinner Musical Celebration
Sun, February 27, 2011 - 3 pm
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.
Women's Month 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 3 on 3 Women’s Basketball Tournament
March 7-10, 2011
Douglass High School Gymnasium
Fee: $30 per team, Deadline to register: February 25
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
Thurs, March 17, 2011 - 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.
34th Annual Train Show
Sat, March 19, 2011, 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 6, 2011
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!
Kite Flying Day
Saturday, April 9, 2011, 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!
Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt
April 15, 2011, Register by April 8
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: 7:30-9 pm
Ages 6-7: 7:45-9 pm
Ages 8-10: 8-9 pm
Earth Day
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Check columbiaearthday.org for details.
Family Fun Fest: Teen Fest
Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 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 a talent contest, bungee run, art wall, activities and more. Sponsored by the Youth Community Coalition.
The Family Fun Fest series is sponsored by Convention and Visitors Bureau, KPLA 101.5 radio, KOMU TV8, Columbia Home and Lifestyle magazine and EntPro Entertainment.
Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza (ages 12 & under) 
Saturday, April 23, 2011, 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 on hand will include coloring, face painting, toss games, and more. Hunt will begin at 12:45 pm. 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.
Outdoor Movies in the Park
Friday, May 6, 2011, 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: Megamind
Hershey Track and Field Meet
Saturday, May 7, 2011, 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.
Paquin Art Show
Saturday, May 7, 2011, 11 am - 4 pm
Paquin Tower
This art show will feature participants from the Adapted Community Recreation program. Come view and buy paintings, ceramics and more. Admission is free.
10th Annual Mayor's Challenge: Bike, Walk & Wheel Week
May 14-21, 2011
May 14, 10 am-12 noon: Week kicks off with Kids Bike Safety Challenge at Shelter Insurance.
May 18, 6-8 pm: Celebration at Family Fun Fest at Flat Branch Park.
May 19: Try Transit Thursday, ride the bus for free today.
May 20, 7-9 am: Breakfast Station Day throughout Columbia.
May 21 9-10 am: Trails 5K Run/Walk and 10K Bike Ride, Untimed event at MKT Trails' Stadium access. T-shirts for participants.
MLB Pitch Hit and Run
Saturday, May 14, 2011, 9:30 am registration, 10 am event starts
Albert-Oakland Park
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.
Heritage Weekend
May 14-15, 2011, 3-8 pm, Free
Douglass Park
Family Fun Fest: Fitness is Fun
Wednesday, May 18, 2011, 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 and Lifestyle magazine and EntPro Entertainment.
Friday, May 20, 2011
L.A. Nickell Golf Course
Philips Park Dedication and Fishing Derby
Saturday, May 21, 2011, 9:30 am
Philips Park
Check back for details....
Art in the Park
Saturday-Sunday, June 4-5, 2011, 10 am-7 pm (Sat) and 10 am-4 pm (Sun)
Stephens Lake Park
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.
"Reel" Time with Kids
Saturday, June 4, 2011, 9 am-1 pm
Bass Pro Shop's Sportsman's Center
Free and open to all children accompanied by an adult. Rods and reels, tackle bait and fishing instruction will be provided. There will also be displays and crafts relating to fishing and conservation. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Parks and Recreation, Bass Pro and the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. For more information, call 884-6861.
Teen Videology Dance Party
Thursday, June 9, 2011, 8-10:30 pm, $3
Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater
Videology provides a dance party atmosphere complete with actual innovative music videos, sound system, lights and lasers.
Outdoor Movies in the Park
Friday, June 10, 2011, 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: Yogi Bear
Lunch in the Park
Starts June 13, 2011
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.
Family Fun Fest: Explore Outdoors
Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 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 and Lifestyle magazine and EntPro Entertainment.
Free Concert...check back for details
Friday, June 17, 2011
Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater
Sponsored by the City's Office of Cultural Affairs
Father-Daughter Dance Night
Saturday, June 18, 2011, 6-8 pm
ARC
Enjoy dancing, refreshments and learn some new dance steps at this annual event on Father's Day weekend! Pre-registration is required. Cost is $15 per couple, $3 for each additional daughter.
Shred Fest Skateboarding Event
Saturday, June 18, 2011, 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.
Annual Juneteenth Days
Saturday-Sunday, June 18-19, 2011, 3-8 pm
Douglass Park
Come and celebrate African-American heritage in the park with bands, choirs, speakers, games and food. Bring your lawn chair or blanket.
4th of July Fire In The Sky:
The 59th Annual Celebration of an
American Tradition
Mon, July 4, 2011- Free
Gates open at 6:30 pm - Entertainment starts at 7 pm - Fireworks begin at 9 pm
University of Missouri Memorial Stadium (corner of Stadium and Providence Rd)
Music, entertainment and fireworks! Enjoy all the fun at Mizzou's Memorial Stadium at teh corner of Stadium and Providence Road. Concessions will be available. Please do not bring any fireworks to the stadium. For more information, call 874-7460.
Outdoor Movies in the Park
Friday, July 8, 2011, 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:An American Tail
Fall Leisure Times published
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Family Fun Fest: Summer Fun
Wednesday, July 20, 2011, 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:
Summer Fun will feature a variety of summer-inspired entertainment and hand-on activities for all ages.
The Family Fun Fest series is sponsored by Convention and Visitors Bureau, KPLA 101.5 radio, KOMU TV8, Columbia Home and Lifestyle magazine and EntPro Entertainment.
Outdoor Movies in the Park
Friday, August 12, 2011, 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:Title to be announced
Family Fun Fest: Around the World
Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 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:
Around the World will feature dancing, games, music and more from all over the globe!
The Family Fun Fest series is sponsored by Convention and Visitors Bureau, KPLA 101.5 radio, KOMU TV8, Columbia Home and Lifestyle magazine and EntPro Entertainment.
Teen Garage Band Bash
TBA for 2011
Pooch Plunge
TBA for 2011
Annual Heritage Festival & Craft Show
September 17 & 18, 2011 - 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 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 21, 2011, 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 and Lifestyle magazine and EntPro Entertainment.
ONE SKY - ONE WORLD DAY
TBA for 2011
Tiger Night of Fun
TBA for 2011
Holiday Toys for Columbia's Youth
TBA for 2011
Santa's Splash and Dash
TBA for 2011
City Kwanzaa Celebration
TBA for 2011
Santa Hotline
TBA for 2011
First Night Columbia on New Year's Eve
TBA for 2011
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