Your weekly guide to what’s happening in Columbia, MO

Let’s get started…

The Forum Boulevard makeover is a $12.3 million road‑widening and safety project between Chapel Hill Road and Woodrail Avenue, with construction expected to start in summer 2026. What the project includes:

TUESDAY May 19th

When a City Sings: Columbia in Concert @ Montminy Gallery | 5:30pm
Kick off Columbia’s new Artist Laureate project with storytelling, music, and a collaborative community experience—no musical background needed.

Trivia Night @ Hexagon Alley | 6:30pm
Are you smarter than a middle schooler? Test your knowledge and celebrate the end of the school year with themed trivia night fun.

Art and the Written Word @ Orr Street Studios | 7–9pm
An evening of poetry, storytelling, and conversation featuring acclaimed authors and spoken word artists Jennifer Maritza McCauley and T’Keyah Thomas.

WEDNESDAY May 20th

Veterans & Military FREE Breakfast @ Columbia Hy-Vee Locations | 6–10am
Free breakfast and coffee for veterans and active military—a simple thank-you while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Family Fun Fest: Go Fish @ Cosmo Park | 6–8pm
Games, nature activities, live performance by Wildheart, inflatables, face painting, and more—an easy summer evening for the whole family.

THURSDAY May 21st

Courtney Kocak: Memoir Discussion @ Skylark Bookshop | 6:30–8pm
Stephens alum Courtney Kocak discusses her new memoir Girl Gone Wild—a sharp, funny, and revealing look at ambition, Hollywood, and growing up.

FRIDAY May 22nd

Dinner w/ a Side of Indie-Pop @ Cafe Berlin | 6–8pm
Worn Stylus brings synths, grooves, and indie-pop energy to happy hour—plus drink specials and kitchen favorites. Free entry.

Monsterya: Single Release Party @ Rose Music Hall | 7pm (doors)
Celebrate Monsterya’s latest release with a night of live music, local energy, and release-party atmosphere at Rose.

Brew N View: Rocky Horror Picture Show @ The Blue Note | 8pm (doors)
Cult classic chaos, crowd participation, and late-night laughs—come dressed up, sing along, and embrace the weird.

SATURDAY May 23rd

Crafts @ Cooper’s Landing | 9am–Noon
Free-flow creative morning with paint, collage, sketching, and more—open to all ages with plenty of supplies and zero pressure. Ft. Artist Adrienne Luther.

Anberlin – Never Take Friendship Personal @ The Blue Note | 6pm (doors)
Emo and alt-rock nostalgia hits hard as Anberlin celebrates Never Take Friendship Personal live with soaring hooks and fan-favorite anthems.

The Compass Remix Project @ Rose Music Hall | 6pm (doors)
Community musicians team up, build bands from scratch, and hit the stage after six weeks of collaboration—all supporting Compass’s Music Is for Everyone Scholarship Fund.

C. Rock City @ Midway Golf & Games | 6:30–9:30pm
Classic rock and country hits, drinks under the pavilion, and free live music—summer nights at Midway are back.

SUNDAY May 24th

Pedaler’s Jamboree Afterparty @ Rose Park | 3pm (doors)
Keep the good vibes rolling with live music from Bobby Reil, Meredith Shaw & The Borrowed Band, and Flyover Country.

MONDAY May 25th 🕊️❤️ MEMORIAL DAY ⭐🎖️

Gold Star Parade @ Downtown COMO | 10am
Honor and remembrance take center stage as the community gathers downtown for this Memorial Day parade.

All Who Love Peace @ Stephens Lake Park | Noon
Memorial Day potluck gathering with music, speakers, and community reflection honoring those impacted by war. All are welcome.

Coming Soon: MJ’s Feast – Market Cafe
Opening in June at the former Old Neighborhood Cafe location—MJ’s Feast will offer scratch-made gluten-free breakfast and lunch, fresh baked goods, meal solutions, and locally sourced ingredients with a globally inspired menu.