Events

First Friday Art Crawl

A free monthly art crawl through Columbia's North Village Arts District. Explore galleries, studios, and local businesses open late with live music, art demonstrations, children's activities, and refreshments. Free parking available in lots and garages throughout the district.

• Free and open to the public.
• Galleries, shops, and studios open with music and art demonstrations.
• Children's activities and refreshments available.
• Free parking in district lots and garages.

5th Annual CoMo Grown-Up Book Fair

Step back into the cherished memories of your childhood at the 5th Annual CoMo Grown-Up Book Fair. Rose Park is transformed into the iconic setting of beloved 90s elementary school book fairs — tailored for the grown-up you. Sip a specialty cocktail and browse local and independent booksellers (including FREEAIR Books) alongside curated vendors that will scratch your nostalgic itch. Early Entry tickets include a Grown-Up Book Fair tote bag, with an add-on “Adult Lunchable” from Thompson Tables available.

• Featuring booksellers: Black Tea Bookshop, BookDrive Books, Daniel Boone Regional Library, Distant Planet Comics, Elaine Strawn, Freeair Books, Mollie Jackman, Novel Adventures, Pages Turned Bookstore, Peace Nook, Sabu's Books, Sean Fraizer, Skylark Bookshop, Sly Bookshelf, The Mizzou Store, and Yellow Dog Bookshop.
• Plus vendors: B-Side Records, Flavor Rig, Ginny & Coal Cookie Co, Party Perfectly, Ragtag Cinema, Regrowth Vintage, The Glizzness, Thompson Tables, Trivia In The Park, and VooDoo Sno.
• All ages welcome, but the event is catered toward grown-ups and may not always be kid friendly.

Back to School Bash at the Armory

Join FREEAIR Books at the Armory for a back-to-school celebration in Columbia, MO. The event runs from 9 AM to 5 PM with school supplies, books, activities, and community resources for families.

• Free and open to the public.
• School supplies and books available.
• Family-friendly activities and resources.

Zipper Fest

A vibrant community festival in the Arcade District of Columbia, MO, from 1 PM to 7 PM. Celebrate local makers, artists, authors, and the spirit of downtown Columbia.

• Local makers, artists, and authors.
• Live in the heart of Columbia's Arcade District.
• Family-friendly community festival.

Community Chess Cup

A friendly chess tournament bringing together players of all ages for competition, learning, and community connection. All skill levels welcome.