Gatherings & Readings

Events

We believe literature lives off the page. Join us for readings, book fairs, workshops, and celebrations that bring writers and readers together.

Upcoming

2 Events
Jul 3Thursday
Community

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.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PMNorth Village Arts District, Columbia
Aug 8Saturday
Book Fair

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.
Hosted by Rose Music HallRose Park, ColumbiaBuy Tickets

Want to partner with us?

We love collaborating with schools, bookstores, galleries, and community spaces. If you have an idea for a reading, workshop, or event, let's talk.

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Past Events

Sep 2025

Read Between the Wines

A night of fine wines, delightful pairings, and good reads at Serendipity in Columbia — a fundraiser for K-12 authors.

Apr 2026

Earth Day Festival in Boone County

FREEAIR Books joined neighbors across Boone County to celebrate Earth Day with readings, eco-conscious authors, and community programming.

2023 & 2024

Chess Tournament for School Supplies

Two years of friendly competition raising money to stock classrooms with much-needed school supplies for local students.

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