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 21, 2008 - 6:30 pm
The candle light march will begin at 6:30 pm at Douglass High School. The Memorial Celebration will be at Second Baptist Church (407 E. Broadway) at 7 pm.
Train Show
Saturday, February 16, 2008
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 2008
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
Black History Month Men’s 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
February 3-7, 2008
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 males ages 15 and up.
Douglass High School Gymnasium
Fee: $25 per team
African-American Film & Discussion
February 12, 2008
“Pride”
6:30 pm at Armory Sports Center
Gospel Explosion & Soul Food Dinner Musical Celebration
Sun, February 24, 2008
3 pm at St. Luke United Methodist Church – 204 E. Ash
Women's Month Activities
Women's History Month Exhibit, March 2008
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 9-13, 2008
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.
Douglass High School Gymnasium
Fee: $25 per team
Black Women in Film
March 12, 2008
“Daddy’s Little Girls” By Tyler Perry
6:30 pm at Armory Sports Center
Precious Moments/Women’s Award Recognition
Wed, March 19, 2008, 6:30 pm
Armory Sports Center
Paquin Easter Egg Hunt
March 19, 2008
Paquin Tower
Area children are invited to come and see teh Easter Bunny and hunt for candy. Reservations are required. Please call 874-7473 for available spots in the schedule.
Easter Eggstravaganza
March 22, 2008, 12-2 pm
Douglass Park, Free
Bring your children out for a fun candy-filled egg hunt before Easter. There will be separate hunts designated by age. Other activities on hand will include coloring, pictures with the Easter Bunny, face painting, sack races, toss games, and more. In case of rain, we will be on hand to give away candy under the shelter.
Tons of Trucks
Thursday, April 3, 2008 - 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 5, 2008, 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!
Walk A Hound, Lose A Pound
April 5-26, 2008
Saturdays, 8am, 9am and/or 10am
Central Missouri Humane Society (616 Big Bear Blvd)
Pre-registration required: $10 per session (Donation made to CMHS and CSC)
Help a shelter dog get some much needed exercise and fresh air while walking for better health. Friendly, adoptable dogs from the Central Missouri Humane Society and Columbia Second Chance will be available for exercise walks on the Bear Creek Trail. For session dates, time and to pre-register call 874-7460.
Festa Palooza
Sat, April 19, 2008 (Rain date, April 26) 12-4 pm
Peace Park (Elm Street between 6th & 9th Streets)
Join us for Festa Palooza event with CASH prizes for solo artists, bands and dancers! FREE barbecue, bounce house, games, and fun activities for youth of all ages! This is a family-friendly event in honor of "Child Abuse Prevention" and "Alcohol Awareness" month. Call Heather at 449-0182 to sign up for "Rock the Park". Sponsored by Youth Community Coalition, Rainbow House, Columbia Parks and Recreation and other agencies.
Junior Olympics
Saturday, April 26, 2008
- Basketball at Armory Sports Center
Sunday, April 27, 2008 - Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field - Hickman High School
Free
The U.S. Jr. Olympic Skills Competition provides youngsters across the country an opportunity to participate in an exciting multi-sport skills competition. This national iniative gives boys and girls, ages 8 to 13, the chance to showcase their athletic talents in four sports: basketball, soccer, tennis and track & field.
W.O.W. Wonders Of Wildlife School 
May 2-3, 2008
Twin Lakes Recreation Area (2500 Chapel Hill Rd)
Pre-registration required. Registration Deadline: April 11. Registration Form and Liability Form
WOW National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School is designed to teach participants how to enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreation activities while practicing personal safety and outdoor responsibility. Each WOW course will include an outdoor skill, conservation, safety and ethics component.
Family event! Participants must be 9 years of age or older.
Stephens Lake Outdoor Cinema - Bee Movie (PG)
U.S. Cellular Presents Movies Around Missouri
Friday, May 9, 2008 8:45 pm
Stephens Lake Park (Old Hwy 63 and Broadway)
Fee: $3 per person; children 6 & under free
What could be better than watching a movie under the stars? Join us this summer for a community event that's fun for all ages. A different movie will be showing every month on a giant inflatable screen. Grab a blanket or low lawn chair and head out for an unforgettable evening of cinema in the park!
Sponsored by Parks and Recreation, Columbia Daily Tribune, and the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau
Twilight Festival at Flat Branch Park - Fire Spinning Show with The Fried Crawdaddies
Thursday, June 5, 2008 6-8:00 pm
Flat Branch Park (4th & Cherry Sts)
Free
National Trails Day
Saturday, June 7, 2008 - 9:00 am
Stadium entrance to the MKT Trail, Free
Celebrate National Trails Day! Participate in the 5K Walk/Run or 10K Bike, take advantage of a trail-side educational opportunity to meet with experts and organizations that specialize in stream restoration, native plants, wildlife habitat and other issues relevant to preserving the natural environment of Columbia's parks and trails. Columbia Parks and Recreation staff will be available with trail maps and information about the Columbia Treekeeper program.
"Reel" Time with Kids
Saturday, June 7, 2008 - 9 am-1 pm
Bass Pro Shop's Sportsman's Center, Free
This clinic is free and open to the public 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 relating 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.
Twilight Festival at Flat Branch Park - Twilight Bike Night with Artie's Univibe
Sponsored by Mid-America Harley Davidson
Thursday, June 12, 2008 6-8:00 pm
Flat Branch Park (4th & Cherry Sts)
Free
Stephens Lake Outdoor Cinema - The Birds (PG-13)
U.S. Cellular Presents Movies Around Missouri
Friday, June 13, 2008 9:00 pm
Stephens Lake Park (Old Hwy 63 and Broadway)
Price: $3 per person; children 6 & under free
What could be better than watching a movie under the stars? Join us this summer for a community event that's fun for all ages. A different movie will be showing every month on a giant inflatable screen. Grab a blanket or low lawn chair and head out for an unforgettable evening of cinema in the park!
Sponsored by Parks and Recreation, Columbia Daily Tribune, and the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau
Lunch in the Park
June 9 - August 15, 2008
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 14-15, 2008
Douglass Park - 2-8:00 pm
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.
Twilight Festival at Flat Branch Park - Together with Drumming
Thursday, June 19, 2008 6-8:00 pm
Flat Branch Park (4th & Cherry Sts)
Free
Go Skateboarding Day!
Saturday, June 21, 2008 - 2-5 pm
Columbia Skate Park at Cosmo Park, Free
Don't miss Go Skateboarding Day with pro skater and skate team demos and free time to skate. Enter competitions for prizes. Whether you've been skating for years, just starting, or just want to hang back and watch, this event is for you! Enjoy great music, helmet give-aways, and food. All ages are welcome.
Twilight Festival at Flat Branch Park - Magic Show
Thursday, June 26, 2008 6-8:00 pm
Flat Branch Park (4th & Cherry Sts)
Free
Annual ABC 17 Fire In The Sky
Friday, July 4, 2008
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.
Stephens Lake Outdoor Cinema - Some Like it Hot (PG)
U.S. Cellular Presents Movies Around Missouri
Friday, July 11, 2008 9:00 pm
Stephens Lake Park (Old Hwy 63 and Broadway)
Price: $3 per person; children 6 & under free
What could be better than watching a movie under the stars? Join us this summer for a community event that's fun for all ages. A different movie will be showing every month on a giant inflatable screen. Grab a blanket or low lawn chair and head out for an unforgettable evening of cinema in the park!
Sponsored by Parks and Recreation, Columbia Daily Tribune, and the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau
Stephens Lake Outdoor Cinema - The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
U.S. Cellular Presents Movies Around Missouri
Friday, August 8, 2008 8:45 pm
Stephens Lake Park (Old Hwy 63 and Broadway)
Price: $3 per person; children 6 & under free
What could be better than watching a movie under the stars? Join us this summer for a community event that's fun for all ages. A different movie will be showing every month on a giant inflatable screen. Grab a blanket or low lawn chair and head out for an unforgettable evening of cinema in the park!
Sponsored by Parks and Recreation, Columbia Daily Tribune, and the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau
Think Safe - Love and Basketball Challenge
Friday, August 8, 2008, 6:30-10:30 pm
Saturday, August 9, 2008, 9-5:30 pm
The Armory Sports Center
Price: $25 team entry
Teens between 13 and 16 are invited to this great event! Door prizes include video games and an MP3 player. Presented by Parks and Recreation and the Columbia/Boone County Health Department.
Teen Garage Band Bash
Friday, August 15, 2008
Top of parking garage, 6th and Cherry
Price: $2
Don't miss listening to great music under the stars with a great view of downtown from the top of a parking garage at the "back to School" Band Bash. Different area teen bands will be jamming throughout the evening with rockin' tunes. Sponsored by Columbia Parks & Recreation, Public Works and Youth Community Coalition.
Annual Heritage Festival & Craft Show
September 20 & 21, 2008 - 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.
Annual Ham and Bean Lunch Fundraiser
TBA for 2008
$6.00 per person
Join us for our Annual Ham and Bean Lunch sponsored by Columbia Parks & Recreation's Older American Klub (OAK). The menu includes ham and beans, applesauce, slaw, corn bread, dessert and drink. Call 874-7475 for more information.
Halloween Family Fun
TBA for 2008
Join us for a fun-filled evening of activities at Nifong Park. We will have hayrides, storytelling, a bonfire, and other activities for the whole family. Open to all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tiger Night of Fun
TBA for 2008
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.
"Fowl Shooting" Contest
TBA for 2008
Come join us for our annual "Fowl Shooting" Contest at the Armory Sports Center (701 E. Ash St). Fee is $1 per set of 10 basketball shots plus one can of food for first set. This will be a free throw shooting contest. Winners in each category will receive a certificate redeemable for a turkey at a local supermarket. Age categories: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9-12 and adults.
Kids Trout Outing
TBA for 2008
Kids, learn to catch trout from some of Missouri's most avid trout fisherman. Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited is sponsoring a catch and release session at Cosmo-Bethel Park Lake. Learn techniques for catching trout. Door prizes will be given away. Kids 16 and over must have a valid Missouri fishing license and trout permit.
City Kwanzaa Celebration
TBA for 2008
Come celebrate this African-American holiday which is based around developing positive families and communities. There will e awards given, entertainment and a holiday feast. For more information, call 874-6379.
Visit With Santa
TBA for 2008 
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be visiting area children at the Paquin Tower Recreation Facility. Columbia Parks & Recreation invites nursery, public, and private school children and the general public to visit at scheduled times. To schedule a visit for your organization, please contact the Parks & Recreation Paquin office at 874-7473.
Santa Hotline
TBA for 2008
Children between the ages of 3-10 can call the North Pole from 9 am to 6 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.
Holiday Toys for Columbia's Youth
TBA for 2008
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.
Holiday Lights and Sights Tours
TBA for 2008
Enjoy the comfort of Parks and Recreation's minibuses as we tour Columbia's best decorated yards and neighborhoods. Call 874-7460 to register with a Visa or Mastercard.
First Night Columbia on New Year's Eve
TBA for 2008
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