Events in Boone County, MO

Library staff share rhymes, songs, stories, and fun for children ages 2½ to 5 years, accompanied by an adult.

Memory Café is a social gathering for people living with dementia and their care partners, with opportunities to have fun, share experiences and stay connected. This gathering features a cozy crafts theme, with music, movement, crafts and conversation, along with light refreshments. It is not a respite care service or support group. Each participant living with dementia must attend with a personal care partner, who is expected to participate. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Visit the computer lab to build your technology skills with help from library trainers. Get assistance with basic functions on Windows, Chrome, Android, or Apple laptops and devices, or use self-paced tutorials to practice keyboarding. Staff cannot troubleshoot or repair malfunctioning equipment. For adults, with no registration required. If these sessions do not fit your schedule, library staff can arrange an in-person or virtual one-on-one appointment to answer technology questions.

Explore the mountain dulcimer through a performance, demonstration, and learning session led by award-winning musician and teacher Lil Rev. The program covers two fiddle tunes, a finger-picking pattern, and a basic boogie in D. For adults. Please bring a dulcimer.

Test your Yu-Gi-Oh! skills during a weekly standard play night. Entry is $5, and you won’t have to face Seto Kaiba.

Award-winning musicians Lil Rev and Will Branch bring together stories, quotations, poetry, and classic songs by Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, including familiar sing-along favorites. Their distinctive interpretations feature guitar, banjo, mountain dulcimer, mandolin, ukulele, and harmonica. Lil Rev is a Wisconsin-based folk artist and multi-instrumentalist, while Will Branch has more than 35 years of musical experience as a performer and songwriter. This concert is intended for adults.

Presented by the Lloyd B. Thomas Lecture & Performance Series, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra returns for a free public performance. As the nation’s second-oldest orchestra and a globally respected ensemble, it continues a tradition of artistic excellence, education, and community connection in service of its mission to enrich lives through the power of music. Program specifics will be announced soon. Admission is free, and advance registration is required to reserve tickets.

Learn how the Columbia Community Land Trust helps working-class families purchase high-quality homes at prices below market value. Doug Hunt will explain how community land trusts can preserve housing affordability amid rising prices. The program is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Columbia-Boone County. For adults. No registration is required for in-person attendance. Online viewing via Zoom is also available, and the program will be recorded for later viewing.

Trained Medicare counselors offer free, unbiased assistance to Missouri Medicare beneficiaries comparing 2027 Medicare prescription drug and Medicare Advantage plans. Appointments are available by phone, and walk-ins are welcome. This service is provided by Missouri SHIP, a nonprofit organization.

Get creative and practice fine motor skills by building with LEGO bricks. Bricks are provided, and children ages 5 and older can bring their imagination.

Cafe Berlin hosts a weekly trivia night with a variety of categories. Playing is free, and teams can have up to six people. Answers are submitted digitally, so bring a charged phone. Observing from the bar is also welcome.

The Ashland Optimist Club hosts its annual Veterans Day Breakfast, with veterans and their families welcomed as honored guests. The Ashland FFA is assisting with the breakfast.

This monthly gathering offers Southern Boone Chamber members, local businesses, and prospective members a relaxed setting to connect over coffee, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Networking is followed by a Chamber Board Meeting. Local businesses can also support the gathering as monthly coffee sponsors, connecting with community members and local leaders.

Library staff share rhymes, songs, stories, and fun for toddlers ages 12 to 30 months who are walking confidently, accompanied by an adult.

Learn how to repurpose clean, worn clothing such as T-shirts and socks by turning it into strips of cloth yarn and crocheting it together with regular yarn to make a rug. Basic crochet skills are required. Some supplies are provided. Please bring clean used clothes to use in your rug, and feel free to bring your own crochet hooks. For adults.

This event spotlights actor and writer Heidi Gardner, whose eight seasons on Saturday Night Live wrapped with the program’s 50th season. Her recent work includes the Broadway production All Out with Sarah Silverman, Jason Mantzoukas, and Craig Robinson. On screen, she appears in a recurring role on NBC’s The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, on Apple TV’s Shrinking with Jason Segel, and in the latest season of Netflix’s You. Additional television credits include Veep, Superstore, The Other Two, Girls5eva, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Upcoming films include The Sham, Scary Movie 6, and Judgment Day with Will Ferrell, Zac Efron, and Regina King, following earlier roles in Hustle with Adam Sandler, Life of the Party, Otherhood, and voice work in Leo and Puss in Boots 2. A Kansas City native and Chiefs fan, she also appears as a commentator for Fox Sports and on Eli and Peyton Manning’s ManningCast. Her comedy roots trace back to The Groundlings Main Company in Los Angeles.

Enjoy books, songs, and activities designed for adults with disabilities. Adults attend with a caregiver.

Play Friday Night Commander at Hexagon Alley, with pods for players of all skill levels, from newcomers to seasoned Magic players. Staff can help direct you to a pod that fits, and door prizes are available. Pick 2 Draft pick-ups and rotating Commander variants are also featured.

Explore the night sky with a brief indoor slideshow, followed by telescope viewing of Saturn and Uranus outdoors if the skies are clear. Everyone will receive a free star chart. The program is hosted by Val Germann of the Central Missouri Astronomical Association and is for ages 10 through adult.

Nicole Atkins performs at Rose Music Hall with John Gallagher Jr. The concert will be held inside the venue.

Ease into the weekend with an evening of crafts, music, and time to relax at Ladybird Cafe. Craft supplies are available, and each Friday features a different musical style, with a DJ. Visitors can make something, dance, enjoy a drink, shop, or simply hang out. The event is all ages and has no cover charge.

Shop for handcrafted gifts, art, crafts, and holiday items at this Christmas Bazaar. Christmas cookies and candy will not be available this year.

MU Health Care is offering low-dose CT scans to check eligible patients for early signs of lung cancer, when it may be more treatable. Screening may be available to people ages 50 to 77 who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, have a smoking history of one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years, and have no current lung cancer symptoms. Availability is limited. Call (573) 882-2100 to ask about eligibility and scheduling.

Start your holiday shopping at a cozy cottage filled with nostalgic Christmas and winter decor, along with a variety of unique gift items.

Gather & Give Thanks is a museum event that delves into food, family, and community traditions across history. Visitors can learn how people marked harvests, shared resources, and supported their neighbors while preparing for winter. Hands-on experiences include looking into time-honored recipes and culinary customs, making crafts centered on gratitude, exploring the role of quilting circles and other cooperative practices in community life, learning about native foods and their historical importance, and seeing the many ways communities came together to celebrate and give thanks. Boone Youth Explorers is a free monthly program designed to spark curiosity and connect kids with local history through hands-on experiences. It is sponsored by The Bank of Missouri, supported by the Missouri Arts Council, and receives financial assistance from the City of Columbia Office of Cultural Affairs.

Turn favorite fabric remnants and weaving offcuts into distinctive brooches in a workshop centered on creative reuse. Kansas City artist Aimee Hagedorn will guide techniques for assembling and finishing, including bold embroidery that makes details pop. All necessary materials are provided, and participants may bring special textiles or small keepsakes from their own collection to incorporate. A simple lunch is included. The session concludes with a trunk show of Aimee’s newest pieces available to purchase. Hosted by CoMo Craftcycle Collective, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit devoted to diverting usable materials back into creative use and nurturing creativity in a welcoming environment, with proceeds supporting its mission to keep art-making sustainable and rooted in the community.

Bring a project to work on and enjoy sewing with friends. Open Sew costs $5.

Children ages 3–8 can play games, sing, dance, and act out books in this workshop presented by TRYPS Children’s Theater, a professional theater group for young audiences in Columbia.

Explore the history of Boone’s Lick Road, from its early use as a trail to the salt lick in Howard County to its role in westward migration and travel toward the Santa Fe Trail. Dorris Keeven-Franke will discuss the importance of salt to early settlers, the towns and communities along the route, and how the road changed over time. Maps, photographs, and traces of places and cultures will help tell the story of what remains of Missouri’s first major roadway. Keeven-Franke is an award-winning author, professional genealogist, archivist, and public historian. The public presentation is co-sponsored by the Boone’s Lick Road Association as part of its annual meeting.

A Buffalo Wild Wings fundraiser will support the Armed Services YMCA of Missouri. Show the special fundraiser flyer, either on your phone or printed, and 20% of net sales from your order will be donated to help military families in the community. Thank you to Buffalo Wild Wings for supporting this effort.

Take part in weekly Lorcana play in Standard format. Entry is $5.

Unwind in a peaceful sound bath inside the lavender drying room, surrounded by bundles of lavender from this year’s harvest. Led by Candice Swee, 500 RYT, the experience uses soothing sound frequencies to support relaxation, ease tension, and restore inner balance. An eye mask and spa water are included. Bring a yoga mat and anything else you need to stay comfortable, such as a blanket, pillow, layers, or bug spray. No prior experience is needed.

Curious about ChatGPT? This beginner-friendly course explores useful applications of the artificial intelligence platform and discusses some of the downsides of new AI programs. No previous experience with ChatGPT is required. For adults and teens.

Adult Field Trip Club organizes outings to interesting places in and beyond Columbia, including behind-the-scenes tours, visits to local businesses, and other unique experiences. Each trip is planned separately, with registration required, and may include an optional group hang afterward. Adults can attend solo or with friends. The club aims to encourage people to explore, try something new, and meet others.

This free, public presentation features Chris Fessler, Program Manager for NextGen MURR, discussing how the University of Missouri Research Reactor supports research, produces medical isotopes, and contributes to new approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment. The conversation will cover MURR’s capabilities, current medical and research advances, and the university’s plan for a new 20-megawatt research reactor. Part of the Boone County History & Culture Center’s speaker series, the program connects stories of the community’s past and present.

ALL VOICES, the UUCC Choir, presents a musical offering by Alexandra “Ahlay” Blakely created to hold, witness, and honor grief together in community. Inspired by whales, WAILS is a concept album devoted to grief and offers a circle-like, ceremonial space for acknowledging it. The presentation is directed by Violet Vonder Haar, with instrumental support from Victoria Joy, Sarah Davis, Erica Kallis, Sam Shin, Tony Lotven, and Sam Buffaloe. Pastoral care is provided by Molly Housh Gordon. A $5–$25 love offering supports the musicians and Alexandra “Ahlay” Blakely’s work.

The Wooten Brothers perform at The Blue Note in an all-ages show presented by the venue.

Presented by the School of Music at Jesse Hall & Auditorium in Columbia, MO, this live choral concert brings together student and community musicians for a program of classical works that highlight the expressive range of the choral tradition.

Experience a live musical performance featuring songs by ABBA and Queen in the Historic Grand Ballroom at the Tiger Hotel. The program includes favorites such as “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “We Will Rock You,” performed by the Listeso string quartet. The concert takes place under the gentle glow of candlelight. Guests must be at least 8 years old, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The venue is ADA compliant, with seating assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each zone.

A candlelit tribute to Fleetwood Mac fills The Historic Grand Ballroom - Tiger Hotel in Columbia with a live, multi-sensory concert that celebrates the band’s timeless sound in a warm glow. Performed by the Listeso String Quartet, the program features favorites including Everywhere, Gypsy, You Make Loving Fun, Never Going Back Again, Don’t Stop, Gold Dust Woman, Go Your Own Way, Landslide, Songbird, Rhiannon, and The Chain. The performance runs 60 minutes, with doors opening 45 minutes beforehand, and late arrivals cannot be admitted after the music begins. Guests must be at least 8 years old, and anyone under 16 must attend with an adult. The venue meets ADA accessibility standards, and seating within each zone is assigned in order of arrival.

Enjoy a free trivia night hosted by Caitlin, featuring general and sometimes themed questions, a bit of Family Feud, elementary-school-style challenges, and pop culture. The evening promises a mix of laughs and quirky new facts. Teams can include one to about six people, and a $50 cash prize is offered. The kitchen and bar are open.

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s story and the classic animated film, this musical follows Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, as she dreams of life above the sea and pursues Prince Eric. She bargains with the sea witch Ursula to exchange her tail for legs, then relies on her friends Flounder, Scuttle, and Sebastian when the deal takes an unexpected turn. The production features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and songs including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.”

Celebrate the season with a family-friendly drag brunch featuring festive performances, holiday-inspired entertainment, and plenty of laughter for guests of all ages. Hosted by May O’Naise, the show features Liz Anya, Veronika Versace, and Floretta B. Xtra. Food and drinks are available for purchase from the café. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Hexagon Alley hosts an evening of dining and drag entertainment led by Artemis Grey. Advance admission is $12, or $15 at the door, and it includes access to multiple rounds of performances featuring Artemis Grey with special guests. Food and drinks are available for purchase from the Hexagon Alley kitchen, and this is not a BYOB event. Expect a lively, inclusive atmosphere that suits a fun night out with friends. Seating is limited, so purchasing tickets early is recommended. For groups that want to sit together, please buy all tickets under the same name.

Explore meditation in a beginner-friendly, low-pressure setting with Sarah's Yoga Studio. The first 30 minutes include meditation and gentle stretching, with an optional second half featuring mindfulness coloring pages, journaling, and the opportunity to ask questions about mindfulness. Proceeds benefit TCP.

Inspired by Columbia’s legendary Shattered club, this multigenerational dance party draws on goth, house, rave, synthpop, new wave, industrial, disco, and more, with a strong ’80s and ’90s influence. Dress in all black or channel a club kid, grunge, rave, disco, or other ’90s-inspired look.

The Gringos perform at Rose Music Hall in Columbia, MO with The John Wood Band in a rescheduled indoor show. This performance replaces an earlier booking, and all previously purchased tickets remain valid. Those unable to attend can request a refund within 30 days.

Chris Porter takes the stage at The Blue Note in a CoMo Comedy Club event. Enjoy an evening of laughs at a show that welcomes all ages.

Celebrate the year’s successes with colleagues, community partners, family, and friends at a festive evening marking the association’s final signature event of the year. The gathering features awards recognizing the 2025 year, silent and live auctions, a raffle, drinks, dinner, and other seasonal touches.

Whether you are singing karaoke for the first time or getting ready for a popstar career, this lively night welcomes you to let loose and sing away the stress. Hosted by DJ Slim, the evening promises encouraging vibes with no gatekeeping or judgment. Admission is free.

CoMo Comedy Club brings Dustin Nickerson to The Blue Note, with Will O'Donnell also performing. This comedy event is open to all ages.

Experience a festive staging of The Nutcracker that welcomes families and friends to share the wonder together. This production highlights dancers from across the globe, playful puppetry, and richly detailed costumes and scenery crafted by European artisans. Set to Tchaikovsky’s enduring score, it offers a beloved American holiday tradition that invites audiences to savor the season and create lasting memories.

Celebrate the season at a free, family-friendly gathering featuring photo opportunities with Santa, tasty cookies, and engaging activities for kids. Expect a festive atmosphere filled with holiday spirit. The event is open to the public and welcomes families and friends to make cheerful memories together.

Submission Challenge brings a submission-only Jiu-Jitsu tournament to Columbia, MO at The MAC Missouri Athletic Center. This open-invite event features gi and no-gi brackets in a double-elimination format designed to maximize mat time. Youth, teen, and adult competitors are welcome, with men’s and women’s divisions beginning at age 4 and a novice option for first-time athletes with less than six months of experience in any grappling discipline. Matches follow a modified EBI standard. If regulation ends without a finish, overtime uses EBI rules. Adults compete in 8-minute matches, teens in 6-minute matches, and youth in 4-minute matches. Bouts can be decided by submission in regulation, by submission or the fastest submission or escape in overtime, by opponent disqualification, or by forfeit. A tap may be physical or verbal, and a yell during a submission attempt is treated as a tap. If a match is paused for an injury or similar issue, the athlete has five minutes to return or the bout is forfeited. Hundreds of possible divisions are offered and podium finishers receive custom medals. Brackets and a schedule are released before the tournament and displayed on large screens at the venue, and referees make courtesy mat calls. Warm-up mats are generally available but may be repurposed to keep brackets moving. Competitor lists are viewable during registration to help ensure entries are accurate. Early bird registration is priced at 79 dollars for one division and 99 dollars for two, with absolute divisions at 40 dollars. Standard registration is 99 dollars for one and 129 dollars for two, with absolute divisions at 60 dollars. A limited 25 percent discount is available for the first 20 competitors using code como26, which combines with early bird pricing while available. Refunds and credits follow posted deadlines, with a period for full refunds and, after that, event credits issued through Smoothcomp until the final edit window. Once edits close, registrations are final. Weigh-ins take place on tournament day and athletes may weigh in wearing appropriate attire of their choice. A gi is not required for weigh-ins. Competitors who do not make weight will be moved to the next available class, or disqualified if no suitable bracket exists. If a division has only one athlete once brackets are finalized and no appropriate combination is possible, a full coupon credit will be issued for a future Submission Challenge event. Spectator passes are available at the door for 15 dollars.

Columbia Mall hosts a free pop culture showcase presented by Quad Con. Explore five decades of fandom in one place with vintage video games, comic books, toys, trading cards, artwork, and other collectibles. The event takes place during standard mall hours. Additional details will be shared on the event page the week before.

At Jesse Hall & Auditorium, a lively holiday stage party unfolds around a theme of ugly sweaters, featuring cheerful singers, precision tap dancers, and musicians delivering high energy performances. The crowd is invited into the action from the start with a sleigh ride through jazzy seasonal mashups. Then the festivities escalate as Santa delivers a rap to Rudolph over a horn-driven funk groove, Frosty taps along to an upbeat rhythm, and the reindeer break into hip hop choreography for a burst of music and dance. A comic mystery follows when two vocalists turn detective, beatbox their version of The Grinch, and reveal who brought the humbug. This funky, feel-good celebration welcomes all ages.

Created and produced by Show Me Theatricals, this 80-minute holiday spectacular features favorite seasonal music, singers, dancers, and a special appearance by Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. It offers a festive experience for the whole family.

The Hooten Hallers headline a New Year's Eve show at Rose Music Hall with Medicine Rope and Long Gone Gabe.

This nine-time Tony Award-winning musical has been praised by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, and Jimmy Fallon for its humor and appeal. The production contains explicit language.

Based on the beloved 1988 romantic comedy that introduced audiences to Julia Roberts, this musical follows three working-class women as they navigate life, love, and family while working at a small-town pizza restaurant. Serving everyone from local residents to the privileged country club crowd, the story is accompanied by popular songs from the 1980s and 1990s, including “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Hold On,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”