Events in Columbia today

Experience a team-focused sporting clays event that brings people together for friendly competition while supporting conservation throughout Missouri. Hosted by the Conservation Federation of Missouri, this clay shoot helps fund efforts that safeguard wildlife, protect habitats, and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. The event is held at Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports. Newer shooters can count on guidance from range staff and volunteers, making it an approachable way to learn and build confidence. Those with experience will find a range of stations designed to be both engaging and challenging. Expect a social atmosphere, camaraderie on the course, and a shared commitment to a great cause.

Explore CCUA’s Food Forest at Columbia's Agriculture Park on a guided walking tour that showcases edible fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, and native Missouri flowers. CCUA staff will help you taste, smell, touch, and identify what is growing while sharing practical tips for foodscaping your own yard or garden. Topics include planning and design, sourcing native trees and plants, irrigation practices, holistic approaches to pest and disease management, the right time to harvest, and ways to cook and prepare what you grow. Each tour also features a spotlight on one plant for a closer look. These tours are free and open to the community. Meet at the red chicken coop in front of CCUA’s Maintenance Barn.

Back to School Through Time invites children to experience what school once looked like through hands-on exploration of historic classroom tools and practices. Participants can try quill-and-ink penmanship, write on chalk slates, use a cipher wheel to reveal hidden messages, practice cursive styles from different periods, and create coded notes that highlight how kids communicated before modern technology. Boone Youth Explorers offers this free monthly program to spark curiosity and connect young learners with local history through active discovery. Support is provided by The Bank of Missouri and the Missouri Arts Council, with additional financial assistance from the City of Columbia, Office of Cultural Affairs.

Children can dive into theater through a lively workshop where they play games, sing, dance, and act out stories from books. The program is presented by TRYPS Children's Theater, a professional group in Columbia dedicated to young audiences. For ages 3 to 8.

Team up for another run of sealed deck play in a two player format. Each pair builds from brand new prerelease kits and competes as a single unit with a shared life total of 30, coordinated turns, and open communication between partners. This is a good fit for anyone who missed the earlier session as well as players returning for more.

This monthly horse show offers a wide range of classes for competitors at every experience level. New participants and seasoned contenders alike can select classes that suit their skills and take part in organized competition.

Due to the threat of severe weather, the CoMo Grown-Up Book Fair at Rose Park has been postponed and rescheduled. All previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new date, and anyone unable to attend can request a refund from the point of purchase. Presented by Rose Music Hall, this outdoor event revives the nostalgic feel of 90s school book fairs, reimagined for adults with specialty cocktails, selections from local and independent booksellers, and curated local vendors. A full vendor lineup will be announced. The event welcomes all ages, though it is primarily geared toward grown-ups and may not always be kid friendly. A portion of ticket sales benefits Daniel Boone Regional Library. Early entry ticket holders receive a Grown-Up Book Fair tote bag, and an optional add-on is available for an “Adult Lunchable” from Thompson Tables.

Rediscover the school book fair experience with an adult-focused twist at the fifth annual Grown-Up Book Fair in Columbia. Rose Park becomes a throwback to 90s elementary school fairs, reimagined for today’s readers, featuring local and independent booksellers alongside curated vendors. Browse the selections and enjoy a specialty cocktail while exploring nostalgic finds. All ages are welcome, though the event is designed for adults and may not always be kid friendly. Early Entry tickets include a Grown-Up Book Fair tote bag, and an optional add-on from Thompson Tables offers an “Adult Lunchable.” Tickets are available for purchase.

This outdoor community sound bath has been postponed due to rain. Participants can settle beneath the night sky while layers of sound from crystal singing bowls, gong, drums, and chimes invite deep rest and help calm the nervous system. The natural soundtrack of the evening, including cicadas, will blend with the instruments. Everyone is welcome. Bring a yoga mat, blanket, and pillow for comfort, plus water and extra layers in case it gets cool. If lying down is not comfortable, a lawn chair or other seating is perfectly fine. If you do not have a mat or blanket, extras can be arranged in advance. Accessibility notes include a step out anytime approach, and there is no restroom in the park, so please plan ahead. If you need specific accommodations, please reach out beforehand. This gathering is donation based. Contribute what you can, with a suggested amount of $10 to $30, and no one will be turned away. Payment can be made with cash or Venmo on site, and advance sign up or donation is also available.

Get ready for a high-energy evening of comedy and magic with Magic Amanda at Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant. The show runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and includes an intermission, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. It’s an interactive performance where the magic happens right in the audience’s hands, and seating is limited, so arriving early is a good idea. This is an in-person show for ages 21 and up, and the event may be recorded for social media.

Violet and the Undercurrents perform with Victoria Joy at Rose Music Hall, offering a live music experience inside the venue.

Set a clear intention for the week ahead with a calming blend of meditation, guided breathwork, and an immersive sound bath. The experience begins with a brief guided meditation, followed by 5 to 10 minutes of Conscious Connected Breathing supported by the steady rhythm of a live hand drum. It then flows into a full sound bath with gongs, singing bowls, chimes, and other resonant instruments, creating space to rest, reflect, and simply be. No prior experience is required. The breathwork is guided, beginner friendly, and invitational so you can move at a pace that feels right and stay attentive to your body. Yoga mats, blankets, cushions, and bolsters are provided. For added comfort, you are welcome to bring a pillow or other personal support items.

An informal drop in at the Museum of Art & Archaeology’s Research Room features Folk Arts in Bloom artist Dulcy Stewart. She discusses her creative process, offers live demonstrations, and presents finished pieces such as hooked rugs, wall hangings, and other objects. Visitors can also explore the Museum of Art & Archaeology’s permanent and special exhibitions as well as the Museum of Anthropology. The Research Room is near the Visitor Services desk on the lower level of Mizzou’s Ellis Library. Admission is free. Parking is available. An accessible entrance is located on the east side of the building, and ADA accommodation requests can be directed to mofolkarts@missouri.edu. This program and the Folk Arts in Bloom exhibition are supported by Folk & Traditional Arts Partnership funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional support from the Missouri Arts Council and the Museum of Art & Archaeology.

Back 2 Basics Cooking, based in Columbia, Missouri, offers a welcoming, hands-on Cake Decorating 101 class led by Chef Ashley. Participants learn core skills such as applying a crumb coat, piping fundamentals, color mixing, buttercream techniques, and working with a flower nail to build confidence for at-home cake projects. The class is open to adults, children ages 7 to 12 with an accompanying adult, and junior chefs 13 and older who may attend on their own. Tuition is 90 per person with no additional fees. Cancel at least 7 days in advance to receive full credit toward another class. If a preferred session is not available it is likely full, so early reservations are recommended for future offerings. Private bookings are available for groups of six to eight.

This Worts Brew Club gathering features a short talk, time to mingle, and a tasting of homemade beers. It is held at International Tap House - Columbia, MO. Guests may bring recent batches to share, but it is not required.

Take a quiet pause to help the nervous system reset with a guided sound bath designed for deep relaxation, support in recovery, and space for stillness. Settle into a comfortable position as gentle tones from crystal singing bowls and other instruments surround you. The resonant vibrations may calm the mind, release physical tension, and cultivate balance and clarity. Suitable for adults and participants ages 12 and up to preserve a tranquil setting. Cost: $25.

Dustin Nickerson performs with CoMo Comedy Club at The Blue Note. The event is open to all ages.

Tee off to support children and families at the KVC Missouri Golf Classic for Kids, hosted at the Club at Old Hawthorne in Columbia, MO. Businesses and community partners can sponsor or register a team, gaining visibility at this venue while advancing KVC Missouri’s work to deliver crucial services and resources for children, teens, and families. The tournament brings together organizations that care about helping families experience safety, support, and connection. It offers a meaningful way to build relationships, demonstrate community commitment, and enjoy a full day of golf for a great cause.

This five day camp welcomes imaginative and curious kids who want a unique summer experience. Participants experiment with sound bath instruments, bucket drumming, flow arts, movement games, hands-on DIY creations, and simple self care activities while spending time making things, staying active, and building connections with peers. Enrollment is limited to 12 campers, and the cost is $199.

JA Tee Up for Tomorrow is a Junior Achievement golf tournament at Columbia Country Club with sponsorship from UMB Bank. Organized by Junior Achievement of Central Missouri, it brings together businesses, community leaders, educators, and golfers for a meaningful day on the course that raises funds for student programs across Central Missouri. Proceeds support hands-on learning that helps young people build skills in managing money, preparing for the workplace, and entrepreneurship, benefiting students across 19 counties. The day begins with a pancake breakfast buffet and leads into play on the course. A team of four is $1,000 and includes breakfast, a goodie bag for each player, and prizes awarded in A, B, and C flights. Sponsorship opportunities provide community visibility while advancing the mission of preparing the next generation. Support can take the form of golfing, sponsoring, volunteering, or cheering on the players, all contributing to brighter futures for local students.

Designed for the youngest library friends and their caregivers, this session offers a brief story time followed by open play and time to connect with other families. Intended for babies from birth to 12 months accompanied by an adult, and held at Columbia Public Library.

A storytime featuring rhymes and stories, with plenty of fun for families with children from birth to age 5 at Callaway County Public Library.

Bonkers offers a $5 play maze for kids along with a buy-one-get-one pizza deal, creating an easy way for families to pair active fun with a pizza special.

The 5th Annual Larry Gross Lewy Body Dementia Awareness Charity Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Missouri has been postponed due to excessive rain. This community fundraiser marks five years of support for awareness and for families living with Lewy Body Dementia, with a day centered on connection, remembrance, and making a difference. Participants will play 18 holes in a four-person scramble, enjoy on-course contests and raffles, and share good food and camaraderie. Post-play awards will recognize first, second, and third place teams, as well as longest drive, closest to the pin, and a hole-in-one opportunity. Sponsorship options include individual hole sponsorships and the post-play happy hour. All proceeds benefit the Larry Gross Lewy Body Dementia Awareness Foundation, supporting education, care packages for families, and community resources.

Monday evenings feature casual Magic: The Gathering Commander designed for newcomers and seasoned players who want relaxed games. Pods are formed to align with playstyle and deck power, creating a low stress, judgment free environment. It is a friendly place to learn the format, test new builds, and play with friends. All experience levels are welcome, and this is casual play, not a tournament. A community Discord is available for questions, pod coordination, or a quick hello.

Children read for 15 minutes to one of Ann Gafke's Teacher's Pet Therapy Dogs while a handler supervises. This is a fun way to help strengthen literacy skills. All dogs are certified therapy dogs. Depending on attendance, families may need to wait for an available dog. For children in kindergarten and older.

Enjoy a gentle, guided group walk in nature that centers on sensory awareness and supports a calm nervous system. This is not about speed or distance. Expect unhurried movement with frequent pauses to take in the surroundings. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Prepare for insects with your preferred protection. Bug spray will be available on site, though personal options may suit you better. All levels are welcome. Participants will meet in the gathering area before setting out together. Trail length can vary, and when a longer route is chosen, the experience may extend slightly beyond the planned finish.

Open weekly play for the One Piece Trading Card Game offers a casual way to enjoy matches with other fans of the long-running anime. Entry is $5.

Enjoy a weekly Gundam open play session in the standard format. The entry fee is $5. Play what you already enjoy or take the opportunity to try something new.

Columbia Public Library hosts a cheerful story time led by library staff, featuring rhymes, songs, and stories. It is designed for children ages 2½ to 5 who attend with an adult.

New to gardening and looking for a simple place to start? CCUA hosts beginner friendly, drop-in sessions in the Demonstration Gardens at Columbia's Agriculture Park every Tuesday. These flexible lessons require no registration or ongoing commitment, offer practical basics to build confidence for gardening at home, and include hands-on experience with time to get your questions answered.

This event recognizes World Breastfeeding Week and highlights the importance of breastfeeding for families and communities.

Spend time with fellow enthusiasts playing one of the oldest games in the world, face to face with opponents spanning a wide range of abilities. Newcomers can ask questions and receive guidance from more experienced participants. People of any age and skill level are welcome.

Get hands-on practice in CPR and AED use for adults, children, and infants during this 1-hour in-person class in Columbia. You will learn the lifesaving steps to respond in an emergency situation, with training focused on real-world skills for different ages. No refunds are available.

Order of Books and Banter meets to discuss T. Kingfisher’s Nine Goblins, a story that blends low fantasy with plenty of mischief. After a clash with an evil wizard, a troop of nine goblins ends up far from home, and their sergeant, Nessilka, must keep the group together and guide them back in one piece. Their route leads through a forest crowded with elves, trolls, and monsters, plus what may be the most unsettling presence of all... a human. The conversation centers on this book at Skylark Bookshop.

Bonkers is offering Half Price Games, so you can play more while piling up tickets and prizes. It is a simple arcade break with extra chances to try your favorites without paying full price.

Easy English Café is a monthly gathering at the library where adults who are learning English can strengthen their reading and speaking skills. The setting is relaxed and drop in, with conversation, shared reading, games, and other activities. Some prior English knowledge is helpful, and people at any skill level are welcome.

Settle in for a laid back crafting session at Callaway County Public Library. Adults can enjoy friendly company while continuing a project already in progress or trying something new with supplies available to use.

The Southside Farmer’s Market is held at Forum Christian Church.

Kids ages 8 to 12 can gather at Columbia Public Library for a Pokémon Camp focused on the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Spend time with fellow fans, play friendly matches, and share a love of all things Pokémon. New to the game? Beginners can learn during the session, and all experience levels are welcome. No registration is needed, but capacity is limited.

Cafe Berlin hosts a weekly trivia night featuring two hours of questions across a wide range of categories. Participation is free, teams are limited to six players, and answers are submitted digitally, so plan to have a fully charged phone. Spectators are welcome to relax at the bar and watch the action.

Get your weekly trivia fix at Cafe Berlin every Wednesday night for two full hours of question fun. There will be lots of categories for all kinds of nerds and bookworms. The trivia is free to play, and teams can be up to 6 people. Bring a charged phone since answers are submitted digitally. You can also watch from the bar if you’d rather not play. Doors open at 6 PM, with trivia starting at 7 PM.

The Callaway Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast celebrating educators from across Callaway County as they get ready for a new school year. The gathering focuses on encouragement, gratitude, and renewed energy for the months ahead. It highlights the community’s strong commitment to education and recognizes the meaningful impact teachers make every day. Each teacher who attends receives a thoughtful gift as a token of appreciation.

At Columbia Public Library, library staff lead a lively story time with rhymes, songs, stories, and plenty of playful moments. This session is for children ages 12 to 30 months who are walking confidently and are accompanied by an adult.

This event offers complimentary KidSight vision screenings for children six months and up. The screening is very quick, taking just seconds, and results are provided immediately.

Take a quick break from the games and refuel with half off any burger at Bonkers. This repeating special makes it easy to pause your play, grab a bite, and get back to the fun.

Load up your game card and stretch your playtime with a matching offer from Bonkers. Add $25 to $75 for gameplay and receive a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $75, so the fun lasts longer. Get in more play and enjoy extra chances to rack up tickets with this simple match-your-spend deal.

Traci Jo Calvert will visit a reading group alongside her puppies, Molly and Lucy. Participants can browse her books and purchase copies to take home.

This gathering centers on taxidermy, bringing together a competition, access to vendors, and several seminars. Attendees can visit vendors and attend seminar sessions alongside the competition.

Settle in for an hour of restorative sound as crystal bowls, gongs, chimes, and drums create gentle vibrations to soothe the nervous system. Bring a pillow and water, along with anything else that helps you feel cozy. Mats are provided for everyone. The session takes place in the Catacombs building, between Hedda and Sager Reeves Gallery in the North Village Arts District.

Settle in for a relaxed coffee and conversation meetup with coffee, smoothies, tea, and sweet treats while everyone enjoys each other’s company. This casual bi-weekly gathering offers an easy way to connect with fellow group members. It takes place at The Grind Coffee House, South location, and occurs every other Thursday.

Play Riftbound in Standard format. The entry fee is $5 and each participant receives one participation pack. League players are eligible to purchase packs during league time.

Thirsty Thursday Karaoke brings a weekly singalong to Dive Bar. Your Turns Music and Karaoke sets up on the back patio when the weather cooperates, shifting indoors if needed. Grab some good food, enjoy the weather when it is outside, and wind down the week with a fun night of karaoke.