Best events in
Columbia

While it has a peaceful reputation, there's no shortage of events and things to do in Columbia, MD. The city's planned layout concentrates much of the action in the Downtown Columbia Lakefront and the modern Merriweather District. Activity peaks during warmer months with free outdoor festivals and concert series, complementing a year-round calendar of live music and theatre.

Wander the walkable Merriweather District for pre-show drinks at Oversea Distillery before a national act plays at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Catch Broadway-style productions at Toby's Dinner Theatre or discover local and regional bands at venues like The Collective Encore.
Explore unique shops and artisan studios at the historic Savage Mill complex, which also hosts special events.

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Your Best Life Powered by Your Best Business with Jason Abrams

Today • 9:00 AM

Merriweather Lakehouse, Autograph Collection

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Howard County Pride Festival

Sunday • 11:30 AM

The Chrysalis, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

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Women's Night - Columbia

Fri, Oct 16 • 7:00 PM

Columbia Location

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LHUXE Events - The Creative Mind Masquerade

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM

Oversea Distillery and Bar

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LIBRA CELEBRATION PART 2 * PUSH PLAY & STILL FAMILIAR * SNEAKER JAM

Sat, Oct 17 • 8:00 PM

Nottingham's Tavern

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Diwali & Garba - Free Admission!

Sat, Oct 24 • 2:00 PM

Color Burst Park

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An Evening with Holly Renee

Mon, Nov 2 • 6:30 PM

Books-A-Million

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Makers Lab Columbia, MD

Fri, Dec 4 • 10:00 AM

7090 Columbia Gateway Dr

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Your Best Life Powered by Your Best Business with Jason Abrams

Today • 9:00 AM

Merriweather Lakehouse, Autograph Collection

Check ticket price on event

Howard County Pride Festival

Sunday • 11:30 AM

The Chrysalis, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

Check ticket price on event

Women's Night - Columbia

Fri, Oct 16 • 7:00 PM

Columbia Location

Check ticket price on event

LHUXE Events - The Creative Mind Masquerade

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM

Oversea Distillery and Bar

Check ticket price on event

LIBRA CELEBRATION PART 2 * PUSH PLAY & STILL FAMILIAR * SNEAKER JAM

Sat, Oct 17 • 8:00 PM

Nottingham's Tavern

Check ticket price on event

Diwali & Garba - Free Admission!

Sat, Oct 24 • 2:00 PM

Color Burst Park

Check ticket price on event

An Evening with Holly Renee

Mon, Nov 2 • 6:30 PM

Books-A-Million

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Makers Lab Columbia, MD

Fri, Dec 4 • 10:00 AM

7090 Columbia Gateway Dr

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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The Magical Mystery Girls Present 5th Annual Morning Glory Music Bash

Friday • 8:00 PM

The Collective - Encore

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Makgeolli Brewing Class

Saturday • 2:00 PM

JS Brewery

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Applied AI Business Lab: Real Workflows for 2026

Saturday • 9:00 AM

Venture X Columbia East

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Closing the Retirement Gap Experience

Saturday • 11:00 AM

The Turn House

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Howard County Pride Festival

Sunday • 11:30 AM

The Chrysalis, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

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Grace For This Season

Sunday • 5:00 PM

Busboys and Poets - Columbia

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Canva & Content: Made Simple

Sunday • 11:00 AM

Tapville - Mall in Columbia

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Second Sunday Sound Bath

Sunday • 4:30 PM

Nourishing Journey, LLC

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The Magical Mystery Girls Present 5th Annual Morning Glory Music Bash

Friday • 8:00 PM

The Collective - Encore

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Makgeolli Brewing Class

Saturday • 2:00 PM

JS Brewery

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Applied AI Business Lab: Real Workflows for 2026

Saturday • 9:00 AM

Venture X Columbia East

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Closing the Retirement Gap Experience

Saturday • 11:00 AM

The Turn House

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Howard County Pride Festival

Sunday • 11:30 AM

The Chrysalis, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

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Grace For This Season

Sunday • 5:00 PM

Busboys and Poets - Columbia

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Canva & Content: Made Simple

Sunday • 11:00 AM

Tapville - Mall in Columbia

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Second Sunday Sound Bath

Sunday • 4:30 PM

Nourishing Journey, LLC

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Food & Drink events

H.E.R. Bigger Table

Tomorrow • 5:30 PM

8975 Guilford Rd

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Cozy Fridays - Soup Swap

Fri, Oct 23 • 6:30 PM

Queen Takes Book

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Makgeolli Brewing Workshop

Sat, Oct 24 • 2:00 PM

JS Brewery

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Sweet Tooth Costume Carnival 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 5:00 PM

St John Baptist Church

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Something Light Supper Club: Brunch O'Clock

Sat, Oct 31 • 1:00 PM

10000 Town Center Ave

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Drag me to Brunch

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

Union Jack's Columbia

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Wing Fest

Sun, Nov 15 • 5:00 PM

GameOn bar+arcade

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Laughs on the Menu

Fri, Dec 18 • 6:00 PM

Kahler Hall

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H.E.R. Bigger Table

Tomorrow • 5:30 PM

8975 Guilford Rd

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Cozy Fridays - Soup Swap

Fri, Oct 23 • 6:30 PM

Queen Takes Book

Check ticket price on event

Makgeolli Brewing Workshop

Sat, Oct 24 • 2:00 PM

JS Brewery

Check ticket price on event

Sweet Tooth Costume Carnival 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 5:00 PM

St John Baptist Church

Check ticket price on event

Something Light Supper Club: Brunch O'Clock

Sat, Oct 31 • 1:00 PM

10000 Town Center Ave

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Drag me to Brunch

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

Union Jack's Columbia

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Wing Fest

Sun, Nov 15 • 5:00 PM

GameOn bar+arcade

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Laughs on the Menu

Fri, Dec 18 • 6:00 PM

Kahler Hall

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Points of Interest near Columbia

Blandair Regional Park West Playground

Frequently asked questions about Columbia

What are the best venues for live music events in Columbia?

Merriweather Post Pavilion is the top spot for major national tours. For more intimate shows, check out local bands at Reckless Shepherd Brewpub or discover a variety of weekly performances at The Collective Encore.

Are there free events for the public in Columbia, MD?

Yes, Columbia has many free events, especially during the summer. The Lakefront Summer Festival and Color Burst Park's Summer Series both offer free outdoor concerts, movies, and family-friendly activities.

Where can I find family-friendly things to do?

The Downtown Columbia Lakefront is a great area for families. It hosts the annual LakeFest Weekend with arts and music, and the Lakefront Summer Festival offers free movies and entertainment for all ages.

What is there to do for a date night in the Merriweather District?

The Merriweather District offers several great date night activities. Start with cocktails at Oversea Distillery, play some retro games at GameOn bar+arcade, or catch a major concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

How can I find comedy shows in Columbia?

Busboys and Poets is a key venue for local comedy events. The restaurant and community space hosts a monthly stand-up comedy showcase featuring regional talent.

What kinds of outdoor events happen near the Columbia Lakefront?

The lakefront is the center for major outdoor community events. It hosts the three-day Columbia Festival of the Arts' LakeFest Weekend and the season-long Lakefront Summer Festival with music and movies.

Which farmers markets are popular in the area?

Several farmers markets operate seasonally in the area. Find local goods at the Merriweather District Farmers Market on some afternoons or the Oakland Mills Farmers Market during certain mornings.

Is there a place to find local art and craft events?

Savage Mill is a unique destination for arts and crafts. The historic complex features artisan studios and antique shops, and it occasionally hosts special art-focused events throughout the year.