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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Popular in Columbia

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DECOMPRESSION SESSION BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Today • 6:00 PM

NOTTINGHAM'S TAVERN

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Trunk-or-Treat 2026

Friday • 3:30 PM

Celebree School of Columbia-South

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Sweet Tooth Costume Carnival 2026

Saturday • 5:00 PM

St John Baptist Church

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CandyFEST "A family-friendly alternative to Halloween"

Saturday • 5:00 PM

Bridgeway Community Church - Columbia Campus

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Howard County Pride Festival

Sunday • 11:30 AM

The Chrysalis, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

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ASL Open Mic | Columbia| 2nd Fridays | hosted by Wade Green

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 PM + 1 more

Busboys and Poets - Columbia

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Howard County Human Rights Commission Awards 2026

Mon, Nov 16 • 6:30 PM

Howard Community College, Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall

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Spiders From Mercury: A Tribute to Queen and David Bowie

Fri, Jan 8 • 8:00 PM

The Collective - Encore

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DECOMPRESSION SESSION BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Today • 6:00 PM

NOTTINGHAM'S TAVERN

Check ticket price on event

Trunk-or-Treat 2026

Friday • 3:30 PM

Celebree School of Columbia-South

Check ticket price on event

Sweet Tooth Costume Carnival 2026

Saturday • 5:00 PM

St John Baptist Church

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CandyFEST "A family-friendly alternative to Halloween"

Saturday • 5:00 PM

Bridgeway Community Church - Columbia Campus

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Howard County Pride Festival

Sunday • 11:30 AM

The Chrysalis, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

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ASL Open Mic | Columbia| 2nd Fridays | hosted by Wade Green

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 PM + 1 more

Busboys and Poets - Columbia

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Howard County Human Rights Commission Awards 2026

Mon, Nov 16 • 6:30 PM

Howard Community College, Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall

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Spiders From Mercury: A Tribute to Queen and David Bowie

Fri, Jan 8 • 8:00 PM

The Collective - Encore

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Online Events

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ATL’S BIGGEST HALLOWEEN TAKEOVER

Friday • 10:00 PM EDT

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Understanding ADHD-Fostercarers: Connection, Regulation & Support

Wed, Nov 4 • 10:00 AM GMT

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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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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 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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But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Sat, Dec 19 • 10:00 AM PST

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ATL’S BIGGEST HALLOWEEN TAKEOVER

Friday • 10:00 PM EDT

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Understanding ADHD-Fostercarers: Connection, Regulation & Support

Wed, Nov 4 • 10:00 AM GMT

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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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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 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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But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Sat, Dec 19 • 10:00 AM PST

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This Weekend

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REMnant: A Tribute to REM

Friday • 8:00 PM

The Collective - Encore

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HallowQueen Drag Brunch @ Bark Social COLUMBIA

Saturday • 12:00 PM

Bark Social

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Something Light Supper Club: Brunch O'Clock

Saturday • 1:00 PM

10000 Town Center Ave

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Women of NABA (WON) 2026

Saturday • 11:30 AM

Cured 18th & 21st

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Oversea Halloween EDM Party | Featuring DJ Kunaa | 18+

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Oversea Distillery and Bar

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Sweet Tooth Costume Carnival 2026

Saturday • 5:00 PM

St John Baptist Church

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Howard County Pride Festival

Sunday • 11:30 AM

The Chrysalis, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

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WWTK FALL FUNDRAISER

Sunday • 5:30 PM

Busboys and Poets - Columbia

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REMnant: A Tribute to REM

Friday • 8:00 PM

The Collective - Encore

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HallowQueen Drag Brunch @ Bark Social COLUMBIA

Saturday • 12:00 PM

Bark Social

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Something Light Supper Club: Brunch O'Clock

Saturday • 1:00 PM

10000 Town Center Ave

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Women of NABA (WON) 2026

Saturday • 11:30 AM

Cured 18th & 21st

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Oversea Halloween EDM Party | Featuring DJ Kunaa | 18+

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Oversea Distillery and Bar

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Sweet Tooth Costume Carnival 2026

Saturday • 5:00 PM

St John Baptist Church

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Howard County Pride Festival

Sunday • 11:30 AM

The Chrysalis, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

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WWTK FALL FUNDRAISER

Sunday • 5:30 PM

Busboys and Poets - Columbia

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Music events

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Andrew Peterson in Concert| Columbia, MD

Sat, Nov 7 • 6:00 PM

Hope Bible Church

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Lamkin3 Entertainment Presents: The Return of Terri Green

Sun, Nov 8 • 7:00 PM

The Collective - Encore

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THE QUIET STORM/CRANK EDITION/R&B PARTY

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 PM

Reckless Shepherd Brewing Co.

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Jazz in the Mills Holiday Extravaganza

Sun, Dec 6 • 5:00 PM

The Other Barn

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Andrew Peterson in Concert| Columbia, MD

Sat, Nov 7 • 6:00 PM

Hope Bible Church

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Lamkin3 Entertainment Presents: The Return of Terri Green

Sun, Nov 8 • 7:00 PM

The Collective - Encore

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THE QUIET STORM/CRANK EDITION/R&B PARTY

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 PM

Reckless Shepherd Brewing Co.

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Jazz in the Mills Holiday Extravaganza

Sun, Dec 6 • 5:00 PM

The Other Barn

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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.