Columbia Festival of the Arts

Columbia Festival of the Arts Your Summer Starts Here! The Columbia Festival of the Arts is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit.

Founded in 1987, the Festival’s popularity and growth has transformed it into one of the Baltimore/Washington Corridor’s premiere summer arts events. Each summer the Festival presents a brand new season of world-class events, including gala performances, exhibitions, free concerts, family activities, master classes, workshops and community dialogues. The Festival brings together the arts community

, businesses, local schools, and individuals to create an annual event that shines a spotlight, not only on the arts, but on the Howard County community as a Maryland showplace. The Festival is dependent upon a variety of funding sources, including grants, corporate sponsorships and individual donations. The funds are used to subsidize Festival programming costs in order to make the arts accessible for people across a broad spectrum of social, cultural and economic strata. The Festival’s focus is on reaching out and embracing the vast and diverse community that exists in the region. Now in its 36th year, the Festival continues to thrive thanks to our ecosystem of artists, stagehands, volunteers, community partners, donors, and sponsors who are committed to its success.

🎶 Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weekend is just around the corner...and Ariel Posen is one to watch on F...
06/06/2026

🎶 Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weekend is just around the corner...and Ariel Posen is one to watch on Friday night! On June 12th at 6:05 pm, catch the standout guitar work and roots-rock sound that has earned him recognition from Rolling Stone and MusicRadar. Plus - shop at the fine arts show and enjoy food trucks, children's activities, and more! For the full lineup, go to columbiafestival.org.

🙂‍↕️ Sweet treat after lunch? Sweet treat after dinner? Sweet treat after...sweet treat? Good thing Columbia Festival of...
06/05/2026

🙂‍↕️ Sweet treat after lunch? Sweet treat after dinner? Sweet treat after...sweet treat? Good thing Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weekend has plenty of sips and snacks to keep you going all day long! Find AppleCore's Bake Shoppe, Ben & Jerry's, Bmore Mochichi, Firenzes Gelato, Kona Ice of Howard County, Mediterranean Basil Salt, Nina's Cookies Explosion, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, Kettle Krazed & Infused, and Wight Tea Company June 12th-14th at the Lakefront. See the full lineup of vendors at columbiafestival.org.

We're starting the Color Burst Park show season with a bang! Don't miss the incredible Grammy-award-nominated Lakecia Be...
06/03/2026

We're starting the Color Burst Park show season with a bang! Don't miss the incredible Grammy-award-nominated Lakecia Benjamin, hosting her album release party at 6:30 PM tomorrow night in Merriweather District! This special artist is universally praised by critics for her explosive energy, soulful virtuosity, and seamless blending of traditional jazz with hip-hop, funk, and R&B. RSVP at https://www.merriweatherarts.com/upcoming-events/the-lakecia-benjamin-we-dream-album-release-show

🎶 What's happening the final day of Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weekend? Jazz, folk, Latin rhythms, an...
06/03/2026

🎶 What's happening the final day of Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weekend? Jazz, folk, Latin rhythms, and powerhouse vocals on the LakeStage - it’s the perfect way to wrap up the weekend. On Sunday, June 12th starting at 12 pm, experience live music by the Patuxent Jazz Band, Lost Mary, Pablo Antonio y La Firma, Shayna Steele, and the Glenelg High School Bands. Also, catch the final performance of eVenti Verticali's SPHERE at 12:55 pm - an aerial spectacle you won't want to miss! For the full LakeStage lineup, go to columbiafestival.org.

📅 Block off your calendar for Saturday, June 13th! It's an all-day concert at Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeF...
06/01/2026

📅 Block off your calendar for Saturday, June 13th! It's an all-day concert at Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weekend! Starting at 12 pm, catch Wilde Lake High School Modern Music Collective, Rakish, DOGO du Togo, Chris Pierce, Tartan Terrors, and The Garifuna Collective on the LakeStage. And don't forget - eVenti Verticali's aerial show SPHERE will be soaring in the sky with two performances at 12:55 pm and 9:20 pm. See the full weekend lineup at columbiafestival.org.

🎸 Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weekend is kicking off on Friday, June 12th with a night of indie pop, r...
05/29/2026

🎸 Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weekend is kicking off on Friday, June 12th with a night of indie pop, rock, and modern funk on the LakeStage! Starting at 5 pm, enjoy live music featuring Bravenoise (Andrew Bell), Ariel Posen, and Nik West. Plus, at 9:20 pm, look up to see eVenti Verticali's SPHERE taking over the sky with an aerial performance you won't want to miss. Get the full weekend lineup now at columbiafestival.org.

Next Thursday June 4th! We can't wait to start the new 2026 Color Burst Park series with a very special event. The Lakec...
05/29/2026

Next Thursday June 4th! We can't wait to start the new 2026 Color Burst Park series with a very special event. The Lakecia Benjamin 'We Dream' Album Release Show will take over Merriweather District at 6:30 PM to celebrate the six-time GRAMMY nominee, who is an incredible alto saxophonist, MC, and bandleader known for her captivating live performances. See the details and RSVP at https://www.merriweatherarts.com/upcoming-events/the-lakecia-benjamin-we-dream-album-release-show

🍴Your biggest decision at LakeFest? What to eat first. Trucks are pulling up to Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free Lak...
05/28/2026

🍴Your biggest decision at LakeFest? What to eat first. Trucks are pulling up to Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weekend with plenty of options. In the lineup this year is Althea's Almost Famous, Bull on the loose, Retro Grill, Ekiben, Fireside Pizza & Catering, Koshary Corner, Shuck Shack Pentagon City Mall, and Taco Joint Food Truck! June 12th-14th will be here before you know it - plan your weekend at columbiafestival.org.

🌍 Experience SPHERE by eVenti Verticali at Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weekend! This awe-inspiring aer...
05/26/2026

🌍 Experience SPHERE by eVenti Verticali at Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weekend! This awe-inspiring aerial performance tells the story of a lone astronaut searching for a new beginning - brought to life through dancers suspended 60 feet above the ground. Combining movement, storytelling, and striking visuals, SPHERE explores themes of environmental impact, resilience, and renewal in a truly unforgettable way. Performances are Friday, June 12th at 9:20 pm, Saturday, June 13th at 12:55 pm & 9:20 pm, and Sunday, June 14 at 12:55 pm. Learn more about LakeFest at columbiafestival.org.

🎤 Get ready for some powerhouse vocals - Shayna Steele is coming to Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weeken...
05/21/2026

🎤 Get ready for some powerhouse vocals - Shayna Steele is coming to Columbia Festival of the Arts - Free LakeFest Weekend on Sunday, June 14th at 4:00 pm! A dynamic performer who got her start on Broadway in Rent and Hairspray, Shayna has also sung backup for Bette Midler, Rihanna, and Kelly Clarkson. Her effortless blend of soul and jazz has captivated audiences around the world, from major festivals to symphony stages across North America. Hear Shayna Steele sing Fleetwood Mac's "Gold Dust Woman" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqZpdaU_h8A and check out the full lineup at columbiafestival.org.

Address

Office: 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD
21044

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14107153044

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