While the background music while we shop can at times get to be a bit much, there is truly nothing like celebrating the season with a live performance of holiday favorites. The 2019 Symphony of Toys Holiday Concert will take place on Sunday, December 15 at the Missouri Theatre. This beautiful venue is only about 15 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia, and this annual performance is most certainly worth the short drive. The Missouri Symphony will delight audiences all throughout the performance with holiday favorites, classic carols, and even some special appearances. There will even be bins at the venue for you to donate a new and unopened toy as part of the US Marines Toys for Tots program. If you are looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit, then you will want to attend the Symphony of Toys Holiday Concert.

You can probably smell the turkey coming out of the oven, hear the sounds of laughter as your family gathers around the table, and even taste the special creamy mashed potatoes that only get made around the holidays. The downside to all that delicious food is the exercise that is required to burn all of those extra calories. This Thanksgiving, start your day with the Chapman HVAC Turkey Trax 5K. The event is a family-friendly 5K run or walk, depending on your goals and skill level. All proceeds from the event will go to the Central Missouri Red Cross, so you will be working up an appetite while supporting a good cause. After completing the race, which runs through urban areas of Columbia as well as MU’s campus, you can have that second piece of pumpkin pie without the slightest twinge of guilt. After all, you earned it.

As the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves start to change color, it is time to start thinking about Halloween festivities. If you are looking for a place to pick out the perfect pumpkin directly from the source, then you will want to visit Strawberry Hill Farms. This delightful farm that has been serving the Columbia area since 1980 is only about 20 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. In addition to pumpkins, Strawberry Hill Farms has a variety of gourds, mums, and fall-blooming flowers available for purchase. In essence, they have everything you need to decorate your house for the Autumn season. All October long, they are open Monday through Saturday from 9-6 and Sunday from 1-6. That gives you plenty of time to plan your trip to Strawberry Hill Farms.

In the next month or so, there are some very exciting comedians bringing their acts to CoMo Comedy Club. The hilarity kicks-off with Greg Warren on September 13. Greg, a Mizzou alum,  is best known for his recent appearances on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “The Late Late Show.” Next on the calendar is Josh Blue who broke out in the comedy world by winning the fourth season of Last Comic Standing.  Josh will be performing on September 26. Closing out the month on September 28 is another comedian from Last Comic Standing, Chris Porter. Chris gained fame while on the show as well as his Netflix special which remains one of the highest-rated on the streaming platform. No matter which shows you can attend, you will be sure to enjoy an evening full of laughter and fun.

Located less than ten minutes away from the Holiday Inn Columbia, Midway has something for just about everyone. College students looking for bargains to make their dorms or houses a little homier will be delighted by the selection. More experienced antique lovers are sure to find a thing or two that they have never come across before. You can even get advice on arts and crafts projects that will most assuredly delight the little ones. The Midway Antique Mall is extremely large, which means it is filled with potential bargains. The staff is both knowledgeable and very friendly, and they are always happy to point you in the right direction.

Located just 10 minutes from The Holiday Inn Columbia, Ragtag Cinema allows filmgoers to experience films that they would not otherwise be exposed to. Currently, Ragtag is showing Jim Jarmusch’s new film, The Dead Don’t Die, which features Bill Murray and Adam Driver fighting zombies in a small town. Other films that are coming soon to the theater include A Bigger Splash, Echo in the Canyon, Maiden, Paris is Burning, and the highly anticipated Midsommar. If you are a cinephile or you are simply looking for a new movie-watching experience, then Ragtag Cinema is just the place for you. After just one visit, you will start actively seeking a wider range of films than those that can be found at the local multiplex.

All kids ages 4-15 are welcome to participate in an obstacle course that is as fun as it is muddy, and there is a lot of mud. Depending on the age of the child, the course is 1-3 kilometer, but each course is filled with obstacles such as tires, pipes, walls, and the aforementioned mud. In addition to the obstacle courses, there are plenty of great spaces reserved for spectators to take pictures of the kiddoes in action. Be sure to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, because it is not a question of whether you will get muddy, but just how muddy will you get.

To celebrate the end of another successful school year, you should kick back and have some fun at the School’s Out Hip Hop Showcase on Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1. The incredible show full of local hip hop artists will take place at Cafe Berlin which is less than 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. Some of the performers that will showcase their talents are Sergio Slayer, Prophet, Sxnny, TeeCee, and Dinero and J. Artiz with DJ Seoul Train. The School’s Out Hip Hop Showcase is a unique opportunity to support and enjoy local artists as they hone their craft. Whether you are a longtime hip hop fan, or you just like to support local music, this is the perfect event to start your summer vacation.

On April 19, The Unbound Book Festival is bringing Saunders to The Missouri Theatre for a literary discussion with novelist and poet Monica Ferrell. The Missouri Theatre is a beautiful venue for such a discussion, and it is located only 10 short minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. Saunders is probably best known for his best selling collection of short stories, Pastoralia, but he has also written the novel Lincoln in the Bardo, New York Times Notable Book Tenth of December, and even an award-winning children’s book. George Saunders is one of those literary geniuses that will amaze you with his storytelling ability as well as his approach to the writing process. This free event starts at 7:30 PM and concludes at 9:30 PM.

In fact, he was so skilled that he often blended the genres seamlessly, creating works that have rarely been improved upon in the last 400 years. From March 14-16, Stephens College will be performing Shakespeare’s historical tragedy Julius Caesar. This performance of the classic tale will feature a few twists that will provide new insight into the story of political intrigue and betrayal. By the time Brutus and Cassius have successfully organized the assassination of the famous Caesar, you will be amazed at the Stephens College players’ ability to transport you back to Bard’s time. While the language of the play is Renaissance in style, the themes seem like they could have been ripped from today’s headlines.

This incredible event takes place at Dive Bar which is less than 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. The thing that makes Angel’s Envy unique is that their bourbon is finished in port wine casks. Your 3 guaranteed samples include Angel’s Envy Port, Angel’s Envy Finished Rye, and the Angel’s Envy 2017 Cask Strength. After the meal has concluded, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a cigar and the Angel’s Envy 2018 Cask Strength if you upgrade your package. If you are looking for an intimate evening filled with good food, incredible drinks, and unbelievable ambiance, then the Angel’s Envy Whiskey Pairing at Dive Bar is the perfect event for you.

But have you ever wondered how all of the heroes and villains ended up in Neverland in the first place? The stage play, Peter and the Starcatcher, tells just that story. Additionally, this incredible prequel is made with adults in mind. The Columbia Entertainment Company will be performing  Peter and the Starcatcher on January 17-20, 24-27, 31, and February 1-3. The company’s theatre is only about 10 minutes from Holiday Inn Columbia, so this is one show that you will not want to miss. The Columbia Entertainment Company’s performance will be directed by Kay Cook who also helmed last year’s popular performance of Bye Bye Birdie. Peter Pan may be the boy who never grows up, but this grown-up prequel to the classic tale will have you laughing and smiling all night long.

The guided ride starts at Lucky’s Market at 111 S. Providence which is only about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. This is the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit and maybe even burn some of those extra holiday calories. You will be guided through downtown Columbia, including residential neighborhoods and college campuses. All along the trip, you will be treated to some of the most beautiful Christmas light displays in the entire city. This is a family-friendly event, so all riders all welcome. At the conclusion of the ride, enjoy some hot cocoa that is sure to help you warm up. After participating in the It’s a Wonderful Ride event this year, you are sure to want to make the bike ride a part of your annual holiday traditions.

The Columbia Bass Pro is located less than 15 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. The festivities begin with the arrival of Santa Claus himself on Saturday, November 10. In addition to photos with Santa, there will also be stocking decorating, the lighting of the Christmas tree, and the unveiling of Santa’s Winter Wonderland. The fun continues all month long with activities and giveaways like Christmas drawstring bags, polar bear plush toys, letters to Santa, and other assorted craft stations that will change weekly. Additionally, Santa’s Wonderland is filled with a wide range of games so that there is fun available for the entire family.

Those who are too old for Trick or Treating, those too scared of Haunted Houses, and those who are looking for a more fun Halloween experience, should head to the Blue Note for the Brew and View event on Halloween night. You and your friends can grab your beverage of choice and enjoy a screening of the classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This popular event will be hosted by Mark “The Master” Chambers and only costs $10. The Blue Note is only about 10 minutes from Holiday Inn Columbia, and the trip is definitely worth the experience. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is notorious for encouraging audience participation, and this screening will be no different. You will not want to miss your chance to “Do the Time Warp Again” with Dr. Frank N. Furter, Rocky Horror, Janet Weiss, Dr. Everett V. Scott, and the rest of the memorable cast. 

The atmosphere at a Missouri football game rivals just about any atmosphere in the entire country. The exciting Tigers team is led by Coach Barry Odom, Quarterback Drew Lock, Running Back Damarea Crockett, Safety Cam Hilton, and Linebacker Cale Garrett, and they have high hopes for a Bowl Game victory to cap off a strong season. This season features home games against SEC rivals South Carolina, Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee as well as non-conference bouts with Purdue and Idaho. When you take your seat at Faurot Field, you will be amazed by the Gold and Black shirts throughout the stadium and the buzzing atmosphere of excited fans.

To celebrate all of the great people who have helped Columbia grow in recent years,  Fortune Fest 2018 will feature delicious food, cold drinks, and lots and lots of live music. Food trucks from vendors like Pepe’s of Columbia, Pizza Tree, Smokin’ Chicks, Ozark Mountain Biscuit Company, and Kona Ice. With Longboat Brewing as one of the sponsors, you know that the beer will be flowing all festival long. There will also be plenty of musical acts taking the stage in Rose Park like funk and soul band Black Joe Lewis, Punk group Radkey, Nashville Darlings Liz Cooper and The Stampede, Rockband Amasha Hines, local psychedelic dance-rock stars The Royal Furs and the dynamic Rae Fitsgerald.

Located about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia, Broadway Brewery has been serving delicious house-brewed beer since 2009. Some of their most popular beer offerings include the APA, Black Honey Brown Ale, 11 Point IPA, Kolsch, Porter, and Blue Heron Organic Apple Cider. In addition to incredible beer, Broadway Brewery prides itself on serving locally sourced, not to mention amazing, food. Be sure to try the Trout Hushpuppies, Porter Dip, Lamb Burger, or one of their brilliantly crafted pizzas. Sometimes, the best part about visiting a new city is finding your new favorite restaurant. After one visit to Broad Brewery, you will have found your favorite in Columbia.

The Missouri Symphony Orchestra will celebrate over 60 years of Oscar-winning and nominated movie music in their event “A Night at the Oscars” on June 22. The show takes place at the Missouri Theatre which is only about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. Some of the films featured in the program include Harry Potter, The Godfather, Psycho, and Exodus. Guest Zoe Melcher and David Nevergall will help bring the music of film composers like John Williams, Nino Rota, and Bernard Herman to life. Hearing the Missouri Symphony Orchestra perform the scores to your favorite films will transport you back to the first time you saw them in the theater.

During your visit, you may catch a glimpse of some incredible wildlife like eagles, seagulls, ducks, deer, and turkey vultures. The plant life is equally breathtaking with fields of sunflowers, wildflowers, and a variety of native trees. There are numerous trails for hiking, some of which are perfect for more experienced adventurers. Pack a lunch, bring a blanket, and enjoy a nice afternoon picnic away from the hustle of bustle of city life. After all, it is sometimes good for the soul when there’s not another soul in sight. In the summer, the trees are in full bloom, but you will want to be prepared for the bugs. They are the only thing that could possibly spoil the amazing scenery at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.

The Missouri Tigers are hoping to have a strong season in the talented SEC that results in a College World Series bid. So far, the Tigers are 21-7 with plenty of time for improvement. The team’s home field, Taylor Stadium, is less than 15 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. As they prepare for the stretch run of the season, Mizzou has important home games against SIU-Edwardsville, Alabama, Chicago State, Vanderbilt, and Georgia all in the next month. Games at Taylor Stadium are family-friendly events. Current National League Cy Young pitcher Max Scherzer is a proud Mizzou alum, so you know he will be watching the season with great interest. Who knows, maybe taking your family to a Missouri baseball game will inspire the next great Mizzou ballplayer.

On Friday, March 23 at the Blue Note, you will have the opportunity to relive the glory days of grunge at the Seattle Royale 2018 performance. The venue is only about 10 minutes from Holiday Inn Columbia, so this is one concert that you will not want to miss. The Hipnecks will perform some of Alice in Chains’ biggest hits like “Rooster,” “Man in the Box,” and “Them Bones” to get things started. They will be followed by The Many Colored Death who specialize in Soundgarden classics. Decadent Nation will play Pearl Jam hits like “Jeremy,” “Daughter,” and “Even Flow” while Madora/Down Side Up will close the show with Nirvana favorites like “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “ Come As You Are,” and “Lithium.”

Located less than 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia, Conari Escape Rooms has 3 unique themed rooms. In the first, Scarlet’s House, you and your team have one hour to release the tortured soul of a witch named Scarlet after you are forced into her house by a vicious storm. The second room, Conari Lockup, gives players one hour to escape from their holding cell after being wrongfully imprisoned. In the third experience, VLAD, you have one hour to outwit the bloodthirsty Vlad and save your king before all hope is lost. No matter which room experience you choose, you and your group are sure to have an exciting and mentally stimulating adventure.

The exhibition, titled Indulge, takes place at the art league home base, which is only about 10 minutes away from the Holiday Inn Columbia. This unique exhibition is all about food, specifically the foods that inspire the submitting artists. After all, we have all been inspired by delicious food in our lives. Submissions include paintings, photography, sketches, and many other mediums which are put through a rigorous judging process before they are approved for the exhibition. Additionally, all of the displayed works will be available for purchase. The Columbia Art League dedicates themselves to providing visitors with exciting and one of a kind art displays. The volunteers who staff the special exhibits are all knowledgeable, friendly, and informative. After just one afternoon exploring the galleries, you will start planning your next trip to the Columbia Art League.

From December 14-17, you have the opportunity to see the Broadway adaptation of the popular film, Elf Jr., as performed by the Pace Youth Theatre Company. All performances will take place at C.E.C. theatre which is only about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. The Elf in the title is, of course, Buddy, who is actually a human who was raised by elves after accidentally climbing into Santa’s bag of presents. When he grows up, much larger than his elf peers, he journeys to New York City in search of his long lost father. Along the way, he makes new friends, falls in love, and even helps the world rediscover its Christmas spirit. This exciting production is the perfect way for you and your family to start celebrating the holidays.

 They join upperclassmen like Kevin Puryear and Terrence Smith in their pursuit of Missouri history. Their beautiful home court, Mizzou Arena, is only about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. In the next 2 months, the local Tigers have exciting home games against, Iowa State, Wagner, Emporia State, Long Beach State, Miami of Ohio, Green Bay, North Florida, SFA, and the yearly bragging rights game against rival Illinois. There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a college basketball game, and Mizzou promises to be one of the best venues in all of college basketball this year. You do not want to miss your chance to witness history in the making. 

Now’s your chance to live that fantasy firsthand at the 12^th annual Central Missouri Renaissance Festival. Located at the Boster Castle Fairgrounds, just a short 25-minute drive from our hotel, this exuberant festival brings together live musical entertainment, period-appropriate games, and a vibrant collection of artisans ready to impress you with their handcrafted wares. Marvel at expert archers as they deftly strike bulls-eye after bulls-eye, enjoy demonstrations of playful steel and blunted weapon combat, and chow down on the hardy helpings and libations that keep the party going strong. Festivities run from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. on October 21 and 22, and while period costume is encouraged, all that’s required for entry is a good attitude and a zest for a most chivalrous era.

Address: I-70 - 144/Hatton Exit, 4274 County Rd 220, Kingdom City, MO 65262

Chat with tradesmen and artisans outfitted in 19^th-century attire appropriate to their stations as they present their wares and demonstrate their crafts to curious onlookers. Dancers and musicians from various traditions—from folk to bluegrass, from Irish to Native American, from country and western to Cajun—will perform on three separate stages in front of enthusiastic crowds. Children will love the cowboys with their horses and the many hands-on activities in the “Youngins Area,” including candle dipping, rope making, paper pumpkins, stilt games, hayrides, and more. There will also be a variety of delicious foods for sale throughout the festival, as well as a separate area for contemporary, handmade arts and crafts.

Address: Historic Nifong Park, 3700 Ponderosa St., Columbia, MO

Family Fun Fest: Mad About Science | Wednesday, Aug 16, 6-8 P.M. | Cosmo Park

Family Fun Fest includes music, live entertainment, interactive learning, face painting, food trucks, and more. This month’s FFF is science-themed, in honor of the upcoming solar eclipse.

Kaleidospoke | Saturday, August 19, 7:30-10:30 P.M. | Start at Flat Branch Park, bike to Twin Lakes

In this family-friendly nighttime bike ride (not a race—we keep it relaxed here), you’ll cycle along an illuminated trail from Flat Branch Park up to Twin Lakes and back. Decide when to start and what pace you’re comfortable with. S'mores await you at Twin Lakes.

Movies in the Park | Saturday, August 19, 8:30 P.M. | Cosmo Park

Stretch out on your most comfy blanket and enjoy Guardians of the Galaxy under the starry dome of the great outdoors. Food trucks will be on hand.

As an internationally acclaimed conductor who has worked tirelessly to make classical music relevant and exciting for today’s audiences, Maestro Trevor has spearheaded many initiatives, including the founding of the Hot Summer Nights Festival, which has become the Midwest’s biggest classical and pops summertime extravaganza. Among the upcoming HSNF concerts are Chamber Recital #3, which will feature small ensembles performing works from the 17^th century to the 21^st, on July 10; Let’s Build an Orchestra, a performance for kids and adults who want to see how an orchestra is put together from the ground up, on July 12; and Rock On!, which will showcase full orchestral versions of rock classics made famous by such luminaries as The Eagles, Aretha Franklin, and Queen, on July 14. And that’s just a small taste of what's ahead. For the full Hot Summer Nights Festival line-up with complete time and location information, check out their website.

In 2004 the District was officially recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, and with iconic establishments like Shakespeare’s Pizza, Pete’s BBQ Shack, and Main Squeeze, we can certainly see why. As fans of live music, we’re especially fond of the Blue Note, a historic Vaudeville theater located in the District at 17 N. 9^th St. The vintage marquee outside the club has featured some big names over the years, including The Pixies, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Arcade Fire. This summer the Blue Note will welcome up-and-coming artists as well as crowd favorites like Jonny Lang, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, A Thousand Horses, Hellyeah, and more. So grab a bite on 9^th, see a live show, then enjoy a drink or two as you wind down the warm summer night.

Sparky’s features a quirky list of flavors, including mandarin orange dark chocolate, pancakes, and lavender honey, many of which are made with fresh, local ingredients (we are big fans of Uprise Candied Bacon and Les Bourgeois White Russian). While you’re enjoying Sparky’s sweet, frozen treats, you’ll also be able to treat yourself to the mini-museum of deliciously bad paintings the shop has acquired over the years. On your way out, you might even feel inclined to pay your respects to the original Sparky, the dopey and lovable bulldog immortalized by one local artist’s surprisingly lifelike ceramic statue.

Address: 21 South 9th Street, Columbia

All proceeds from Chasing the Sun will go to Renew Missouri, a non-profit organization working hard to elevate our great state into the top 20 in terms of renewables and energy efficiency by 2020. The starting line is at the entrance to Stephen’s Lake Park, located about 10 minutes from our hotel. Both seasoned marathoners and folks new to running are welcome to join. Every participant will leave with a special t-shirt to commemorate the event, and all will be entered into a contest for dozens of special prizes as well.

Located at 2001 E Broadway, Columbia, MO

March 18th @ 10:00 am

All board, y’all. Heed the conductor’s call when the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts its Annual Train Show, where you’ll find a great variety of models on display from the early days of rail transportation right into the present.

March 18th @ 1:00 pm

Incase locomotion isn’t your cup of tea, the Holiday Inn Expo Center has reserved plenty of room for the 7th Annual Missouri Beer Festival. Attendees receive a keepsake glass for sampling more than fifty booths, including delicious snacks.

March 25th @ 8:30 pm

North 9th Street

Funk is Missouri’s fastest-growing music scene! Squeeze into a pair of pleather pants and "get on up" for a fresh time. Columbia’s rich music venue, The Blue Note, is your gracious host for this evening of loudmouths and blazing horns.

Nearly all of the city’s most popular restaurants and bars will offer specially designed menus for the occasion. If you’re in love with food then you’re already in the right place! Columbia’s chefs whip sourced ingredients into everything from tempting pizzas and juicy steaks, to satisfying smoothies and salads with a real crunch. Visit Main Squeeze for a tofu taco or freshly squeezed juice, made to go.

Sycamore is an excellent choice for hungry locavores, while the Wine Cellar and Bistro has plenty of pink Prosecco and a larder full of sharp and gooey cheeses. Make your valentine’s day whole with a final trip to The Candy Factory for their famous chocolate-covered strawberries or Patric Chocolate, where they’re busy handcrafting American-style cacao. Is there anything not to love?

January 30th through February 3rd

Keep your eye out for the next Picasso during the University of Missouri’s Visual Art & Design Showcase, a remarkable opportunity for the university’s undergraduate artists-in-training to spread their colorful wings in a real exhibition space. It’s free and open to the public!

February 3rd @ 7:00 pm

The university’s own Missouri Theatre is proud to stage Raisin’ Cane: A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey, a remarkable melting pot of early 20th-century words and music coming to life before your very eyes, including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and many others.

February 3rd through 5th

Based on the beloved Jane Austen novel of 1815, the Macklanburg Playhouse’s production of Emma is a fresh imagining of a classic story. Filled with high hopes Emma Woodhouse’s matchmaking art finds her tangled in a web of marriage and gossip.