Columbia Festival of the Arts’ LakeFest returns to the Downtown Columbia Lakefront from June 16- 18, 2023 with a fun and inclusive FREE weekend event that has become synonymous with the arts and culture of Howard County. Highlights of the 36th annual LakeFest weekend include a performance from GRAMMY award winning artist Judith Hill on Friday evening, a Juneteenth celebration and cookout hosted by The 3rd, along with a variety of live music and arts performances, an Invitational Fine Arts and Crafts Show with more than 50 artists, entertainment for all ages, food trucks and a beer and wine garden sponsored by the Collective Offshore. See what it's all about in the video below!

Lakestage Music Lineup

LakeFest boasts an impressive lineup of incredible talent this year!

Judith Hill • Delfeayo Marsalis • Garifuna Collective • Shamarr Allen • Quitapenas • Buffalo Nichols • DuPont Brass • The JoGo Project • The Sidley’s Tray Wellington • Deborah Bond • Glenelg Jazz Ensemble • Chasing Straights HoCo Chinese School • WLHS Steel Drum Band

Learn more about the schedule for Friday, June 16, Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18.

Invitational Fine Arts & Crafts Show

Friday, June 10: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. • Saturday, June 11: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. • Sunday, June 12: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Our juried, invitational show returns with more than 50 extraordinary artisans displaying and selling their one-of-a-kind artwork representing a breadth of media including functional and wearable art at a wide range of prices. Booths located throughout the Festival grounds.

Interactive Art Activities & Performances for All Ages

Throughout the weekend, enjoy a wide variety of interactive arts activities including coloring our Monster Mural, as well as hands on projects from KidzArt Howard County, Pinot’s Palette, and Roll up & Dye. Other highlights include the return of the Columbia Association Art Center’s Painted Umbrella Exhibit along the lake, performances by BFunk Dance Company, Black Cherry Puppet Theater, and the WLHS Step Team.

5th Annual Columbia Film Festival

The Columbia Film Festival takes place from June 20-24th, with mostly virtual events and screenings. You can check out the trailer below.

The Saturday June 24th Columbia Film Festival 5th Anniversary Celebration and Maryland Filmmaker presentation with talk back will be open to the public at at Monteabaro Hall at Howard Community College. However, admission is only by purchasing an All Festival Pass for $25  (which also gives access to all 40+ films online).  Anyone who has purchased the All Access Festival Pass will also be able to attend the Celebration! Registration will be required, and it will open soon! Check back regularly for updates. There is limited capacity, so registration will be required. The Celebration Reception will start at 6pm with the screenings and talk back to begin at 7PM. 

What is The Columbia Festival of the Arts?

The Columbia Festival of the Arts is a multi-weekend event that celebrates music, art, and entertainment. Each Festival kicks off in June with Lakefest, a free, three-day outdoor celebration at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. Lakefest includes live performances, children's creative activities, a juried fine arts and crafts show, a variety of hands-on workshops for all ages and outdoor festival food fare.

The days following LakeFest are comprised of a variety of free and ticketed events, including performances in multiple disciplines, master classes, workshops, fine art exhibitions, literary offerings, film and frequent opportunities to interact directly with artists.

Where is the parking?

LakeFest is being held at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. There is free parking (including Handicap Parking) available nearby at the Wincopin Circle parking garages. Visitors can also park at the Sterrett Place lot located at 5575 Sterrett Place. Festival parking will not be available at Whole Foods Market.

Learn more about the fun arts and cultural events taking place in Downtown Columbia. With so much to do, you should make it an overnight stay and enjoy nearby shopping and dining!