Columbia, Maryland's Live Performance Capital
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Welcome to Columbia, Maryland’s Live Performance Capital where music fills the air and good times roll from dusk till dawn. Nestled between Washington and Baltimore, this town hums with the sound of guitars, laughter, and stories waiting to be told. Whether you’re at a legendary show at Merriweather Post Pavilion or wandering through an outdoor art fair, there’s always a community gathering somewhere. Maybe you’re hunting for that perfect concert outfit or joining an outdoor yoga class before the music starts. Families gather, friends meet up, and the whole town moves to its own beat. Summer in Columbia is like a soundtrack you feel in your bones.
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Merriweather Post Pavilion hums like a well-loved guitar, where summer’s rhythm rolls through the trees and into your soul. Every show feels like a front-row moment—where the stage sings, the crowd sways, and the music moves through the night air. Nestled between the wooded trails of Symphony Woods and the creative pulse of the Merriweather District, this iconic amphitheater blends bold architecture with natural beauty. Its soaring roof offers shelter while still letting the breeze and evening air move through the space.
Sculptures line the paths like visual harmonies, turning every step toward the stage into part of the show. Up on the Skylawn, the air buzzes with laughter and the easy hum of conversation. The 2025 season kicked off with a powerful one-night performance from the Howard County Youth Orchestra, striking the first chord of a summer full of sound. From June 5 to 8, Capital Jazz Fest brings the groove, filling the pavilion with smooth brass, deep bass, and melodies that linger long after the lights fade.
See the full summer lineup here.
Upcoming Events in Columbia, Maryland
Toby's Dinner Theatre – Disney’s The Little Mermaid
From May 23 to August 17, 2025, Toby's Dinner Theatre brings the magic of Disney’s The Little Mermaid to life. This beloved musical is perfect for families, offering a chance to dive into the enchanting world of Ariel, Prince Eric, and their undersea friends in a fun and interactive dinner-theatre experience. Based on the classic animated film with music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, this show will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including: Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl and Part of Your World.
Toby's Dinner Theatre
Capital Jazz Fest – June 6-8, 2025
Held at Merriweather Post Pavilion, the Capital Jazz Festival features over 30 acts, including jazz, soul and R&B artists. From Avery Sunshine to Frank McComb, this lineup is stacked with powerhouse performers.
Free Events at Color Burst Park in Merriweather District – June 12, 2025 & All Summer
Summer explodes at AMPED in the Park, taking over Color Burst Park starting June 12th. This free outdoor concert series drops you right into the city’s heartbeat, where live music cuts through the night air and flavors from Merriweather District’s hottest kitchens — Blackwall Barn & Lodge and Smashing Grapes — spark your senses. Kids laugh and run through the green space and splash pads nearby, savoring ice cream cones as families spread out on the lawn. Whether you’re moving with the crowd, catching that perfect sunset light from the sidelines, or swapping stories over a cold drink at GameOn Bar + Arcade, AMPED in the Park is where summer nights become unforgettable.
- June 12, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. – The Jogo Project
- June 26, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. – Sons of Mystro
- July 24, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. – Las Karamba
- August 7, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. – New Jazz Underground
- August 21, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. – Zar Eletrik
- September 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. – Butte & Friends
Good Kid-izen – June 14, 2024 & All Summer
- June 14, 2025 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Mi Comunidad 123 Andres
- June 28, 2025 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Kind Kidizens
- July 12, 2025 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – TEAM PLAYERS
- July 26, 2025 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Science Rocks!
- August 9, 2025 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Community Heroes
- August 23, 2025 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Garden Guardians
- September 6, 2025 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Children's Business Fair
Fitness Series – Tuesdays, June 3-August 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Discover more Downtown Columbia Events here.
Columbia Festival of the Arts LakeFest Free Weekend – June 20-22, 2025
For a weekend that blends music, art, and laid-back lakeside vibes, Columbia Festival of the Arts LakeFest Free Weekend kicks off summer at Columbia’s Downtown Lakefront. From June 20 to 22, the waterfront comes alive with live music, bold visual art, and interactive performances that invite you to jump in and be part of the scene. Stroll through a display of colorful umbrellas and explore hands-on exhibits from local artisans, pop-up shows, and creative corners made for all ages. Watch live painting demos from Pinot’s Palette and see canvases come to life in real time. It’s a celebration that turns the lakefront into a living gallery full of movement, music, and moments you won’t want to miss.
LakeFest Free Weekend
Lakefront Live
Lakefront Live kicks off the season with cold drinks and good vibes. On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the Community Beer Garden and Summer Block Kickoff Party light up Columbia’s Downtown Lakefront from 4 to 8:30 p.m., featuring a high-energy performance by Shamarr Allen. All summer long, Lakefront Live keeps the momentum going with free concerts, outdoor movies, and dance events under the open sky. Move your feet at “Dancin' Under the People Tree,” where live music and dance instruction set the tone before the big screen rolls down for a family-friendly movie night. Mark your calendar for a special Juneteenth celebration on June 19, 2025 bringing a full day of music, culture, and connection from 2 to 8:30 p.m.
Lakefront Live
The Chrysalis at Merriweather Park
Tucked beneath the trees in Symphony Woods, The Chrysalis is where creativity takes the stage. This striking, open-air venue is part of the experience. With a calendar full of free concerts, cultural celebrations, and hands-on fun, The Chrysalis invites the whole community to gather, dance, and dream under the canopy. On June 1, 2025, it lights up with color and joy during the Holi Celebration — a family-friendly dance party that turns the lawn into a swirl of music, movement, and celebration. Later on June 29, 2025, the Downtown Columbia Maker Faire brings inventors, artists, and big thinkers together for a day of inspiration and discovery. From orchestra music to kid-friendly shows and free yoga sessions, The Chrysalis is your go-to spot for fresh air and fresh ideas all season long.
Explore Columbia’s Arts Scene
Columbia’s got heart, and you’ll hear it in every note and see it in every brushstroke. From big-name concerts under the roof at Merriweather Post Pavilion to the whimsical wonder of DoodleHATCH’s hands-on art world, this town knows how to put on a show. Catch a musical at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, where the coffee flows and the stage lights shine, or stroll through an art exhibit at Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center. Out in the parks, you’ll find visitors flowing through yoga poses, learning a new dance step, or just soaking up the sunshine. Whether you’re wandering through an art fair, two-stepping at a summer concert, or chasing fireflies with the kids, Columbia wraps you in that hometown magic that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Past Events - Return For These Next Year!
Books in Bloom – May 10, 2025
Color Burst Park transforms into a literary paradise on May 10th for the ninth annual Books in Bloom festival. This beloved celebration of literature invites bookworms of all ages to engage with renowned authors and poets. Featured speakers include Kwame Alexander (Why Fathers Cry at Night), Eric Puchner (Dream State), Laurie Frankel (Family, Family), and Andy Shallal (A Seat at the Table), among many others. With readings, book signings, and interactive discussions, Books in Bloom is a must-attend event for anyone who finds joy in the written word.
Books in Bloom
AAPI Festival – May 10, 2025
Celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities at the AAPI Festival in Columbia. Experience a day of unity, heritage, and artistic expression in the heart of Howard County.
Wine in the Woods – May 17-18, 2025
A Columbia tradition, Wine in the Woods transforms Symphony Woods into a lively celebration of Maryland’s finest wineries, craft breweries, and live entertainment. Sip, savor, and enjoy a weekend of music and local flavors in the heart of downtown Columbia.
Ben Folds with the Howard County Youth Orchestra – May 18, 2025
Music meets magic when Ben Folds takes the stage at Merriweather Post Pavilion alongside the talented musicians of the Howard County Youth Orchestra. On May 18th, families can experience an unforgettable evening as the acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist brings his signature sound to one of the country’s most iconic outdoor venues. With its family-friendly atmosphere, this concert serves as an ideal first Merriweather experience for young music lovers.
Plan Your Visit
No matter your interests, Columbia has something for you. From dynamic concerts and interactive art to delicious dining and outdoor activities, there’s always something happening here. Check back for more updates on upcoming events and be sure to mark your calendar!
Event details are subject to change. Check with the event host before attending.
Where to Explore in Downtown Columbia This Summer
Columbia is a hub of fun events in Howard County. Visit the following websites to learn more.
