Welcome

Dear Visitor:

What exactly is it about Columbia that makes visitors come back again and again?

Is it because, as one travel writer quipped, Columbia is “fun, funky and surprisingly sophisticated”? Maybe The District’s exciting mix of unique restaurants, specialty stores, galleries, and coffee shops has something to do with it.

Could it be our fantastic festivals? The Twilight Festivals in June and September bring thousands of people to The District for food, fun and entertainment. Art in the Park and the Fall Festival of the Arts are also a big hit. They showcase the work of local, regional and national artists.

And who can forget the Blind Boone Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival, honoring one of Columbia’s most renowned citizens, John William "Blind" Boone? Or the Heritage Festival, featuring exhibits honoring Lewis & Clark’s legacy.

When visitors do come back, they often return on two wheels instead of four! The beautiful MKT trail, starting at 4th & Cherry connects to the state’s 225-mile long Katy Trail State Park and attracts folks from all over the world.

Of course, it could be all about the entertainment. Columbia has indie films at the Ragtag Cinema, classic movies at the Missouri Theater, big performers at the Hearnes Center or the Concert Series at Jesse Hall. Did I mention, the “We Always Swing” Jazz Series, summer concerts at the Mizzou Amphitheater and cutting edge contemporary artists at the Blue Note?

And, to round out the year, visitors always enjoy Columbia’s First Night Celebration complete with an incredible fireworks display at midnight!

I suppose the reasons visitors come back are as unique as Columbia itself! I invite you to come see for yourself. Again and again.


Darwin Hindman
Mayor, City of Columbia