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Over the Memorial Day weekend, thousands of bicyclists take part in the annual jamboree, riding the MKT Trail from Flat Branch Park in Columbia to Kemper Park in Boonville, where they camp overnight or stay in local accommodations. Riders…

New York City’s Harlem Renaissance erupted onto the arts scene nearly a century ago as one of the most influential periods for African-American literature, music and performance. Through the roaring ’20s, smoke-filled clubs transformed into…

Fashion has long been in fashion at Stephens College — it presented its first The Collections Fashion Show nearly 75 years ago, in 1944. Fashion design students work throughout the school year to turn their ideas into designs, and those…

Inside the University of Missouri Student Center, the walls of Mort’s in The Shack restaurant are covered in carvings. Generations of MU students and graduates have left their mark on the wood panels. The dining establishment, which opened…

Live theater is exhilarating. From the dramatic story lines to the intensity of the emotions displayed, there’s something to be said about the excitement of watching people perform. Adding to the thrill is the idea that anything could…

Talk about cold hard cash! On Saturday, March 3, at noon, scores of intrepid souls will take part in the Columbia Polar Plunge in support of Missouri Special Olympics. The plunge is the organization’s signature event, and there are 14…

The bass line hits, the high hat snaps and the speakers rattle. A high-pitched, airy voice cuts through, grabs the ear and never lets go. “Ooh I’m a rebel just for kicks now.” Portugal. The Man may have just hit…

Grief, mental health and psychiatry hardly seem like good themes for a rock musical. Despite this, in 2008, “Next to Normal” made its off-Broadway debut to critical acclaim, capturing numerous awards for its original musical score and going…

Anyone who appreciates creative expression will want to catch the Mizzou Visual Arts & Design Showcase this month. The juried showcase gives MU undergraduate students an opportunity to display and discuss their work in an exhibition…

It is difficult to think of a time more blissful than the beginning of a romance. You can’t get enough of your new love and everything seems perfect. During the initial days of dating, it is not unusual for people to amplify the good while…

If you’re a fan of dance, you won’t want to miss your chance to see the award-winning and internationally acclaimed Garth Fagan Dance Company, coming to Jesse Auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. Garth Fagan is the Tony…

Cookies With Santa is a time-honored Inside Columbia tradition for many parents, grandparents and children in the community. Over the course of more than a decade, thousands of Columbia kids have enjoyed the free event, featuring…

Entrepreneurship is alive and well in Columbia. Skilled locals, who have developed a passion for trades in a variety of arenas, are embracing the town they call home and planting strong business roots here. Veterans United Home Loans is…

Festivals conjure up an excitement like no other in our town. You can feel the pulse heighten even in the chill of winter or the humid heat of summer. Art in the Park and Citizen Jane have long been beloved events of Columbia’s annual…

From seeing big names in large venues to listening to local bands on the lawns of smaller locales, music takes center stage in many Columbia memories. The Blue Note The theater turned music and event venue has been one of Columbia’s…

Columbia is home to many fine places to catch a flick, a stage performance or other entertainment. These theaters have helped some of our favorite festivals, such as True/False and Citizen Jane, come alive and keep us entertained time and…

Art galleries, city installations, performance arts and artists are all embraced in and around Columbia. The North Village Arts District hosts First Fridays, a free “art crawl” every first Friday of the month. The schedule changes monthly,…

Columbia’s public and private schools foster healthy and productive learning environments from Pre-K through high school graduation. Some Columbia school kids loved their time here so much that they stuck around to teach the new kids on the…

There’s something about strolling through the market in the early morning that starts the day off right. It’s not just the fresh local produce, but also the conversations with producers. Shaking the hands that just harvested so much…