We are planning on implementing new digital content every week for our readers. City Scout will be a weekly post where we send a writer out to scout what big things are happening in each of our four largest metros, St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia. This week, we’re focusing on Columbia. 

1. Como Celebrates Junteenth

Friday, June 19 is Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day. This day commemorates the day when all enslaved people were freed. Everyone is invited to this community celebration at Karis Church at 606 Ridgeway Avenue this Friday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Meet in the parking lot of the church where you can safely social distance and view a Fredrick Douglas re-enactment, eat at food trucks, purchase T-shirts, and more. There will be plenty of ways to celebrate throughout the day, both in person and virtually. Releasing paper lanterns will be the last event of the day.

2. Protests 

In light of protests happening across the country for racial equality, Columbia saw its largest protest on Sunday, June 7 where thousands of people gathered, but people are still gathering for peaceful protests outside of the Boone County Courthouse everyday at 6 p.m.

3. Rose Park is Re-Opening

While the Blue Note remains closed, Rose Music Hall is opening up the park with a limit of 150 people. On Friday, June 19, the venue will host an outdoor Happy Hour featuring Flyover Country. On Saturday, another Happy Hour will be hosted featuring The Daves. Cover is $5, Doors are at 5 p.m., and shows begin at 6 p.m. 21+. Visit RoseMusicHall.com to learn about future events.

Outdoor park and concert venue in columbia missouri
Photo courtesy Rose Music Hall.

4. South Florida Style Chicken and Ribs

In addition to Rose Music Hall reopening, there’s also a brand new food vendor taking over the kitchen to serve hungry concert-goers. They’ve been around Columbia as a pop-up restaurant for one year, but this is their first time in a semi-permanent location. Whenever Rose Music Hall is open, South Florida Style Chicken and Ribs will be too.  

5. Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour Lost

Maplewood Barn Theatre is putting on an outdoor performance of this Shakespeare classic. See the show June 18–21 and June 25–28. Make sure to get your tickets in advance, there will only be 30 tickets available for each production.

6. There’s a New Food Truck in Town

Bearded Brothers Tacos opened in mid-May, so you might have missed them while you were social distancing, but the food truck seems to be finding success. Follow their Facebook page to find out where you can catch them next to try their Mexican-style street and crunchy tacos.