Fifty years ago, revolutionary real estate developer Jim Rouse set out to transform 14,000 acres of Howard County farmland into a hub for diversity, tolerance, and growth. Still today, Columbia maintains Rouse’s vision with more than 100,000 residents, a top-notch school system, beautiful urban green spaces, and a vibrant arts scene.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the city’s official founding on June 21, neighborhood leaders have organized a number of events this month to showcase the people and places that make Columbia so unique.
To 6/9: Posters of Wilde Lake
Back in the ’60s, Rouse commissioned California-born printmaker Gail Holliday to create colorful posters marketing his new community. At this ongoing exhibition, the Rouse Company’s former artist-in-residence showcases a collection of works dedicated to the image of Wilde Lake. Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 410-730-3987
6/4: Of Stars and Hurricanes: Two Columbia Novelists Return
The Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo) is partnering with the Wild Lake Community Association to present an evening with two of the community’s most notable authors. Head to the Slayton House Theatre to hear excerpts from the most recent works of husband-and-wife novelists—and former Columbia residents—Carrie and John Gregory Brown. The society will also honor community leaders Padriac and Ellen Kennedy for their work to strengthen Howard County’s literary scene. Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, 4-6 p.m., $20, 410-730-3987
6/10: The HeART of Columbia
A number of Columbia’s art organizations are coming together to present this exhibition of artifacts from the city’s history. Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 443-518-1000
6/11: Books in Bloom
Dubbed Columbia’s first-ever book festival, this get-together will highlight readings, panel discussions, a poetry wall, and its own pop-up book store spanning a variety of genres. The family-friendly event will also serve as a launch party for the Howard County Library’s new summer reading program, offering crafts, story time areas, and panels geared toward young adults. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, 12-5 p.m., 410-715-5550
6/16-18: LakeFest
Gather around the landmark People Tree for this annual spring festival, which is going all out this year in honor of Columbia’s big birthday. Aside from checking out the juried arts show, stroll around Lake Kittamaqundi to get creative with kids crafts, experience an inflatable multi-room sculpture, and dance along to live jazz, blues, and funk music. There will also be plenty of eats onsite, including boxed lunches from Whole Foods and crab cake made from Rouse’s favorite recipe. Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 410-423-1878
6/19-7/29: Columbia Portraits
Enjoy stories of the community’s past and present from the perspective of realist painter Mary Jo Messenger at this art show, which will showcase her portraits of Columbia residents. Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., 410-730-3987
6/21: Columbia Orchestra Summer Concert
This acclaimed community orchestra will assemble on the new Chrysalis Stage at Merriweather Post Pavilion in celebration of Columbia’s actual anniversary on June 21. Pack a picnic dinner, spread out a blanket, and enjoy highlights from My Fair Lady, familiar hits by The Beatles, the iconic outdoor “1812 Overture,” and an epic “Happy Birthday” singalong. Chrysalis at Symphony Woods, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, 7 p.m., 410-465-8777
6/23: Stoop Storytelling
As part of the 30th annual Columbia Festival of the Arts—which runs June 16-25—this migrating storytelling series will present an evening focused on cinematic events and experiences. Hear from seven non-professional speakers who will share true tales about movies that have significantly impacted their lives. Smith Theatre at the Horowitz Performing Arts Center, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, 8-10 p.m., $18, 410-997-2324
6/24: Sprout Film Festival View a selection of short films presented in partnership with the Howard County Autism Society and Arc of Howard County—a nonprofit that provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The thought-provoking pieces, which share the poignant stories of individuals with disabilities, will all feature post-screening Q&A sessions. Monteabaro Hall at Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, 4-8 p.m., $15, 443-518-1000
6/25: River Romp
Bring the whole family to enjoy this summer program at Robinson Nature Center, an education facility nestled on 18 acres of land adjacent to the Middle Patuxent River. Following a picnic lunch, splash around, search for animals, and race handmade boats down the stream. Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, 12:30-2:30 p.m., 410-313-0400, $6-25
7/4: Howard County 4th of July Festival and Fireworks
Don your patriotic patterns to dance along to live music and indulge in seasonal eats and drinks before watching the annual fireworks display light up the lakefront. Downtown Columbia Lakefront, 5-10 p.m., Free, 410-313-4700
7/15: Merriweather 50th Anniversary Concert
Back in 1967, a 40-acre plot in the woods of Howard County was transformed into Merriweather Post Pavilion, the hallowed amphitheater that has since showcased performances by everyone from Janis Joplin and Jimmy Buffet to Led Zeppelin and The Grateful Dead. To celebrate the venue’s 50th year of bringing live music to the community, Merriweather has organized this show featuring an epic lineup of Americana icons. Enjoy old favorites from Willie Nelson, Father John Misty, special guest host Grace Potter, and Jackson Browne—who recorded three tracks off of his 1977 album Running on Empty at the pavilion. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, 6 p.m., $55-125
For more information about Columbia’s 50th anniversary, pick up a copy of our June issue on newsstands now.