Photograph by Cherish Grimm

Depending on if you are a permanent resident of Columbia or if you are just a student, you might be very happy or very sad to see college students heading home for the summer. Either way, Columbia is full of community events during the summer to keep you entertained. Here are a few of the things Vox is looking forward to this summer. Also, keep an eye out for our Summer Preview for Columbia. This should be out sometime in late May.

Family Fun Fests

The third Wednesday of each month from now through September, the city hosts a Family Fun Fest. Each fest includes different activities depending on the theme of the month.

• May 16, Fitness is Fun, 6 to 8 p.m.
• June 20, Explore Outdoors, 6 to 8 p.m.
• July 18, Around the World, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Aug. 15, It’s a Circus, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Sep. 19, Creative Kids, 6 to 8 p.m.

Outdoor Movies in the Park

Movies under the stars in Flat Branch Park for $2. It doesn’t get much better than that.

• June 8, The Muppets
• July 13, The Smurfs
• Aug. 10, Dr. Seuss’ the Lorax

Art in the Park

This annual event is coordinated by the Columbia Art League and will feature more than 110 artists. This is a great chance to buy some one-of-a-kind art pieces and get to know some members of the local arts community. Some of the artists Vox has written about recently will be there as well including Chuck Kubba.

• Where: Stephens Lake Park
• When: June 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Online: https://www.facebook.com/artleague

Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater Concert Series

Up for some free music? The amphitheater is home to a new concert series this summer. Although all of the acts for the series haven’t been scheduled yet, click here to see an updated schedule.

• June 7, Missouri Symphony Society, 7 to 9 p.m.
• July 12, TBA, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Aug. 2, TBA, 7 to 9 p.m.