Festival of the Arts
The Columbia Festival of the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is a unique annual celebration that draws thousands to Columbia’s iconic downtown. Founded in 1987, the Festival’s popularity and growth has transformed it into one of the Baltimore/Washington region’s premier arts events. The festival takes place the last two weeks of June and includes free and ticketed events (including the three-day LakeFest) featuring world-class performances, exhibitions, concerts, family activities, master classes, workshops and community dialogues. The Columbia Festival of the Arts brings together the arts community, businesses, local schools, and individuals to create events that shine a spotlight — not only on the arts, but on the Howard County community as a Maryland showplace.