**Inside Columbia’s Wine & Food Festival**
May 16 to 21
Throughout Columbia
For six days out of the year, Columbia’s best chefs team up with the world’s finest winemakers to create one-of-a-kind pairings. Wine dinners Tuesday and Thursday nights will feature five-course meals designed by head chefs from Columbia staples, such as Sycamore, Bleu and Grand Cru, among others. These famous wine dinners will include carefully chosen wine pairings and wine experts on hand to discuss the choices. As the festival’s website declares, this festival is all about eating, drinking and being merry.
**Art in the Park**
June 4
Stephens Lake Park
As the region’s oldest arts and crafts fair, Art in the Park will celebrate its 53rd year this June. More than 100 artisans and craft makers from across the United States will gather in Stephens Lake Park to display their woodwork, metal art, jewelry and pottery. Musical entertainment, a food court and dozens of arts and crafts booths will be set up throughout the day. Best of all, this famous mid-Missouri festival is free of charge
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**J.W. Blind Boone Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival**
June 5 and 6
Jesse Hall
MU Concert Series will host this two-day festival, packed with seminars, cameo appearances, open pianos and concerts in honor of the life of ragtime musician and Columbia native John William Boone. With more than 25 world-class musicians, tickets for the festival go for $110, but individual concert tickets can be purchased for less.
**Steampunk Festival**
June 10
Boster Castle
Brave sky captains from across the region will unite to defend their honor, their ship and their crew in a vintage, fantasy world at this year’s Steampunk festival. Costumed steampunkers will congregate at Boster Castle, right outside Kingdom City, Mo., for a night of exotic dining, music, comedy shows and make-believe. Festival coordinators suggest guests come in costume, prepared for this family-friendly event.
**Boone County Fair**
July 21 to 31
Boone County Fairgrounds
Perhaps the most anticipated event of the summer, the Boone County Fair has been around for 64 years and was the first fair west of the Mississippi River. This year, the festival will begin with a parade through The District, followed by 10 days of food, carnivals, livestock shows, live entertainment and a demolition derby. With events for children and adults of all ages, the Boone County Fair is one of the most versatile events of the summer.