What exactly is it about Columbia that makes visitors come back again and again? Is it because, as one travel writer quipped, Columbia is “fun, funky and surprisingly sophisticated”? Maybe The District’s exciting mix of unique restaurants, specialty stores, galleries, and coffee shops has something to do with it. Could it be our fantastic festivals? The Twilight Festivals in June and September bring thousands of people to The District for food, fun and entertainment. Art in the Park and the Fall Festival of the Arts are also a big hit. They showcase the work of local, regional and national artists. And who can forget the Blind Boone Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival, honoring one of Columbia’s most renowned citizens, John William "Blind" Boone? Or the Heritage Festival, featuring exhibits honoring Lewis & Clark’s legacy. When visitors do come back, they often return on two wheels instead of four! The beautiful MKT trail, starting at 4th & Cherry connects to the state’s 225-mile long Katy Trail State Park and attracts folks from all over the world. Of course, it could be all about the entertainment. Columbia has indie films at the Ragtag Cinema, classic movies at the Missouri Theater, big performers at the Hearnes Center or the Concert Series at Jesse Hall. Did I mention, the “We Always Swing” Jazz Series, summer concerts at the Mizzou Amphitheater and cutting edge contemporary artists at the Blue Note? And, to round out the year, visitors always enjoy Columbia’s First Night Celebration complete with an incredible fireworks display at midnight! I suppose the reasons visitors come back are as unique as Columbia itself! I invite you to come see for yourself. Again and again.  A quick stroll through The District and you’ll see why we’re known for our restaurants. Whether it’s cocktails after a show, a romantic dinner for two or a meal for the entire family, The District has over 70 restaurants and bars to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a slice of Americana or internationally inspired cuisine, come to The District find something sure to please.

The District, Columbia, Missouri's bustling and vibrant central city. Nestled between Columbia's three colleges, The District is a hip, active, and artistic community. Whether it’s coffee in the morning or martinis at midnight, The District's friendly and energetic vibe is up early and stays out late. The District's lively mix of historic architecture, sidewalk cafés and retail shops provide the perfect setting for a business meeting, lunch with a friend or a night on the town. With 110 unique shops, 70 bars and restaurants, 45 live performances a week, and 5900 parking spots, you'll find plenty of things to do. We're 43 not-so-square blocks bordering the University of Missouri that you'll love to discover.

Independent films. Comedy shows. Poetry jams. The Blue Note. Live music nightly. And one of the best club scenes in the Midwest. The District boasts over 45 live performances every week in an eclectic mix of venues, from renovated theaters to bluesy bars, aromatic coffee houses to state-of-the-art clubs.

With over 110 unique shops, you can be sure to fulfill all your shopping desires in The District. Whether you’re the type who prefers kayaks and mountain bikes or handcrafted jewelry and silk ties, you’ll have no trouble spending an afternoon in our shops. So take a break from the ordinary and discover what The District has to offer.

Columbians know how to have a good time. And when they do, they do it in The District. Movies in the park, film festivals, carriage rides, free concerts and family fun make The District the ideal place to experience Columbia. And The District hosts the most popular events in town like the Twilight Festival, the Living Windows Festival, Columbia Festival of the Arts, the Pub Crawl and First Night Columbia. And if you ever run out of things to do, don't worry--a Mizzou game is just a few blocks away!