Columbia Festival of the Arts’ LakeFest returns to the Downtown Columbia Lakefront June 12-14, 2026 with a fun and inclusive FREE weekend event that has become synonymous with the arts and culture of Howard County. This year’s LakeFest is being produced by the Merriweather Arts & Culture Center.

Highlights of the 39th annual LakeFest weekend include multiple performances from the vertical dance company EVENTI VERTICALI presenting SPHERE; live music on the LakeStage, an invitational fine arts and crafts show, food trucks, a beer & wine garden, participatory workshops, Umbrellas Abound at LakeFest visual arts installation, and a variety of activities for all ages.