As the weather warms, it is time to get out with family, friends and loved ones, enjoying the fresh air and indulging in arts, culture and what makes Mid-Missouri so special. Each week, the News Tribune staff will highlight some of unique and interesting finds in events, festivals, theatrical, fine arts or culture experiences happening that weekend in Mid-Missouri. To discover more events not listed, check out the "Go!" Events calendar at www.newstribune.com.
Jefferson City: Fridays at Three
The Missouri State Museum at the State Capitol is always an amazing place to indulge in history and culture. However, its staff is excited to present new themed tours for its guests.
These special tours will be at 3 p.m. the third Friday of each month, aptly called "Fridays at Three." This month's tour takes guests on a "Missouri Made" excursion through the museum. The Capitol showcases Missouri people and products from its construction materials to its artworks. Upcoming themed tours include: "Social History of Missouri," an in-depth look at the Thomas Hart Benton mural in the House Lounge on May 17; "Mystery Tour," join staff to truly find out more about the theme on June 21; "Four Lunettes," a look at the background and history of the Battle of Sacramento in 1847, Vauquois Heights, Riches of the Mines and Reclamation of the South on July 19; and "World War I and the Missouri State Capitol" on Aug. 16.
Visitors should check in 10 minutes early at the state museum's tour desk just off the first floor rotunda. All events are free and open to the public, and reservations are only required for groups of 10 or more. For more information, call 573-751-2854.
From June 4 through Aug. 13, the Missouri State Museum will also host a fun twist on its summer programming this year with "Tuesday at Two." This series of interactive programs will explore various aspects of Missouri's cultural and natural history and is specifically designed for age groups eight to 12 using more activity-based programming. For similar-themed programing for younger children, there is also "Learning at 11" programs for ages four to seven. All of these programs will be held at Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, and this summer's programs will have an overall theme of "communication." All events are free and open to the public, and children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information about these programs, call 573-751-4127 or visit Missouri State Museum on Facebook, @MissouriStateMuseum.
Columbia: 75 Years of the Stephens Fashion Program and New Works Dance Concert
Stephens College in Columbia celebrates 75 years of its fashion program at the Historic Costume Gallery on the mezzanine of Lela Raney Wood Hall on campus.
This showcase will feature a select group of alumnae and faculty ensembles. Garments exhibited will touch upon cultural aspects of the 75 years that continue to infuse our students as they become thought-leaders in the fashion industry.
The exhibit is open now through May 12 from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday and noon-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Stephens College will also showcase another artform during its New Works Dance Concert at 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Warehouse Theatre on campus. Audiences will see exciting new works of the future in choreography. Members of the Stephens Dance Company will perform adjudicated student choreography in this contemporary and edgy concert that will leave guests inspired.
For more information about these events, vista www.stephens.edu/events.
Ashland: "Sherlock Gnome" at Movies in the Park
Looking to have a fun Friday Movie night with the family? Enjoy a free film at Movie in the Park at Ashland City Park, 399 N. College St. in Ashland.
Beginning at 8 p.m., guests can enjoy "Sherlock Gnomes" on the big screen outside. Bring chairs, blankets or sleeping bags, and guests are also encouraged to bring snacks and drinks are welcome.
In case of rain or extreme cold, the movie will be moved to the Southern Boone Primary School gymnasium.
Eldon: Local comedians take Whittles stage
Wanting to end the long work week with some good laughs? Stop by Comedy Night on Friday at Whittles Pub & Grub, 108 S. Maple St. in Eldon.
Eldon's own Jerad Langley and Bryce Stanley will entertain the audience, starting at 10 p.m. Seating begins at 9:30 p.m. The pair are on their Dirt Road comedy tour, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Water Tower Bar and Grill in Jefferson City.
Tickets are $10 in advance and a limited number of seats are available. Appetizers and drinks will be served throughout the show.
For more information, call 573-392-5900 or visit them on Facebook, @whittlespubandgrub. Also visit Dirt Road Comedy on Facebook, @dirtroadcomedy.
Fulton: Friends of Callaway County Public Library Sale
Come by the library and browse through a selection of hundreds of gently used books from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 20. Fiction and nonfiction books are all at half-price, with paperbacks selling for 50 cents, mass-market paperbacks at 25 cents and children books at 10 cents.
An early bird book sale will be from 4:30-6 p.m. Friday, April 19 for Callaway Friends members.
All proceeds benefit library programs and services. Gently used books can be donated at anytime during regular library business hours. The Callaway County Public Library is located at 710 Court St. in Fulton.
For more information, call 573-642-7261 or visit www.dbrl.org.
Lake of the Ozarks: "Eggs" - Travaganza
If you are down in the Lake area celebrating Easter, local artists have a unique Easter basket for you that also raises money for a local cause.
Artists from the Ozark Brush and Palette Club have created beautifully painted ceramic eggs to benefit the Lake Arts Council. Baskets with an egg will also contain a valuable replica Faberge egg from the Franklin Mint plus an assortment of gift certificates.
The community is invited to view the Easter baskets and place a silent bid to win one while they are on display through April 27 at local businesses.
Stop by the following businesses during normal operating hours to view each unique basket: Country Crossroads, Lake Fine Art Academy and Galleria, Bill's Art Center and Gallery, Panera Bread Company, Wicked Willie's Sports Grill, Blair's Landing Clothing Store, Evergreen, Great Stone Coffee and Stonecrest Book & Toy.
A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Ozark Brush and Palette Club.
For more information, call the Lake Arts Council at 573-964-6366 or visit www.artsatthelake.com.