LakeFest 2026 Lineup Announced
Columbia, MD – May 1, 2026, The Merriweather Arts & Culture Center (MACC) is proud to present the Columbia Festival of the Arts annual FREE LakeFest Weekend June 12-14, 2026! We’re ready to jumpstart your summer with a free, three-day extravaganza featuring multiple performances from the vertical dance company EVENTI VERTICALI (Italy), live music on the new LakeStage, an invitational fine arts and crafts show, food trucks, a beer & wine garden, participatory workshops, and a variety of activities for all ages.
Festival Hours:
Friday, June 12: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 13: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 14: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
eVenti Verticali Presents SPHERE
After spellbinding performances at LakeFest 2018, the gravity-defying Italian aerialists return with SPHERE, a thrilling new spectacle featuring dancers suspended 60 feet above the ground. Combining street theater and vertical dance, SPHERE takes the audience on a unique journey of hope, destruction, and rebirth, prompting reflection on the fragility of life and our impact on Earth.
Sphere is a powerful environmental-themed performance that tells the story of a lone astronaut who, discouraged by the devastation of Earth caused by environmental degradation and over-reliance on technology, embarks on a mission to seed a new planet. In the silence of space, the seed grows, becoming SPHERE, a new planet inhabited by aerial dancers. Life on the planet flourishes, observed from four moons that watch over its growth. But when SPHERE reaches its peak, man’s greedy instincts threaten to extinguish this spark of life. The astronaut, blinded by his lust, drains SPHERE’S life energy, but the planet’s inhabitants do not give up. Together, they find new strength and prepare to return home to Earth.
Performance Times:
Friday, June 12: 9:20 p.m. – 9:50 p.m.
Saturday, June 13: 12:55 p.m. – 1:25 p.m., & 9:20 p.m. – 9:50 p.m.
Sunday, June 14: 12:55 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.Fine Art & Crafts Show & Sale
Our juried, invitational show returns with more than 50 extraordinary artisans displaying and selling their one-of-a-kind artwork representing a breadth of media including functional and wearable art at a wide range of prices. Booths located throughout the Festival grounds.
Fine Arts Show Hours:
Friday, June 12: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.Saturday, June 13: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 14: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Three Days of Music on the LakeStage
Known for her collaborations with Prince, Quincy Jones, and John Mayer, powerhouse bassist, vocalist, and songwriter NIK WEST will grace the LakeStage with her genre-defying blend of funk, rock, and soul. Also experience Canadian singer-songwriter ARIEL POSEN, heralded "a modern-day musical virtuoso" by Rolling Stone and THE GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE, whose groundbreaking performances of centuries-old musical traditions show why UNESCO has proclaimed the language, dance, and music of the Garifuna people of Central America a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.” The full lineup is now available at columbiafestival.org.LAKESTAGE SCHEDULE
Friday, June 125:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. – BRAVENOISE
Bravenoise is a Baltimore/Washington, D.C.-based band blending indie pop, rock, and groove-
driven influences into an energetic, feel-good live show. With rhythmic guitar work, infectious
melodies, and global touches of reggae, Latin, and R&B, they bring a fresh, uplifting sound that is perfect for a summer night at the lakefront.
6:05 p.m. – 7:20 p.m. – ARIEL POSEN
Ariel Posen has become a well-respected guitarist since joining the Canadian roots-rockers the Bros. Landreth in 2013. Along the way, he has received standing ovations not only from his audiences but also from outlets such as Rolling Stone; Music Radar, the readers of which voted him among the top rock guitarists of 2019; and the Western Canadian Music Awards, which nominated him for Rock Artist of the Year and Recording of the Year in 2022. He currently tours as a trio and with Bros. Landreth.7:40 p.m. – 9:10 p.m. – NIK WEST
Nik West has been hailed by Prince as a force in modern funk, celebrated for her collaborations with Quincy Jones, and known for opening shows for Lenny Kravitz (2024), George Clinton (2019), and Joss Stone (2024). Nik West is a powerhouse bassist, vocalist, and songwriter celebrated for her electrifying stage presence, thunderous grooves, and unmistakable look—complete with her signature mohawk shaped like a bass clef. She has carved out her own genre-defying lane by blending funk, rock, and soul.
Saturday, June 13
Noon – 12:45 p.m. – WILDE LAKE HS MODERN MUSIC COLLECTIVE
1:25 p.m. – 2:25 p.m. – RAKISH
Rooted in tradition with an ear to the future, Rakish brings an infectious playfulness to their musical explorations, and near-telepathic ensemble playing from years of touring and collaboration. Strings Magazine says: “Explorative and versatile, the duo draws evident inspiration from not just the deep and wide history of Scottish and Irish Celtic composition, but also the precision-focused structures of classical chamber music and a whole array of improvisational styles.”2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. – DOGO DU TOGO
Traditional Togolese rhythms form the base of rising Togolese artist Massama Dogo. The songs are based on Togolese traditional rhythms with ritual melodies (voodoo melodies) festive melodies and talk about topics such as immigration and social justice. Born in Lome, Togo, Dogo played in different bands in the Togolese capital before moving to the United States and founded the DC based Afropop band Elikeh.
4:05 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – CHRIS PIERCE
Pierce gained global attention when he was personally invited by Neil Young to serve as special guest opener on Young’s tour. Pierce has sharing stages with B.B. King, Neil Young, Al Green, Steve Earle, Seal, Aaron Neville, Jill Scott, Allison Russell, and Blind Boys of Alabama. Recent highlights include Pierce’s rendition of “Southern Man” on Heart of Gold, a Neil Young tribute album also featuring Eddie Vedder, Brandi Carlile, Fiona Apple, and Steve Earle.5:50 p.m. – 7:20 p.m. – TARTAN TERRORS
The Tartan Terrors are celebrating 30 years of bringing high-energy Celtic music to the world! With 11 albums, numerous live recordings, and thousands of live shows, this dynamic group has performed at such iconic venues as the Iridium on Broadway, Dublin Irish Festival, Loon Mountain, New Hampshire, and Good Morning America. Having performed for Queen Elizabeth as well as President Clinton‘s inauguration, their award-winning sound blends traditional Celtic music with rock 'n' roll.
7:40 p.m. – 9:10 p.m. – GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE
For more than a decade The Garifuna Collective has pushed the boundaries of their dynamic, centuries-old musical traditions, breaking new ground with performances that show why UNESCO has proclaimed the language, dance, and music of the Garifuna people of Central America as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. The collective has been part of the most celebrated Garifuna albums of all time, recipient of the WOMEX and BBC World Music Award and voted by Amazon as the Number One World Music Album of All Time.Sunday, June 14
Noon – 12:45 p.m. – PATUXENT JAZZ BAND
Founded in 2015, the Patuxent Jazz Band operates under the Columbia Bands, Inc. (CBI) umbrella and was formed to provide an outlet for community members to play in a jazz ensemble.1:25 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – LOST MARY
Lost Mary is the songwriting project of Luke Martin and David Johnson III. Hailing from the small, rural town of Hillsdale, Michigan, Lost Mary is committed to the essence of Folk music: storytelling. Pulling from both traditional and modern Folk and Americana influences, Luke and David bring together their unique musical backgrounds to create songs and stories that are as personal as they are universal. Lost Mary is the soundtrack of late nights and front porches.2:40 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. – PABLO ANTONIO Y LA FIRMA
Pablo Antonio y La Firma was founded in late 1998 in Washington, DC and is made up of 12-13 musicians from different nationalities featuring a full Latin Percussion and Brass section, 3-4 vocalists, Keyboard, and Bass Guitar. With a rich history of musical excellence, Pablo Antonio y La Firma have truly solidified their place as a beloved band in the vibrant Latin music scene of the DC area. Their commitment to creating music that resonates with their audience is evident in the way they effortlessly blend traditional Latin rhythms with contemporary sounds.4:00 p.m. – 5:20 p.m. – SHAYNA STEELE
This dynamic vocalist got her start on Broadway in shows like Rent and Hairspray and has sung backup for artists such as Bette Midler, Rihanna, and Kelly Clarkson. Shayna’s effortless execution of both soul and jazz has grabbed the attention of audiences globally, from the Monterey Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival with Snarky Puppy, to hundreds of Symphony Orchestras throughout North America. Shayna’s creative abilities explode in multiple genres and her original signature sound.5:40 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – GLENELG JAZZ ENSEMBLE
The Glenelg Jazz Ensemble has received more than 60 awards over the last 20 years, including the highest rating at the Maryland State Jazz Festival. Many national and regional jazz artists have shared the stage with the Ensemble, including Maynard Ferguson, The Count Basie Orchestra, Frank Foster, Carl Fischer, Chris Vadala, and Deanna Bogart.KidzArt – FREE Arts and Crafts
Presented in Partnership with KidzArt Howard County
Children are invited to explore the visual arts with “artrageously” fun projects led by KidzArt, Howard County’s celebrated advocates of child creativity. Parents must remain with children during each activity. Permanent, non-washable materials may be used. Crayons and paper will be available for younger children. On-site registration is required as space is limited. Saturday, 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m and Sunday, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Color the LakeFest Monster Mural!
Returning to LakeFest this year is the 16’ x 5’ life-sized coloring wall for attendees to color with washable markers all weekend long. It brings a little childhood to adults, and gives kids coloring on a scale they've never seen before!
Umbrellas Abound at LakeFest
Hosted by Columbia Association Art CenterEnjoy viewing a variety of decorated golf umbrellas outlining Lake Kittamaqundi near the boat dock. Using golf umbrellas as canvases, community members and groups created 60 colorful works of art inspired by the theme Celebrating the UNITY of CommUNITY through Nature’s Magnificence. The final curtain will fall on this year’s umbrella show as a brand new and exciting theme art project will be ushered in for 2027, Columbia’s 60th Birthday year. Stay tuned for more information on it!
Interact with the Maryland Music JukeBox Presented by Roll Up N Dye
Experience music in a new interactive way. Our friends at Roll Up N Dye are exploring the ways that music is connected to our range of human emotions. Come share more about how music makes you feel while contributing to our Maryland jukebox playlist. Also don’t forget to help us decorate our retro CD wall while sharing more about your own music memories.
Pinot's Palette Lakefront Memory Boards
Paint your LakeFest Memories! People of all ages can share their thoughts and images of the festival by painting them on a large canvas board. Pinot's Palette will provide all the supplies for this activity. The collaborative works of art will be on display at the Pinot's Palette Studio following LakeFest weekend. Pinot’s Palette will be on-hand each day of LakeFest.Visit the Emotional Support Human Sculpture
Sponsored by the Horizon Foundation, this dynamic sculpture encourages individuals to reflect on their emotional well-being through communal sharing and witnessing. Participants choose color coded plaques with words or images, or write personal phrases that express how they are feeling and place them on the “emotional support human” figures.
Festival Parking
Free parking (including Accessible Parking) available nearby at the Wincopin Circle parking garages. Visitors can also park at the Sterrett Place lot located at 5575 Sterrett Place. PLEASE DO NOT PARK AT WHOLE FOODS MARKET.About Columbia Festival of the Arts (CFA):
The CFA is dedicated to presenting world-class arts, culture, and entertainment to the community of Columbia, MD, and beyond. Through its diverse programming, CFA aims to enrich lives, inspire creativity, and foster a deep appreciation for the arts.
About Merriweather Arts and Culture Center (MACC):
MACC is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit based in Columbia, Maryland. Founded in 2013, MACC is dedicated to growing arts and culture in and around Downtown Columbia. As the owners of Merriweather Post Pavilion, MACC creates experiences with music and art that strengthen connections with the community. In partnership with local businesses, government, and community organizations, MACC’s portfolio of programming includes events at Merriweather, Color Burst Park, Howard County schools, and other venues.
For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Dave Simmons, dave@merriweatherarts.org