LakeFest Kicks Off Columbia Festival of the Arts Friday

LakeFest will kick off the 16-day Columbia Festival of the Arts on Friday with circus performers, live music, art displays, dance classes, comedy, juggling and a chalk art contest at the .

The three-day free Lakefest event will begin on Friday at 5 p.m. and continue into the evening. On Saturday and Sunday the event begins at noon and activities will happen into the night on Saturday and the late evening on Sunday.

The following events are scheduled for LakeFest:

• Cirque Carpe Diem - Montreal acrobats - performing Friday, Saturday and Sunday at varying times 
• ArtPark - juried, invitational art contest (the art is also for sale) - Friday 5 - 9 p.m., Saturday noon - 9 p.m., Sunday noon - 7 p.m.
• LakeStage - will feature a variety of musicians playing different times. Full schedule and list of artistis available - here.
• Chalk-It-Up Contest - chalk art contest with cash prizes available for winner, registration fee $12
• ArtWorks - fine arts exhibit which takes place on Friday from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. outside the American City Building
• March Fourth Marching Band - themed costume, percussion corps and marching band.
• Boxes & Bowls - box and bowl decorating contest. The completed boxes and bowls submitted will be on display at LakeFest.
• KidzArt - will provide kids with the opportunity to create their own art during the day on Saturday and Sunday
• - children's authors will be speaking and signing autographs at the Howard County Central Library from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For additional information visit the Free LakeFest Weekend website on the Columbia Festival of Arts web portal.