Columbia Association (CA) cuts ribbon on CA Lakefront Stage, announces 2026 Lakefront Live lineup
COLUMBIA, MD. – Columbia Association (CA) today celebrated the official opening of the CA Lakefront Stage with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a vibrant new chapter for community arts and programming at the CA Lakefront.
The state-of-the-art structure replaces the temporary canopy that previously supported community performances and events, including Lakefront Live, CA’s free summer entertainment series that welcomes more than 50,000 visitors to the CA Lakefront each year.
“Today marks an important milestone for Columbia as we open the new Lakefront Stage, a space built to elevate the arts and strengthen community connection,” said Columbia Association President & CEO Shawn MacInnes. “This stage represents far more than a new venue – it’s the result of years of collaboration and investment in Columbia’s future. It’s a place designed to bring people together and create lasting memories for generations.”
Construction on the nearly 900-square-foot stage began in November 2025 and was completed in May 2026. CA funded the project with support from a State Legislative Bond Bill sponsored by the Howard County Delegation to the General Assembly.
The new structure is designed to elevate a wide range of performances and community programming, and features dynamic color-changing LED theatrical lighting, professional-grade concert audio with permanent monitors and subwoofer, and a retractable rear-projection movie screen.
Starting with a Summer Kick-Off community block party on May 30, Lakefront Live features a full season of signature celebrations including Juneteenth, Teen Night and Pride in July. The series offers more than 50 opportunities for Columbia residents and visitors to gather at the Lakefront for music, movies and meaningful community connections.
“The completion of the Columbia Association Lakefront Stage really brings home what Columbia’s been building toward with the arts and community,” said State Senator Guy Guzzone. “It stands as a powerful, lasting statement about what we value, and I look forward to the incredible moments that will unfold here for years to come.”
“The Columbia Lakefront has always been a wonderful gathering place, but it definitely deserved an upgrade from temporary to permanent,” said State Delegate Natalie Ziegler. “What a fabulous addition to the Lakefront, and to arts and culture in Columbia.”
“The Lakefront has always been Columbia’s central gathering place, and the Merriweather Arts and Culture Center is honored to partner with the Columbia Association to present world-class performances in the heart of our community,” Merriweather Arts & Culture Center Executive Director Ian Kennedy. “With the opening of this stunning new venue we now have a stage that reflects the quality of the artists who perform here, the beauty of the natural surroundings and the importance of the arts to Columbia.”
“I’m thrilled to cut the ribbon and unveil the new CA Lakefront Stage, a permanent, state-of-the-art community asset that will expand access to the arts,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “This new community amenity will help our community connect with one another in the heart of Columbia, a city created for the garden of growing people. It’s because of projects like these that make Columbia and Howard County a premiere place to live, work, play, grow, and thrive for all.”
“The Lakefront along Lake Kittamaqundi has been the town square gathering location for generations of residents of Columbia and Howard County,” said State Senator Clarence Lam. “That’s why we were committed to bring state funding to support the new Columbia Association Lakefront Stage, which will finally provide a permanent and lasting location for community performances, concerts and gatherings for years to come.”
About Columbia Association (CA):
CA is and has always been here to enhance the quality of life in Columbia. We are committed to the founding goals of this unique and diverse community: stewardship, wellness and inclusion. To achieve this, CA owns and manages a wide array of spaces, facilities and programs that foster authentic connection. We hope you’ll find your own way to engage with us and work toward an even brighter future. Visit columbiaassociation.org for more information. Together, #WeAreColumbia.