The Arts

African Art Museum
This locally operated museum, located just next door to Vantage House in Historic Oakland, collects and exhibits the art of Africa.

Candlelight Concert Society
The Candlelight Concert Society brings world class chamber music ensembles to Howard County. Most concerts take place at the nearby Jim Rouse Theatre at Wilde Lake High School or the Smith Theatre at Howard Community College.

Columbia Association Art Center
Visit here for exhibits, lectures, equipment and space rentals and classes.

Columbia Festival of the Arts
Every summer, the Columbia Festival of the Arts brings an exciting week of dance, music and other art forms to venues throughout Columbia.

The Columbia Orchestra
This community orchestra performs at the nearby Jim Rouse Theatre and other locations throughout the county. Do you love to play classical music? If you play a symphonic instrument, the orchestra might have a spot just for you.

Columbia Pro Cantare
Described by The Baltimore Sun as “one of the elite choirs in Maryland,” this community chorus performs everything from opera and oratorio to show tunes and spirituals. The group performs throughout the Baltimore/Washington region and welcomes new members.

Howard County Arts Council Center for the Arts
Check the center’s schedule for performances and other events.

The Howard County Poetry and Literature Society
Watch for readings by distinguished authors and poets and other literary events.

Howard County Public Library
The library has six branches, including one in downtown Columbia just minutes from Vantage House. You’ll find large print books, videos, wireless Internet service and much more.

Lakefront Summer Festival
From late June through early September, the Columbia Association sponsors free entertainment seven evenings a week at Lake Kittamaqundi. Stop by the lakefront any evening for jazz, blues, folk, country and classical music, and movies … or tune up your own musical instrument or vocal chords for open stage night.

Merriweather Post Pavilion
Designed in the 1960s by architect Frank Gehry, this outdoor venue is now home to contemporary entertainment.

Toby’s Dinner Theatre
This award-winning dinner theater is one of the few regional dinner theaters that maintains a live orchestra. The theater is known throughout the Baltimore/Washington region for its beautifully staged Broadway and original musicals. Before the show, patrons enjoy a sumptuous buffet-style dinner.

Rep Stage
The award-winning Rep Stage is the professional theater company in residence at Howard Community College.