About The District

Discover Life
Welcome to The District, Columbia, Missouri's bustling and vibrant central city. Nestled between Columbia's three colleges, The District is a hip, active, and artistic community. Whether it’s coffee in the morning or martinis at midnight, The District's friendly and energetic vibe is up early and stays out late. The District's lively mix of historic architecture, sidewalk cafés and retail shops provide the perfect setting for a business meeting, lunch with a friend or a night on the town. With 110 unique shops, 70 bars and restaurants, 45 live performances a week, and 5900 parking spots, you'll find plenty of things to do. We're 43 not-so-square blocks in the center of Columbia that you'll love to discover.

Discover Shopping
With over 110 unique shops, you can be sure to fulfill all your shopping desires in The District. Whether you’re the type who prefers kayaks and mountain bikes or handcrafted jewelry and silk ties, you’ll have no trouble spending an afternoon in our shops. And if you're looking for the perfect outfit, you'll find a range of options guaranteed to set you apart from the crowd. So take a break from the ordinary and discover what The District has to offer.

Discover Dining
A quick stroll through The District and you’ll see why we’re known throughout Columbia for our restaurants. Whether it’s cocktails after a show, a romantic dinner for two or a meal for the entire family, The District has over 70 restaurants and bars to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a slice of Americana or internationally inspired cuisine, come to The District find something sure to please.

Discover Entertainment
Independent films. Comedy shows. Poetry jams. The Blue Note. Live music nightly. And one of the best club scenes in Missouri. The District boasts over 45 live performances every week in an eclectic mix of venues, from renovated theaters to bluesy bars, aromatic coffee houses to state-of-the-art clubs. It's no wonder we're the entertainment center of Columbia. So check out The District and bring dinner and a show to the next level.

Discover Fun
Columbians know how to have a good time. And when they do, they do it in The District. Movies in the park, film festivals, carriage rides, free concerts and family fun make The District the ideal place to experience Columbia. And The District hosts the most popular events in Columbia like the Twilight Festival, the Living Windows Festival, Columbia Festival of the Arts, the Pub Crawl and First Night Columbia. And if you ever run out of things to do, don't worry--a Mizzou game is just a few blocks away!

Discover Business
Mixing business with pleasure is what The District is all about. Government offices. A host of professional services. Retailers focusing on everything from fine crafts to best selling books to vintage clothing. Not only is The District the economic hub of the Mid Missouri region, the college crowd brings another type of energy into the mix. The District is home to the University of Missouri, Columbia College and Stephens College--nearly 33,000 students within walking distance of Columbia's premier shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Discover Home
Historic architecture, sidewalk cafés, renovated lofts, and street musicians are just a few of the reasons The District is emerging as one of Columbia’s most chic residential areas. College students, young professionals and those just wanting to be in the center of the action all call The District home.