June 11, 2026
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
Summer at the University of Missouri is a great time for community members to linger in galleries, settle into theater seats and discover new music.
This year’s offerings include unique artwork paired with live music; a classic theatrical production; and compositions performed by a Grammy Award-winning ensemble.
Here are three ways to enjoy Mizzou Arts this summer.
MIDDAY MUSIC
At the Museum of Art and Archaeology, ongoing exhibits offer insights into the ancient world, American history and modern innovations.
But once a month, during the lunch hour, guests get a bonus: live music.
Midday Music, a collaboration between the museum and Mizzou’s School of Music, invites a musician to perform as museum visitors explore the various galleries.
“Music trickling through the space might change how you are feeling about what you’re seeing,” Marie Nau Hunter, interim museum director, said.
The space also provides benches for guests to relax and listen.
“Music has the power of transformation,” Juliana Vieira, a violinist with Mizzou’s New Music Ensemble who recently performed at the museum, said. “That can create connections and bring back memories or create ones.”
Mark your calendar
- 12-1 p.m.
- Thursdays, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20
- Room 1 on the ground floor of Ellis Library, 520 S. 9th St.
- Cost: Free
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD
A beloved children’s classic will come to Columbia this summer, both on and off campus.
Mizzou’s Larry D. Clark Summer Repertory Theatre will present “A Year with Frog and Toad,” a Broadway hit nominated for three Tony awards based on Arnold Lobel’s well-loved books.
The musical follows the adventures of two best amphibian friends as they navigate the seasons from hibernation through the end of a year. With music by Robert Reale and book and lyrics by Willie Reale, the production teaches timeless lessons about friendship, patience and embracing life’s simple pleasures. It’s directed by Joy Powell, associate teaching professor of musical theatre in Mizzou’s College of Arts and Science.
In addition to the full theatrical performance, free pop-up preview performances will be held at the Columbia Public Library.
Mark your calendar
- 10-10:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, June 30 - Friends Room, Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway
- Cost: Free
- Show times
- 6 p.m. July 2
- 10 a.m. July 3
- 2 p.m. July 5
- 6 p.m. July 9
- 10 a.m. July 10
- 2 p.m. July 10
- 10 a.m. July 11
- 2 p.m. July 11
- 2 p.m. July 12
- Rhynsburger Theatre, 505 Hitt St.
- Cost: Ticket prices vary
MIZZOU INTERNATIONAL COMPOSERS FESTIVAL
Each summer, composers from around the world gather on campus to create and premiere entirely new works of music.
The Mizzou International Composers Festival pairs resident composers with the acclaimed ensemble Alarm Will Sound, which debuts the new pieces in public performances.
This year’s festival will feature Alarm Will Sound, fresh off a 2026 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance.
Columbia residents can experience these never-heard-before compositions at a series of public concerts.
Mark your calendar
- 7:30 p.m. July 21, Room 130 Sinquefield Music Center, 1101 University Ave.
- 7:30 p.m. July 22 and July 24, Room 132 Sheryl Crow Concert Hall in the Sinquefield Music Center, 1101 University Ave.
- 7:30 p.m. July 23 and July 25, Missouri Theatre, 203 9th St.
- Cost: Free
