
Travel
True/False Film Festival is a Great Reason to Visit Columbia, MO
Head to mid-Missouri this month to dig into True/False Film Fest and loads of incredible dining.
By Katie Pollock Estes
Jan 2019

Every February, downtown Columbia is flooded with visitors ready for a weekend packed with thought-provoking films. Since 2004, True/False Film Fest has presented artistic non-fiction films that challenge the audience to re-imagine reality. The four-day event also includes live music, parties, interesting talks and more. The final schedule is released this month, and it’s huge. You can go for a day, or go for the whole weekend. As you plan the films you want to see, use our itinerary to guide you to great places to eat and stay in Columbia, so you can keep yourself fed and rested during your marathon weekend of intellectual stimulation.

9 a.m. | B&B Bagel
On your way from Springfield to Downtown Columbia, stop on the south side of town for a breakfast that’s nice and quick, so you can jump into your day of fascinating films. At B&B Bagel, bagels are made from scratch and are New York–style. (That means they’re boiled, baby!)
NOON | I’m Sushi Burrito
Stay downtown for lunch, and pop into I’m Sushi Burrito during a break between films. Order your favorite fresh sushi ingredients in burrito, poke bowl, taco or salad form for something that’s fresh and colorful.

Grab some charcuterie and wine at Barred Owl Butcher & Table.

Flat Branch Brewing is a Columbia standby for a locally brewed beer.
6 p.m. | Barred Owl Butcher and Table
For dinner, take your time at Barred Owl. Local, seasonal ingredients come together as elaborate charcuterie, killer fried chicken and waffles, beautifully plated pork belly, steak entrees and so much more. And everything has a clever twist: The rabbit confit comes with pepper jelly. The mac and cheese is made with spaetzle. The street tacos are filled with lamb barbacoa.
11 p.m. | Flat Branch Pub & Brewing
The day is about over, and you’ve been busy. Take it easy and enjoy a locally brewed beer before calling it a night. Look for the seasonal options, or grab a classic Katy Trail Pale Ale.
STAY | The Broadway
When you’re ready to tuck in for the night, you’ll want a room at The Broadway. This DoubleTree Hotel is perfect for True/False Film Fest weekend because its downtown Columbia location puts you close to the action. You can dine and hunker down around the firepits on the roof if the weather permits.