Someone has a birthday coming up! It’s time to get together a guest list and figure out food, games, and the cake. But wait, 25 people in OUR house? No way will everyone fit. We need to have the party somewhere else, but where? Does this sound like something that has crossed your mind a time or two? You are definitely not alone. But we are very fortunate to have abroad array of accessible and affordable spaces in Columbia that you can rent for your next party.
That’s Great, But Won’t That be Expensive?
Not necessarily. Many of the places on this list are extremely affordable, renting for as little at $25. Depending on how much you are willing to do, the party experience can be as cheap or expensive as you want. Some options provide done for you solutions to party planning some are simply a space. The biggest savings is in not worrying about getting your house ready for a large crowd, stressing out over seating, space, and everything else. Renting a space can drastically reduce the already stressful party planning process, while supporting great local businesses and organizations.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Space
- How much space do I need? Consider not only your head count, but room needed for any party activities or displays.
- Do I need cooking facilities? Will you be cooking onsite, need refrigeration, is the event catered?
- Can I bring my own food/cake? Some spaces have catering contracts requiring you to use their caterer for your event. Some restaurants will allow outside cakes, but may charge a “cutting fee”. Read up on their policies beforehand.
- Inside or outside? Depending on the time of year and weather, is the space versatile enough to have a backup location in the event of inclement weather?
Now for some of the best spaces in Columbia for all types of celebrations!
Columbia Parks & Recreation
Our very own local Parks & Rec department is one of the best resources for rental spaces in Columbia. With both indoor and outdoor facilities spread across town, it is seldom one cannot find a suitable space through their offerings. Some of their more notable locations include:
- Rock Quarry House on Grindstone
- Several rooms at the ARC, as well as birthday party packages
- Reichmann Pavilion
- Numerous Picnic Shelters at many of our amazing parks
For more information, visit: https://www.como.gov/parksandrec/facility-rentals-reservations/
Churches
Churches are busy place on Sundays, and sometimes throughout the week, but many churches have multipurpose or activity rooms that are offered to rent. They typically do not require membership, but it is common to have prohibitions on alcohol on the premises. If you are a part of a church community, you may be able to use these spaces at no charge, but if not, don’t hesitate to reach out, as they are generally very affordable. Just a few of the local churches with rental spaces are:
- Olivet Christian Church
- Unitarian Universalist Church
- Missouri United Methodist
- First Baptist Church
Restaurants & Bars
Many local restaurants have a back room or section that can be reserved for parties. This is a great option if you don’t want to worry about food for your party, but make sure you check their policies if you plan on bringing any food, even cake. Many bars offer their space for rent during weekdays, when they are not normally open. This includes great local options like:
- COMO Growlers & Pints
- Room 38
- Shakespeare’s
- 44 Stone Public House
Fraternal and Other Orgs
Many great organizations call Columbia home, and since they typically meet only at specific times, their facilities are for rent outside those hours. Some of these locations are amazing for large groups like reunions, graduation, or retirement parties. Check out:
- Elks Lodge
- American Legion Building
- Knights of Columbus Hall
- VFW Hall
Full Experience Rentals
These spaces offer a full party experience. For anyone looking for a birthday party that is more or less done for you, this is the route to go. Featuring entertainment, food, and space, this option, while sometimes more expensive, can save a lot of hassle. As with restaurants, check policies if you intend to bring your own cake or other goodies. Some of the best places in town for this are:
- Tiger Bounce
- Sky Zone
- Bonkers
- The Mud Room
More Resources
https://www.como.gov/council/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2015/11/AlernativeMeetingLocations-ColumbiaMissouri.pdf (This list, while a great resource is a bit dated, and some spaces may no longer be available)
http://www.visitcolumbiamo.com/meeting-professionals/alternate-facilities/
I hope this makes your next party planning session less stressful and more successful. Have a great place we missed? Leave it in the comments! Have a topic you want us to cover? Let us know at deals@comobirthdaydeals.com