CONCERTS

There’s no better catalyst for a slew of True/False musical nights than a trifecta of regional rock music featuring new and old blood. Reggie Pearl, LAIKA and Boreal Hills will whet the palate for all those ready to embark on another True/False adventure. Gen admin: $10

Our First Night celebration returns to Harpo’s as a high-energy dance party, True/False–style. STL’s TreHitz takes over the decks with a driving mix of hip-hop and electronica, while immersive visuals transform the space for a night built around big sound and nonstop movement. Kick off the weekend’s nightlife and dive straight into the action. Presented by Netflix. Open to Spring, Center, Silver, Super, and Stay Up Late passholders with a reserved ticket.

No True/False experience would be complete without Buskers Last Stand. This year, the Missouri Theatre’s ornate historic lobby once again sets the stage for a sendoff from our beloved buskers, from folk to country to comedy and back again. No ticket required; theater lobby open to passholders and those with a ticket to the closing night film, space permitting.

Join us for a gentle sendoff on the final day of the fest, featuring Advance Base’s warm melodies, Dubb Nubb’s enchanting twin harmonies, and 2W33DY’s y’allternative sway. Gen admin: $10 

The original queen of brash and bold, celebrated Southern rapper bbymutha performs in Missouri for the first time in her career. Joining are a cast of Midwest All-Stars, featuring the lo-fi DIY-infused indie rock of K Records artist Winston Hightower; Jane Wave’s take on No Wave; trance and hip-hop fusion from Eric Dontè; and a journey through house and footwork from duo CASH TOO. Presented with KCOU 88.1. Gen admin: $22

This legendary rock ’n’ roll gathering brings together the iconic Axis:Sova, a 10-year reunion (and record release) of supergroup Flïïght, and local faves Laika, for plenty of riffs, feedback, distortion, and fuzz. Catch an afternoon lecture on Midwest underground rock ’n’ roll and peruse through The Trouble With Normal fanzines by Mid-Missouri’s music historian, Boone Stigall. Presented by KBXR. Gen admin: $10 

The region’s freshest and smoothest, welcome festgoers back in style. yyuan pushes sonic and cultural boundaries, from Shanghai to MU’s Music Production department. Noah Fence’s neo-soul resonates with fans of indie rock and hip-hop. In homecoming style, Rwandan-American singer and producer Sifa Bihomora returns to T/F with a voice evocative of soulful greats. Darkwood features guitarist Michael Franco’s sparse jazz compositions between Khiro Kano’s rich, sonorous singing and smooth-flowing rap. This showcase will release the Dart Club x T/F Music Program 2026 Zine, featuring Fest musicians and news from Columbia’s music scene.

An architectural gem provides an intimate respite from the Fest bustle. Bridget St. John visits Missouri for the first time in a six-decade career. Her most recent release, Covering My Brothers, features a collection of covers by friends like Nick Drake and John Martyn. Joining is the Philadelphia duo @ (pronounced “at”), crafting intertwined harmonies, while flutes and guitars weave through to form radio-ready earworms. Presented by Missouri Division of Tourism. Gen admin: $10 

We’re shaking off the dust to host a new spin on the “day zero” Kickoff Showcase. We’ll hear from Maxito Lindo, an influential staple in the history of CoMO’s music scene, who brings an eclectic style ranging from freewheeling guitar riffs to transcendent psych-rock vibes with his backing band; we’ll feel the groove with King Socks & The Unrelenting Funk as they blend jazz, jam, and funk into a sonic experience that’ll have you dancing all night long, and rock with Pink Houses, who may be fresh faces to Columbia stages but are sure to deliver a raucous set filled with grungy punk vibes reminiscent of the 80s. Presented in partnership with KCOU 88.1 FM. Stay Up Late passholders will be able to access this event at no additional cost. Gen admin: $10 at door

Expand your musical horizons in the intimate Whitmore Recital Hall. Blending contemporary classical, minimalism, jazz, and electronic music, audience members are in for an immersive evening of deep listening with performances from pianist Kelly Moran and guitarist Bill MacKay. Presented with Left Field Series, a collaborative program of Dismal Niche Arts and the We Always Swing Jazz Series. Free admission at the door for Super, Silver, Center, and Stay Up Late passholders. Gen admin: $25

Come get shoulder to shoulder, warm and cozy at the annual “day zero” showcase, continuing its embrace of a DIY aesthetic and sound with math rock locals Drona, globe traveling basement punkers BC69, and the electro soul keytar playing Soumir. Gen admin: $10 PRESENTED BY 102.3-BXR.