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Columbus summers are filled with activities for every age!
Spend the season in your own backyard, celebrating at festivals, buying local at farmers markets and just getting outside and having fun! This ever growing list will be updated as events are announced and new things to do and places to visit pop up! Bookmark this page for quick reference all summer long.
Jump straight to a section:
Independence Day Celebrations
Fairs, Festivals & Special Events
Farmer’s Markets
Outdoor Adventure
Family Fun
Sporting Events
Shopping & Food
For A Day Inside
Outside the City
Independence Day Celebrations
Red, White & BOOM: July 1, 2022
After a two year hiatus Red, White & BOOM is back! It’s the largest Independence Day celebration in the midwest attracting more than 400,000 people annually. This free, all day event takes place downtown and includes a street festival, parade and live music all before the fireworks show at 10pm. You won’t want to miss it!
Date: Monday July 4
Location: Capital University’s Main Street Lawn
Details: The day kicks off with the John Barr 5K Run/Walk at 8am followed by the Fourth of July parade at 9:30am. Evening celebrations and live music will start at 6pm with fireworks at 10:30pm.
Date: Monday July 4th
Location: Ohio Wesleyan Downtown Delaware
Details: The annual parade begins at 3pm followed by the Central Ohio Symphony outdoor concert at 7:30pm and fireworks at 10pm.
Date: Monday July 4th
Location: Downtown Dublin and Dublin Coffman High School
Details: The day starts early at 8am with the Sherm Sheldon Fishing Derby at Avery Pond. At 11am the Independence Day Parade will make its way through downtown Dublin followed by an evening celebration at 4:30pm. Fireworks shoot off at 9:50pm.
Date: July 1st, 2nd & 4th
Location: Multiple locations
Details: The weekend of celebrations begins on July 1st at 5:30pm with live music and food at the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course. Fireworks will end the night at 10pm. On July 2nd there will be a Red, White and Blue Block Party, a fun filled day lasting from 11am-11pm. The city parade will end the weekend’s festivities on July 4th.
Date: Saturday July 2nd
Location: Murfin Fields
Details: Community fireworks will be launched from Murfin Fields at 9:45pm.
Date: Saturday July 2nd & Monday July 4th
Location: Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park
Details: Hilliard’s Freedom Fest is a day filled with fun for everyone! On July 2nd the entire family can enjoy swimming, food trucks, a kid zone and live music by country singer Dylan Scott. Fireworks take place at 9:45pm. Monday at 9am is the 4th of July Parade, starting at the Franklin County Fairgrounds and making its way through town.
Date: Monday July 4th
Location: New Albany Middle School Lawn
Details: Enjoy the Independence Day Parade at 11am followed by a family-friendly festival at 6pm. There will be food trucks, live entertainment, bounce houses, face painters and more. Fireworks start at 9:45pm.
Date: Friday July 1st
Location: Fortress Obetz
Details: The annual Famous Fortress Fireworks event will kick off at 6pm with live music, food trucks and inflatables for the kids. Fireworks begin at 9:50pm.
Date: Monday July 4th
Location: Pickerington High School Central
Details: The Fourth of July parade begins at 10am and fireworks will shoot off at 10pm from Pickerington High School Central.
Date: Friday July 1st
Location: Civic Park
Details: Starting at 6pm, celebrate at Civic Park with music, food, family-friendly fun and fireworks at dark.
Date: Monday July 4th
Location: Sunbury Square
Details: Enjoy a fun filled day with antique, arts and crafts vendors, a parade, a kid zone and food. The events continue at Old Big Walnut High School from 6-11pm with fireworks at dusk.
Date: Monday July 4th
Location: Northam Park
Details: The Fourth of July Parade begins at 9am and is followed by the Party in the Park celebration later in the day at 5:30pm. There will be live music and food until fireworks at 10pm.
Date: Monday July 4th
Location: Westerville Athletic Complex
Details: The day begins with a 5K Walk/Run at the Westerville Athletic Complex at 8am. Then head over to State Street at 10:30am for the Fourth of July parade. From 5-9:45pm back at the athletic complex there will be a free concert series and food truck festival. The firework show will begin at 10pm.
Date: Sunday July 3rd
Location: Whitehall Yearling High School
Details: The Fireworks Viewing Party takes place from 6-10pm, tickets and/or proof of residency are required for entry.
Date: Monday July 4th
Location: Thomas Worthington High School Front Lawn
Details: The Worthington Family Picnic begins at 4pm with live music, food and activities for kids continuing through the fireworks celebration at 10pm.
Fairs, Festivals & Special Events
Easton Unplugged: Thursdays May-September
Head to Easton Town Center every Thursday night this summer from 6-9pm for free live music in the shopping center’s newest district, The Yard, located between Nordstrom and Restoration Hardware. Bring a blanket to hangout on the lawn or sit at one of the nearby patios to enjoy some food and drinks.
Rhythm On The River: Select Fridays This Summer
Rhythm on the River is a free, six-part concert and performing arts series bringing to the stage regional and national musicians for a fun summer evening. Concerts start at 6:30pm at Bicentennial Park downtown, with food trucks opening at 5pm. The final performance over Labor Day Weekend is an evening of dance with BalletMet, which starts at 8pm.
NightLight 614: Select Days June-October
NightLight 614 is Columbus’ adult only outdoor summer movie series, featuring food trucks, craft beer and wine all with a view of downtown. Each event is 21+ and takes place at Genoa Park right behind COSI. Tickets should be purchased online in advance, as most movies sell out early.
The Memorial Tournament: May 30-June 5,2022
Founded and hosted by Jack Nicklaus, The Memorial Tournament is a PGA Tour golf tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin. The three main goals of the event are to honor past and present players who have distinguished themselves in the game of golf, showcase the world’s best golfers and benefit many Greater Columbus Charities. Tickets are sold as full-week passes only, see the Memorial Tournament website for more info.
Ohio Vintage Fest: June 11, 2022
Stop by the Ohio Expo Center from 12-6pm to shop from over 70+ vendors of vintage clothing, toys, vinyl records and more. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online here.
Columbus Arts Festival: June 10-12, 2022
Celebrating its 60th year, the Columbus Arts Festival is a free event featuring over 200 visual artists and three stages of performances. There will be plenty of shopping, activities and food and drinks for the whole family.
Stonewall Columbus Pride March & Festival: June 17-18, 2022
Over 400,000 people will attend Stonewall Pride celebrations with 200+ nonprofit and corporate vendors, two performance stages, a community wellness area and more. There’s something for everyone! This event takes place at Goodale Park and is free to attend.
Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival: June 17-19, 2022
This three-day cultural celebration in Gahanna features world class musicians on three stages, regional artisans, food and more. Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival tickets can be purchased online, $15 per day or $30 for a weekend pass. Discounted tickets are available for youth ages 11-17. Military and children under 10 can attend for free.
Juneteenth Ohio Festival: June 18-19, 2022
The 25th Annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival at Genoa Park is packed with activities for the whole family. The weekend kicks off with a city-wide drum call for peace at noon, followed by a college and career fair, employment recruitment, wellness pavilion, talent show, live music, food and much more! The event is free both days until 3pm. Afterwards, admission is $5 per child and $10 per adult for the evening.
Powell Festival: June 24-25, 2022
Celebrate Powell at the annual Powell Festival, a free two-day family-friendly event. There will be live music including artists like Ryan Cabrera and the Spin Doctors, kid’s activities, shopping, food trucks and drinks. Make sure to stay around for fireworks at 10pm on Saturday!
Westerville Music & Arts Festival: July 9-10, 2022
This community event will showcase 130+ artists, 30+ performances, 20 food vendors and a silent auction. Admission is $1 and free for kids 10 and under.
Jazz & Rib Fest: July 22-24, 2022
Head down to Bicentennial Park along the Scioto Mile downtown for a weekend filled with music and barbecue at the Jazz and Rib Festival. Admission is free.
Buckeye Country Superfest: July 23, 2022
See Luke Combs, Cody Jinks, Zach Bryan, Kameron Marlowe and Morgan Wade at this years Buckeye Country Superfest at Ohio Stadium. Tickets can be purchased online here. Parking lots open at 8am, stadium gates open at 2pm, with a pre-concert tailgate fan fest across from the stadium before the concert (details to be announced soon).
Ohio State Fair: July 27-August 7, 2022
The Ohio State Fair is a week and a half of pure fun! You and your family can enjoy a multitude of activities and exhibits including rides, a petting zoo, horse shows, performers, agriculture and sporting competitions and even an eight acre natural resources park. Buy your tickets online before July 26th and save. And don’t forget the Ohio State Fair Concert Series featuring artists like Toby Keith, Nelly, Scotty McCreery and Willie Nelson to name a few. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster and include Fair admission.
Dayton Air Show: July 30-31, 2022
Grab the family and head to Dayton International Airport for a day of fun at the Dayton Air Show featuring the United States Navy Blue Angels. Tickets start at $25 if purchased online before July 22nd and bump up to $30 at the gate. Those local to Dayton and Cincinnati can save a few dollars by purchasing tickets at their local Kroger starting June 27th. Discounts are also available for seniors 60+ and youth ages 6-11. Kids 5 and under are free.
Dublin Irish Festival: August 5-7, 2022
Celebrating its 35th year, the Dublin Irish Festival is the largest three-day Irish Festival on the planet. There will be 7 stages, 65 acts and more than 535 performers in addition to plenty of food, shopping and other activities for the whole family to enjoy. There are several ways to save on tickets including, purchasing online in advance or through the Dublin Community Recreation Center and select Giant Eagle locations starting in mid-July. Volunteers, participants of the Dublin Irish Festival 5K and anyone that makes a food bank donation Sunday morning receive free admission. Discounts also apply to seniors, military and students. Visit the festival website for more info.
Pelotonia: August 5-7, 2022
Pelotonia Ride Weekend is a three-day cycling, volunteering and entertainment event with the goal of raising funds for cancer research. There are several route options to choose from, ranging from 20-200 miles over 1-2 days. Minimum age to ride or volunteer is 14. Check out pelotonia.org for registration and more information on the weekend’s events.
The Columbus Food Truck Festival: August 19-21, 2022
The 11th Annual Food Truck Festival will take place over three days at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. There will be 50+ gourmet food trucks from across Ohio and the Midwest to enjoy along with live music and drinks. Tickets are $5 for a single day ticket. A special weekend admission ticket to attend all three days for $10 is available only by purchasing your ticket online in advance.
Wonderbus Music & Arts Festival: August 26-28, 2022
Experience three days of music with headliners Duran Duran, Lorde and The Lumineers on the lawn at CAS, just north of Ohio State’s campus along the banks of the Olentangy River. One, two and three day tickets can be purchased online now. Discounted single day tickets are available for students, military and first responders.
Columbus Fiery Foods Festival: August 27-28, 2022
This hot and spicy event welcomes restaurants and vendors from all over the country to the Main Street Bridge in Downtown Columbus. You’ll also find an artisan market, food trucks, contests and entertainment. Presale tickets are $5 for a one day pass while supplies last, then $10 after.
Columbus Greek Festival: September 2-5, 2022
Celebrate over Labor Day Weekend at the Columbus Greek Festival located at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral at Goodale Boulevard and High Street. Experience the centuries old culture and traditions throughout the day with lots of food, drinks, music, dancing, exhibits and more. Admission is $5 for the entire weekend, free for military and kids under 12.
Columbus Oktoberfest: September 9-11, 2022
Finish off the summer with three days filled with fun at Columbus Oktoberfest at the Ohio Expo Center. This free event will be sure to be fun for the whole family. Enjoy brews, food, music, games and much more! You won’t want to miss it.
Farmers Markets
Stop by a farmers market this summer to shop locally grown and produced foods, florals, handmade goods and more. See the market info for each neighborhood below:
Market Info:
Thursday’s May 19 – October 20 from 4-7pm
Downtown Bexley
Market Info:
Saturdays May 28 – September 24 from 9-12pm
Historic downtown Canal Winchester
Market Info:
Saturdays April 30 – November 19 from 9-12pm
3535 N High St.
Market Info:
Saturdays May 28 – October 29 from 9-12pm
Main Street downtown Delaware
Market Info:
Saturdays June 4 – October 29 from 8-12pm
North Market
Market Info:
Tuesdays and Fridays May 20 -October 28 from 10:30-2pm
Pearl and Gay Street
Market Info:
Saturdays May – September from 9-12pm
Bridge Park
Market Info:
Wednesdays June 1 – September 21 from 3:30-6:30pm
Wells Barn parking lot at the Conservatory
Market Info:
Wednesdays June – September from 4-7pm
Gahanna Sanctuary, 98 N. High
Market Info:
Saturdays beginning May 14 from 8-12pm
Historic Town Center
Market Info:
Tuesdays May 24 – September 6 from 4-7pm
Hilliard United Methodist Church parking lot
Market Info:
Thursdays June 23 – September 15th from 4-7pm
Market Square
Market Info:
First Wednesday of the month June – September from 4-7pm
Across from the Obetz Hardware Store
Market Info:
Thursdays June – September from 4-7pm
89 N. Center St.
Market Info:
Saturdays May 21 – October 8 from 9am-12pm
240 N. Liberty St.
Market Info:
Thursdays June 9 – September 1 from 4-7pm
JFK Park
Market Info:
Saturdays May – September 24 from 9-12pm
Sunbury Square
Market Info:
Wednesdays May 18 – October 26 from 4-7pm
Tremont Pool parking lot
Market Info:
Saturdays May 21 – October 8 from 9-12pm
Behind the Westerville City Hall building
Market Info:
Tuesdays June 7 – August 30 from 4-7pm
Kelley Green Park
Market Info:
Saturdays May – October from 8-12pm
Historic Old Worthington
Outdoor Adventure
Looking for a fun and slightly challenging activity? Check out ZipZone Outdoor Adventures on North High Street at Camp Mary Orton for zip line tours, a tree top obstacle course and a ground level kids park. Book your reservation online and read more info here.
The Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks consists of 20 natural area parks, more than 230 miles of trails and over 28,400 acres of land. There are countless activities for you and your family to enjoy like hiking, fishing, rock climbing, biking, kayaking, obstacle courses and so much more!
Enjoy an afternoon kayaking the Scioto River with Olentangy Paddle. Take a 2.5 hr guided tour through Scioto Audubon Metro Park, around the Whittier Peninsula and into the downtown cityscape. Rentals are $40+tax for adults and $20+tax for kids 8-14. Tours are typically scheduled Wednesday through Sunday one week out, as weather and water levels allow.
Spend a day exploring downtown by bike with CoGo, Columbus’ bike share system. Buy a day pass for $8 and take as many 30 minute rides in a 24 hour period as you wish. Ride to your next destination — whether it’s a store, restaurant, brewery, bar or scenic spot and return the bike to the nearest station. Once your ready to head to move on, just unlock another bike! You can read more about how it works or download the app here.
Nestled right next to historic downtown Dublin you’ll find Indian Run Falls, home to a set of gorgeous waterfalls. Take a short hike to different viewpoints and enjoy the scenery. Jumping in or playing in the falls is illegal per Dublin City Ordinance. There is a small parking lot off of Shawan Falls Dr, but it fills up quickly. Try parking in downtown Dublin near the library, then take the path next to the cemetery into the park.
Family Fun
Zoombezi Bay at the Columbus Zoo features 17 water slides, a wave pool and plenty of fun for the whole family. Open daily until August 12th, then moves to weekends only for the following month. This year you will be able to access the park directly from the parking lot without having to first enter the zoo gates.
Enjoy a day swimming and hanging out on the beach at Alum Creek. You’ll find restrooms, outdoor showers, beach vendors and sand volleyball courts too. Before you go, check BeachGuard for water quality advisories from the Ohio Department of Health. Swimming areas are open daylight to dusk.
Spend the day at the zoo! The Columbus Zoo has over 10,000 animals and is open 363 days a year. Purchase your tickets or memberships online to save yourself time at the gate.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Franklin Park Conservatory visitor experience spans 13 acres through the Conservatory Building, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and the Grand Mallway. You’ll find exotic plant collections, seasonal art, nature-based exhibitions and outdoor gardens in addition to a variety of educational programs. Tickets can be purchased online in advance.
Topiary Garden (Deaf School Park)
Take a trip downtown to Topiary Garden in Old Deaf School Park and step into the recreation of a famous painting. This living recreation of Georges Seurat’s post-Impressionist painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte, is the only public park of its kind in the world. The park is open from dawn until dusk and free for all to visit.
You may already be familiar with Lynd Fruit Farm for their apple picking and pumpkin patch, but they also offer berry picking and a farmers market in the summer months! Starting in mid-June, you can pick your own red raspberries, black raspberries, blackberries and sunflowers! Check out their website for exact dates and more information.
Scioto Mile Fountain | Downtown Columbus Splash Park
Take your kids to cool off this summer at the Scioto Mile Fountain at Bicentennial Park! This 15,000 square foot fountain features 1,079 ground-level spray nozzles and five stainless steel halo structures with 1,100 fog nozzles. Perfect for children of all ages to enjoy, the fountain is open daily 11am – 6pm May 27 – September 5.
One of the largest public rose gardens in the United States, the Columbus Park of Roses covers 13 areas with more than 12,000 rose specimens and a mile of paved walkways. The park is free to visit and open year-round from 7am to dusk.
Take a self guided tour at the Olentangy Caverns in Delaware and learn about its history along the way. Open March through October, tickets can be purchased online or at the gift shop the day of your visit.
Experience golf in a whole new, family friendly way at Top Golf! Reserve a climate-controlled bay and take turns hitting one of the high-tech, self scoring balls into the outfield targets, all while enjoying restaurant service right from your bay. It’s also the perfect place for group events, parties and get togethers. Visit their website here for more information and to reserve a bay online.
Sporting Events
Catch a Clipper’s game this summer at Huntington Park downtown. Almost every game has a fun promotion like Dime-A-Dog nights, Dollar Days, $5 Fridays and Party-at-the-Park pre-game concerts. Single game tickets, mini plans and season passes are available for purchase online.
Cheer on the Columbus Crew at their new home, Lower.com Field, in downtown Columbus this season. Promotions include family four pack and date night packages, along with other themes and giveaways. Tickets can be purchased online and included discounts for military and first responders.
Starting in August, Ohio State University sports will be back in session! Watch men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey and women’s volleyball play at home throughout the month. Women’s volleyball is a ticketed event, but all other sports listed can be attended for free through the Bucks On Us program!
Shopping & Food Spots
A 145-year-old public market made up of more than 30 of Ohio’s best merchants, farmers and makers. Browse through the market for fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers and more all while shopping locally and supporting small business owners. Open daily.
Grab a bite to eat and some drinks with friends at Budd Dairy Food Hall in Italian Village. With 10 diverse kitchens to choose from, the food hall gives the city’s top up-and-coming chefs the opportunity to grow and serve their community in a unique gathering space. Open Tuesday – Sunday.
The newest market and food hall in Columbus is open in the Trolley District! The East Market features 10+ vendors including a breakfast spot, grocer, bar, speakeasy and other general market stalls. Days and hours vary, check their website for current info.
Located in historic Old Hilliard, enjoy diverse artisan specialties and local products from a variety of vendors. Try local foods, desserts, coffee and shopping in addition to on-site hand-crafted beer from Crooked Can Brewing Company. Open daily.
Bridge Park in Dublin is filled with great dining and nightlife spots! Enjoy one of the many restaurants offered throughout the district or browse through North Market and try a little bit of everything. Then head for some drinks and old school games at Pins and 16-Bit, who are family friendly until 7pm everyday.
For A Day Inside
COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, inspires STEM learning through hands-on experiences. People of all ages can engage with more than 300 interactive experiences, nine galleries featuring world class traveling and permanent exhibitions, live shows, a planetarium and a kidspace exhibit for learners birth through first grade. At this time, tickets must be reserved in advance online starting at $25 for adults and $20 for youth. Discounts for seniors, teachers and military are available.
Otherworld is a 32,000 square foot immersive art experience with over 40 scenes to experience. Explore rooms filled with large-scale art and mixed reality playgrounds, where you can freely interact with everything you see. Reservations are required, open Wednesday – Monday.
Experience LEGO right here in Columbus! Bring your kids for a day of fun and check out the LEGO 4D cinema, two family friendly rides, a playground and of course tons of LEGO bricks to build with. Adults must be accompanied by a child 17 and under to enter, tickets can be purchased online.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Honoring all veterans from all branches of service and during all eras of history, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum tells the stories and shared experiences of veterans throughout history. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10am – 5pm, tickets can be purchased online. Admission is free for veterans, active duty military members and Gold Star families.
Enjoy an afternoon at the Columbus Museum of Art, viewing late-19th and early-20th century American and European art, contemporary art, folk art, glass and photography. Open Tuesday – Sunday. Tickets start at $18 with discounts on Thursdays, as well as for seniors, students and children. Admission is free on Sundays. Veterans and active military can attend any day of the week for free.
Outside the city
The Wilds: Cumberland, Ohio
The Wilds is a 9,000+ acre park dedicated to wild life conservation. Take an open-air safari or wild side tour to view open-range animals like rhinos, giraffes and other rare and endangered animals in large natural settings. In addition, you can also enjoy zip lining, horseback riding, fishing and more! All daily tours and reservations must be made online in advance.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Peninsula, Ohio
Established as a national park in 2000, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the only national park in Ohio and one of only three in the Great Lake Basin. Located between two large urban areas, Cleveland and Akron, the entire family can enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing, and even taking a train ride along the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad. Entrance to the park is free!
Ohio Caverns: West Liberty, Ohio
The Ohio Caverns are the largest caverns in the state with over two miles of surveyed passage ways. Open year round, you can take one of two different tours, each about an hour long, to learn about the geology of the caverns. Tickets can be purchased online or at the visitor center.
Cedar Point: Sandusky, Ohio
Spend the day on the shores of Lake Erie at Cedar Point. Enjoy the thrill of 17 rollercoasters along with other rides and attractions for the whole family. Don’t forget to take advantage of the waterpark, Cedar Point Shores, located right inside the park! Visit their website for more information and to purchase daily tickets and season passes online.
Put-in-Bay: Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Take a day-trip or stay for a weekend at Put-in-Bay in Lake Erie! This 397 acre island, often referred to as the “Key West of the North”, offers beautiful views, shopping, history and entertainment for everyone. The fastest way to get to the island is via the Jet Express ferry. You’ll leave from the dock in Port Clinton and arrive right at the downtown Put-in-Bay harbor in about 30 minutes so you can get straight to a day filled with fun!
Heart of Ohio Antique Center: Springfield, Ohio
With 122,000 square feet of quality antiques, Heart of Ohio Antique Center is sure to be a great hunt for your new favorite vintage pieces. Open 362 days a year from 9:30am-6pm, you can spend an entire day shopping through the 1,425 booths and showcases along with a 30,000 square foot outdoor area of patio furniture, statuary and architecture items.