A downtown
Culture
Cuisine
Recreation
Events
Greenspaces
Inspiration
Living

for all.

Upcoming Events in Downtown Columbus

Scioto Arts Market

The Scioto Arts Market (SAM) is a monthly, themed pop-up community event featuring makers, bakers, art, food trucks, nonprofits, and more from May through October (Saturdays from 10 AM – 2 PM). 

This exciting monthly event series, produced by the CYP Club in the parking lot at National Veterans Memorial & Museum, is designed to foster creativity, engagement, and connection in downtown Columbus. Join us along the scenic Scioto River. All SAM events are free to attend!

Mark Your Calendar for our 2025 Season Dates & Themes!
💗 Saturday, May 17 – “Columbus Volunteer Fest” (Volunteerism & Nonprofits)
🎉 Saturday, June 14 – “614 Day Celebrations” (Columbus Pride & Local Love)
🌎 Saturday, July 12 – “Around the World” (Global Cultures & Traditions)
⚽ Saturday, August 9 – “Sports, Fitness & Outdoors” (Active Living & Adventure)
🐶 Saturday, September 13 – “Dogs, Cats & Pets” (A Paw-some Celebration!)
🎃 Saturday, October 18 – “Halloween/Fall/Harvest” (Seasonal Fun & Festivities)

This market will be hosted at the National Veterans Memorial & Museum parking lot (300 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215), offering prime visibility, easy access, and on-site parking for vendors and attendees alike.

What to Expect:
✨ Each arts market will align with an added theme bringing fresh energy and unique activities every time
🛍️ 100+ pop-up shops & Ohio artisans
🚚 Up to 10 food trucks each month
🎶 Live music & performances
🎨 Local art & interactive displays
👧 Kids’ activities & family-friendly fun
🚗 On-site parking for easy access
🇺🇸 FREE entry to the National Veterans Memorial & Museum for all six events!

Whether you’re searching for handmade treasures, farm-fresh goodies, or a fun way to spend your Saturday morning, the Scioto Arts Market is the place to be. Shop, explore, and celebrate with us!

All Out Music Festival

Rock out at Kemba live to the show-stopping line-up of All Out Music Festival. Get tickets here!

FREE Street Beats

Live music will warmly welcome you every Friday and Saturday in the summertime, setting the perfect backdrop for a night out! Whether you’re grabbing dinner nearby or just soaking in the summer vibes, Street Beats brings the soundtrack to your weekend thanks to dozens of talented Columbus artists.  

FREE Street Beats

Live music will warmly welcome you every Friday and Saturday in the summertime, setting the perfect backdrop for a night out! Whether you’re grabbing dinner nearby or just soaking in the summer vibes, Street Beats brings the soundtrack to your weekend thanks to dozens of talented Columbus artists.  

BalletMet: Black Voices

Experience a vibrant collection of three innovative ballets. Ulysses Dove’s Red Angels returns, along with two world premieres from Dwight Rhoden and Jennifer Archibald. This show guarantees an evening packed with captivating movement and inventive storytelling. 

Get Tickets Here

Columbus Crew Game

Watch the Columbus Crew take on Vancouver in this MLS match. 

 

Get Tickets Here

CAPA Summer Movie Series: The Sound of Music (1965)

The CAPA Summer Movie Series is back! The 56th series features classic films and cult favorites will run June 13 – August 24 at the historic Ohio Theatre.

See more here!

Nationwide Picnic with the Pops: A Boy Band Symphony

Get ready to experience a one-of-a-kind musical extravaganza with “A Boy Band Symphony!” This electrifying new show celebrates the timeless hits of the iconic boy bands featuring Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, Erik-Michael Estrada of O-Town, and Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC. From infectious melodies to signature dance moves, “A Boy Band Symphony” promises to reignite the passion and excitement of beloved favorites such as “Bye Bye Bye,” “I Do (Cherish You),” “Liquid Dreams,” and more.

FREE Fountain Fitness Classes: Contemporary Dance (9:30am)

Hit the (fountain) floor this summer with Free Dance + Fitness Classes at the Scioto Mile Fountain! Get moving and cool off post-workout with a refreshing splash in the Fountain. With lessons designed for all skill levels, everyone is welcome. Advance registration is recommended here but not required. Plus, unwind after Thursday evening classes as the stunning Fountain Night Light Show illuminates the night sky. 

 

Full Schedule: 

Thursdays thru August 28

no classes July 3, July 17, or August 14

6:30 pm – 7:15 pm Full body workout with Lindsey from 614 Fit Club

7:30 pm – 8:15 pm Yoga with Rachel from 614 Fit Club

 

Sundays thru August 24*

excluding June 29, July 27, and August 31 (see section below)

*June 15 classes will be 9:30 am full body workout and 10:30 am yoga by Lindsey.

9:30 am10:15 am Contemporary Dance with Myles Lawson

10:30 am – 11:15 am Contemporary Dance with Myles Lawson

 

Last Sunday of the month

(June 29, July 27, and August 31)

9:30 am10:15 am Baby Dance Club with Russell

10:30 am – 11:15 am Dance Aerobics with Fili

On Fourth Run Club

Join Jackie O’s on Fourth for their new partnership with a local running club! It begins May 11th and will be reoccurring every Sunday.
 
Details:
– Every Sunday
– Runners meet @ 10am in front of Jackie O’s On Fourth in Columbus
– Runners end at Jackie O’s for brunch and $1 off pints!

Blog Posts to Get You in the Know.

Your guide to Downtown Columbus, from happenings to happy hours.

Arts & Culture

Black-owned Businesses in Downtown Columbus

Explore Downtown Columbus’ Black-owned businesses.

Entertainment

Fitness in Downtown Columbus (No Gym Required)

Who needs the gym? Look no further than Downtown Columbus for free and low-cost fitness…

Arts & Culture

Eleven things to do in the Discovery District

Things to do in the Discovery District The Discovery District embodies the best of Downtown,…

Entertainment

Explore the Fourth and Main District in Downtown Columbus

Offbeat, eclectic and distinctive, there’s always fun to be found in the Fourth and Main…

Entertainment

Tour Downtown Columbus’ Warehouse District

Located in the northeastern part of Downtown, Columbus’ Warehouse District is grounded in history: its…

Downtown

Your Complete Guide to Brunch in Downtown Columbus

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, add some -unch and it’s…

Downtown Strategic Plan

Embark on the next stage of Downtown Columbus’ urban revival and transformation into a world class city by enhancing equity, expanding accessibility, creating connectivity, supporting local, and improving inclusion so that Downtown Columbus is a safe and welcoming destination where the prosperity of our city can be enjoyed by all.

Parking Information

Downtown Columbus has parking options abound. Garages, surface lots and on-street sites offer a wide variety of access, no matter your kind of ride, wherever your destination may be.

Downtown columbus' districts

Discover Downtown through the rich tapestry of its urban districts.

Take a stroll along Gay Street and you’ll discover a dense mélange of lively, street-level bars, galleries, restaurants, retail shops, and cafes.

From Columbus Commons to the Scioto Mile, for an experience that’s equal parts urban flair and natural splendor, head to the RiverSouth District.

For fashion, food, fun, fabulous tunes, and fantastic retail, the eclectic Fourth and Main District is hard to beat.

Pro sports, world-renowned live entertainment, and vibrant restaurants and bars— the Arena District scores big every time.

The convergence of Downtown’s central business district and the historic Franklinton neighborhood, The Peninsula brings together the best of all worlds – just around the bend of the Scioto River.  

Historic buildings have been transformed into must-experience bars, venues and experiences in this up-and-coming District just east of the Scioto. 

Home to a vibrant array of landmark institutions, historic sites, progressive galleries, and contemporary culinary establishments, make your next Discovery in this signature Downtown district.

of Downtown Columbus through dozens of local events happening every week. 

Follow Us On Social Media

If you’re only here for the zipline...we won’t judge. BUT there are plenty of other free things to do around town tonight (Friday, June 13) ⬇️

➡️ Party on the Peninsula (where the zipline is) 😉 / 5-9 pm
➡️ DORA at Dusk (free trolley pub rides with @trolleypub) / 6 - 10 pm 
➡️ Gay Street Galleries Current Season Collaboration / 5 - 8 pm

Just down the street from The Peninsula you can also catch lots of local vendors with our friends at @goodmarket at Franklinton Friday! 

Happy weekend!
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND🤩🎸🍿

Looking for your weekend plans? We’ve got you covered (and yes, Thursday is basically Friday junior so we count it as the weekend ;)) Find ALL the info for each event at the link in our bio 😎

🗓️ THURSDAY, JUNE 12 ⬇️
🧘Fountain Fitness Classes
📍 Scioto Mile Fountain, 233 S Civic Center Dr
⏰6:30 & 7:30 pm

🥂Bar, Art, Music (BAM) @columbusmuseum 
📍 Columbus Museum of Art 
⏰5-10 pm

🧪COSI After Dark: Pride Prom
📍 333 W Broad St
⏰7-10 pm

🩰BalletMet: Black Voices 
📍 Davidson Theatre
⏰7:30 pm

🗓️ FRIDAY, JUNE 13⬇️
🧇Breakfast at Bicentennial Park
📍 Bicentennial Park, 233 S Civic Center Dr
⏰7-10 am

🐐Commons for Kids
📍 Columbus Commons, 160 S High St
⏰10 am - 1pm

🥳Party on The Peninsula
📍88 High Water Alley
⏰5-9 pm

🍻DORA at Dusk 
📍 High Water Alley, The Patio & Land-Grant Brewing
⏰6-10 pm

🎥CAPA Summer Movie Series: In and Out
📍 Ohio Theatre
⏰7:30 pm

🩰BalletMet: Black Voices
📍Davison Theatre
⏰7:30 pm

🗓️ SATURDAY, JUNE 14 ⬇️

🏳️‍🌈Stonewall Columbus Pride March 2025
📍 Broad & High Streets
⏰Step-off at 10:30 am

🦌Scioto Arts Market 
📍 National Veterans Memorial & Museum
⏰10 am - 2 pm

⚽Columbus Crew match
📍 Lower.com Field
⏰7:30 pm

🎼Nationwide Picnic with the Pops: A Boy Band Symphony 
📍 Columbus Commons, 160 S High St
⏰8pm

🎸All Out Music Festival 
📍 KEMBA Live!
⏰3 pm

🍿CAPA Summer Movie Series: The Sound of Music
📍 The Ohio Theatre
⏰7:30 pm

🩰BalletMet: Black Voices 
📍 Davidson Theatre
⏰7:30 pm

🗓️ SUNDAY, JUNE 15
🧘Free Fountain Fitness Classes 
📍 Scioto Mile Fountain, 233 S Civic Center Dr
⏰9:30 & 10:30 am

🌈Pride Drag Brunch 
📍 Jackie O’s on Fourth
⏰11 am

🍿CAPA Summer Movie Series: The Sound of Music
📍 The Ohio Theatre
⏰2pm
8 THINGS TO DO AFTER WORK (that aren’t drinking or doom scrolling) 🎥🧘🛶🏓

If you’re looking to mix up your week nights with something other than happy hour, we’ve got you with 8 unique ideas ⤵️

CATCH A FREE (or cheap!) MOVIE 🎥🍿
➡️ Tues: free movies at @jackieoscolumbus
➡️ Free family movies at @columbuscommons (Inside Out on June 20) 
➡️ NEW: movies with @filmitincbus on June 25 at High Water Alley on @thepeninsulacbus 
➡️ @capacolumbus Summer Movie Series (tickets are $6!) 

TRY A FREE WORKOUT CLASS 🧘🤸
➡️ Tues: 5:30pm and 6:30pm HIIT w @qualitywellnesscoaching at @columbuscommons
➡️ Weds: 5:30pm and 6:30pm w @rawyoga614 at @columbuscommons 
➡️ Thurs: 6:30pm full body + 7:30pm yoga w @614_Fit_Club 
➡️ Select Sun: 9:30am + 10:30am dance w @artisandancestudio @fluxflowdancecenter

JOIN A KICKBALL OR CORNHOLE LEAGUE 🔴🦵
➡️ Mon + Tues: sign up and play kickball at @columbuscommons
➡️ Thursdays: cornhole leagues w @gocornhole at @thepeninsulacbus 

TRY TRIVIA OR KARAOKE 🎤
➡️Trivia: Pierogi Mountain, The Walrus, Jackie Os 
➡️Karaoke: Pierogi Mountain, Slammer’s, Park Street Tavern, Whistle & Keg

KAYAK OR PADDLEBOARD 🛶💦
➡️ Rent gear from @windroseoutdoor — reserve online + meet them under the Main St bridge boat launch. (pstt — it’s discounted every Weds this summer, so you can kayak for $15 or paddleboard for $12.50!) 

PLAY PUTT PUTT & PING PONG (coming June 13)🏓
➡️This week, High Water Alley will be transformed to a lil adult playground with putt putt & ping pong out weekly for anyone to play! Plus, experience Los Trompos (new art installation) as well as a bite to eat at the Junto. 

SHOP + GALLERY HOP 🛍️🖼️
➡️ There are several new galleries on Gay Street including Brandt Gallery, Chaos Contemporary Craft, Lindsay Gallery, and more! Check out some nearby shops for goods at @evolverieclothing @artisansand @zerozwallet 

PICNIC AT A PARK 🧀🌳⛲
➡️ There is so much green space Downtown! Pick up dinner from a nearby restaurant or grab some groceries from @charmysmarket + take it to Columbus Commons, Bicentennial Park, or Topiary Park. You can also grab an NA drink from the new bar, The Patio at Scioto Mile Fountain!
June is here! Arts Fest takes over Downtown this weekend along with so many more events + the Peach Truck is coming to town! Check it all out 🎨🍻🎵

🗓️ FRIDAY, JUNE 6 ⤵️ 

🧑‍🎨 FREE Arts Festival
🕐 11am-10pm 
📍Scioto Riverfront, 233 S Civic Center Dr

🎭 Kimberly Akimbo
📍 Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St
🕐 6:30pm 

SATURDAY, JUNE 7⤵️
🛍️ FREE Women of Color Owned Summer Market by @zorashouse614
🕐 11am-5pm 
📍Columbus Commons, 160 S High St

🧑‍🎨 FREE Arts Festival
🕐 11am-10pm 
📍Scioto Riverfront, 233 S Civic Center Dr

🏃 Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike ($10) 
🕐 8:30am-5pm 
📍300 W Broad St 

🍷 Columbus Summer Wine Festival 
📍 McFerson Commons Park, 211 W Nationwide Blvd 
🕐 1-3:30pm or 3:30-7pm

🔍 The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show
🕐 6pm-9pm
📍Plaza Hotel Columbus, 75 E State Street 

🩰 BalletMet: Black Voices
🕐 7:30pm
📍Riffe Center, 77 S High St 

SUNDAY, JUNE 8⤵️

🎼 FREE CONCERT: Parker Louis & The Deeptones 
🕐 5pm DJ starts 
📍Columbus Commons, 160 S High St

🏃On Fourth Run Club 
🕐 10am 
📍 Jackie O’s 

🧑‍🎨 FREE Arts Festival 
🕐 10am-5pm 
📍Scioto Riverfront, 233 S Civic Center Dr
5 ROOFTOP BARS DOWNTOWN 🌇🥂

The weather is finally in the upper 80s, so you know what that means.... it’s rooftop season y’all ☀️🙌 What better way to take in our city skyline than with a drink in hand? 🍹 

These 5 rooftop bars (and one bonus one) are a must-visit this summer ⬇️

📍Brass Eye* // 77 Belle St @brasseye
📍Goodale Station // 77 E Nationwide Blvd @goodalestation
📍Jackie O’s on Fourth*, 171 N Fourth St @jackieoscolumbus
📍Novak’s Tavern and Patio // 475 N High St @novakstavernandpatio
📍Stories on High // 404 N High St @storiesonhigh
📍BONUS: Astra Rooftop IS COMING SOON: JULY 2025 // 517 Park St @astracolumbus

*PS - Did you know you know that you can grab an alcoholic drink to-go at these bars? Take your drink to-go in a DORA cup!
NEW BUSINESS ALERT: CURE 614 🍸🎵

Coffee meets cocktails at the newest bar in Downtown! Meet, Cure 614, a laid-back vibey bar at 154 N 3rd St.

We checked it out during their soft opening this past weekend, and this place is a VIBE! Think: old school hip-hop, rock and R&B served up with craft cocktails all centered around music too — like the Purple Rain and Strawberry Fields 🎼🎸

The bar features immaculate showpieces including the stained glass at the front where the “Minister of Music” aka the DJ for the night performs.  Plus, don’t miss the gold-painted mirrors and golden throne in the bathroom! It’s what we like to call, a royal flush 😉

@cure_614 is NOW OPEN (this week is 6pm-2am but check their page for hours before you go!) 

PS — make a whole bar hopping night out of it and hit @jackieoscolumbus @pins.cbus across the street and finish the night with some pizza at @slammersbar 🍕🍻
FESTIVALS COMING UP IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS 🤩🎉

Festival season is almost here...who’s ready?! ✋ 

SAVE THE DATES:⬇️

🧑‍🎨FREE Columbus Arts Festival
🗓️June 6-8, 2025
📍The Scioto Riverfront, 233 S Civic Center Drive

🎸Juneteenth Ohio Celebration
🗓️June 21-22, 2025
📍Genoa Park, 303 W Broad Street

🏳️‍🌈FREE Columbus Pride March
🗓️June 14, 2025
📍Begins @ Broad St. and High St. at 10:30 and marches north towards Goodale Park for the Stonewall Pride Fest

🎆FREE Red, White & BOOM
🗓️July 3, 2025
📍Downtown Columbus, fireworks launched over The Scioto Mile

📚 FREE Columbus Book Festival
🗓️July 12-13, 2025
📍Main Library + Topiary Park, 96 S Grant Ave

🎷FREE Jazz & Rib Fest
🗓️July 18-20, 2025
📍The Scioto Mile, 233 S Civic Center Drive

💃FREE Festival Latino
🗓️August 9-10, 2025
📍Genoa Park, 303 W Broad Street

🎤FREE CBUS Soul Fest
🗓️August 15-16, 2025
📍Bicentennial Park, 233 S Civic Center Drive

🇬🇷 Columbus Greek Festival
🗓️August 29-September 1, 2025
📍Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N High Street

😂Columbus Comedy Festival
🗓️September 4-7, 2025 
📍Locations vary

Which ones are you going to?