Scioto Mile Riverfront Events

Memorial Day weekend starts here!

Kick off your summer with a full lineup of events along the riverfront all weekend long.

Check out the full lineup >>

Hours and Directions

Scioto Mile Fountain
233 S Civic Center Drive

Hours:

Open daily, May 23 – September 1

11 am – 7 pm Interactive Play

7 pm – 10 pm Evening Ambiance

Every evening, enjoy the ambiance as the Fountain glows and illuminates the night sky with color.

 

Sensory Friendly Hour:

Mondays, June 2 – August 25 

11 am – 12 pm

 

Learn more about the Scioto Mile Fountain
Scioto Mile Fountain

The Scioto Mile Fountain serves as a signature free Downtown amenity, well-loved by people of all ages. The enhanced Scioto Mile Fountain provides a daily experience that furthers the livability, connectivity, and inclusivity of Downtown Columbus.

This yeart, enjoy our brand-new fountainside dance and fitness classes, float down the Scioto River on Free Kayak Day, pedal on the Trolley Pub with a DORA drink, and so much more. Find the full list of events below.

Scioto Mile Riverfront Events

The Riverfront has something for everyone! This event series complements the dozens of festivals and additional events that draw thousands to the Downtown Riverfront each year. See the full list of Downtown events here.

One-Time Events

FREE Fountain Fest

Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25

11 am – 10 pm

Scioto Mile Fountain

Kick off summer with a splash! The Scioto Mile Fountain re-opens for the season at Bicentennial Park this Memorial Day Weekend. Join us for a FREE two-day celebration with music, food trucks, live performances, art, and more surprises.  All ages are welcome to splash in the Fountain, and adults can indulge in a drink using the Center City DORA. All ages are welcome throughout the day, but family programming starts at 11 a.m. and adult-centric programming kicks off at 4 p.m. 

FREE Scioto Social

Saturday, August 30

8 – 10 pm

Scioto Mile Fountain

This riverfront block party encourages all adults to embrace their fun side and splash through the fountain. A live DJ will be rocking the Scioto Mile fountain. DORA beverages will be available to purchase at The Patio. 

 

FREE Kayak Days

Saturday, July 12 & Saturday, August 9

1 – 5 pm

Boat launch under the Main Street Bridge, near Bicentennial Park (233 S Civic Center Dr)

These dates are subject to change based on weather and river conditions.

The views from the Scioto River are priceless, but you can experience them for no cost on two days this summer! All experience levels welcome to enjoy a complimentary kayak, tandem kayaking and SUP rentals.

  • We expect the line for kayaks to be long, based on high demand. Get there early for the best chance of being able to ride. We will start getting folks on the water at 1 pm.
  • We will be using a wristband system. Wristbands will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. Once all wristbands are distributed, the line will be cut off. Please note that this will likely be soon after 1 pm based on expected demand.
  • If you do not receive a wristband, you will not be able to ride a kayak.
  • Safety is a top priority. All participants must wear a life vest (provided). We ask that you follow all instructions provided by volunteers at the event.
  • There will be lots of other FREE activities to enjoy on the Riverfront including the Scioto Mile Fountain. We recommend wearing or bringing a swimsuit!
  • Can’t get on the river this time? Our next free kayak day will be on August 9.
 
  • Kids must be at least 5 years old to ride in a kayak.
  • Children 12 and under must ride with a parent.
  • Tandem, single, and SUP paddleboards will be available.

    TIP: You can bring your own kayak to the Scioto River any time, but Free Kayak Day provides kayak rentals for FREE. 

  • On other days, you can rent through Windrose Outdoor, who has 50% off Wednesdays throughout the summer and 50% for Golden Hour Paddle on Fridays in August. 

Reoccurring Events

FREE Fountain Fitness Classes

Thursdays & Sundays | June – August
Times Vary

Hit the (fountain) floor this summer with Free Dance + Fitness Classes! 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 but not required. After Thursday evening classes, unwind as the stunning Fountain illuminates the night sky.

FITNESS

Thursdays, June – August

Full Body Workout: 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm 

Yoga: 7:30 pm – 8:15 pm

*no event July 3 or August 14

 

DANCE

Sundays, June – August

SESSION 1: 9:30 am – 10:15 am

SESSION 2: 10:15 am – 11 am

*no event June 22, July 20, or August 10

How to participate: 

    • First, fill out the online waiver and release to participate in Scioto Mile dance and fitness classes. This is required to participate. 
    • Bring your own yoga mat for fitness classes! 
    • Come and go to any of the dance and fitness classes! No need to RSVP. 
  • Classes will be cancelled in the event of severe weather or unsafe conditions.
  • Our website will be updated to reflect when classes are canceled, updates will be posted to our Instagram stories @downtowncolumbus, and an email will be sent to participants. Sign the waiver to receive email updates.
Sign the waiver

Breakfast at Bicentennial Park

Fridays | May – October
7 – 10 am

Start your Fridays off on the right foot! Grab some coffee, waffles or ice cream at the Bean Machine food truck. Plus, join a spirited group jog along the riverfront with a run club. Walkers welcome. The food truck will not be on-site during large festival dates.

Runs will start and end at Bicentennial Park, taking off at 6:44 am. Find more information by following @sciotomilersrunningclub.

FREE DORA at Dusk

Second Fridays | June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10

6 – 10 pm 

Kick off your weekend with DORA at Dusk, the ultimate summer ride. Grab your favorite DORA drink and hop aboard the FREE Trolley Pub while rolling through Downtown hotspots. Pedal between (or let your neighbors do all the work) The Patio at Scioto Mile Fountain, The Junto, Franklinton Fridays, and Land-Grant Brewing. Score exclusive drink specials along the way! 

 

Wednesdays on the Water

Wednesdays  | May 28 – July 30

Boat launch under the Main Street Bridge, near Bicentennial Park

Paddle down the Scioto River with a 50% off discount on a one-hour watercraft rental. Spots are limited, so book ahead to secure your kayak! Walk-ins accepted, but not guaranteed.

Book here

Golden Hour Paddle

Fridays in August

August 1, 8, 22 | 5 pm and 6:30 pm

August 29 | 4:30 pm and 6 pm 

Boat launch under the Main Street Bridge, near Bicentennial Park

Paddle down the Scioto River with a 50% off discount on a one-hour watercraft rental every Friday in August. Spots are limited, so book ahead to secure your kayak! Walk-ins accepted but not guaranteed.  

 

Book here

The Patio at the Scioto Mile Fountain

233 S Civic Center Drive

Grab a house cocktail, beer, or glass of wine all summer long at "The Patio"!
Take it to-go in in a DORA cup. Non-alcoholic drinks are available here and at nearby food trucks.
Hours:
Thurs-Fri, 4 pm - 10 pm
Saturday, 11 am - 10 pm
Sunday, 11 am - 7 pm

Check out more events this summer: 

Events on The Peninsula

Events on Gay Street

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