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Upcoming Events in Downtown Columbus

Dinner for Two Special at FYR Short North

The perfect date night awaits at FYR Short North! Join us for our Dinner for Two special, available Monday through Wednesday beginning April 6. Three courses are available for $75.

Commons for Kids

Every Friday, kids of all ages can enjoy hands-on educational activities that align with the theme of the week. Plus, take free carousel rides, explore lawn games or take a lunch break at one of the food trucks. 

Activities vary weekly.

Scioto Mile Fountain

Cool off and splash in the fountain!

Summer Music Series: The Lawn at High Water Alley

Join us this summer on the back lawn for live music, yard games, and cocktails from Little West Poutine on Franklinton Fridays at this FREE event!

There’s always something happening on The Lawn! From sunset sets by local musicians to great cocktails and cookout classics from the Little West Poutine window, we’ll see you for the second Friday of the month to celebrate the summer Franklinton Fridays!

Friday, July 10: James Gaiters Jazz Quartet

Friday, August 14: Angela Perley

Friday, September 11: Hawa

Free Family Movie Night: Up

Round up the whole family and head to the Commons for a free movie surrounded by the stars and city skyline. Free popcorn while supplies last. 

Scioto Mile Concert Series: Ruthie Foster

Summer nights in Columbus just got better. On top of the many festivals that call the riverfront home, Columbus Recreation and Parks, in partnership with the CAPA, Columbus Symphony and Columbus Jazz are bringing FREE outdoor concerts to the Bicentennial Park Stage on select Friday evenings with a lineup you won’t want to miss. Grab a blanket, bring the crew, and catch a world-class act under the open sky. All concerts start at 7 p.m. Food and drinks will be available starting at 6 p.m.

Redferrin at The Bluestone

Enjoy a show by American country music singer-songwriter, Redferrin, at The Bluestone. Tickets available here. 

2026 DASH FOR DONATION

On Saturday, July 11 Lifeline of Ohio is excited to host its 27th annual Dash for Donation at Genoa Park. Events include a 5K Run/Walk, 1-Mile Family Fun Walk and a Kids and Mascot Dash. Lifeline of Ohio holds the Dash for Donation as an effort to raise awareness in central and southeastern Ohio of the importance of becoming an organ, eye and tissue donor. Whether you walk, run, volunteer or participate virtually, we hope you’ll join us for this family-friendly event to celebrate the gift of life! 

Free Kayak Days

Boat launch under the Main Street bridge, near Bicentennial Park. Take a free watercraft ride and enjoy the view from the Scioto River. Demand is expected to be high. First-come, first-served. 

Columbus Book Festival

This free literary festival features panel discussions, author talks, book signings and so much more. Enjoy two days full of fun at the historic Main Library. The festival will feature a whole new lineup of 200+ national and Columbus-based authors, panel discussions, author talks, book signings and more!

 

Blog Posts to Get You in the Know.

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

Downtown

Where to Eat in the Gay Street District

There is no shortage of amazing food in the Gay Street District. Use this list…

Downtown

How to Spend a Day on Gay

The Gay Street District is packed full of fun for all to enjoy. From fine…

Downtown

9 Unique Date Night Ideas

If dinner and drinks just aren’t cutting it anymore, try one of these novel experiences…

Downtown

20+ Things to do in 2026 in Downtown Columbus

Whether it’s a new fitness goal or spending more quality time with family, we’ve got…

Downtown

Holiday Shopping Gift Guide

The season of giving is here and Downtown Columbus is packed full of small businesses…

Downtown

October (2025) in Downtown Columbus

Spooky Season has officially arrived in Downtown Columbus. With sunset movies, haunted tours, and cozy…

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. 

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