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Upcoming Events in Downtown Columbus

Vessels in Red

Vessels in Red is a multisensory exhibition exploring the body as a portal for emotional transformation. Expanding on Vessels in Blue, it merges visual art, dance, and spoken word into an immersive experience where the gallery becomes a living laboratory of collaborative artmaking.

Artists and curators, Miriam King, Ashley Martin, and Christina Navarro use monochromatic red works to examine how our bodies process love, shame, guilt, anger, and grief. The exhibition engages multiple senses: sight through artwork and lighting; touch through varied fabrics; sound through spoken word, music, and installations; and smell through rich, primal scents and performances on opening night.

By dissolving the boundary between artist and audience, Vessels in Red challenges traditional art consumption, fostering a space for self-liberation, inspired by Audre Lorde’s words: “When I dare to be powerful—to use my strength in the service of my vision—then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”

Curated and created by Christina Navarro (visual and performance artist, writer), Miriam King (transformative practitioner exploring movement and emotional transmutation), and Ashley Martin (visual artist, community builder, storyteller), this exhibition invites viewers to see their own emotions reflected, making Vessels in Red as much about the audience’s journey as the artistic vision that brought these vessels of transformation into being.

Exhibition Run: Tuesday, May 13 – Saturday, June 7

Opening Reception: Friday, May 16, 6–8 PM

Closing Panel: Saturday, June 7, Time TBD

Columbus Taco Week

Columbus Taco Week is a citywide celebration of the beloved taco, offering a week-long culinary adventure across participating restaurants. From traditional flavors to innovative creations, each location features specialty tacos at an unbeatable price. Explore Columbus’ vibrant food scene, discover new favorites, and support local eateries during this flavorful event. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing tacos to-go, Columbus Taco Week is the perfect way to savor the best tacos the city has to offer. Don’t miss this week of deliciousness!

Taco Tuesday

Visit Columbus Commons to enjoy tacos and Latin cuisine from your favorite food trucks on the first Tuesday of each month from May through October.

Free Play at the Commons

Come Downtown and take a free spin on the Carousel, play under the parachute, build with our Imagination Playground big blue blocks, kick a soccer ball, or make your own fun. Plus, additional programming will be available on select dates.

Storytime with Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library

Join Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library for a monthly storytime at Columbus Commons. Sing, rhyme and read along to your favorite stories and songs! Bring the entire family along for this fun park pop-up. Storytime runs from 11 am to 11:30 am on the first Tuesday of the month between May and September near the Little Free Library – right by the Jeni’s scoop shop. Stick around for lunch with curated Taco Tuesday food trucks, and the littles can enjoy Free Play, featuring free spins on the Carousel, parachute play, the Imagination Playground big blue blocks, and soccer.

Free Fitness at the Commons

Whether you’re getting your heart pumping with cardio or finding your center with yoga, the North Lawn of the Commons is the place to take your workout classes outside – and it’s all free! 

 

May – September 

Tuesdays- HIIT

5:30 & 6:30 pm

Wednesday- Yoga

5:30 & 6:30 pm

 

Free Fitness at the Commons

Whether you’re getting your heart pumping with cardio or finding your center with yoga, the North Lawn of the Commons is the place to take your workout classes outside – and it’s all free! 

 

May – September 

Tuesdays- HIIT

5:30 & 6:30 pm

Wednesday- Yoga

5:30 & 6:30 pm

 

Kimberly Akimbo

A new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), KIMBERLY AKIMBO is the winner of 5 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL. It features Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Shrek), a Tony Award-winning score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen) and direction by Tony-nominated director Jessica Stone.

Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush…and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.

 

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Wednesdays on the Water

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. Check https://windroseoutdoor.com/ for operating hours. 

November Project Scioto Mile Free Workout

November Project is a free outside fitness group that started in Boston in 2011 to break down barriers to movement! Now in 53 cities around the globe, we create free, fun, scalable (adjustable to your fitness level) workouts for all ages – and doggos!

Our workout starts at 6:14a every Wednesday morning in Genoa Park on the Scioto Mile (on the steps behind COSI). We work out for 45 minutes together until 7am, then walk down to One Line Coffee to hang out before work!

Come join us if you’re an off-the-couch fitness newbie, a runner looking to cross-train, or any fitness level in between, we’d love to see you!

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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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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?
7 SPOTS FOR A LIL TREAT IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS ☕🍫

Little treat? yes pls 🙂‍↕️Here are some of our favorite little pick-me-ups around Downtown...drop yours for the sake of sweet-treat lovers everywhere⤵️

🧋 Three Bites Bakery + Little Cat Boba @threebitesbakery @littlecat.boba
📌12 E Broad St
➡️ dive into boba, matcha, or bombolone pastries 

🍰 Kennedy’s Kakes @kennedys_kakes
📌310 S High St
➡️ from cupcakes to cakepops, this is your one-stop shop for cake in all forms! 

🥐Parable @parablecafe
📌149 S High St 
➡️ indulge in a carefully curated coffee, cocktail or pastry 

☕ Black Kahawa @blackkahawa
📌2 E Broad St 
➡️ try cold brew on tap or a delectable espresso martini

🥜 The Peanut Shoppe @thepeanutshoppecolumbus
📌4 E Broad St
➡️ make your own crunchy, salty, and sweet snack mix from freshly roasted nuts and chocolates!

🍩 North Market @northmarket
📌59 Spruce St 
➡️ choose from a plethora of savory + sweet bites, including pastries from @littletonsmarketbakery 

💐 Charmy’s Market @charmysmarket
📌95 N Grant Ave 
➡️ pick your treat whether it’s a fun little drink or a bouquet of fresh flowers 

YOU DESERVE A LIL TREAT!
HIDDEN GEM: The Vault in Downtown Columbus 💵

Did you know that there’s an over 100 year old bank vault hidden inside this building on Gay Street? 

Now aptly called “The Vault”, the space has a check-ered past. 

In the 1940s, Ohio Bell took over the entire five story Commerce Building. At that time, a 10 foot drop ceiling was added to HIDE the original chandelier! It was covered up for 60 years 😭

In 2002, the ceiling was removed to uncover a 100 YEAR OLD CHANDELIER 🤯 You’ll see original marble flooring, and the archway sitting at the entrance of the venue is 100 year old granite.

The Vault is truly one of Columbus’ best kept secrets. Interested in checking it out? The space available to rent! Lots of local businesses share the same address, including @magicescaperooms and new sports bar and cocktail lounge @capricolumbus 🥂

Have you heard of this place? 👀
GIVEAWAY: DOWNTOWN FOOD TRUCKS 🚚🌮🍕

Did you know there are food trucks and carts around Downtown nearly every day of the week? We’re giving away 3 FREE food vouchers to use at Taco Tuesday, Breakfast at the Commons and Food Truck Food Court! 

TO ENTER:
➡️ Like this post
➡️ Follow @downtowncolumbus and @columbuscommons 
➡️ Comment + tag your favorite food truck! 

Save this schedule to make your mealtimes a breeze 🗓️

TUESDAYS ⬇️
🍛Food Trucks at Dorrian Days 
🕝 11am - 2pm, June 10 - August 12 (no trucks on July 1) 
📌Dorrian Green, 50 S Belle St 
Check out @fettys_street_food or @paddywagonfood — they’re here on opposite weeks! 

🌮 Taco Tuesday (ONLY the first Tuesday of the month, May - Oct) 
🕝 11am-2pm
📌Columbus Commons, 160 S High St 
Grab tacos, burritos, and more from an array of food trucks! 

WEDNESDAYS ⬇️
🧇 Breakfast at the Commons
🕝 8am - 12pm 
📌Columbus Commons, 160 S High St 
Start your day with donuts, biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, and more! 

THURSDAYS ⬇️
🍕Food Truck Food Court & The Good Market 
🕝 11am-2pm 
📌Columbus Commons, 160 S High St 
➡️ Check out several local, diverse food truck options for lunch and shop at The Good Market while you’re here! 

FRIDAYS ⬇️
☕Breakfast at Bicentennial Park 
🕝 7am-10pm 
📌Bicentennial Park, 233 S Civic Center Dr 
➡️ Grab coffee, waffles, or ice cream from @beanmachinecbus 

🌟 BONUS: @tortillastreetfood will be at Bicentennial Park all day long from Tuesday - Sunday, starting May 27 - August 31
BAM is BACK🍷🎨🎵 

..and we’re shutting down the streets again for this year’s UnderCurrent series! Find us at the intersection of Gay & High Streets on May 15 for the pedestrian-only experience to kick off the UnderCurrent series opener and the first BAM of the year 🥂

🎵 Stop by and experience an evening of live music and creative art experiences with @soundclash_records @___dj___aloha
@djtrueskillz1969 @estehupp @hiroshihayakawaart @hostetlerwoodstudio @kerry_boganwright
and @megababe_entertainment. 

🎫 Admission is FREE! 

🍻Grab an alcoholic beverage from a nearby bar or restaurant and bring it in with a DORA cup! 

👀 Will we see you there? 

🍷🎨 BAM UnderCurrent with @columbusmuseum 
🗓️ Thursday, May 15
🕐 5-9pm 
🎫 FREE admission 
🚗 Street parking and garages are nearby 

*Rain date will be on Friday, May 16.
Get ready for COSI’s BIG SCIENCE CELEBRATION this Saturday 🧑‍🔬🔬🎊

It all kicks off with a colorful, elephant’s toothpaste explosion at 11am! Stick around and explore 100+ exhibitors, hands-on science activities, a model Blue Origin capsule, live performances, and so much more 🤩🧪 Food trucks will be on-site as well😋

It’s going to be a STEAM-filled Saturday that’s free and open to all! All happening right outside COSI on The Peninsula. 

🧪 FREE COSI Big Science Celebration 
📆 Saturday, May 3
🕐 11am-5pm
🚗 Garage parking is available at COSI and on The Peninsula