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Upcoming Events in Downtown Columbus

FREE Fountain Fitness Classes: Contemporary Dance

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

Columbus Book Festival

The 2025 Columbus Book Festival will feature a whole new lineup of 200+ national and Columbus-based authors, panel discussions, author talks, book signings and more!

The Festival Marketplace will brim with dozens of bookish retailers, community exhibitors, an entertainment lineup, local food court and the popular Indie Author Alley pavilion and Friends of the Library Big Book Sale tent.

As always, this event is free and open to all book lovers.

FREE Fountain Fitness Classes: Contemporary Dance

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

Big Summer Craft Market

Who doesn’t LOVE a fun summer market – especially in the coolest (yes, it’s air conditioned) entertainment spot in The Warehouse District.  The Kee is Columbus’ place for music, art, and entertainment alongside incredible food and drink.  There is a cafe, lounge, full service bars, restaurants, arcade and simulated sports games, and creative murals and art gallery.  If you haven’t experienced The Kee yet, you’re gonna love it!  

This local shopping dreamland will feature over 80 local creatives, curated boutiques and vintage booths to help you find all the latest merch you need for the summer shenanigans happening all over Cbus.  Stick around The Kee after the market clears out because they will be continuing the party late into the night with an evening full of more music, more drinks, more food!  They even have galleries and game rooms! 

FREE UnderCurrent Bastille Day

Partner Organization:
Makeready

Join us for a vibrant celebration of French culture at Chouette’s Bastille Day Festival! Enjoy a delightful array of French-inspired dishes, live music performances, and a curated marketplace featuring local vendors offering unique French goods.

This festival is all about bringing people together over great food, music, and community. With a welcoming atmosphere and something for everyone to enjoy, we can’t wait to celebrate with you. Find more details and RSVP here.

Hamilton

A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation.

HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. HAMILTON features book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

Tickets Required

11th Annual Columbus Disabilities Festival

Join Unlimited Possibilities for All Disabilities for the 11th Annual Columbus Disabilities Festival, a free, family-friendly celebration designed to uplift and support individuals and families navigating physical, mental, and developmental disabilities. This fun-filled day connects attendees with vital resources, care providers, products, and community support for all ages. The festival will feature live music, contests, giveaways, sensory-friendly tent, interactive booths, community resource booths, and more!

Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the festivities!

Columbus Clippers Game

Watch the Columbus Clippers take on the Louisville Bats at Huntington Park.

Hamilton

A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation.

HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. HAMILTON features book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

Tickets Required

Dino-Mite Kids Week at Sunny Street Café

Calling all little explorers! Sunny Street Café is going prehistoric with a week full of flapjack fun. From July 14–18, kids under 12 can dig into a FREE dinosaur pancake (with the purchase of an adult meal), then head to the toppings bar to decorate their dino with sprinkles, syrup, whipped cream and more!

The fun doesn’t stop there—expect games, prizes and dino-themed activities that’ll keep the whole herd happy. Dine-in only, so grab the family and stomp on over! 🦕

Blog Posts to Get You in the Know.

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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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15+ EVENTS THIS WEEKEND ☀️⬇️

It’ll be a JAM-PACKED summer weekend of events here Downtown — maybe even the busiest so far this year 👀 From free kayak rides, the @columbuslibrary book festival, to street festivals, there are so many ways to get out and about this weekend 🚣 

Here’s your full lineup ⬇️

THURSDAY, JULY 10 📅 ⤵️
🖌️BAM at @columbusmuseum (FREE)
🦠COSI After Dark: The Empire Strikes Bash
🎼 Hamilton at Ohio Theatre
🤸 Fountain Fitness Classes (FREE)

FRIDAY, JULY 11 📅 ⤵️
🏅Commons for Kids: Sports (FREE)
🍻 DORA at Dusk (FREE)
🎤 Summer Concert Series at The Junto (FREE)
🎼 Hamilton at Ohio Theatre
⚾ Columbus Clippers Game 

SATURDAY, JULY 12 📅 ⤵️
🏃Dash For Donations 
🛍️Scioto Arts Market (FREE)
📚Columbus Book Festival (FREE)
🚣 Free Kayak Day (FREE)
🎻 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops at @columbuscommons
🎼 Hamilton at Ohio Theatre
⚾ Columbus Clippers Game

SUNDAY, JULY 13 📅 ⤵️
🦉UnderCurrent Bastille Day Festival (FREE)
🛍️ Not Your Mama’s Big Summer Market with @notyourmamascraftmarket & @thekeecolumbus (FREE)
📚Columbus Book Festival with @columbuslibrary (FREE)
🤸 Fountain Fitness Contemporary Dance Classes (FREE)
🎼 Hamilton at Ohio Theatre
⚾ Columbus Clippers Game
🎄11th Annual Columbus Disabilities Festival (FREE)

Check out the full event calendar at the link in our bio to never miss a Downtown event!
FREE KAYAK DAYS coming up this summer🚣☀️

All experience levels are welcome to enjoy complimentary kayaks, tandem kayaks and SUP rentals on Saturday, 7/12 and 8/9🤩🛶

How it works ⤵️
➡️Get in line under the Main St Bridge, near Bicentennial Park 
➡️A staff member will greet you in line to sign the required waiver
➡️Once your waiver is signed, you will be given a wristband
➡️Wait your turn in line
➡️Climb aboard your kayak or SUP and enjoy the best views of Downtown Columbus
⚠️ Please note this event is first-come-first-served. The line will close when we reach maximum capacity of riders, which will occur before 5pm. We will provide updates on our IG stories!

Some things to keep in mind🚨⤵️
➡️Kids must be at least 5 years of age to participate.
➡️Children 12 and under must ride with a parent.
➡️Life vests are required and will be provided.
➡️The demand for this is HIGH. Arrive early for your best chance at riding!
➡️Please note that dates are subject to change based on weather and river conditions.
➡️Watch our IG stories for line closure updates!

🚣 Free Kayak Days
🗓️ July 12 & August 9
🕐 1 - 5 pm
📍 Boat launch under the Main Street Bridge, near Bicentennial Park and the Scioto Mile Fountain.
NEW POP-UP SCIOTO ARTS MARKET THIS SATURDAY, 7/12 🎨🛍️🎶

Looking for your Saturday afternoon plans? Check out this new monthly market by @cypclub featuring local treasures, handmade crafts, freshly made goods, and more from 70+ local vendors! 

It all happens at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (300 W Broad St)! Admission is FREE and parking is $5. Enjoy live music, art, face painting, bounce house, and food trucks while you stroll through the market! 

Want to make it a whole afternoon? Here’s what you can do afterwards⤵️
🎟️ Visit @nationalvmm (admission is free during the market!) 
🧪 Walk over to @cosiscience for a science-filled stroll 
🥞 Grab rooftop brunch at @brasseye at The Junto 
⛳ Play putt putt (for free!) at the Lawn at High Water Alley + take a spin on Los Trompos 
🚣 BONUS: Across the river, get in line for a complimentary kayak or paddleboard ride at Free Kayak Day (1-5pm) 

Check out the monthly line-up happening 10 am - 2 pm 🗓️⤵️

🌎Around the World
🗓️Saturday, July 12

🏅Sports, Fitness & Outdoor
🗓️Saturday, August 9

🐕Cats, Dogs & Pets
🗓️Saturday, September 13

🍂Halloween, Fall & Harvest
🗓️Saturday, October 18
NEW FREE DANCE & FITNESS CLASSES 🤸‍♂️🧘

Find your next workout here at Scioto Mile Fountain — the vibes can’t be beat 🙌

Every Thursday, there are two evening fitness classes: a full body workout and yoga. On Sundays, there are two dance classes including Baby Dance Club, contemporary dance, and dance aerobics. 

Here’s how to participate ⬇️
✅ Sign the waiver at the link in our bio 
✅ Opt in to emails so you can get updates and cancellation notices
✅ Bring your own mat for yoga classes + water!

There’s no need to RSVP — just show up!

FULL SCHEDULE ⬇️ mark those calendars!

🗓️Thursdays thru August 28
🚨 no classes July 3, July 17, or August 14
🕐 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm Full body workout with @itslindseyveronica from @614_fit_club
🕐 7:30 pm – 8:15 pm Yoga with @rach_czer from @614_fit_club

🗓️ Sundays thru August 24 (except the last Sunday, see below) 
🚨 no classes June 22, July 20, and August 10
🕐9:30 am – 10:15 am Contemporary Dance with Myles Lawson @artisandancestudio
🕐10:30 am – 11:15 am Contemporary Dance with Myles Lawson @artisandancestudio

🗓️ Last Sunday of the month (June 29, July 27, and August 31)
🕐9:30 am – 10:15 am Baby Dance Club with Russell @fluxflowdancecenter
🕐10:30 am – 11:15 am Dance Aerobics with Fili @fluxflowdancecenter

Looking for even MORE fitness classes? Columbus Commons has free HIIT workouts on Tuesdays with @quality_wellness_columbus and Slow Flow Yoga on Wednesdays with @rawyoga614 🌟