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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 Symphony: Tchaikovsky Spectacular

A master of drama and romance, Tchaikovsky’s music transports us to his distinctive musical landscape. On this program are some of his most beloved works. Aubree Oliverson, whose performances have been described as “powerful… brimming with confidence and joy” (Miami New Times) returns to Columbus with the exquisite Violin Concerto. The sixth symphony, Tchaikovsky’s last, is a passionate triumph from a composer at the pinnacle of his career.

Columbus Crew Game

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

 

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Tchaikovsky Spectacular

A master of drama and romance, Tchaikovsky’s music transports us to his distinctive musical landscape. On this program are some of his most beloved works. Aubree Oliverson, whose performances have been described as “powerful… brimming with confidence and joy” (Miami New Times) returns to Columbus with the exquisite Violin Concerto. The sixth symphony, Tchaikovsky’s last, is a passionate triumph from a composer at the pinnacle of his career.

Cooper-Bing Competition

The Cooper-Bing is an internationally recognized vocal competition that has celebrated and supported emerging young artists in opera. Dubbed “The Olympics of Opera”, this competition encourages talent, creates artistic opportunity, and helps welcome the next generation into the professional opera community. Five finalists compete for the grand prize of $10,000! The 2025 competition will be emceed by Christopher Purdy.  

Get Tickets Here

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.

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

 

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!

Breakfast at the Commons

Every Wednesday, stop by Columbus Commons to grab breakfast and coffee at one of our local food trucks! It’s the perfect pick-me-up on the way into the office. 

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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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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
THE SCIOTO MILE FOUNTAIN IS (almost) BACKKKK ⛲ ☀️ 

FREE summer fun is back and better than ever! Starting May 23, hang out or splash in the Scioto Mile Fountain, take a (new!) fountain dance + fitness class 🧘 or float down the river on a kayak 🚣

Check out upcoming events below + stay tuned because we have another event announcement coming soon 👀

All events take place at Bicentennial Park (📌233 S Civic Center Dr) unless otherwise noted!

⛲FREE Scioto Mile Fountain
🗓️ Daily May 23 - Sept 1 
🕓 Interaction Play: 11am-7pm, Evening ambience: 7pm-10pm
➡️ Splash in the fountain for FREE! 

🧘💃NEW: FREE Fountain Dance + Fitness Classes
🗓️ June 12 - Aug 31 | Select Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings 
➡️ Hit the (fountain) floor this summer, and try out a dance class, yoga class, and full body workout. Designed for all skill levels. Everyone is welcome! 

🍻NEW: “The Patio” at Scioto Mile Fountain 
🗓️ Open May 23 through September 1 
🕓 Thurs + Fri, 4-10pm, Sat, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. 
➡️Sip on a DORA drink or non-alcoholic refreshment from “The Patio” while visiting the Scioto Mile Fountain!

🍻NEW: FREE Scioto Social
🗓️ Aug 30 at 8pm -10pm 
➡️ Adults, here’s your chance to take an end-of-season splash at the Scioto Mile Fountain! Enjoy a live DJ and an evening ambiance light show. DORA beverages will be available at The Patio!

☕️NEW: Breakfast at Bicentennial Park 
Grab coffee, waffles or ice cream at the @beanmachinecbus food truck every Friday. Plus, join the @sciotomilersrunningclub for a spirited group jog along the riverfront. Walkers welcome. Note: Food truck will not be on-site during large festival dates.  

🐸 FREE Fountain Fest
🗓️ May 24 + 25 | 11am-10pm 
➡️ Celebrate with music, food trucks, live performances, art, and more surprises (plus DORA drinks)

🚣FREE Kayak Days 
🗓️ July 13 and Aug 10 | 1-5pm
➡️Enjoy complimentary kayak, tandem kayak or stand-up paddleboard rides! Come early to get in line. Demand is high! 

🚎 FREE DORA at Dusk 
🗓️ Fridays, June 13, July 11, Aug 8, Sept 12, Oct 10 
🕓 6-10pm 

🚣 ➡️ Take 50% off a one-hour kayak rental @windroseoutdoor during Golden Hour Paddle and Wednesdays on the Water
10+ FREE THINGS TO DO WITH THE CULTURE PASS 🎫

Did you know you can see a summer movie at the Ohio Theatre, see the ballet, or cheer on the Clippers at a home game — all for FREE with a Culture Pass from the library? 

Here’s how to check out a free culture pass ⤵️

📖 check online to see if they offer a culture pass for the attraction you’re looking for 
📖 head to your CML branch + check out a pass in-person for your favorite attraction 
📖 explore the city on a budget! 

Culture passes are available for: 
🩰 BalletMet
🎵 Chamber Music Columbus
🎥 CAPA Summer Movie Series
🎭 Columbus Children’s Theatre
⚾ Columbus Clippers
🎤 Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus
🖼️ Columbus Museum of Art
🎻 Columbus Symphony
🐼 Columbus Zoo 
🪴 The Dawes Arboretum 
🎷Jazz Arts Group
🪖 National Veterans Memorial and Museum 
🎼 ProMusica
🎭 Shadowbox Live
Who’s behind @downtowncolumbus? 🤔

We’re due for a little reintroduction! We’re Downtown Columbus, Inc. 👋🏙️

You’ve probably seen us share free events, new places to eat & drink, things to do, business openings, and development updates 🍴📸

💭 What do we do? 
➡️ As an organization, we lead city-changing projects and collaborations that improve the connectivity, livability, and inclusivity of the Downtown Columbus experience.

🔍Last year, we launched the Center City DORA, Ground Floor Growth, and UnderCurrent — all initiatives driving toward the community’s vision for a neighborhood of connected, people-first urban districts that can be enjoyed by all. Our signature programming include events at Columbus Commons, Scioto Mile Fountain, and throughout Downtown 🌳⛲🍻

✉️ If you want to be in the know about new business openings, free events, and development updates, sign up for our periodic newsletter at the link in our bio. Psst — we have a BIG announcement coming soon about summer events! 

🔗 Learn more at downtowncolumbus.com.