Your guide to Downtown Columbus, from happenings to happy hours.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for a bite to eat before you’re in The Room Where It Happens? 🍽️🎭
We’ve got you covered with 30+ restaurants (most within a 10 min walk of the Ohio Theatre)🍴Choose from casual, elevated casual, fancier fare, and late night bites 🍕🌭🍻
FYI: The Ohio is just one of the many theaters we have to enjoy Downtown, including
🎭Palace Theatre
🎭Southern Theatre
🎭Riffe Center
🎭Columbus Performing Arts Center
🎭MadLab Theatre
What’s your go-to spot?👀
Psst - Be sure to follow @capacolumbus to stay up to date with can’t-miss performances, including @broadwaycolumbus hits, world-class spectacles like @balletmet, @opera.columbus and @columbussymphony, and both classic and contemporary works by our multiple local theatre groups.
Let the show begin😉
10 places for live music in Downtown Columbus🎶🎸
One of the BEST parts of summer is the live music that fills the city🤩
Check out these series happening all over Downtown + save this guide ⬇️
🎵Music Mondays
📍The Lawn at High Water Alley, 88 High Water Alley
🗓️Mondays
🕐6 pm
🎵Tribute Tuesdays by @colsrecparks
📍Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr
🗓️July 29, Aug 5 & Aug 19
🕐6:30 pm
🎵Summer Sound Stage by @music_columbus
📍The Lawn at High Water Alley, 88 High Water Alley
🗓️July 16, Aug 20 & Sept 10
🕐6:30 pm
🎵Summer Concert Series by @thejuntohotel
📍The Lawn at High Water Alley, 88 High Water Alley
🗓️Fridays through July 25
🕐7 pm
🎵Local & Live Concert Series by @columbuscommons
📍Columbus Commons, 160 S High St
🗓️July 31, Aug 14, Aug 29, Aug 31 & Sept 26
🕐6 pm
🎵Street Beats
📍@hanksseafoodcolumbus (6 W Gay St) & The Patio at Scioto Mile Fountain (233 Civic Center Dr)
🗓️Fridays & Saturdays
🕐6 - 8 pm
🎵Nationwide Picnic with the Pops by @columbussymphony
📍Columbus Commons, 160 S High St
🗓️July 19, July 25 & July 26
🕐8 pm
🎵Nationwide Popcorn Pops by @columbussymphony
📍Columbus Commons, 160 S High St
🗓️July 18
🕐5:30 pm
🎵Bicentennial Park Concerts @colsrecparks
📍233 Civic Center Dr
🗓️Aug 29 & Sept 12
🕐6:30 pm
🎵PBJ & Jazz by @jazzartsgroup
📍Topiary Park
🗓️July 19, Aug 9 & Sept 13
🕐12 pm
NOW OPEN: The Boat House at Confluence Park 🦞⚓️🍷
@theboathouseoh is back open at Confluence Park serving your surf & turf favorites on the convergence of the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers🌊
Their refreshed menu features elevated dishes like Caviar Frites, the Boat House Smashburger, seafood towers & more! The Boat House also has a selection of delicious cocktails and wines to complete your experience. We tried a couple of menu items (including the calamari) and they all were showstoppers🦞🍸
With the helpful service and INCREDIBLE Downtown skyline views, The Boat House is the perfect spot for your next date night, bestie dinner, or a night out✨
Bonus — after dinner, take a quiet sunset stroll on the Lower Scioto Greenways for nature and more views!
⛵️The Boat House @theboathouseoh
📍679 W Spring St
🍽️ Wed–Sun: 4–9 PM
🍹Happy hour: Wed–Fri: 4–6 PM
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
BASTILLE DAY FESTIVAL THIS SUNDAY, 7/13 🥐🦉
Transport to Paris without leaving Downtown Columbus with the next event in the UnderCurrent series! This Sunday, we’re shutting down Gay & High Streets — this time for the French celebration of Bastille Day!
In partnership with @makereadyexp, experience the joie de vivre outside of @chouetterestaurant with an afternoon of traditional French cuisine, live French jazz, artisan vendors, and more Parisian flair! Sip on premium cocktails, wines, and craft beers while exploring unique finds from a curated marketplace!🍷🇫🇷🛍️
🦉UnderCurrent: Bastille Day Festival
🗓️ Sunday, July 13
🕛 12 - 4 pm
How is it already July?! It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through 2025! Here are some of our favorite snapshots from the the top half of the year 📸😍
From markets to concerts to ziplines, Downtown has been packed with impeccable vibes, and the good times are just beginning 😎
Downtown Columbus Inc. is a private, non-profit development corporation with a mission to lead city-changing projects in the heart of Ohio’s capital city. Downtown Columbus Inc. was created in 2002 to implement the Downtown Strategic Plan.
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