Gay Street District

The pulse of Columbus.

Local retail shop interior within the Gay Street District.
Artisans &
Modern coffee shop counter and espresso bar at Black Kahawa
Black Kahawa

Columbus' Cultural Crossroads

What is the Gay Street District in Downtown Columbus?

The Gay Street District is a vibrant urban destination located between the Columbus Museum of Art (to the east) and City Hall (to the west). It features a dense mix of independently owned bars, galleries, restaurants, retail shops, and cafes. As a centerpiece of Downtown, it stands out as a premier inclusive hub.
Local creativity and unique commerce thrive here in a walkable environment.

Things to Do in the Gay Street District

Whether you live, work or play on Gay Street, there are all kinds of ways to enjoy your time in the District, home to local, one-of-a-kind destinations and restaurants putting creativity at our city’s center and showcasing what our local talent – artists, restauranteurs, entrepreneurs – bring to this city. Test your skills with Magic Escape Rooms, wind down with Le Masseur, see a show at the Palace Theatre, and more!

Gay Street Art Galleries

A burgeoning arts district, Gay Street is home to a number of galleries, including Brandt Gallery, Lindsay Gallery, Chaos Contemporary Craft, No Place Gallery, Sarah Gormley Gallery, and  Hammond Harkins Galleries.

Grab a DORA drink, a bite to eat, and explore the district’s galleries as a DIY gallery hop!

Art enthusiasts exploring a gallery.
Chaos Contemporary Craft
Open-concept gym interior.
Quality Wellness Performance & Coaching

Retail and Wellness

Whether you’re into sustainable fashion, handmade soaps and fragrances, artisan goods or meeting your fitness goals, unique retail and wellness offerings include Columbus-born Zeroz wallets, Restalgic Atelier, Evolverie Clothing, Quality Wellness Permormance & Coaching, and Parlor Suites tattoo parlor.

Local bites and brews

Visit Columbus’ oldest restaurant at the historic Ringside Cafe. Grab an Asian-inspired bowl at Tiger & Lily. Indulge in Argentenian comfort food at Barroluco. Grab a slice of ‘za at family-owned-since-1992 Aracri Pizzeria. Grab something to go or work-from-anywhere at Brioso Coffee and Black Kahawa right at the intersection of Gay & High. Indulge in high end eats at Chouette, Hank’s Low County Seafood & Raw Bar, and Speck. 

Hand-crafted cocktail and fresh focaccia at Speck Italian Eatery.
Speck Italian Eatery

Parking on Gay Street

To help offset the loss of on-street parking and support continued access to Gay Street businesses, the City is helping provide convenient, affordable parking for customers during construction at the Fourth and Elm garage (78 N. Fourth Street), just a five-minute walk to the Gay and High intersection.

 

Fourth and Elm Garage  
78 N. Fourth Street   
$1 per hour (max 3 hours)   
With a validation from a Gay Street Business  

 Are you a Gay Street Business wondering how to request validations? Complete the form in the button below to be included in the next distribution. 

Gay Street Construction Deals

Are you a Gay Street business hosting a promotional deal during Construction? Let us know! 

Gay Street Events

Plan your trip Downtown with events happening on or near Gay Street!

Downtown

Dana Lynn Harper, “Imagined Paradise: Bridging the Celestial and the Earthbound” Opening Reception

“Imagined Paradise: Bridging the Celestial and the Earthbound”, an inaugural feature exhibit by multimedia sculptural…

Downtown

Taste of Downtown Columbus

Downtown Residents’ Association presents Taste of Downtown. Join us on Saturday, September 12th for an…

Downtown

Sh!t-faced Shakespeare®: Macbeth

An entirely serious production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth with an entirely sh!t-faced cast member Shakespeare’s…

Let us help you find your way

Businesses on Gay Street are open and remain accessible during construction! From local goods to artisan products and fine dining to quick bites, there is something for everyone on Gay Street. Chat with us to find the perfect destination for you.

Explore the Gay Street District

Experience

Shopping

Restalgic Atelier

Gay Street District

Arts & Culture

Brandt Gallery

Gay Street District

Arts & Culture

Lindsay Gallery

Gay Street District

Dining

Aracri Pizzeria

Gay Street District

Entertainment

Magic Escape Rooms

Gay Street District

Shopping

Luminary Vintage

Fourth & Main

Dining

Cravings Café

Gay Street District

Dining

Soul 2 Go

Gay Street District

Arts & Culture

Chaos Contemporary Craft

Gay Street District

Dining

Little Cat Boba

Gay Street District

Shopping

Evolverie Clothing

Gay Street District

Arts & Culture

Yao Cheng Design

Gay Street District

Related Blog Posts

Dining

Rooftop Bars in Downtown Columbus

The only thing better than a good view is a good view with a drink…

Dining

Pop Up Markets in Downtown Columbus

Good Market at Food Truck Food Court When: Every Thursday from 11 a.m. to…

Parks

Parks in Downtown Columbus

Columbus Commons 160 S High St The urban backdrop for the things you love. The…

Frequently Asked Questions About the Gay Street District

The Gay Street District is located in Downtown Columbus at the intersection of Gay and High Streets.

The Gay Street District is known for local restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, cafes, historic buildings, and community events.

Yes, it is a pedestrian-friendly district with easy access to dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Yes, the Gay Street District often hosts art gallery events, performances, and seasonal community events.