From ceremonial to celebratory, we take summer seriously in Downtown Columbus. This week, we honor our heroes and welcome the season.
Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 27 | 10:00 am
National Veterans Memorial and Museum, 300 W Broad St
Remember the meaning behind the holiday. This first annual ceremony will feature comments from retired military personnel, a color guard, the playing of Taps, and laying of wreaths to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Please reserve tickets for this free event.
Food Truck Food Court
Thursday, May 30 | 11:00 am
Columbus Commons, 160 S High St
Up to 10 trucks will roll onto the Commons cooking and frying up favorites to feed your midday munchies. Try one, try them all. And since it’s the last of May, it’s also last call of the season for Dirty Franks and Mixing Bowl food truck fans.
Distant Worlds: Music from FINAL FANTASY
Friday, May 31 | 8:00 pm
Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St
A video game music concert. Whodathunkit? GRAMMY® Award-winner Arnie Roth, that’s who. Under his direction, this multimedia production combines immersive HD video projects with a growing repertoire of classic FINAL FANTASY music performed by a philharmonic orchestra and chorus.
Family Friday Night at COSI
Friday, May 31 | 8:00 pm
COSI, 333 W Broad St
Cheap family fun. Priceless family members. For just 10 bucks a kid and 15 per adult, everyone will enjoy late-night hours, hands-on demos, fun activities, and an all-access pass to COSI classics – including the only high wire unicycle in the whole wide world.
Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff
Saturday, June 1 | 11:00 am
Columbus Metropolitan Library, 96 S Grant Ave
The sun is out, the days are longer, yet summer just isn’t summer without some must-reads. Make your reading list; better yet, start here with stories, music, and fun for readers of all ages. Then while away the dog days with your own read-a-thon for a chance to win a pocketful of prizes.
‘That’s What She Said’ The Office Trivia Bar Crawl
Saturday, June 1 | 4:00 pm
Park Street Cantina, 491 Park St
Eat, drink, and compete. Join a throng of other Office Dundies, hopping bar-to-bar and getting quizzed on obscure facts about the most hilarious 9-to-5 world on TV. Take things up a notch with drink and food specials, prodigious prizes and surprises, plus an 80s & 90s blow out bash.
3rd Annual SUMMER614
Saturday, June 1 | 3:00 pm
Columbus Commons, 160 S High St
It’s a non-stop party featuring old skool hip hop, new school rappers, and Music for Peace with urban entertainment legends Big Daddy Kane, Musiq Soulchild, Da Brat, and more. Benefiting the 22nd Foundation, this concert supports the mission of helping low-opportunity youth reach their potential.
Rhythm on the River Music Festival
Saturday, June 1 | 11:00 am
John W. Galbreath Bicentennial Park, 233 S Civic Center Dr
Find funk, jazz, rock, R&B, gospel, soul, and fusion, and food trucks all in one place, all on one day. This free, day-long music fest features six performances from a wide range of talent, including local artists MojoFlo, national powerhouse Ruthie Foster, and headlining act, The Fabulous Thunderbirds.