Summer on the Scioto - Downtown Columbus

The Scioto Mile

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Hours and Directions

Scioto Mile Fountain
233 S Civic Center Drive

Winter Hours:
The fountain is currently closed. Stay tuned for the 2025 opening date.

Parking:

River South Garage (232 S Front Street)
Columbus Commons (55 E Rich Street)

About the Scioto Mile Fountain

Since opening in 2011, the Scioto Mile Fountain has been a downtown riverfront icon. For more than 12 years the Scioto Mile Fountain has been a key part of summer in our community, provided the iconic image of Downtown and has been well loved by people of all ages. We truly believe that Downtown Columbus is everybody’s neighborhood, and The Scioto Mile Fountain is a key part of delivering on that promise. That’s why the enhanced Scioto Mile Fountain provides an incredible, free experience that furthers the livability, connectivity, and inclusivity of Downtown Columbus. Managed by Downtown Columbus, Inc., the fountain is a Columbus Recreation and Parks facility.

The updated design offers a variety of new and enhanced features, including:

Three stainless steel halo structures with 300 fog nozzles
Cutting-edge speaker system with surround sound.
Super shooter that can shoot jets of water up to 100 feet in the air.
Sprite area that contains 344 fountain sprites that are lit by self-contain LED lights.
Increased seating and shaded areas and space for food trucks and carts, offering reprieve and refreshment to Downtown visitors; and
Sculptural light elements with vibrant, constantly changing colors that will feature dynamic light shows in the cold-weather season, making the Scioto Mile Fountain a year-round destination.

Summer on the Scioto Season

The 2024 Summer on the Scioto season is now complete. Stay tuned for updates on the 2025 season.

The Summer on the Scioto series includes free family events at Dorrian Green and Bicentennial Park, activations on the Rich Street Bridge and the return of Wednesdays on the Water and Free Kayak Days. This series complements the dozens of festivals and privately produced events that draw thousands to the Downtown Riverfront.

FREE Fountainside Fun

Enjoy live music and performances, tabletop games, food trucks, sweet frozen treats and more. The whole family can splash at the fountain (for free!) so come on out to the Scioto Mile for a splash-tastic time.

Mondays: June 3, June 17, June 24, July 8, July 29, Aug 5, Aug 12

Thursdays: June 13, June 20, June 27, July 25, Aug 1

UPDATED TIME for July – August: 3 – 6 pm (moved from 11 am – 2 pm)

FREE Dorrian Days

With giant inflatables, games, the COSI curbside van, a themed activity station, and a food truck, bring your kids to the park for an afternoon of FREE fun. Plus, cool off in the Dorrian Green water feature.

Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | June 11 – Aug. 20.

No event July 2.

Dorrian Green, 50 S. Belle Street

Themes

June 25 – Music
July 2 – no event
July 9 – Magic
July 16 – Water
July 23 – Ecology
July 30 – Music
August 6 – Light and Space
August 13 – Farm Days
August 20- Magic

FREE Midway on the Mile

Elevate your festival experience at Midway on the Mile! Join us on the Rich Street Bridge overlooking Downtown Columbus for a unique carnival-style event featuring iconic summer fun including a trackless train, obstacle course, wipeout attraction, and more. Explore something new at each event, with a roller rink in July and putt-putt course in August. Prepare for adult-friendly fun and breathtaking views.

Friday, July 12 & Saturday, July 13 | 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 10 & Sunday, August 11 | 12 p.m. – 6 p.m

Rich Street Bridge

FREE Kayak Days

The views from the Scioto River are priceless, but you can experience them for no cost on two days this summer! All experience levels welcome to enjoy a complimentary kayak, tandem kayaking and SUP rentals.

Saturday, July 13 and Saturday, August 10 | 1 p.m. – 5 p.m

Boat launch under the Main Street Bridge, near Bicentennial Park (233 S Civic Center Dr)

These dates are subject to change based on weather and river conditions.

What to Expect

We expect the line for kayaks to be long, based on high demand. Get there early for the best chance of being able to ride. We will start getting folks on the water at 1 pm.
We will be using a wristband system. Wristbands will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. Once all wristbands are distributed, the line will be cut off. Please note that this will likely be soon after 1 pm based on expected demand.
If you do not receive a wristband, you will not be able to ride a kayak.
Safety is a top priority. All participants must wear a life vest (provided). We ask that you follow all instructions provided by volunteers at the event.
There will be lots of other FREE activities to enjoy on the Riverfront on Saturday including the Food Truck Festival, Midway on the Mile (free carnival games), and the Scioto Mile Fountain. We recommend wearing or bringing a swimsuit!
Can’t get on the river this time? Our next free kayak day will be on August 10.

Rules and Guidelines

Kids must be at least 5 years old to ride in a kayak.
Children 12 and under must ride with a parent.
Tandem, single, and SUP paddleboards will be available.

TIP: Free Kayak Day provides free rentals. You can bring your own kayak to the Scioto River any time, but kayak rentals are typically not free. That’s what this event is for! On other days, you can rent through Windrose Outdoor, who has $15 off Wednesdays through the end of the month! https://windroseoutdoor.com/

Wednesdays on the Water

Paddle down the Scioto River with a $15 discount on a one-hour watercraft rental. Spots are limited, so book ahead to secure your kayak! Walk-ins accepted, but not guaranteed.

Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | May 29 – August 14

No event July 3.

Boat launch under the Main Street Bridge, near Bicentennial Park

Golden Hour Paddle

There’s nothing quite like the river at golden hour. Enjoy a $15 discount on a one-hour watercraft rental on Fridays — the sure way to start to an evening out Downtown. Walk-ins accepted, but not guaranteed.

Fridays in August | 5 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Boat launch under the Main Street Bridge, near Bicentennial Park

FREE Scioto Mile Fountain

Open daily through September 2

11 am – 7 pm

Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr

Enjoy free water and light shows every Friday and Saturday evening through August 31.

DORA at Dusk

Spend your evening exploring the Center City DORA with special deals!

Take the free Trolley Pub across the river to Franklinton Fridays and The Junto while sipping a DORA beverage purchased from Milestone 229 or The Junto. Plus, enjoy special deals on DORA drinks from both spots – the perfect opportunity to try something new.

Second Fridays | August 9, September 13, October 11
6-10 pm

Weather and Safety Updates

In the event of severe weather, the Fountain will close and patrons will be asked to evacuate the park and seek shelter. The Fountain will immediately close if there is lightning within 4 miles. To reopen, there must be no lighting within 4 miles for 30 minutes.

The Fountain takes a short break for the last ten minutes of every hour, returning at the top of the hour, to encourage patrons to use the restroom and stay hydrated.

Fecal or vomiting incidents require the Fountain to be closed for up to four hours in order to properly remediate, limiting the ability for others to enjoy the Fountain. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Children who are not potty trained are required to wear a swim diaper in the fountain and all patrons are encouraged to stay hydrated and take frequent restroom breaks.

Patrons are not allowed in the fountain during the daily light show from 7-10 pm. Light show will not run if it’s raining.

For updates on fountain closures visit www.downtowncolumbus.com/sciotomile or follow @downtowncolumbus on Instagram.

Rules

For a safe fountain experience that everyone can enjoy, we ask park visitors to follow a few rules.

Do not use the Fountain if you are ill or have diarrhea.
Fountain water is not intended for drinking. It is recirculated.
All children who are not potty trained are required to wear a swim diaper. Regular diapers are not permitted to be worn in the fountain.
Take regular restroom breaks.
Change diapers only in a restroom.
Wash hands after using the restroom or changing diapers.
No amplified sound is allowed without a permit.
No unauthorized vehicles allowed in the park.

Please ensure all hands and feet are kept out of the center fountain structure.

The following are permitted in the park but NOT allowed in the fountain area:

Running
Food or beverages
Pets
Balls and toys

These items and actions are not allowed in Bicentennial Park or the Fountain area:

Scooter skateboards, bikes and skates
Open fires, grills, shade canopies, pop up tents, or camping
Soliciting and panhandling
Smoking, vaping or use of tobacco products

For your safety, please comply with all staff directives Security is available 24/7. For questions or concerns call 614-227-3788.

Tips for a great Fountain experience:

Communicate with children in your care about what to do in the event that you are separated while on site. Set-up a designated meeting spot, like the stairs, or instruct them to find an Allied Security guard in a yellow polo, who will be able to assist.
For patrons with sensory sensitivities, please note that the super shooter jet is loud, and music is played as part of the fountain program.