Scioto Mile Riverfront Events

Home » Projects & Initiatives » Scioto Mile Riverfront Events

Hours and Directions

Scioto Mile Fountain
233 S Civic Center Drive

Hours:

Open daily, May 23 – September 1

11 am – 7 pm

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

The Scioto Mile Fountain

The Scioto Mile Fountain has been a Downtown riverfront icon since 2011. 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.

Summer on the Scioto Season

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

One Time Events

The Summer on the Scioto series includes free events for everyone at Dorrian Green and Bicentennial Park with events like Wednesdays on the Water, Dorrian Days and Free Kayak Days. This series complements the dozens of festivals and privately produced events that draw thousands to the Downtown Riverfront.

FREE Fountain Fest

Saturday, May 24

Sunday, May 25

11 am – 10 pm

Scioto Mile Fountain

Kick off summer with a splash! The Scioto Mile Fountain re-opens for the season at Bicentennial Park this Memorial Day Weekend. Join us for a FREE two-day celebration with music, food trucks, live performances, art, and more surprises. All ages are welcome to splash in the Fountain, and adults can indulge in a drink using the Center City DORA. All ages are welcome throughout the day, but family programming starts at 11 a.m. and adult-centric programming kicks off at 4 p.m.

FREE Scioto Social

Saturday, August 30

8 – 10 pm

This riverfront block party encourages all adults to embrace their fun side and splash through the fountain. A live DJ will be rocking the Scioto Mile fountain. DORA beverages will be available on site.

FREE Kayak Days

Saturday, July 12 and Saturday, August 9 | 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.

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.

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/

Reoccurring Events

FREE Fountain Dance Classes

Work up a sweat under the Downtown skyline. With FREE fitness classes at the Scioto Mile Fountian, you can get your heart pumping with the ultimate scenic view.

Thursdays, June – August

6:30 – 7:15 pm

7:15 – 8 pm

Sundays, June – August

9:30 – 10:15 am

10:15 – 11 am

How to participate:

First, fill out the online waiver and release to participate in fitness classes
- The fitness waiver is REQUIRED for all class attendants
Then, you can attend all Scioto Mile Fountain fitness classes for the season.
You may come and go to any of the fitness classes as you wish as long as you sign the fitness waiver! No need to RSVP.

Cancellation Policy

Classes will be canceled in the event of severe weather (heavy rain, thunderstorm or heat advisory) or unsafe grass conditions.
Our website will be updated to reflect when classes are canceled, updates will be posted to our Instagram, @downtowncolumbus, and an email will be sent to participants.

Breakfast at Bicentennial

Fridays | May – October
7-10 am

Join the November Project for a morning job on the Scioto Mile. Runs will start and end at Bicentennial Park. After working up a sweat, enjoy breakfast or coffee from a food truck on site.

FREE Dorrian Days

Tuesdays, 11 am – 2 pm | June 10 – Aug. 12

No event July 1.

Dorrian Green, 50 S. Belle Street

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.

Themes

June 10 – Big Machines

June 17 – Water / Ocean

June 24 – Ecology

July 1 – no event
July 8 – Food / Agriculture
July 15 – Recycling
July 22 – Animals
July 29 – STEM
August 5 – Farm Days
August 12- Music

DORA at Dusk

Second Fridays | June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10
6-10 pm

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

Take the free Trolley Pub across the river to Franklinton Fridays, High Water Alley, and The Junto while sipping a DORA beverage. Plus, enjoy special deals on DORA beverages– the perfect opportunity to try something new.

Wednesdays on the Water

Wednesdays, TIME TBD | May 28 – July 30

No event July 3.

Boat launch under the Main Street Bridge, near Bicentennial Park

Paddle down the Scioto River with a 50% off discount on a one-hour watercraft rental. Spots are limited, so book ahead to secure your kayak! Walk-ins accepted, but not guaranteed.

Golden Hour Paddle

Fridays in August | TIME TBD

Boat launch under the Main Street Bridge, near Bicentennial Park

There’s nothing quite like the river at golden hour. Enjoy a 50% off 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.

The Porch

Fridays and Saturdays

May 30 – August 23

6 – 8 pm

Scioto Mile Fountain (former Milestone 229)

Grab a DORA beverage from this pop-up bar at the Scioto Mile Fountain. Sip your drink on the patio or take it to-go!

Street Beats

Fridays and Saturdays

May 30 – August 23

6 – 8 pm

Scioto Mile Fountain (former Milestone 229)

Live music will warmly welcome you every Friday and Saturday in the summertime, setting the perfect backdrop for a night out!

Whether you’re grabbing dinner nearby or just soaking in the summer vibes, Street Beats brings the soundtrack to your weekend thanks to dozens of talented Columbus artists.

What else is going on Downtown?

Downtown Columbus is packed full of events for everyone! Check out our event calendar to find the perfect event for you!

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.