There’s truly something unique about festival season in Columbus. Our summer events calendar is packed with endless opportunities to explore the different cultures, foods, music and more that make Columbus a vibrant, diverse destination. 

Columbus is just a day’s drive from 50 percent of the U.S. population, making it the perfect place for a getaway on a warm summer weekend! Here’s our list of some of the can't-miss events this summer in the 614:

 

Breakaway Music Festival in Columbus Ohio

Courtesy of Breakaway Music Festival.

 

Breakaway Music Festival

  • When: May 29-30
  • Where: Historic Crew Stadium Festival Grounds
  • What: Experience the vibes at Breakaway, the largest national touring festival coming to Columbus in May. Celebrate music, connection and unforgettable experiences, including sets by Kygo, Gudfella and more.
  • Get Tickets

 

the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday

Courtesy of HNS Sports Group

 

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday

  • When: June 1-7
  • Where: Muirfield Village Golf Club
  • What: Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, the Memorial Tournament returns to Muirfield Village, or "Jack's Place," this June. As one of the premier events on the PGA Tour, the Memorial promises a fan experience like no other in Columbus. Listen to our latest season of the yes, Columbus podcast for an interview with Jack Nicklaus II.
  • Get Tickets

 

skyline + arts fest

Courtesy of the Greater Columbus Arts Council. 

 

Columbus Arts Fest

  • When: June 12-14 
  • Where: Scioto Riverfront
  • What: More than 230 visual artists join art enthusiasts from all over the country along the Scioto Mile for one of the nation’s most highly acclaimed art festivals. The festival is free to attend and features dozens of food vendors, plus three stages of performances.
  • Tips: Park in an Arena District garage, at a street meter or utilize COTA as an alternative means of transportation. Also, get ready to indulge in some tasty barbecue, lobster tacos or jumbo cream puffs – all options that are ready and available.
  • Learn more here. 

 

Brewdog at the Columbus Pride Parade

Columbus Pride March. Photo by Experience Columbus.

 

Stonewall Columbus Pride

  • When: June 19-20
  • Where: Goodale Park & Short North Arts District
  • What: Central Ohio’s annual celebration of LGBTQ+ rights, culture and progress returns to Goodale Park and the Short North. This year's theme, Until We Are All Free, is rooted in the belief that liberation is collective and unfinished. Until We’re All Free reflects both the urgency of the current moment and the enduring values that have guided Stonewall Columbus for more than four decades
  • Tips: Welcoming more than 700,00 visitors to Columbus and the Central Ohio region, the return of this festival and march will mark a major weekend for Columbus and the Short North – stay in a nearby hotel and enjoy everything the Short North has to offer.
  • Read our Ultimate Guide to Pride Weekend in Columbus.

 

Juneteenth on the Ave

  • When: June 20
  • Where: Historic Mt. Vernon Avenue
  • What: Head to the King Arts Complex for a day full of activities, including a community yard sale, food and retail vendors, live performances and a poetry slam celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
  • Learn more here. 

 

Picnic with the Pops at the Columbus Commons

Courtesy of Downtown Columbus Inc.

 

Columbus Symphony’s Picnic with the Pops

  • When: Throughout June & July
  • Where: Columbus Commons - Bicentennial Pavilion
  • What: Seven weekends of spectacular concerts, including LeAnn Rimes, the Ohio State University Marching Band and more.
  • Tips: You can pre-purchase lawn and table seating tickets, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Learn more here. 

 

Red White and BOOM

Photo by Experience Columbus

 

Red, White & Boom

  • When: July 3
  • Where: Downtown Columbus
  • What: The return of the largest Independence Day celebration in the Midwest will welcome over 400,000 visitors to Columbus.
  • Tips: Stay in a downtown hotel to avoid any traffic, and while you’re at it, enjoy one of the most lively weekends of the year in Downtown Columbus.
  • Learn more here. 

 

Annual Doo Dah Parade + Music Fest

  • When: July 4
  • Where: Short North Arts District
  • What: Celebrate liberty and lunacy with the Annual Doo Dah Parade and Music Fest. Feast your eyes on satirical parade floats featuring some of your favorite Columbus businesses this July 4. 
  • Tip: Head to Goodale Park for live music and an "after-glow" party from 11 am - 7 pm. 
  • Learn more here.

 

2023 Columbus Book Festival

Courtesy of the Columbus Metropolitan Library

 

Columbus Book Festival

 

View from stage of band playing to crowd with skyline in background during Jazz & Rib Festival

 

Jazz & Rib Fest

  • When: July 24-26
  • Where: The Scioto Mile
  • What: One of the most anticipated events of the summer returns to Bicentennial Park this July. Jazz & Rib Fest offers both jazz and rib connoisseurs the finest in music and barbecue. Admission is free, with all food vendors opening each day at 11 a.m.
  • Tips: Napkins. Lots and lots of napkins. But it’s SO worth it, trust us.
  • Learn more here. 

 

The annual Ohio State Fair in Columbus takes place the last week of July.

Courtesy of the Ohio Expo Center

 

Ohio State Fair

  • When: July 29-Aug. 9
  • Where: Ohio Expo Center & Fairgrounds
  • What: Who doesn't have a fond memory of the Ohio State Fair? See unforgettable performances, try unique treats of all kinds and see award-winning livestock (even milk a cow!). Join in the fun at this family-favorite tradition since 1850. 
  • Tips: The fair organizers typically offer discounted tickets for sale in Columbus on June 14 or 614 Day. Keep an eye out for details!
  • Accessibility: The fair is accessible to all. Please review their comprehensive accessibility page for details.
  • Learn more

 

Dublin Irish Festival

  • When: July 31-Aug. 2
  • Where: Coffman Park, Dublin
  • What: Head to the world's largest, three-day Irish festival, recently voted the Best Cultural Festival in the U.S. by USA Today 10Best. Enjoy a full Irish experience with savory food, literary presentations, workshops and music by Gaelic Storm, The Drowsy Lads and more.
  • Tips: Parents will love the Wee Folk area, complete with over 20 inflatables, crafts, contests and performances. 
  • Get Tickets.

 

 

Two bike riders crossing the finish line during Pelotonia's Ride Weekend

Courtesy of Pelotonia

 

Pelotonia Ride Weekend

  • When: Aug. 1-2
  • Where: Varying routes throughout Central Ohio.
  • What: Each August, Pelotonia celebrates Ride Weekend, welcoming over 6,500 riders who raise money and complete bike routes ranging from 24 to 190 miles. The Ride Weekend events have raised more than $309 million for innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC-James since 2009. There are multiple ways to get involved, from becoming a rider, volunteering and cheering on the participants.
  • Tips: After Ride Weekend, come back for Pelotonia's annual Gravel Day, Oct. 3, a unique adventure for participants to ride along the scenic gravel roads of Southeast Ohio.
  • Learn more

 

Columbus Food Truck Festival

  • When: Aug. 14-15
  • Where: Franklin County Fairgrounds
  • What: Treat your taste buds to a tour of more than 45 food trucks at the Columbus Food Truck Festival. This family-friendly event will also feature an awesome lineup of Grammy Award-winning performers. 
  • Get Tickets

 

 

Band playing on stage in front of massive crowd at Festival Latino

Courtesy of Columbus Recreation and Parks

 

Festival Latino

  • When: Aug. 22-23
  • Where: Columbus Commons and Ohio Theatre
  • What: This free event started in 1996 and offers Ohio-based Latino music, dancing, cultural arts workshops, cuisine and more.
  • Learn more here. 

 

Columbus Comedy Festival

  • When: Aug. 27-30
  • Where: Various locations around Columbus
  • What: Get ready to belly laugh at the Columbus Comedy Festival. Featuring headliners and local talent, the funniest fest in the city is guaranteed to entertain. 
  • Tips: With 60+ events scheduled throughout the weekend, you have plenty of opportunities to catch a show.
  • Learn more here. 

 

Band playing on stage during CBUS Soul Fest

Courtesy of Columbus Recreation and Parks

 

CBUS Soul Fest

  • When: Sept. 4-5
  • Where: Bicentennial Park
  • What: The 5th annual CBUS Soul Festival will celebrate the rich, historic, innovative, and forward-moving Black culture in Columbus. Visit for spectacular performances, Black-owned food trucks, a small-business vendor market and more.
  • Tips: Check out our CBUS Soul website for Black-Owned businesses in Columbus, custom itineraries, merchandise and more. 
  • Learn more here.

 

Columbus Greek Festival

 

Columbus Greek Festival

  • When:  Sept 4-6
  • Where: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Downtown Columbus
  • What: Find Greek food, dancing and more on Labor Day Weekend here in Downtown Columbus. This festival has been held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral since the early 1970s. A great late-summer weekend to enjoy Columbus – learn more about Greek culture, enjoy tasty cuisine and spend the long weekend Downtown.
  • Learn more here. 

 

Columbus Oktoberfest

  • When: Sept. 11-13
  • Where: Ohio Expo Center | Ohio State Fairgrounds
  • What: Columbus’ rich German heritage is on full display at this event. Enjoy tasty food, lively music, games and plenty of brews.
  • Tips: Held at the Ohio Expo Center & Ohio State Fairgrounds, this event is “weatherproof” with 10,000 square feet of closed event space. Admission is free and parking is available at the fairgrounds for $10.
  • Learn more here. 

 

For a full list of events happening this summer in Columbus, check out our festivals and annual events page and be sure to follow Experience Columbus on social media for exciting scenes from these events.