10 Can’t-Miss Summer Festivals in Columbus, Ohio
Summer festival season in central Ohio is an exciting time of year. There’s plenty of live music, food, drink and good times to be had for the next few months. Downtown Columbus and the surrounding suburbs are walkable, making them an excellent option for individuals and families to enjoy an afternoon or night out on the town.
These annual events offer lots of free entertainment and activities, so you can enjoy the best summer has to offer, even if you’re on a budget. You can also get out and explore your new home if you’re new to the area.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events.
June Festivals in Columbus
Columbus Arts Festival
When an arts festival is named within the top 10 “Best Fine Art and Design Show” category, you know it’s going to be good. This annual gathering takes place at the Downtown Riverfront in the Scioto Mile over the course of three days. Hundreds of artists and performers will line the park, including:
- Kaleidoscope Dance Academy
- Mahana Polynesian Dancers
- Pitts & the Vipers
- Columbus Children’s Theatre
The Columbus Arts Festival is free to the public.
Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival
Gahanna is home to the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival in June. Every year, this event attracts world-famous musicians and jazz groups you won’t want to miss. The three stages will host a diverse lineup of artists, including:
- Micah Kesselring
- Floyd & Reggie Jackson
- Talisha Holmes Ensemble
- Columbus Soul and Salvage
You should also come hungry and ready to shop, because the blues fest has a wide variety of retail and food vendors.
Worthington Arts Festival
Head to the Worthington Village Green for a one-of-a-kind arts festival that attracts thousands of visitors every year. You can shop for jewelry, glass, ceramics, leather goods and other artwork while you stroll the historic streets of downtown Worthington. There will also be plenty of good eats from:
- Buckeye Crepes
- KONA Ice
- The Columbus Coffee Co.
- Dublin-Worthington Rotary Club
Columbus Air Show
The Columbus Air Show is an extraordinary spectacle of military demos, aerobatics and exhibitions. Hosted at Rickenbacker International Airport, this two-day event is headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and features Canadian Forces Snowbirds, US Army Golden Knights and Third Strike Wingwalking. Stay through the evening for a pyrotechnics and fireworks show.
Festivals in July
Red, White & Boom!
What better way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary than the Red, White & BOOM! Independence Day festival. The free event includes parades, a street fair and live musical performances. The fireworks show starts at 10 p.m.
Westerville Music & Arts Festival
The Westerville Music & Arts Festival features more than 100 artists and dozens of musical performances. It’s only $2 to get in, and children younger than 10 have free entry. Take your family out and enjoy local attractions and lots of good entertainment.
Ohio State Fair
Hypnotists, petting zoos, and camel rides, oh my! If you’re looking for a family-friendly festival to attend this summer, the Ohio State Fair is the place to be. There will be free live music, agricultural competitions and traveling performers who are sure to entertain. Gather the kids or a group of friends and explore the endless delights at the Ohio Expo Center.
August Columbus Festivals
Dublin Irish Festival
If you only attend one festival all summer, it should be the Dublin Irish Festival. This three-day celebration is jam-packed with music, dancing and cultural exhibitions. The lineup includes Gaelic Storm, Eileen Ivers and The Gardiner Brothers.
You can also take part in:
- A 5k run and kids dash
- Cosplaying events
- Hands-on workshops
- Celtic Canine visits
- A darts competition
Uptown Untapped
Craft beer lovers, this Westerville festival is for you. While the town has its roots in temperance, this annual event now features dozens of craft beer brewers from around the state. You must be 21 or older to attend Uptown Untapped, and the show will go on regardless of the weather. Sip your favorite selection and unwind while you listen to live music.
Columbus Food Truck Festival
Looking for some of the best cuisine in Columbus? Interested in shopping for local arts and crafts? Need something fun to do with the kids?
The Columbus Food Truck Festival has all those activities and more. Hilliard will be home to world-class street food during this two-day festival. You won’t want to miss out on:
- Robinson Smokehouse
- Cousins Maine Lobster
- Fat Boy Q
- The Howlin Bird
- Lumpia Queen
- Soul Food Fix
- Grilled Cheese Gangsters
Live Close to Columbus’ Best Events
Ready to move to an apartment that’s close to plenty of entertainment and attractions? Find your new home in Columbus at Ardent Communities. Check out our locations and schedule a tour.
