Columbus, Ohio, is a city that knows how to celebrate, and throughout the year, it hosts many festivals that cater to every taste and interest. From music and art extravaganzas to cultural celebrations and culinary delights, here’s your comprehensive guide to the top festivals in Columbus, complete with dates, locations, and must-see highlights
Sonic Temple Arts & Music Festival
Date: May 16–19, 2024
Location: Historic Crew Stadium
Highlights: This is the highest-level rock festival in America, join fellow music lovers in the Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus. The spectacular lineup of rock heavyweights makes Sonic Temple one of the most anticipated events of the festival season. For more info check out here.
Columbus Taco Fest
Date: May 18–19, 2024
Location: Genoa Park
Highlights: You don’t have to wait for Taco Tuesday to enjoy Tacos. Get ready for the 6th annual Columbus Taco Fest in May 2024 with the best tacos with different flavors, tequila, and Mexican beer. Curious about Taco? Here is the place where you can try them all. For more info check out here.
Columbus Asian Festival
Date: May 25–26, 2024
Location: Franklin Park
Highlights: If you like to experience different cultures, this is the festival you don’t want to miss. The Asian festival brings more than 100,000 visitors, it’s an annual event celebration that promotes the importance of cultural diversity in building a vibrant, prosperous, and healthy community. For more information check out here.
Ohio Black Expo River Front Culture Fest
Dates: May 25–26, 2024
Location: Genoa Park
Highlights: Showcasing black excellence with food, music, art, networking, and more in this memorial weekend. There will be 100+ vendors, food trucks, concerts, celebrity appearances and more will be featured at the Riverfront Culture Fest. The event proceeds benefit youth and community programs. For more information check out here.
The Memorial Tournament
Date: June 3–9, 2024
Location: Muirfield Village Golf Club
Highlights: The Tournament, founded and hosted by Jack Nicklaus, benefits many Greater Columbus charities in alliance with the Nicklaus Children’s Healthcare Foundation, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and numerous other local organizations. The event is conducted each year to honor the memory of deceased individuals and living who have distinguished themselves in the game of golf. To showcase the world’s best golfers competing on one of the most challenging venues in the world. For more information check out here.
Columbus Arts Festival
Date: June 7–9, 2024
Location: Downtown Columbus
Highlights: The Columbus Arts Festival has grown into one of the most highly acclaimed arts festivals in the nation. The event will feature over 200 visual artists, three stages of performances, and dozens of food vendors. The Columbus Arts Festival attracts the nation’s top artists, as well as art enthusiasts from all over the country. The event remains free to attend. For more information check out here.
Columbus Air Show
Date: June 14–16, 2024
Location: Rickenbacker International Airport
Highlights: The Columbus Air Show, presented by Scotts, takes place at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus. Perfect for family and friends alike, don’t miss the exciting experience that’s headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels! The event is full of amazing feats of talent and skill both in the air and on the ground, and you’ll get to see demonstrations from both modern military and civilian aircraft. Mark your calendars.
Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival
Date: June 14–16, 2024
Location: Creekside, Gahanna
Highlights: Celebrating its 25th year in 2024, The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival gathers world-famous groups and performers at a single place for you to enjoy the best blues and jazz in Ohio. For more information check out here.
Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival
Date: June 15, 2024
Location: Goodale Park
Highlights: An annual celebration, Pride events across the globe aim to bring the community together in camaraderie and recognition of the strength, resilience, and fight of the LGBTQIA community past and present; a fight for equity and equality that is far from over. For more information check out here.
Juneteenth Ohio Celebration
Date: June 15–16, 2024
Location: Genoa Park
Highlights: Throughout 25+ years of celebration, Juneteenth Ohio has emerged as the enjoyable family weekend of cultural discovery, filled with a variety of events promoting cultural unity, enrichment, and ethnic diversity, “key elements that improve the relationships and quality of life among all residents throughout Ohio”. For information check out here.
Worthington Arts Festival
Date: June 15–16, 2024
Location: Worthington Village Green
Highlights: Produced by the McConnell Arts Center in coordination with the City of Worthington, this premier Fine Art festival draws 23,000 visitors and more than 110 artists. The Festival takes place on all four quadrants of the Worthington Village Green and is just a short walk from the businesses and restaurants of historic Old Worthington. For more information check out here.
Origins Game Fair
Date; June 19–23, 2024
Location: Throughout Columbus
Highlights: This is an annual tabletop gaming convention hosted by GAMA, held annually in Columbus, OH. A lot of gaming events are scheduled throughout the week for attendees, a dynamic vendor hall, special events throughout the weekend and so much more, there’s sure to be something for everyone. For more information check out here.
Buckeye Country Superfest
Date: June 22–23, 2024
Location: Ohio Stadium
Highlights: Make your way to the Shoe to hear music from today’s top country musicians. This is 2 days event that you dont want to miss. For more check out here.
ComFest
Date: June 28–30, 2024
Location: Goodale Park
Highlights: Community Festival (ComFest) features performances by Columbus’ best bands and artists, workshops, community activism, and other community events you look forward to every year. For more information check out here.
Red, White & BOOM
Date: July 3, 2024
Location: Downtown Columbus
Highlights: There are few more patriotic ways to kick off your Independence Day weekend than at the largest fireworks display in Ohio. Red, White & BOOM! is an experience and a tradition for over 400,000 visitors who come together each Independence Day to celebrate the country and the community and to honor our military and veterans. Festivities, like the street festival, start at 11 a.m. and the big show begins at 10 p.m. Plan to be downtown very early because the best spots go fast. Also if you worry about parking or traffic you can take COTA (Columbus public transportation). For more information check out here.
Columbus Food Truck Festival – Downtown
Date: July 12–13, 2024
Location: Scioto Peninsula near COSI
Highlights: Enjoy two days of food, music, and fun, and celebrate the festival’s return to downtown. Experience the best food trucks from across Ohio and around the country accompanied by live music, and explore tons of vendors of locally-made craft and retail items. For more information check out here.
Columbus Book Festival
Date: July 13–14, 2024
Location: Downtown’s Historic Main Library
Highlights: This inaugural literary festival features panel discussions, author talks, and book signings from nationally acclaimed authors with new releases at the historic Main Library downtown, named one of the country’s 11 most beautiful libraries by Fodor. For more information check out here.
Westerville Music & Arts Festival
Date: July 13–14, 2024
Location: Heritage Park/Everal Barn
Highlights: The Westerville Music & Arts Festival features 130+ artists, 30+ performances, food vendors, a silent auction, a youth art show, and youth entertainment. For more information check out here.
Jazz & Ribs Festival
Date: July 19–21, 2024
Location: Scioto Mile
Highlights: The Jazz & Ribs Festival, presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, is a highly anticipated summertime tradition offering jazz and rib connoisseurs the finest music and barbecue.For more information check out here.
Ohio State Fair
Date: July 24–August 4, 2024
Location: Ohio State Fairgrounds
Highlights: This annual event, is full of exciting attractions, food, and entertainment for the whole family. The multi-day fair brings in more than 500,000 visitors each year, it’s one of the special events you won’t want to miss in Columbus There are many fun things to do. For more information check out here.
Dublin Irish Festival
Date: August 2–4, 2024
Location: Coffman Park
Highlights: The world’s largest three-day Irish festival is held in Dublin annually. Irish and the Irish-at-heart are invited to share and celebrate the best in Irish dance, music, art, and culture.For more information check out here.
Pelotonia
Date: August 3–4, 2024
Location: Central Ohio
Highlights: Bike ride and fundraiser in which 100% of all participant-raised dollars go toward innovative cancer research. Learn more about breakthroughs funded through this incredible program and find out how to get involved here.
Tomato Festival
Date: August 8–10, 2024
Location: Huber Park in Reynoldsburg
Highlights: The Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival has been celebrating Reynoldsburg as the birthplace of the tomato for over 50 years! Join in the festivities and fun that have become a time-honored and beloved tradition in this city just outside Columbus.For more information check out here.
Uptown Untapped
Date: August 10, 2024
Location: Westerville
Highlights: Uptown Untapped is Westerville’s beer craft festival, recognizing both the city’s rich history as a hub for the temperance movement and celebrating its bright future in the heart of the city’s unique Uptown district.Join the home of prohibition to drink on the streets with more than 15 local breweries, amazing bands, games, local restaurants on hand, and more in the authentic and historical Uptown Westerville. Early Admission Tasting Hour A tasting menu will be available before the event. For more infomation check out here.
Festival Latino
Date: August 10–11, 2024
Location: Genoa Park
Highlights: This free, family-focused event brings national and international music acts, Ohio-based Latino dance and music, children’s activities, and more for the community to enjoy. For more information check out here.
Columbus Comedy Festival
Date: August 14–18, 2024
Location: Around Columbus
Highlights: With Columbus’ comedy scene booming, don’t miss the first-ever Columbus Comedy Festival, featuring classic venues across the city.For more information check out here.
CBUS Soul Fest
Date: August 17, 2024
Location: Genoa Park
Highlights: In a collaboration between Experience Columbus (and its CBUS Soul® initiative) and the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, the CBUS Soul® fest will return for its third year at Genoa Park. Come out to experience Columbus’ vibrant Black culture, music, history, and soul!For more information check out here.
Columbus Food Truck Festival – Hilliard
Date: August 17, 2024
Location: Franklin County Fairgrounds
Highlights: Enjoy a day of food, music, and fun, and celebrate the festival’s return to the historical Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. Experience the best food trucks from across Ohio and around the country accompanied by live music, and explore tons of vendors of locally-made craft and retail items.For more information check out here.
Columbus Summer Wine Festival
Dates: June 8, 2024
Location: McFerson Commons
Highlights: The Columbus Wine Festival is the perfect event for wine lovers! Experience wine sampling, arts and crafts, live music, and more.For more information check out here.
Doo Dah Parade
Date: July 4, 2024
Location: Short North Arts District
Highlights: This classic Columbus event celebrates liberty and lunacy with traditional weird costumes and funny opinions in the Short North Arts District. Come for the parade and the outfits, or hang out at Goodale Park for the live music afterparty.For more information check out here.
Obetz Zucchinifest
Dates: August 30–September 2, 2024
Location: Fortress Obetz
Highlights: The Obetz Zucchinifest is a four-day, family-friendly event celebrating everything zucchini. The festival and concerts are free!For more information check out here.
Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival
Date: September 2, 2024
Location: Northam Park
Highlights: Each year, more than 20,000 visitors flock to Northam Park on Labor Day to immerse themselves in hands-on art activities, live music, and the opportunity to explore and purchase fine art and fine craft work from some 150 artists working in a variety of media including paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, sculptures, and mixed media.For more information check out here.
Fiery Foods Festival
Date: Summer 2024 (date TBA)
Location|: Genoa Park
Highlights: This year, the Fiery Foods Festival returns, and the event will again be donating a portion of its proceeds to the children’s charity CD102.5 For the Kids. Festival-goers sample everything from BBQ to salsa to sweet treats with a kick. The festival also features artisans, crafters, food trucks, and entertainment, as well as many contests that attendees can take part in.For more information check out here.
The Great Bourbon Affair
Date: Summer 2024 (date TBA)
Location: East Market
Highlights: Come out for the Affair between Rock & Country Music and Join the Biggest bourbon toast in Ohio! For more information check out here.
Columbus Greek Festival
Date: Aug 30–Sept 2nd, 2024
Location: The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral 555 N. High Street
Highlights: Experience the culture and ancestry of Greece and the Orthodox Christian faith. Come and connect with heritage and traditions that are centuries old, but still contemporary in their focus. There will be Cathedral tours that will inspire you, and amazing food and drink. Stop by the shops, enjoy the music and dancing. For more information check out here.
Columbus Italian Festival
Date: October 11-October 13,2024
Location: Italian Village, near St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Highlights: This is one of Columbus’s annual festivals. Each year on Columbus Day weekend the Italian community comes together in a 3-day celebration with the finest Italian food, entertainment, and showcasing Italian culture.For more information check out here
