Columbus Commons is a must-visit destination in the heart of downtown Columbus, offering six acres of green space and stunning views of the city skyline. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, grab lunch at a nearby restaurant, and relax while your kids run around. With over 200 free events held annually, Columbus Commons offers something for everyone, making it an ideal spot for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.
From live music to workout Wednesdays to family fun and food trucks, there is something for everyone at Columbus Commons.
When you visit the Commons, you’ll see it.
When you talk about the Commons, you’ll feel it.
When you experience the Commons, you’ll know it.
Daily Events
- Free Carousel Rides
- No matter what your age, there’s something irresistible about a carousel. Located at the southern end of the park, be sure to stop by and take a ride.
- Daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- April 21-Sept. 30
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Tortilla Street Food Cafés
- Whether you’re at the Commons for an event or just need a bite to break up the workday, enjoy a tasty treat from Tortilla Street Food or a savory scoop from local favorite, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
- Opening for the season on April 21st
- Monday – Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Weekly Events
- Kickball facilitated by Go Kickball!
- Kickball is back at Columbus Commons this season, with three sessions to choose from. Grab your coworkers and register to play!
- April-October
- Mondays and Tuesdays, 5:45 to 8 p.m.
- Free Fitness Classes facilitated by Raw Yoga 614 and Seven Studios
- Presented by UnitedHealthcare: Free outdoor yoga and cardio classes for all skill levels. Bring a friend or stop by solo to get your sweat on, in the heart of Downtown Columbus.
- Tuesday, May 2 through Wednesday, Sept. 27
- Tuesdays – Yoga, 5:30 p.m., Yoga 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays – Cardio, 5:30 p.m., Yoga, 6:30 p.m.
Looking for another fitness option? The Capital City Half Marathon is April 29, 2023 right in Downtown!
- Capital City Half Marathon Finish-Line Party & Post-Race Concert presented by M3S Sports
- The OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon celebrates its 20th anniversary this year! Register for the race to join the post-race celebration taking place at Columbus Commons.
- Saturday, April 29 | 8 a.m.
Weekly Food Events
On Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – May 4 through Oct. 26, you will see the Commons filled with local food trucks for “Food Truck Food Court.” Each week, there will be eight trucks ready to feed you! You’ll see Fetty’s Street Food, Pitabilities, Hibachi Run, Taesty’s, Paddy Wagon, and Elevated Pizza, + two rotating trucks each month. Tip: If you are on your lunch break or bad at waiting in lines (#guilty), I recommend using the Street Food Finder app to order your food ahead of time. They also have “Wake up at the Commons” Wednesday. Enjoy breakfast from Galaxy Coffee, Biscuit Boss, and Broke Johnny Wednesdays, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. – May 3 through Oct. 25.
Family Fun
From FREE carousel rides to movie nights to Friday morning open play – the girls are going to go nuts this summer. Years ago when I was a nanny, we were always at Free Commons for Kids on Fridays. They fill the park with games, inflatables, and face painting. The perfect (free) event to let kids be kids.
- Commons for Kids (Free)
- Free kid friendly fun with activities that include inflatables, face painting, crafts and more. Stay tuned for more details on list of themes and featured activities!
- Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- June 9 through Aug. 12
- Family Fun Day (Free)
- Free family fun for everyone to enjoy! Inflatables, face painting, live music, crafts and more! New this year is an early opening at 3 p.m. to accommodate children on the autism spectrum in partnership with Autism Speaks. Crowds will be limited to help those with sensory issues until the event opens to everyone at 4 p.m.
- Saturday, May 27
- 4 to 8 p.m. (3 p.m. Sensory Hour)
- Movie Nights (Free)
- Round up the whole family and head to the Commons for a free movie under the stars and city skyline. Free popcorn while supplies last. New this year: On Sept. 9, Columbus Commons is partnering with Bridgeway Academy & Therapy Center to welcome families with Autism and developmental disabilities.
- May 27- Moana
- June 23 – The Lion King
- July 14 – Shrek
- Sept. 9 – Encanto
- 8:15 p.m.
- Round up the whole family and head to the Commons for a free movie under the stars and city skyline. Free popcorn while supplies last. New this year: On Sept. 9, Columbus Commons is partnering with Bridgeway Academy & Therapy Center to welcome families with Autism and developmental disabilities.
Live Music
Shadowbox Live is bringing the groundbreaking music of the late 1960’s back to life in Flower Power, an all-new metamedia production. Some of your favorite R&B and Hip Hop artists from yesterday and today will be there for 614 day. Of course, fan-favorite, Picnic with the Pops and Local Music Thursdays.
- Shadowbox Live Performance (Free)
- Shadowbox live brings the groundbreaking music of the late 1960’s back to life in Flower Power, an all-new metamedia production. Flower power celebrates the cultural revolution that changed everything, with music, dance, and theatrical performances created in and inspired by the era of hippies, hair, protest, and peace. Turn on, tune in, and rock out in this live art experience. Bar and food trucks open at 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, May 28 | 7 p.m.
- Concert for Community presented by Harmony Project (Free)
- Come experience the 500+ person powerhouse chorus and rockstar band and orchestra for Harmony Project’s first big concert since 2019! Free tickets are required to attend.
- When: Thursday, May 18 | 6 p.m.
- Summer 614 Concert presented by Fame Productions
- Summer 614 brings your favorite R&B and hip-hop artists from yesterday and today to Columbus Common again this year. Stay tuned for the announcement of artists you won’t want to miss! Tickets are required to attend this event.
- Saturday, June 3 | 3 p.m.
- Picnic with the Pops
- The summer home of the Columbus Symphony, Columbus Commons is excited to host another season of the annual outdoor concert series Picnic with the Pops.
- June 17 – July 29 | Gates open at 6 p.m. Concerts begin at 8 p.m.
- June 17 – Ne-Yo – Symphony with Sou
- June 24 – Super Diamond
- July 1 – Patriotic Pops and Soul
- July 8 – The Music of Whitney Houston: A Celebration
- July 15 – The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA
- July 22 – Ben Folds
- July 28 & 29 – OSU Marching Band
- Local + Live Concerts (Free)
- Nothing beats FREE live music, outside and in the heart of Downtown Columbus. Bar and food trucks open at 5:30 p.m.
- Thursdays in August | 7 p.m.
- Aug 3 – Grassinine and North to Nashville
- Aug 10 – The Deeptones and The Fuzz (Police Tribute)
- Aug 17 – The Spikedrivers and The Ark Band (Tribute to Bob Marley)
- Aug 24 – Re Do and Deal Breakers (Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire)
- Aug 31 – Reaganomics and Mojoflo
- Navigators Concert (Free)
- A fan favorite, The Navigators are back! You don’t want to miss this group of Columbus executives and professionals playing high-energy rock tunes from the 1960s to today. Bar and food trucks open at 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 18 | 7 p.m.
Zora’s House WoCO Summer Market (Free)
Saturday, June 10 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Zora’s House is expanding their WoCo (woman of color) Summer Market to
Columbus Commons this year. This Market will feature some of the most
amazing women of color artisans Columbus! From jewelry to candles to clothing
and everything in between! In addition to shopping, there will be music provided
by live DJs, food trucks, family activities and much more.
Last but not least …
One of our FAVORITE things to do is grab food to-go from a local restaurant nearby and have a picnic. We seem to always get Late Night Slice and Dirty Franks, but there are a ton of great options nearby. Check out this list for ideas.
Parking Info
Don’t be intimidated to head downtown due to the parking. Columbus Commons has EASY parking. You can find on-street parking (sometimes), but the best bet for quick parking – check out the Columbus Commons Parking Garages. They have more 4,500 centrally-located parking spaces to choose from.
– Columbus Commons Main Garage: 55 E. Rich Street
– Columbus Commons Underground Garage: 191 S. Third Street
