Are you searching for a fun and free way to spend your summer in Columbus, Ohio? Look no further than the Scioto Mile! The Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) has put together a summer-long series of events and activities along the Scioto River, kicking off on May 31.
With dozens of free events ranging from musical performances to pet play dates, happy hours, free kayaking, yoga, and more, there’s something for everyone on the Scioto Mile this summer. Plus, with so many free events, you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy all the fun!
But that’s not all. The summer programming just got even more exciting with the addition of two brand-new events, brought to you by the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation in partnership with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
First up is Dorrian Days, a family-friendly event that promises a whole lot of fun! Held every Tuesday from June 13 to August 15 at Dorrian Green near COSI, this free event features a range of activities, including inflatables, performances, science experiments, and more.
Check out this blog post on Dorrain Park. We LOVE this playground!
And as if that wasn’t enough, you absolutely won’t want to miss Wednesdays on the Green, a free concert series held every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at Dorrian Green. Presented in partnership with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, this event boasts live music, food truck vendors, a biergarten, and lawn activities. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening in downtown Columbus!
Note: We’re sad to report that the Scioto Mile Fountain, a fan-favorite, will be taking a much-needed break this summer and undergoing some exciting renovations. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of other free events and activities happening along the Scioto Mile to keep you entertained!
2023 Scioto Mile Summer Programming
Summer long happenings:
FREE Dorrian Days
Kids just wanna have fun. So, bounce on down to Dorrian Green and let ‘em have at it – for free! With giant inflatables, games, the COSI curbside van, a themed activity station, and a food truck, the kids will wanna come back again and again. Plus, get your fountain fix and cool off in the Dorrian Green water feature.
- When: Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | June 13 – Aug. 15
- Where: Dorrian Green, 50 S. Belle Street
FREE Wednesdays on the Green Concerts
- When: Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. See Schedule below.
- Where: Dorrian Green, 50 S. Belle Street
- Enjoy warm summer nights with live music, featuring food truck vendors, a biergarten and lawn activities.
- Bands include:
- May 31: Mojoflo
- June 14: Popgun
- June 28: Yumbambe
- Aug. 9: Honey and Blue
- Aug. 30: The Ark Band
- Sept. 6: The Floorwalkers
FREE Music on the Mile
- When: Wednesday, June 21 and 28, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, June 23 and June 30, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Where: The Prow, 167 S. Civic Center Drive
- Pop-up, intimate performances paired with food truck/coffee truck at the Prow.
Wednesdays on the Water
Get on the water in Downtown Columbus for a deal. Enjoy discount SUP and Kayak rentals on Wednesdays with Windrose Outdoor.
- When: Wednesdays, May 31 – June 28
- Where: Bicentennial Park boat launch, near the Main Street Bridge
FREE Scioto Milers Running Club
Get your miles in on the Mile. Join new friends and familiar faces for a run along a scenic 5k route or a one-mile walk. Grab a bite or morning jolt from the coffee truck onsite. All paces welcome.
- When: Friday mornings, 6:30 to 8 a.m. | June 9 – Sept. 1
- Where: Coleman’s Pointe, 67 S. Civic Center Drive
Every-Other-Month:
Sips on the Scioto
Join your neighbors, friends and coworkers for an informal outdoor happy hour at Coleman’s Pointe. You’ll enjoy happy hour prices on the most refreshing sips of summer, featuring seasonal selections from Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, Accent Wine, and High Bank Distillery. Come for the get-together and stay for the sunset on the Scioto riverfront.
- When: Third Thursday every other month, 4 to 7 p.m. | June 15, Aug. 17, Oct. 19, Dec. 7
- Where: Coleman’s Pointe, 67 S. Civic Center Drive
One Time:
Morning Pet Play Date
Playdates for pets + coffee for you? Yes, please! Bring your pup for a romp on the river with fellow furry friends while you hang out with their pet parents. Fun for your dog, fun for you.
- When: Friday, July 28 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Where: The Prow, 167 S. Civic Center Drive
FREE Chalk on the Mile
Here’s your chance to make a mark on the Mile! Chalk up your own creation alongside friends, family, neighbors, and sidewalk chalk artists from Urban Arts Space. Not a creator? Not a problem! Grab a snack from a food truck and watch as the sidewalk comes to life thanks to community creators.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 12, 12 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Lower walkway connecting The Prow to Coleman’s Pointe, 167 S Civic Center Drive
FREE Dance Classes
Improve your moves with Columbus Modern Dance with this free workshop-style dance class at Coleman’s Pointe.
- When: Saturday, July 29, 1 to 2 p.m.
- Where: Coleman’s Pointe, 67 S. Civic Center Drive
FREE Silent Disco
Here’s your chance to dance like nobody’s watching. You bring the moves, we’ll bring the headphones, DJ, drinks, and music. Never been to a silent disco? Here’s your chance! Spectators will hear silence – and see a lot of dancing — but participants hear the music through their headphones and dance to the beat. Join the fun!
- When: Saturday, June 24, 4 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Coleman’s Pointe, 67 S. Civic Center Drive
FREE Kayak Days
No doubt the views from the Scioto River are priceless, but on July 29 and August 12 you can experience them at no cost! Head to the boat launch under the Main Street Bridge (near Bicentennial Park) for FREE kayaking, tandem kayaking, and SUP rentals. All experience levels are welcome! Boats, paddles, and floatation devices will be provided. This event is subject to weather and river conditions, so follow along for updates. Please be aware you are responsible for all valuables.
- When: Saturday, July 29, and Friday, Aug. 12, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Where: Bicentennial Park boat launch, near Main Street Bridge
Summer 2023 along the Scioto Mile in Columbus, Ohio is going to be a season filled with fun, free, and family-friendly events and activities! From the brand-new Dorrian Days and Wednesdays on the Green to free kayaking, live music, dance classes, and more, there’s truly something for everyone. And even though the beloved Scioto Mile Fountain will be undergoing renovations this summer, there are still plenty of other exciting events and attractions to explore.
Be sure to visit the DowntownColumbus.com/SciotoMile for the most up-to-date information on all the events and activities happening along the Scioto Mile this summer. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready to experience the best of Columbus along the beautiful Scioto River.
See you there!
