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Inspiring Spots Within Your Reach - A Guide to Columbus Ohio

Summer Fun Galore: Your Guide to Columbus Commons’ Exciting Events!

Welcome to the heart of Downtown Columbus, where the the grass at Columbus Commons becomes the canvas for a season-long extravaganza! It’s that time of the year again, folks! Get ready to mark your calendars and dive into a whirlwind of entertainment because Columbus Commons is back with a bang, presenting over 200 events that promise something for everyone!

Fuel Up at Columbus Commons

  • Breakfast Haven: Fuel up for the day ahead every Wednesday from May 1 to October 30, as Columbus Commons transforms into a breakfast haven from 7:30 am to 10:30 am.
  • Lunchtime Feast: But wait, the excitement doesn’t stop there! Thursdays are all about indulging in at the Food Truck Food Court from 11 am to 2 pm. Featuring nine trucks throughout the season, including favorites like Elevated Pizza and Schmidt’s, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Plus, Local Matters Veggie Van will be back to provide fresh produce, and don’t miss the chance to explore the new Capital Crossroads & Discovery SID’s Pearl Market for local goods alongside your food truck fare.

Fitness Fanatics, Rejoice!

Ready to break a sweat and find your inner zen? Look no further than Columbus Commons! Thanks to the generous support of UnitedHealthcare, you can enjoy free cardio and yoga sessions weekly from May 1 to September 25. The classes are led by Seven Studios and Raw Yoga 614. Find more information here.

Fun for the Whole Family

Calling all families! Columbus Commons is your go-to destination this summer! From Family Fun Day to Family Movie Nights and the Harvest Fair, there’s so much excitement in store. Just imagine: kids bouncing with excitement on inflatables, faces painted with fun designs, and laughter filling the air as families come together for pure fun that doesn’t break the bank!

  • Family Fun Day:
    • Saturday, May 25 | 4 pm – 8 pm
    • They will have it all: inflatables from SuperGames, crafts with OSU Urban Arts Space, face painting and balloon twisting by Pretty as a Princess, and a cool plant-and-grow project with Lowes. Don’t miss the butterfly outreach with Franklin Park Conservatory or the chance to decorate your own magnet frame and take a fun family photo with We Amplify Voices. Get artsy with tie-dye butterflies from Ohio Craft Museum and screen print your own t-shirt with Rewind Press. Treat yourself to goodies from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Cotton Sugar Co.. while jamming to the tunes of NACHO Street Band. And hey, carousel rides are on the house, plus they’ve got lawn games for endless fun!
  • Family Movie Nights
  • Harvest Fair:

Fridays are for the kids with FREE Commons for kids! Each week there is a different theme, with fun for the little ones! They will have inflatables, balloon twisting, face painting, lawn games, crafts and activities and more. June 7 – August 9, 10 am – 1pm

  • Going Green – Friday, June 7
    • Activities focused on environmental awareness and sustainability.
  • Animals – Friday, June 14
    • Events featuring animal encounters, education, and petting zoo.
  • Celebrate Summer – Friday, June 21
    • Summer-themed festivities including inflatables, crafts, and performances.
  • Games – Friday, June 28
    • Game-centric activities such as giant games, tabletop games, and video game design.
  • Health + Safety – Friday, July 5
    • Activities promoting health and safety awareness, including demonstrations and games.
  • Carnival Day – Friday, July 12
    • Carnival-style fun with inflatables, face painting, crafts, and music.
  • Sports + Fitness – Friday, July 19
    • Events focused on sports, fitness activities, and interactive games.
  • STEM – Friday, July 26
    • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math activities including experiments and crafts.
  • Arts + Crafts – Friday, August 2
    • Creative arts and crafts workshops and performances.
  • Music Day – Friday, August 9
    • Musical activities, instrument demonstrations, and performances.
Robb McCormick Photography, www.robbmccormick.com

Rock Out Under the Stars

Music lovers, rejoice! Columbus Commons is your stage for sensational live performances all summer long. From local talents to tribute bands, there’s something to get everyone grooving.

  • The Navigators Concert:
    • Friday, May 24 | 6 pm
    • Blankets and chairs are welcome. Beverage sales and food trucks are available on site. Tickets are NOT required. 
    • Facebook Event
  • Local + Live Concert Series:
    • Thursdays in August | 6 pm
    • This series is free and open to the public.  
      • August 1: Throwback Thursday with a tribute to The Beatles with Joe Peppercorn and Fleetwood Gold, featuring an appearance by the East High School Marching Band.  
      • August 8: Leading Ladies with Lily Bloom Band and Angela Perley  
      • August 15: Back to School Night with Saylor Twift (a live-band tribute to Taylor Swift) and Go Big, Go Broadway: Enchanted Evening Edition 
      • August 22: Rock Local, Shop Local with The Worn Flints and Zoo Trippin’, featuring a shoppable vendor market in partnership with The Good Market.  
      • August 29: Columbus Soul Review with T. Wong and Mojoflo 
  • A Song Remains (A Night of Led Zeppelin) + The Dead Revival Band (Grateful Dead Tribute)
    • Friday, August 30 | 6 pm


Brews, Movies, and More!

Thursdays in September just got a whole lot cooler with Brews in the Bosque and the Sunset Cinema Series. Sip on your favorite brews, indulge in delectable treats, and challenge your friends to a game of cornhole as you soak in the laid-back ambiance of this family-friendly happy hour. And the cherry on top? A classic adults-only flick under the stars, offering a unique twist on your typical movie night.

  • Brews in the Bosque – Enjoy the backyard-meets-beer-garden vibe of this happy hour happening complete with music, drinks, and food.
    • Thursdays in September: 5 pm – 8 pm
    • Dogs are welcome, they just ask they stay leashed.
    • Facebook Event
  • Sunset Cinema – Classic adults-only flicks under the stars – an outdoor spin on the CAPA Summer Movie Series.
    • Movie starts at 8 pm
    • They haven’t announced the movie list just yet.

No trip to Columbus Commons is complete without a spin on the carousel and a pit stop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Tortilla Mexican Street Food. Treat yourself to a scoop of Jeni’s legendary ice cream or savor the flavors of authentic Mexican street food as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the Bosque.

Events Galore

But wait, there’s more! Columbus Commons isn’t just your summer playground; it’s also the host of some of the city’s most exciting events. From marathons and concerts to wellness fairs and comedy nights, there’s always something happening at Columbus Commons.

Parking Information

  • Columbus Commons Main Garage: 55 E. Rich Street
  • Columbus Commons Underground Garage: 191 S. Third Street
  • On-Street Parking
  • The special-event parking rate for events held at Columbus Commons is $10. Both cash or credit is accepted at the pay-on-foot machines, but only credit is accepted at the exit gate machine
  • For more information, visit this website.

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