2025 Summer Events Preview

There’s truly something unique about festival season in Columbus. Our summer events calendar is packed with endless opportunities to explore the different cultures, foods, music and more that make Columbus a vibrant, diverse destination.

Make the short drive to Columbus this summer for these can’t-miss events:

Breakaway Music Festival

• When: May 30-31
• Where: Historic Crew Stadium Festival Grounds
• What: Experience the vibes at Breakaway, the largest national touring festival coming to Columbus in May. Celebrate music, connection and unforgettable experiences, including sets by Marshmello, AfroJack, Dom Dolla, Xandra and more.
• Get Tickets.

Columbus Arts Fest

• When: June 6-8 | starting at 11 a.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday & Sunday
• Where: Downtown Riverfront
• What: More than 260 visual artists join art enthusiasts from all over the country along the Scioto Mile for one of the nation’s most highly acclaimed art festivals. The festival is free to attend and features dozens of food vendors, as well as three stages of performances.
• Tips: Park in an Arena District garage, at a street meter or utilize COTA as an alternative means of transportation. Also, get ready to indulge in some tasty barbecue, lobster tacos or jumbo cream puffs, all options that are ready and available.
• Learn more here.
  

Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival & March

• When: June 13-14 | from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Pride March steps off at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday
  
• Where: Goodale Park & the Short North Arts District
  
• What: Central Ohio’s annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ rights, culture and progress. The event returns to Goodale Park and the Short North and features a community resource festival and fair on Friday and a march on Saturday.
  
• Tips: Welcoming more than 700,00 visitors to Columbus and the central Ohio region, the return of this festival and march will mark a major weekend for Columbus and the Short North. Stay in a nearby hotel and enjoy everything the Short North has to offer.
• Learn more here.
  

Columbus Symphony’s Picnic with the Pops

• When: Throughout June & July
• Where: Columbus Commons - Bicentennial Pavilion
  
• What: Seven weekends of spectacular concerts including the Patriotic Pops, the Ohio State University Marching Band and more.
  
• Tips: You can pre-purchase lawn and table seating tickets, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Learn more here.
  

Red, White & BOOM!

• When: July 3
  
• Where: Downtown Columbus
  
• What: The return of the largest Independence Day celebration in the Midwest will welcome over 400,000 visitors to Columbus.
  
• Tips: Stay in a downtown hotel to avoid any traffic. While you’re at it, enjoy one of the liveliest weekends of the year in Downtown Columbus. The Columbus Crew are also in town that weekend right down the street at Lower.com Field, so you can make a weekend out of it and enjoy the Fourth of July in Columbus.
• Learn more here.
  

Columbus Book Festival

• When: July 12-13
  
• Where: Columbus Metropolitan Library - Main Library and Topiary Park
  
• What: This free literary festival features panel discussions, author talks, book signings and so much more. Enjoy two days full of fun at the historic Main Library, named one of the United States’ 11 most beautiful libraries by Fodor’s.
• Tip: Come early or stay late to visit some of our great independent bookstores in Columbus.
• Learn more here.
  

Jazz & Rib Fest

• When: July 18-20
• Where: The Scioto Mile
  
• What: One of the most anticipated events of the summer returns to Bicentennial Park this July. The Jazz & Rib Fest offers both jazz and rib connoisseurs the finest in music and barbecue. Admission is free, with all food vendors opening each day at 11 a.m.
  
• Tips: Napkins. Lots and lots of napkins. But it’s so worth it, trust us.
• Learn more here.
  

Ohio State Fair

• When: July 23-Aug. 3
  
• Where: Ohio Expo Center & Fairgrounds
  
• What: Who doesn’t have a fond memory of the Ohio State Fair? See unforgettable performances, try unique treats of all kinds and see award-winning livestock (even milk a cow!). Join in the fun at this family-favorite tradition since 1850.
• Tips: Listen to the A Fair to Remember podcast to get inspiration for your visit.
• Learn more here.
  

CBUS Soul Fest

• When: Aug. 17
  
• Where: Genoa Park
  
• What: The third annual CBUS Soul Festival will celebrate the rich, historic, innovative and forward-moving Black culture in Columbus. 
• Tips: Check out our CBUS Soul website for Black-owned businesses in Columbus, merchandise, custom itineraries and more.
• Learn more here.
  

Read more about all the amazing festivals and events happening in Columbus this summer.

For more information, visit: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/blog/post/columbus-summer-events-preview/