It’s summertime in Columbus, which means there’s plenty of fun things going on. Whether you’ve lived here your entire life or you moved here yesterday, there’s something for everyone. Between concerts, festivals and sporting events, you’re sure to find something to fit your fancy. Your friends at E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. are sharing some recommendations and information to help you get the most from your summer fun experiences.
Columbus Community Festival ( June 28-30 | Goodale Park )
The Columbus Community Festival, commonly called ComFest, is one of the largest and most popular festivals of the summer. Held downtown in Goodale Park, ComFest began in 1972 and has evolved into an annual event drawing tens of thousands of people from across the state. With six stages, hundreds of booths and a multitude of workshops, ComFest has something for everyone. View this year’s program guide here.
ZestFest Midwest (June 28-30 | Columbus Expo Center)
Are you a fan of zesty products and flavorful foods? Then ZestFest might be for you. ZestFest Midwest brings together spicy exhibitors and tasty products from around the country for one exciting weekend. In addition to the plethora of zesty products available for sampling and purchase, there’s everything from cooking demonstrations to eating competitions to chef cook-offs. Tickets can be bought on location at the Ohio Expo Center.
Red, White & Boom (Downtown | July 3)
Red, White & Boom is Columbus’s annual Fourth of July celebration. With over 25 minutes of continuous fireworks, this celebration is the largest fireworks display held in Ohio. Beyond fireworks, Red, White & Boom is also host to central Ohio’s largest Fourth of July parade. For more information visit their website
The Doo Dah Parade (The Short North | July 4)
The Annual Doo Dah Parade is a cultural legacy of the Columbus, Ohio – Short North Arts District, known for its diversity and passion of art. Vibrant people march and express their unique humorous thoughts about social, political, civic or other issues. The Doo Dah parade is free to march in or to watch and no registration is required.
Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest (The Arena District | July 19-21)
The Jazz & Rib Fest is a highly anticipated summertime tradition offering both jazz and rib connoisseurs the finest in music and barbeque for more than thirty years. Award winning rib-burners representing 10 states and Canada will fire up their grills along Spring & Long Streets to compete for “Best Ribs” bragging rights while some of the best regional and international jazz artists play on the two stages.
The Color Run (Arch Park | July 20)
The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality, and giving back to the community. It’s a five-kilometer, un-timed race in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. The fun continues at the finish line with a gigantic “Color Festival,” using more colored powder to create happiness and lasting memories. Register here.
The Ohio State Fair (Ohio State Fairgrounds | July 24-August 4)
The Ohio State Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the United States. It’s held over an eleven-day span at the Ohio State Fairgrounds and features everything from animal exhibits to sporting competitions to art shows. This year, the Ohio State Fair is featuring performers Jeff Dunham, Martina McBride, Will Downing/Lalah Hathaway, Styx/REO Speedwagon, Justin Moore, Austin Mahone, the Steve Miller Band and George Jones. For more information click here.
The Dublin Irish Festival (Dublin | August 2-4)
The Dublin Irish Festival is one of the world’s largest Irish festivals, with over 100,000 guests expected for this year’s festivities. The festival features over 7 stages of entertainment in addition to beverage tastings, food samples, Celtic sporting events and even a tent for discovering your Irish genealogy. Visit their website for more information.
Pelotonia (Central Ohio | August 9-11)
Pelotonia is a three-day experience that includes a weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism. Pelotonia raises millions of dollars each year for cancer research. There are six different routes riders can choose, and every dollar raised goes 100% to funding cancer research. More information about the event can found on their website.
The Columbus Food Truck Festival (Columbus Commons | August 16, 17)
The Columbus Food Truck Festival is a two-day event featuring over 40 of the best Food Trucks in Ohio, entertainment, arts and crafts and family fun for all ages. Whether you’re just looking for a great way to spend an afternoon, a food lover eager to taste a delicious mix of the best food trucks and carts in Columbus or a music fan looking to hear great live music, The Columbus Food Truck Festival is one event that offers something for everyone.
Ohio Roller Girls Roller Derby (Ohio Expo Center | August 17)
Watch as the #21 world-ranked Ohio Roller Girls take on the Derby Dimes out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The first match is followed by a doubleheader against the #25 ranked Carolina Roller Girls at the Ohio Expo Center. Tickets and more information can found on the Roller Girls website.