2026 Columbus 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 for these can't-miss events this summer in the 614:

Breakaway Music Festival

• When: May 29-30

• Where: Historic Crew Stadium Festival Grounds

• What: 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 Kygo, Gudfella and more.

• Get tickets.

Columbus Arts Fest

• When: June 12-14

• Where: Downtown Scioto Riverfront

• What: More than 230 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, plus 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 19-20

• Where: Goodale Park & the Short North Arts District

• What: Central Ohio’s annual celebration of LGBTQ+ rights, culture and progress returns to Goodale Park and the Short North. This year's theme, Until We Are All Free, is rooted in the belief that liberation is collective and unfinished. Until We’re All Free reflects both the urgency of the current moment and the enduring values that have guided Stonewall Columbus for more than four decades.

• 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 LeAnn Rimes, 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, and while you’re at it – enjoy one of the liveliest weekends of the year in Downtown Columbus.

• Learn more here.

Columbus Book Festival

• When: July 11-12

• 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 U.S.'s 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 24-26

• Where: The Scioto Mile

• What: One of the most anticipated events of the summer returns to Bicentennial Park this July. 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 29-Aug. 9

• 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. 

• Learn more here.

CBUS Soul Fest

• When: Sept 4-5

• Where: Bicentennial Park

• What: The 5th annual CBUS Soul Festival will celebrate the rich, historic, innovative, and forward-moving Black culture in Columbus. Visit for spectacular performances, Black-owned food trucks, a small-business vendor market and more.

• 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.