COLUMBUS, Ohio — Experience Columbus and Downtown Columbus, Inc. are partnering to launch a free Downtown Discovery Pass, inviting visitors and residents to explore the Gay Street District and earn rewards along the way.

The pass encourages support for 20 local businesses as Gay Street undergoes a transformation as part of the Capital Line, a two-mile urban pedestrian and bicycle pathway connecting Downtown neighborhoods, attractions and green spaces. Businesses remain open and accessible during construction, offering plenty of reasons to visit as the project takes shape.

“Small, local businesses are at the heart of Downtown, and supporting them is especially important as we move through the construction phase of the Capital Line,” said Amy Taylor, President of Downtown Columbus, Inc. “As that project progresses toward building a more connected, people-first Downtown, the Downtown Discovery Pass presents a unique opportunity to explore a new business and experience the destinations that make this neighborhood special right now.”

In its inaugural year, the pass showcases the Gay Street District as a walkable cultural crossroads, with dining, shopping, art and entertainment within a few blocks. Users check in at participating businesses to earn rewards, including gift cards and exclusive items featuring a custom watercolor illustration of Downtown Columbus by local artist Fiona Miller.

“Experience Columbus has nine free experiential trails and passes that inspire visitors and residents alike to discover our region’s unique neighborhoods, small businesses, local restaurants and experiences,” said Sarah Townes, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer for Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. “We are thrilled to launch this new pass and encourage the community to discover a new local business Downtown or revisit a favorite spot they haven’t been to lately.”  

Monthly Giveaways & Rewards

The more participating businesses a user visits, the more rewards they unlock. Each month, one pass user who has checked in at least once will be randomly selected to receive a $50 gift card to a participating Gay Street business. Check in at eight participating businesses to earn a $25 gift card to a Gay Street business and an exclusive 11-by-17-inch art print featuring Miller’s downtown watercolor illustration. Users who check in at 12 participating businesses can earn an exclusive tote bag featuring Miller’s illustration. Prizes can be redeemed at the new Columbus Welcome Center located at 625 N. High St.


From Local Eats to Art Galleries

The Downtown Discovery Pass will be available through Sept. 30, 2027, giving residents and visitors a full year to explore its 20 participating businesses, including:

  • Restaurants and dining: Aracri Pizzeria, Barroluco Argentine Comfort Food, Chouette, Cinco, Hank’s Low Country Seafood, Lexi’s on Third, The Ringside Cafe and Three Bites Bakery
  • Bars, wine and cocktails: Accent Wine and The Citizens Trust
  • Galleries and art: Chaos Contemporary Craft, Hammond Harkins Galleries and Yao Cheng Design
  • Retail and shopping: GlamazonJayne Fashion & Footwear, The Peanut Shoppe, Restalgic and zerOz
  • Entertainment and experiences: Magic Escape Room
  • Wellness and beauty: Le Masseur & Co. and Juvly Aesthetics

Construction on the Gay Street phase of the Capital Line is scheduled to finish by the end of 2027, with blocks reopening as work is completed. Pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained throughout the project. Once complete, the Capital Line will stand as a testament to the city’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, accessible and interconnected Downtown.

To learn more and sign up for the free Downtown Discovery Pass, visit experiencecolumbus.com/discovery-pass.

About Experience Columbus  
Celebrating 85 years in 2026, Experience Columbus is the destination marketing organization for the Columbus region dedicated to growing visitor spending and enhancing the visitor experience. Annually, visitors make 54.9 million trips to Greater Columbus for conventions, trade shows, sporting events and leisure visits, spending $8.6 billion and supporting more than 83,306 jobs. For more information, visit ExperienceColumbus.com.  

About Downtown Columbus, Inc.
Downtown Columbus, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead city changing projects and collaborations that improve the connectivity, livability, and inclusivity of the Downtown Columbus experience. Downtown Columbus, Inc. drives development and progress of the Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan, working across sectors toward the vision for Downtown Columbus to become a neighborhood of connected, people-first urban districts that can be enjoyed by all. Learn more at downtowncolumbus.com.

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Media Contacts:
Leah Berger, APR, ECI, Experience Columbus: lberger@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6145
Cameron Walker, ECI, Experience Columbus: cwalker@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6146
Jenny Hauck, Downtown Columbus, Inc.: jhauck@downtowncolumbus.com  | 614-545-4720