School is out and summer is here! Getting out of the house to spend time with friends and family in warmer months doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out our recommendations for free summer fun in Columbus below!  

 

A group of people enjoying a movie on the lawn at Easton Town Center

Movies by Moonlight at Easton Town Center.

 

Free Movies in Columbus

Summer movie series are a Columbus staple and this season is packed full of free screenings of your favorite shows. 

  • Free Movie Nights in the Historic Trolley District: Bring your lawn chair and blanket to enjoy free movie screenings Thursday nights in The Switch Yard at the Historic Trolley District from June 1 through August 17. See the full lineup and plan your visit today.

  • Movies by Moonlight at Easton Town Center: Bring your blanket and popcorn for a movie screening under the stars at Easton Town Center. Happening Tuesday evenings in June at Easton's Town Square, these family-friendly features are the perfect addition to your summer fun. See the full lineup

  • Free Movie Nights at Columbus Commons: Watch some of the latest PG flicks under the stars this summer at Columbus Commons. Screening movies like Moana, The Lion King and Shrek, Columbus Commons welcomes your family to enjoy for free. Get the details and find more free family fun. 

  • Upper Arlington's Movies in the Parks Series: Grab your lawn chair and join the City of Upper Arlington this summer for free Movies in the Parks! Screening your favorites like Clifford the Big Red Dog, Sonic 2 and Encanto, you won't want to miss these fun opportunities for making memories. Learn more
  • Trivia and A Movie Tuesdays at Land-Grant: Happening Tuesday evenings throughout the summer in their Beer Garden, Land-Grant pairs two of our favorite things: Trivia and Movies, for FREE. Find the dates and film lineup. 

 

Wexner Center for the Arts

Wexner Center for the Arts
 

Free Attractions in Columbus

When the rain comes, the fun doesn’t have to end. Consider free entry offerings from one of these cultural arts institutions.

  • Wexner Center for the Arts | Free Admission Daily: The Wexner Center for the Arts is one of the nation’s premier cultural gems - an internationally-known contemporary arts center at The Ohio State University. The Center offers exhibitions, performances, films, artistic residencies and educational programs. Wexner Center for the Arts offers free admission daily.

  • Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum and Library | Free Admission Daily: The Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum featuring rotating exhibitions from artists across the country and offering free admission to guests. The library (open by appointment) allows you to examine a complete history of comics in its archives.

  • Columbus Museum of Art | Free Admission on SundaysThe Columbus Museum of Art offers free admission every Sunday (entry does not include access to special exhibitions). Enjoy the Museum's permanent collection and experience hands-on art activities for kids with a visit to The Wonder Room.

 

Fashion Meets Music Festival

 

Free Live Music in Columbus

  • Free Concerts and Live Music at Columbus Commons: The Common Ground Concert Series presented by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and CAPA is offering two free concerts this summer. Martina McBride on Sunday, July 9 and Boys II Men on Friday, August 25. Claim your free tickets

  • Easton Unplugged: Grab a seat on a nearby patio or bring your lawn chair every Thursday, May through September at The Yard. These acoustic performances are the perfect way to kick off your free weekend fun. See the lineup and plan your visit today. 

  • Music on the Lawn at Grandview Heights Public Library: Enjoy free summer concerts every Tuesday in June and July (except 7/4) from 7 - 8 pm. Enjoy tasty local food from one of the Central Ohio Food Truck Association's members. See a full lineup of entertainment and food. 

 

Easton Physically Distant Yoga on the Square

Yoga on the Square at Easton Town Center.

 

Free Fitness in Columbus

Staying fit this summer in Columbus doesn't have to break the bank. Enjoy these free fitness opportunities all season long in the city. 

  • Yoga on the Square at Easton Town Center: Start your Friday mornings off with a little Zen at Easton Town Center. Classes are for anyone 13+ and are introductory level focusing on strength, conditioning and flexibility. Get the details

  • Free Fitness Classes at Columbus Commons: Featuring four classes per week in the evenings, May through September, find your fit at Columbus Commons this summer. Learn more

  • Yoga at the Market: Visit the Worthington Farmer's Market for more than produce this summer. Move your body with free yoga classes Saturdays beginning at 8 am. Learn more.

  • Free Scioto Milers Running Club: Find your new running crew this summer. The Scioto Milers meet Friday mornings at 6:30 am at Coleman's Pointe for a run along the scenic 5k route on The Mile. Learn more.

 

Girl sits atop the Scioto Audubon Climbing Wall.

The largest, free outdoor climbing wall at Scioto Audubon Metro Park.

 

Free Outdoor Activities in Columbus

Columbus has ample opportunities for free fun in the sun! Get outdoors at any of our many unique metro parks. Here are some of the things to look forward to:

  • Free Kayak Days at the Scioto Mile: Soak in iconic views of the Columbus skyline from a kayak or SUP on July 29 and August 12 at the boat launch under the Main Street Bridge. 
  • Scioto Audubon Metro Park: Check out the world’s largest free outdoor climbing wall or the quarter-mile Columbus Rotary Obstacle Course.
  • Quarry Trails Metro Park: Check out the only urban Via Ferrata in the U.S.
  • Batelle Darby Creek Metro Park: See a herd of bison roaming freely.
  • Hayden Falls Park: Find the 30-foot waterfall nestled in this bustling neighborhood near Dublin.
  • Chadwick Arboretum: Uncover this 60-acre urban oasis on OSU’s campus.
  • Topiary Park: Enjoy the world’s only topiary recreation of a painting.
  • Park of Roses: Surround yourself with thousands of roses in one of the largest public rose gardens in the U.S.