CBUS Soul® Fest is more than a music festival — it’s a celebration of Black joy, creativity and cultural excellence. Spanning two soul-filled evenings along the scenic Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus, this free event brings together top-tier R&B and soul artists, local legends and a lineup of the city’s best Black-owned food vendors. Whether you’re vibing to smooth jazz under the stars or trying every food truck on the lot, this two-day itinerary is your guide to navigating the flavor, flow, and feel of CBUS Soul Fest.
CBUS Soul® Fest performers. Source: Columbus Recreation and Parks
Location: Bicentennial Park, Scioto Mile, Downtown Columbus
Admission: FREE (no tickets required)
Hours: Friday & Saturday, August 15–16, 2025 | 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
Come Hungry: Enjoy over a dozen local food trucks offering everything from donuts and BBQ to soul food and vegan comfort eats.
Mojo Flo performing at Bicentennial Park. Source: Columbus Recreation and Parks.
DAY ONE – Friday, August 15: Rhythm + Reunion
ARRIVAL (4:00–5:30 p.m.):
Ease into the festival by grabbing your first bites and finding a comfy spot to settle in. Start sweet with warm, made-to-order donuts from Donna’s Delicious Dozen paired with cold brew coffee. Or grab a cone of The Water Ice Shoppe’s refreshing Italian ice — perfect for that golden hour sunshine.
As you take in the park views and greet fellow fest-goers, catch the high-energy opening act:
MojoFlo at 4:00 p.m.
A local favorite, MojoFlo kicks things off with funk-infused soul and infectious stage presence led by the electric Amber Knicole.
Source: Dos Hermanos.
MID-FEST GROOVE (5:30–7:30 p.m.):
This is the time to explore the food truck lineup and taste the festival’s flavor story. Some can’t-miss stops:
- Cupzilla – Korean BBQ bowls and burritos with vegan/vegetarian options
- Flavor 91 – Grass-fed burgers, salmon sandwiches, vegan sambusas, and house-made cinnamon-ginger sweet tea
- Family Affair Catering Co. – Soul food with a Hispanic twist, like chicken Philly sandwiches and seasoned ribs
- Dos Hermanos – Loaded nachos, burrito bowls, and gluten-free tacos
- Taesty’s – Carolina-inspired wings with a dry rub you won’t forget
Settle in for one of the most acclaimed vocalists of the evening:
Rahsaan Patterson @ 6:00 PM
Blending R&B, funk, gospel, and electronica, Rahsaan delivers a genre-defying performance of honey-toned vocals and heartfelt lyricism.
CLOSEOUT VIBES (8:00–10:00 PM):
Round out your night with a full plate and a legendary performance.
Try Suge’s Smokehouse BBQ for slow-smoked brisket and ribs, or opt for Fat Boy Q for a vegan twist on classic BBQ.
Then grab a tea mocktail and a gourmet sandwich box from Posh Teatime Company, or a funnel cake stacked with toppings from Fun’l Frenzy to snack on during the finale set:
Eric Benét @ 8:00 PM
Known for his smooth vocals and chart-topping hits like “Spend My Life with You,” Benét closes Friday night with soulful romance and timeless energy.
Bonus Events: Also Happening on Friday, August 15
Fya & Sol at Edison Brewing Company - 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Join this soulful celebration of music, culture, and creative expression with Fya & Sol, featuring live performances, DJs, local food vendors, and community love along the riverfront. This free outdoor experience is all about amplifying Black artistry and joy.
Eddie Griffin at The Columbus Funny Bone (Day 1 of 2) - Shows at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Comedy icon Eddie Griffin brings his unfiltered, razor-sharp standup to Columbus for two nights only. Expect wild stories, social commentary, and laugh-out-loud moments you won’t forget.
Weekend Rooftop DJ Vibes at Budd Dairy (Day 1 of 2) - 8:00 p.m.-midnight
Every Friday and Saturday night, Budd Dairy’s rooftop turns into the city’s chillest hangout. Dance under the stars with live DJs spinning hip-hop, house, funk, and soul, paired with bites from local chefs.
DAY TWO – Saturday, August 16: Soulful Soundscapes + Sweet Finishes
ARRIVAL (4:00–5:30 PM):
Day two opens with fresh faces and a crowd already warmed up from night one. If you missed any vendors yesterday, now’s your time!
Start with G’s Flavor House for generous soul food platters or grab a loaded plate from Shrimp Lips for fried seafood with a kick.
While you snack, soak up the hometown sounds of:
Ria Blaq @ 4:00 PM
Columbus-native Ria Blaq opens with a mix of R&B, soul, and jazz, bringing a relatable, heartfelt energy that sets the tone for the night.
MID-FEST GROOVE (5:30–7:30 PM):
This is the sweet spot, time to get your second (or third) round of food, sip something cool, and enjoy the golden-hour soundtrack.
Try:
- Jerky’s Jamaican Grill – (if present — suggested based on previous vendors) for island-style spice
- Flavor 91 or Taesty’s – for something familiar and flavorful
- Posh Teatime Company – for an afternoon tea-inspired reset
- Kennedy’s Kakes or Chacon’s Sweet Treats – if spotted, look out for pop-up dessert vendors!
The perfect soundtrack for this golden hour:
Goapele @ 6:00 PM
Her voice is a dream — a blend of sensual melodies, introspective lyrics, and healing energy. Let “Closer” and new tracks from COLOURS wash over you.
CLOSEOUT VIBES (8:00–10:00 PM):
End your Soul Fest weekend with one of the most beloved voices in R&B:
Raheem DeVaughn @ 8:00 PM
From platinum hits to heartfelt anthems, Raheem brings love, power, and presence to the stage. A true closer for a weekend of soul.
One last stop?
Donna’s Delicious Dozen if you missed them, or a final scoop of The Water Ice Shoppe while you dance the night away.
Bonus Events: Also Happening on Saturday, August 16
The Art of Movement with Tifani K: 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Restore your mind and body at The Art of Movement, a soulful yoga flow led by Tifani K. This unique session blends guided movement, dreamy prose, and mindful reflection for a transformative wellness experience.
Eddie Griffin at The Columbus Funny Bone (Day 2)- Shows at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Comedy icon Eddie Griffin brings his unfiltered, razor-sharp standup to Columbus for two nights only. Expect wild stories, social commentary, and laugh-out-loud moments you won’t forget.
Weekend Rooftop DJ Vibes at Budd Dairy (Day 2) - 8:00 p.m.-Midnight
Every Friday and Saturday night, Budd Dairy’s rooftop turns into the city’s chillest hangout. Dance under the stars with live DJs spinning hip-hop, house, funk, and soul, paired with bites from local chefs.
