The Columbus Summer Edit is your seasonal sidekick, bringing you everything you need to know about Columbus. This summer is less about checking boxes and more about curating your Columbus lifestyle: one where your group turns to you for plans, your weekends feel intentional and every experience is just a little bit elevated.
What to Expect:
- What’s New and Next
- The Agenda: Trending Things to do
- The Shortlist
- Insider Tips
- Your Seasonal Conversation Starter
Lani Rooftop Lounge just opened in Powell. Photo by Meg Berno.
What's New and What's Next this Summer in Columbus
Summer 2026 is already sprinkled with new openings and upcoming experiences.
At the top of the list: Brass Eye at The Junto unveiled its "Secret Garden" pop-up, a rooftop moment that blends theatrical greenery with an elevated cocktail program. It’s giving enchanted, slightly escapist and entirely reservation-worthy.
Café Stai Manso (translated as "chill" in Italian) is making a statement in the Warehouse District with its inventive coffee creations, just as delicious as they are social-worthy. We tried the "Pebble Showers," an iced coffee topped with Fruity Pebbles, and honestly, we'll never be the same.
CMA at The Pizzuti opened Bar Room, a new permanent installation by artist Tavares Strachan, which turned the gallery space into a fully realized reggae bar with a full menu of locally roasted coffee, bar bites and an on-theme cocktail menu. Bar Room takes experiential art to a new level in Columbus.
Campus-area favorite, Matcha Me expanded, bringing your daily dose of green joy to a new Short North location.
Lani Rooftop Lounge opened up in Powell and is totally giving luxury resort vibes. Their menu features globally inspired, handcrafted cocktails and flavor-forward small plates to share.
Downtown Columbus Inc. launched Lafayette Lounge, a new pop-up park on E. Lafayette St., featuring soft seating, live music, art installations and more this summer. Don't forget to grab a DORA beverage while you're in the area.
Chef Josh Dalton (owner of some of Columbus’ top restaurants like Veritas and Speck) is opening two new concepts anticipated this summer:
- Amara, a modern Mediterranean restaurant along the Scioto Mile.
- Rosalita, a fresh take on contemporary Mexican dining, complete with a cocktail menu that’s inviting, not intimidating.
In the fashion space, The Loom, the Columbus Fashion Alliance’s new hub in the Discovery District, is expected to begin public programming by late summer. Think: exhibitions, workshops and immersive fashion-centric experiences.
The Bottle Shop is getting a glow-up and reopening as Cordial Cocktail Club & Bottle Shop in early June.
Read our full report on What's New and Next in Columbus.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library and Topiary Park make our list of the Best Places to Read. Photos by Angela Lee.
The Agenda: Trending Things to do in Columbus this Summer
Build your summer to-do list around these themes.
Columbus is Lit(erary)
Literary travel is trending and this is a scene where Columbus shines. Mark your calendar for The Columbus Book Festival, returning July 11-12 to the Metropolitan Library. This premier literary event brings together hundreds of authors and vendors from across the region.
Get the book club girls together on the Columbus Booklovers Trail, a tour of all the vibey, independent bookstores in town. Check in at each stop to earn the coziest bookish sweatshirt, ready for pick up at the new Columbus Welcome Center.
If you’re just looking for a place to cozy up with your newest novel, we’ve outlined the best places in Columbus to read. For more literary sites, history and entertainment, read more on our Literary Columbus page.
Courtesy of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
All-American Food in Columbus
This season, we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, and no party is complete without food. Independence Day is always huge in Columbus with events like Red, White & Boom! and the satirical Doo Dah Parade, but make sure you top off your holiday with our must-try lists of best burgers, hot dogs and ice cream, with a side order of late-night eats in Columbus. Because this summer is less about reinvention and more about doing the basics exceptionally well.
The Charm Bar at Little Sky Stone. Photo by Meg Berno.
Girly Group Outings in Columbus
This summer's group outing is all about experiences (although we do recommend pairing these activities with a good happy hour or brunch). Makers Social offers a menu of DIY projects along with a full bar to sip and create as a group. The Charm Bar at Little Sky Stone is great for smaller groups looking to add some personalized sparkle to their wardrobes. Your girls will love making their own bouquet at Blossom Flower Bar, featuring seasonal, vibrant florals in a picture-perfect place. If your girl group is looking to get in some movement, take a free fitness class at Columbus Commons, which offers HIIT and yoga sessions throughout the season. Lastly, check out Astra, a rooftop bar with a bold, inventive menu and some of the best views in the city.
Courtesy of Experience Columbus
The Shortlist
Quick hits. A snackable list of our must-dos this summer in Columbus.
Elevated Event: German Village Haus und Garten Tour, June 27-28; peek inside some of the most iconic homes in Columbus.
Rave-Worthy Retail: Restalgic Atelier. Shop curated pottery and home goods. Then take a class or workshop.
Recommended Reservation: The Refectory is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, serving contemporary American cuisine using classic French techniques.
Stylish Staycation:
Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph. Add a visit to Liliana Spa for a stay that feels equal parts cultured and indulgent.
Conversation Starter: The Fashion Fact That Surprises Everyone
Columbus ranks as the #1 metro in the U.S. for concentration of fashion and apparel professionals. Yes, you read that right. With industry anchors like Abercrombie & Fitch and DSW headquartered here, plus a rising class of independent designers, the city’s fashion influence is very real. If you're planning ahead, Fashion Week Columbus returns this fall, where you can experience Columbus' style first-hand.
Insider Tip:
If parking downtown scares you, please allow us to introduce you to the ParkColumbus app, an easy-to-use tool to help you identify parking areas close to your destination, where you can also reserve your spot in advance.
