Each year, thousands of visitors head to the Franklinton Arts District for Urban Scrawl, Columbus’s signature street art festival. What started as a small gathering in Dodge Park, where artists painted panels and hung them on abandoned houses to bring more vibrancy to the neighborhood, has grown into one of the city’s top celebrations of creativity, community, and the arts.
Celebrating its 20th year in 2026, Urban Scrawl will return to 400 West Rich on Oct. 9-11 and feature live mural painting, local performing artists and musicians, top-notch food trucks, and interactive experiences for all ages. This year Urban Scawl begins during Franklinton Fridays a recurring monthly event giving guests even more to art to explore while they're in the district.
If you have never been to Urban Scrawl, here’s why it deserves to be on your list of can’t-miss events this fall.
Artists paint live throughout the weekend at Urban Scrawl. Source: Franklinton Arts District.
Witness Art in the Making
56 artists representing all mediums will transform large-scale panels throughout the weekend where guests can watch the creative progression on their pieces in real time. Local participating artists include Lauren Ashleigh, Sam Reitenbach, Maya Pinz, and more. See the full list of participating artists here.
Participating artists are paid through event sponsorships and grants, and these panels are auctioned off annually at Art for Franklinton, a live auction with all proceeds being donated to arts, arts education, programming and community events in District.
Joey Aich returns to Urban Scawl this year with The Headband. Source: Franklinton Arts District.
See Top-Notch Entertainment
Urban Scrawl will be buzzing with live music throughout the weekend. Here’s the lineup:
Friday:
- Mistar Anderson
- Lily Bloom
- Joey Aich and The Headband
Saturday:
- Steve Tabatowski
- Magnolia
- Lydia Loveless
- Scrawl
Grab a cocktail from the rotating menu at The Shapeshifter. Source: Franklinton Arts District.
(Re)Discover the Neighborhood
Franklinton Arts District has been the home of Urban Scrawl since the beginning and although a lot has changed in 20 years, the neighborhood remains home to artistic creativity and small businesses you'll want to return to again and again.
Visit Friday during Franklinton Fridays, a free art walk throughout the district including open galleries, artist studios inside 400 West Rich, live music and street art.
Grab a sandwich and a beverage (or two) from Milo's Deli, owned by the same family who operates local favorite, Tommy's Diner. If pizza is more your speed, you'll want to stop in Yellow Brick, known for its artisanal recipes and great beer selection.
If you're visiting on Saturday, check out the Ohio State watch party at Land-Grant Brewing Company and then head over to Urban Scrawl after.
Cocktail connoisseurs will want to check out the rotating menu at The Shapeshifter, a new craft cocktail bar built on curiosity, creativity, and transformation.
Source: Franklinton Arts District.
Tips for First-Time Urban Scrawl Attendees
If this is your first time attending, check out these tips:
- Choose your own adventure on any of the three days. Each day presents new ways to explore not only the event, but Franklinton Arts District.
- Engage with the artists. Participating artists love to share their process and this festival is all about exploration and community.
- Bring the whole family! Urban Scrawl is a family-friendly event, with big and small-sized canvases for the kids to paint on, too! And don't miss the new Art-cade, presented by Makers Social featuring art-themed carnival games.
FAQs
How much does it cost to attend Urban Scrawl?
Admission is free. No tickets are required
What day is Urban Scawl 2026?
Urban Scrawl runs for three days from Friday, October 9, to Sunday, October 11, 2026. Artists begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and conclude their paintings by 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Where is Urban Scrawl?
Urban Scrawl takes place annually behind 400 West Rich in the Franklinton Arts District along with the surrounding streets.
Where can I park at Urban Scrawl?
Paid parking is available in 400 West Rich gravel lots and in parking garages behind River & Rich apartments and on State St.
Is there a backup date if it rains?
Scrawl is an indoor/outdoor event happening on October 9-11 rain or shine.
