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SPRING
Blooms & Butterflies | Feb. 22–July 6, 2025 | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Wander through tropical plant collections featuring hundreds of colorful, exotic butterflies.
Arnold Sports Festival | Feb. 27–March 2, 2025 | Greater Columbus Convention Center and Ohio Expo Center
The nation’s largest multi-sport festival brings 10,000+ athletes from 80+ nations to Columbus to compete in 50+ sports ranging from bodybuilding to equestrian.(Pro tip: Book your hotel with us for exclusive offers!)
Columbus Brew Festival | March 8, 2025 | COSI
The Columbus Brew Festival takes place at COSI after hours. Attendees can enjoy over 50 breweries and 150 beers — admission provides samples from participating breweries and access to all exhibits.
Greater Columbus Cherry Blossom Festival | March 24–April 15, 2025 | Franklin Park (1755 E. Broad St.)
Enjoy the spectacular views of more than 100 blooming cherry trees along with live entertainment, demonstrations, games and more.
African American Heritage Festival | March 27–April 5, 2025 | The Ohio State University
Over the years, the African American Heritage Festival has been a regular event for The Ohio State University and the larger Columbus community. This week-long festival is presented by the Student Life Multicultural Center. All of The Ohio State University community and Columbus community members are invited to this annual celebration!
Equine Affaire | April 10–13, 2025 | Ohio Expo Center
Experience the nation's premiere equine exposition, featuring an impressive educational program, the largest horse-related trade show in North America, top equine entertainment and competition and endless opportunities to experience, buy and sell horses of all types.
OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon | April 26, 2025 | Downtown Columbus
Run the race that USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards' voted as the #2 Half Marathon in the Nation! The OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon draws thousands of participants to downtown Columbus for an unforgettable race experience. through the city's vibrant neighborhoods.
COSI Science Festival | April 30–May 3, 2025 | COSI
Ohio’s largest science festival will include events in Columbus and the surrounding communities, and will end with the Big Science Celebration at COSI. The events showcase dozens of unique online programs that highlight the incredible science being done in Ohio.
Hops on High | May 3, 2025 | Short North Arts District
Stroll a pedestrian-only High Street and enjoy hands-on activities, pop-up performances, local vendors, food trucks and more. This arts-forward street fest is your chance to explore the Short North in a whole new way.
Ohioana Book Festival | May 3, 2025 | State Library of Ohio
From panel discussions to readings, the Ohioana Book Festival highlights amazing Ohio authors and provides an opportunity for readers to explore and hear from those writers.
Sonic Temple Arts & Music Festival | May 8–11, 2025 | Historic Crew Stadium
The Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival returns to its home at the heartbeat of rock, the Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus. The spectacular lineup of rock heavyweights make Sonic Temple one of the most anticipated events of festival season!
Blooms & Butterflies exhibit at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
SUMMER
Columbus Taco Fest | May 24–25, 2025 | Goodale Park
Happening twice a year, the Columbus Taco Fest returns with the best tacos, tequila and Mexican beer you can find in the city.
Asian Festival | May 24–25, 2025 | Franklin Park (1755 E. Broad St.)
With more than 100,000 visitors, this annual celebration promotes the importance of cultural diversity in building a vibrant, prosperous and healthy community.
Ohio Black Expo | May 24–25, 2025 | Downtown Columbus
Showcasing #blackexpollence with food, music, art, networking and more. All roads lead to CBUS on Memorial Day Weekend! 100+ vendors, food trucks, concerts, celebrity appearances and more will be featured at the Riverfront Culture Fest.
The Memorial Tournament, presented by Workday | May 26–June 1, 2025 | Muirfield Village
The Tournament, founded and hosted by Jack Nicklaus, benefits many Greater Columbus charities in alliance with the Nicklaus Children's Healthcare Foundation, Nationwide Children's Hospital and numerous other local organizations.
Columbus Arts Festival | June 6–8, 2025 | Downtown Columbus
The Columbus Arts Festival has grown into one of the most highly acclaimed arts festivals in the nation. The event will feature over 200 visual artists, three stages of performances and dozens of food vendors. The Columbus Arts Festival attracts the nation’s top artists, as well as art enthusiasts from all over the country. (Pro tip: Book your hotel with us for exclusive offers!)
Columbus Summer Wine Festival | June 7, 2025 | McFerson Commons
The Columbus Wine Festival is the perfect event for wine lovers! Experience wine sampling, arts and crafts, live music and more.
Stonewall Columbus Pride | June 13–14, 2025 | Goodale Park & Downtown Columbus
An annual celebration, Pride events across the globe aim to bring community together in camaraderie and recognition of the strength, resilience, and fight of the LGBTQIA+ community past and present; a fight for equity and equality that is far from over. (Pro tip: Book your hotel with us for exclusive offers!)
Animate! Columbus | June 13–15, 2025 | Greater Columbus Convention Center
Step into the world of anime, cosplay and pop culture at Animate! Columbus. This immersive fan convention features celebrity guests, voice actor panels, cosplay contests, anime screenings, gaming tournaments and a vibrant artist alley — all under one roof.
Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival | June 13–15, 2025 | Gahanna Creekside District
The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival gathers world-famous groups and performers at a single place for you to enjoy the best blues and jazz in Ohio.
Worthington Arts Festival | June 14–15, 2025 | Worthington Village Green
Produced by the McConnell Arts Center in coordination with the City of Worthington, this premier Fine Art festival draws 23,000 visitors and more than 110 artists. The Festival takes place on all four quadrants of the Worthington Village Green and is just a short walk from the businesses and restaurants of historic Old Worthington.
Origins Game Fair | June 18–22, 2025 | Greater Columbus Convention Center
Tabletop gaming convention and expo highlighting new games, special guests, seminars, workshops, shows, fun and so much more.
Buckeye Country Superfest | June 21, 2025 | Ohio Stadium
Make your way to the Shoe to hear music from today's top country musicians. Buckeye Country Superfest returns in 2025 with superstars Jelly Roll and Kane Brown co-headlining a sure to be unforgettable event. Singer/songwriter country sensation Megan Moroney joins them along with Texas country rock band Treaty Oak Revival, rising country star Dasha, and emerging artist Conner Smith.
Juneteenth Ohio Celebration | June 21–22, 2025 | Genoa Park
Throughout 25+ years of celebration, Juneteenth Ohio has emerged as the enjoyable family weekend of cultural discovery, filled with a variety of events promoting cultural unity, enrichment, and ethnic diversity, “key elements that improve the relationships and quality of life among all residents throughout Ohio”.
ComFest | June 27–29, 2025 | Goodale Park
Community Festival (ComFest) features performances by Columbus’ best bands and artists, workshops, community activism and other events you look forward to every year.
Red, White & BOOM! | July 3, 2025 | Downtown Columbus
There are few more patriotic ways to kick off your Independence Day weekend than at the largest fireworks display in Ohio. Red, White & BOOM! is an experience and a tradition for over 400,000 visitors who come together to celebrate the country and the community and to honor our military and veterans. Plan to be downtown early because the best spots go fast! (Pro tip: Book your hotel with us for exclusive offers!)
Doo Dah Parade | July 4, 2025 | Short North Arts District
This classic Columbus event celebrates liberty and lunacy with traditional weird costumes and funny opinions in the Short North Arts District. Come for the parade and the outfits, or hang out at Goodale Park for the live music afterparty.
Columbus Book Festival | July 12–13, 2025 | Columbus Metropolitan Library - Main Library
This literary festival features panel discussions, author talks and book signings from nationally acclaimed authors with new releases at the historic Main Library downtown, named one of the country’s 11 most beautiful libraries by Fodor’s.
Westerville Music & Arts Festival | July 12–13, 2025 | Heritage Park/Everal Barn
The Westerville Music & Arts Festival features 130+ artists, 30+ performances, food vendors, a silent auction, a youth art show and youth entertainment.
Jazz & Rib Fest | July 18–20, 2025 | Scioto Mile
Jazz & Rib Fest, presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, is a highly anticipated summertime tradition offering both jazz and rib connoisseurs the finest in music and barbecue. (Pro tip: Book your hotel with us for exclusive offers!)
Ohio State Fair | July 23–Aug. 3, 2025 | Ohio State Fairgrounds
Full of exciting attractions, food and entertainment, this multi-day fair brings in upwards of 800,000 visitors each year.
Dublin Irish Festival | Aug. 1–3, 2025 | Coffman Park
The world’s largest three-day Irish festival is held in Dublin annually. Irish and the Irish-at-heart are invited to share and celebrate the best in Irish dance, music, art and culture.
Pelotonia | Aug. 2–3, 2025 | Central Ohio
A bike ride and fundraiser in which 100% of all participant-raised dollars go toward innovative cancer research. (Pro tip: Book your hotel with us for exclusive offers!)
Tomato Festival | Aug. 7–9, 2025 | Huber Park in Reynoldsburg
The Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival has been celebrating Reynoldsburg as the birthplace of the tomato for over 50 years! Join in the festivities and fun that have become a time-honored and beloved tradition in this city just outside Columbus.
Uptown Untapped | Aug. 9, 2025 | E. Main St. in Westerville
Uptown Untapped is Westerville’s beer craft festival, recognizing both the city’s rich history as a hub for the temperance movement and celebrating its bright future in the heart of the city’s unique Uptown district.
Festival Latino | Aug. 9–10, 2025 | Genoa Park
This free, family-focused event is bringing national and international music acts, Ohio-based Latino dance and music, children’s activities and more for the community to enjoy.
CBUS Soul® Fest | Aug. 15–16, 2025 | Bicentennial Park
In a collaboration between Experience Columbus (and its CBUS Soul® initiative) and the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, the CBUS Soul® fest returns this year—now bigger and better! This year, the festival expands to two days and moves to a new location. Come out to experience Columbus' vibrant Black culture, music, history and soul! (Pro tip: Book your hotel with us for exclusive offers!)
Columbus Food Truck Festival - Hilliard | Aug. 16–17, 2025 | Franklin County Fairgrounds
Enjoy a day of food, music and fun, at the historical Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. Experience the best food trucks from across Ohio and around the country accompanied by live music, and explore tons of vendors of locally-made craft and retail items.
Columbus Air Show | Aug. 22–24, 2025 | Rickenbacker International Airport
The Columbus Air Show, presented by Scotts, takes place at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus. Perfect for family and friends alike, don't miss the exciting experience that's headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels! The event is full of amazing feats of talent and skill both in the air and on the ground, and you'll get to see demonstrations from both modern military and civilian aircraft.
The Great Bourbon Affair | Aug. 23, 2025 | East Market
Come out for the affair between rock & country music and join the biggest bourbon toast in Ohio!
Columbus Greek Festival | Aug. 29–Sept. 1, 2025 | Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
This annual celebration of Greek culture and heritage takes place over Labor Day Weekend. Become immersed in Greek culture through live performances, Cathedral tours, authentic food and more.
Obetz Zucchinifest | Aug. 29–Sept. 1, 2025 | Fortress Obetz
The Obetz Zucchinifest is a four-day, family-friendly event celebrating everything zucchini. The festival and concerts are free!
Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival | Sept. 1, 2025 | Northam Park
Each year, more than 20,000 visitors flock to Northam Park on Labor Day to immerse themselves in hands-on art activities, live music, and the opportunity to explore and purchase fine art and fine craft work from some 150 artists working in a variety of media including paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, sculptures and mixed media.
Columbus Food Truck Festival - Downtown | Summer 2025 | Scioto Peninsula near COSI
Enjoy two days of food, music and fun, and celebrate the festival's return to downtown. Experience the best food trucks from across Ohio and around the country accompanied by live music, and explore tons of vendors of locally-made craft and retail items.
Stonewall Columbus Pride march on High St.
FALL
Columbus Comedy Festival | Sept. 4–7, 2025 | Around Columbus
With Columbus' comedy scene booming, don't miss the annual Columbus Comedy Festival, featuring classic venues across the city.
Lithopolis Honeyfest | Sept. 5–6, 2025 | Lithopolis
Taking place in Lithopolis (just outside Columbus), celebrate all things honey and bee-related during National Honey Month. From honey bake-offs to perusing the arts and crafts booths, you’re sure to have a sweet time—and you might even see this year’s Honey Princess!
Columbus Oktoberfest | Sept. 5–7, 2025 | Ohio Expo Center/Ohio State Fairgrounds
Put on your dirndls and lederhosen, pump up the polka and raise your beer stein. Columbus’ German heritage is on display at this fun annual celebration. Hosted in part by the Schmidt family—who bring +130 years of Columbus tradition to the festival—of Schmidt’s in German Village, enjoy plenty of German tradition and culture at this event. (Pro tip: Book your hotel with us for exclusive offers!)
Hops on High | Sept. 6, 2025 | Short North Arts District
Stroll a pedestrian-only High Street and enjoy hands-on activities, pop-up performances, local vendors, food trucks and more. This arts-forward street fest is your chance to explore the Short North in a whole new way.
Cartoon Crossroads Columbus | Sept. 18–21, 2025 | Around Columbus
Helmed by the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, CXC is a city-wide celebration of cartoon art in all its forms, meant for both creators and audiences. The show serves as a showcase for both the city of Columbus and the cartooning art form, and also focuses on encouraging the next generation of cartoon talent. Plans are currently underway for both in-person and virtual option.
All American Quarter Horse Congress | Sept. 27–Oct. 26, 2025 | Ohio Expo Center
The largest single-breed horse show in America takes place in Columbus each year, stretching for three weeks and welcoming more than 725,000 guests. Find the best riding gear and watch fun competitions like barrel racing.
Columbus Coffee Festival | Oct. 4–5, 2025 | Franklin County Fairgrounds
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just enjoy the occasional sip, the Columbus Coffee Festival has something for you. The price of admission grants endless coffee tasting privileges during the festival—which you’ll enjoy from your free, themed mug—from vendors located in Columbus and across the state. Paired with live music and food trucks (as well as Ohio-based treat vendors), it doesn’t get much better than that for the coffee-lover.
The Columbus Italian Festival | Oct. 10–12, 2025 | St. John the Baptist Church
Columbus’ Italian Village is undergoing its own renaissance right now, booming with new condos, hip bars, fun live music venues and cozy cafes. Experience the roots of this neighborhood at the Italian Festival and join in the music, food and parades. (Pro tip: Book your hotel with us for exclusive offers!)
Circleville Pumpkin Show | Oct. 15–18, 2025 | Circleville
Though Circleville is about an hour south of central Columbus, you’ll find Columbus residents – and folks from all around the world – traveling to the pumpkin show year after year without hesitation. From pumpkins that dwarf small children to every pumpkin-flavored treat under the sun, this free festival remains a central Ohio classic.
Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon | Oct. 18–19, 2025 | Downtown Columbus
Runners of all levels are invited to take part in the one of the largest and most festive road races in Ohio. This iconic event winds through the heart of Columbus, offering scenic views and an energetic atmosphere. The event supports Nationwide Children's Hospital, with proceeds benefiting pediatric care and research, making it a perfect way for participants to challenge themselves and give back to the community. (Pro tip: Book your hotel with us for exclusive offers!)
HighBall Halloween | Oct. 25, 2025 | Short North Arts District
Fashion is at the forefront at HighBall, a costume couture party that inspires outfits that are elaborate, wacky and incredible. The local fashion scene is on full display with several local designers presenting runway shows.
Columbus Serbian Festival | Fall 2025 | St. Stevan of Decani Serbian Church
Eat, drink, sing and dance at this year's Serbian Festival. The church’s grounds are transformed into a Serbian village with homemade Serbian dishes and pastries, drinks, live Serbian music and children's activities.
Columbus Taco Fest | Fall 2025 | Goodale Park
Happening in the spring and fall, the Columbus Taco Fest returns in October with the best tacos, tequila and Mexican beer you can find in the city.
Fashion Week Columbus | Fall 2025 | Around Columbus
Columbus is a fashion capital and there’s no time it shows more than at Columbus Fashion Week. See runway couture from our best local designers, meet the fashion cognoscenti and shop for your next look to make heads turn at this full week of events and shows.
Harvest Blooms | Fall 2025 | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Nothing says fall like Harvest Blooms. This annual special exhibit showcases hundreds of pumpkins, colorful mums and autumn foliage that spread throughout the botanical gardens. Plus, you can't miss the beloved pumpkin houses and pumpkin tree.
Pumpkins Aglow | Fall 2025 | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
After dark, take the family to stroll jack-o-lantern illuminated paths as you explore Franklin Park Conservatory's pumpkin patch and Pumpkin Houses. You'll also see enchanting decorations, such as larger-than-life spiders, a foggy creek and a ghostly graveyard.
Scrawl | Fall 2025 | Franklinton Arts District
Scrawl takes place in Franklinton in the heart of the district. Keep an eye on which arts organizations will be involved here.
Highball Halloween in the Short North Arts District
WINTER
Wildlights | Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026 | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Central Ohio's favorite family holiday tradition features millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, Santa, reindeer and other holiday festivities.
GalaxyCon Columbus | Dec. 5–7, 2025 | Greater Columbus Convention Center
GalaxyCon comes to Columbus for an epic weekend of fandom! Meet your favorite celebrities, participate in cosplay contests, explore hundreds of vendors, attend fan panels and celebrate all things comics, sci-fi, fantasy, anime and gaming in this high-energy event.
Winterfair | Dec. 5–7, 2025 | Ohio Expo Center
Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts at Winterfair, Central Ohio’s premier fine arts and crafts show. This event features 350 talented artists offering everything from jewelry and ceramics to paintings and photography. Plus, don’t forget to purchase artisanal treats and handmade goods perfect for the season and the Gourmet Marketplace.
Short North Holiday Hop | Dec. 6, 2025 | Short North Arts District
The holiday version of Gallery Hop includes a cosmopolitan display of sights, sounds, food and drink.
Conservatory Aglow | Winter 2025 | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
View elegant displays of twinkling lights, seasonal foliage and a larger-than-life gingerbread house.
Holiday Blooms | Winter 2025 | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Stroll through the Conservatory halls as they're decked with poinsettias and holiday spirit.
WinterFest Columbus | Winter 2025 | Bicentennial Park
Celebrate the season at this free, family-friendly festival that brings music, food and festive fun to downtown. Enjoy a variety of activities for all ages, including a mechanical reindeer, giant snowglobe, cornhole and more, all accessible by Downtown’s free Holiday Trolley Hop. (Pro tip: Book your hotel with us for exclusive offers!)
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
