Columbus Commons is one of my absolute favorite destinations in the city of Columbus! Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, this six-acre park is the home of some of my favorite summer events and luckily for us, many of them are free!
The park has a huge green space perfect for concerts, kids’ activities, team sports, and exercise! Each summer the Commons packs its schedule full and there is something for people of all ages! Check out this list of free things you can do at Columbus Commons this summer!
1. Free Carousel Rides
Carousel rides are free at Columbus Commons every day from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM! The carousel season runs from April 19th through September 30th, 2024.
2. Permanent Food Stands
Columbus Commons is home to two permanent food stands: Tortilla Street Food and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
General hours are Monday – Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., April 19 – September. (Hours are subject to change so always check in with social media or the Columbus Commons website for updates.)
3. Kickball Games
Go Kickball! is facilitating three sessions of kickball at Columbus Commons this summer! The season runs April through October! Register to play!
4. Free Fitness Classes
From May 1 – September 25, 2024, there will be free fitness classes by RawYoga614 and Seven Studios on Tuesdays and Wednesdays! The schedule is as follows:
- Tuesdays – Cardio, 5:30 p.m., Yoga, 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays –Yoga, 5:30 p.m., Yoga, 6:30 p.m.
5. Breakfast at the Commons
Breakfast at the Commons takes place on Wednesday mornings from 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM beginning May 1 through October 31, 2024. Rotating breakfast food trucks will be available!
6. Food Truck Food Court
On Thursdays from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM beginning May 2 and running through October 31 you can have lunch from a food truck at Columbus Commons Food Truck Food Court!
Nine trucks will be featured. Local Matters Veggie Van will also be there and from May 16 – October 10 Pearl Market will be there with local goods!
7. Commons for Kids
On Fridays from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM head to Columbus Commons for a free event just for kids! Commons for Kids will take place on Fridays from June 7 – Aug. 9, 2024 and these events include face painting, crafts, carousel rides and inflatables (on select weeks).
Each week has a theme with featured activities and community partners. And of course, carousel rides are always free! This is one of the best free things to do this summer in Columbus!
8. Local + Live Concert Series
On Thursday nights in August enjoy free live music at Columbus Commons beginning at 6:00 PM. Bar and food trucks will be available.
2024 Schedule is as follows:
- Aug. 1 – Throwback Thursday with a tribute to the Beatles with Joe Peppercorn and Fleetwood Gold, featuring an appearance by the East High School Marching Band.
- Aug. 8 – Leading Ladies with Lily Bloom Band and Angela Perley
- Aug. 15 – Back to School Night with Saylor Twift (a live-band tribute to Taylor Swift) and Go Big, Go Broadway: Enchanted Evening Edition
- Aug. 22 – Rock Local, Shop Local with The Worn Flints and Zoo Trippin’, featuring a shoppable vendor market in partnership with The Good Market. Aug. 29 – Columbus Soul Review with T.Wong and Mojoflo.
9. Brews in the Bosque
On Thursdays in September at Columbus Commons from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM enjoy a beverage and music during this happy-hour in the park! Brews in the Bosque will take place September 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2024 and there will also be a weekly cornhole tournament.
10. Sunset Cinema
Come down to Columbus Commons for Brews in the Bosque and stay after for a classic movie under the stars! This CAPA Summer Movie Series will begin at sunset (8:00 PM) each Thursday night in September.
11. Movie Nights
Columbus Commons will host 4 free outdoor movie nights throughout the summer! These outdoor movies will begin at 8:15 PM and free popcorn will be available while supplies last.
The 2024 movie line up is as follows:
- May 25 – Moana
- June 21 – Encanto
- July 12 – Ratatouille
- Sept. 7 – Coco Movie
12. Special One-Time Events
Throughout the summer there will be multiple one-time special events! Mark your calendar for these dates!
Naviagors Concert
A Columbus favorite, The Navigators, will be in concert on Friday, May 24th at 6:00 PM. Bar and food trucks will be available.
Family Fun Day
This Free Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday, May 25th from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and will include inflatables, face painting, live music, crafts and more!
Harvest Fair
A Free Harvest Fair will take place at Columbus Commons on Saturday, September 7th from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and will include fall-themed fun like a pumpkin patch, petting-zoo and inflatables, face painting, live music, crafts and more!
A Song Remains (A Night of Led Zeppelin) + The Dead Revival Band (Grateful Dead Tribute)
On Friday, Aug. 30th at 6:00 PM enjoy a free concert with epic anthems from two tribute bands!
Tips for visiting Columbus Commons:
- There is easy and convenient parking in the Main Columbus Commons parking garage located at 55 E Rich St, Columbus, OH 43215. There is also an underground garage located at 191 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215.
- If you’re not visiting for Breakfast at the Commons (which usually has a coffee truck) you can check out one of these nearby coffee shops!
- For an extended outing, take your kids to the nearby Ohio Statehouse for a free tour!
- Keep an eye on the Columbus Commons event calendar for weather updates, changes to the schedule and external events taking place in the park.
- Check out this list of restaurants in downtown Columbus to help plan your trip!
