Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
This weekend’s list includes events for Memorial Day! As always, the events on the list are in chronological order, however, there are several events this weekend that take place over multiple days so keep an eye on days and times as you read through! Have a great weekend!
Family-Friendly Things to do Memorial Day Weekend in Columbus, Ohio:
1. Fountain Fest at Bicentennial Park
Celebrate the grand reopening of the Scioto Mile Fountain at Friday’s free Fountain Fest from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM and Saturday from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. There will be live music, food trucks, free ice cream (while supplies last) and tons of family-friendly activities! Trolley rides will be available between Bicentennial Park, Columbus Commons and Land Grant from 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM on both days.
2. Night at the Museum at The Works
This Around The Works event takes place from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Friday night at The Works in Newark. Visit stations throughout the museum and get your passport stamped while doing activities, crafts and more! This event is included in membership or admission.
3. Saint Mary School Food Truck Festival
On Friday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM enjoy multiple food trucks, live music, adult beverages, family-friendly activities and more at Saint Mary School in German Village.
4. The Navigators at Columbus Commons
Enjoy a free concert by The Navigators at Columbus Commons at 6:00 PM on Friday.
5. Westerville Field of Heroes
Events take place at the Westerville Field of Heroes all weekend. Highlights include the illuminated field of flags, a reading of names, a free concert, a 5K Run/Walk, a Memorial Day ceremony and more. See the link for all of the details.
6. Movie Night at Topiary Park
Movie Night in Topiary Park takes place on Friday night. The event includes food trucks, activities, lawn games and trivia before the movie begins at sunset. Friday’s movie is Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13).
7. Story Trail Opening Celebration at Dawes Arboretum
Celebrate the opening of a new Story Trail at The Dawes Arboretum on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. There will be a Bookmobile and activities for the whole family. Children under age 15 are free from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday. Also, new Big Bug sculptures will be open to the public beginning Saturday! The OSU BUGmobile will be on site, too!
8. Opening Day Exposition at Ohio Village
Opening Day at Ohio Village will include live music, an artisan market, Vaudeville performances, a flea circus and more on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
9. Grandview Heights Memorial Parade
Grandview Heights hosts a Memorial Parade at 10:00 AM on Saturday on First Avenue.
10. Columbus Trading Card and Collectibles Show at Franklin County Fairgrounds
On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Franklin County Fairgrounds explore 125 tables of collectibles, toys, games, comics and more! Free parking and admission.
11. Jeni’s Strawberry Jam at Land-Grant
Celebrate the Ohio strawberry season at Land-Grant Brewing on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11:00 AM each day. There will be food, drinks, live music, kids activities and, of course, ice cream!
12. Utica Ice Cream Festival at Velvet Ice Cream
This annual ice cream festival takes place at Ye Olde Mill in Utica on Saturday, Sunday and Monday! The festival begins at 11:00 AM each day and includes a parade in downtown Utica, live music, arts and crafts, an ice cream eating contest, family-friendly performers, a dog show, animal demos and so much more!
13. Alum Creek Dam Tours
Take a tour of the Alum Creek Dam get a peek into its inner workings on Saturday at 12:00 PM.
14. Century Village Open House
The historical buildings at Century Village will be open for tours on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
15. Free Family Fun Day + Movie Night at Columbus Commons
On Saturday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM enjoy a free Family Fun Day at Columbus Commons featuring inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting, a butterfly outreach, crafts, musical performances, a photo booth, free carousel rides, lawn games and more! Afterward, stay to watch the movie Encanto beginning at 8:00 PM.
16. Ohio Roller Derby
On Saturday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM watch two Roller Derby Matches vs. Team Indiana! These games are family-friendly and tickets are available online!
17. Toy Boat Building at Slate Run Metro Park
On Sunday between 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Slate Run Farm kids can build a wooden boat to sail on the pond.
18. For Kids: Awesome Opossum at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Kids ages 5 and up can learn all about opossums! There will be a story, games and craft on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center.
19. Support LGBTQ+ youth this June with Seeds of Caring
Kind kids can celebrate Pride Month by packing care kits for local LGBTQ+ youth, through June 23. In this Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, children 4-12 will explore the meaning of Pride and build empathy for the LGBTQ+ community through a read-aloud and age-appropriate discussion. Then helping hands will build care kits and decorate cards for youth supported by Star House.
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Memorial Day Events
20. Bexley Jazz in the Park
On Monday beginning at 4:00 PM at Havenwood Park you can attend the Memorial Day Food Truck Festival and Jazz in the Park. Food trucks and music begin at 4:00 PM and the main act New Basics Brass Band will begin at 5:30 PM.
21. Memorial Day Parade in Marysville
Memorial Day in Marysville includes a Wreath Ceremony at 8:30 AM, a Memorial Day Parade beginning at 9:00 AM on W. 5th St. and a Memorial Ceremony at 9:45 AM at Oakdale Cemetery.
22. Memorial Day Celebration in Gahanna
There are 6 ceremonial events at 6 locations in Gahanna to honor those who lost their lives in service to our country. The first begins at 9:00 AM and the last is at 1:00 PM on Monday. Check the link for all the details.
23. National Veterans Memorial Museum
Memorial Day Weekend events at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum include a CrossFit Hero Workout, a motorcycle ride, Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil and a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Monday at 10:00 AM.
24. Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Powell
The Memorial Day Parade begins at 10:00 AM on Monday in downtown Powell. A ceremony will be held immediately afterward at the Greater Powell Veterans Memorial. There will be a Field of Flags display in Village Green Park throughout the weekend.
25. Memorial Day Parade in Worthington
The Worthington Memorial Day Parade begins at 10:00 AM on Monday, going south on High Street and ending at Walnut Grove Cemetery for a ceremony.
26. Memorial Day Open House at Green Lawn Abbey
On Monday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM there will be an open house at Green Lawn Abbey with guided tours.
27. Memorial Day Ceremony in Delaware
A Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at 10:00 AM at Oak Grove Cemetery featuring a flag presentation, speeches and more.
28. Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade in Dublin
On Monday at 11:00 AM, Dublin will hold a Procession through Historic Dublin and a wreath throwing ceremony at the Bridge St. Bridge. A Ceremony will take place at the Dublin Cemetery at 11:30 AM and there will be a community picnic lunch at 12:00 PM in Monterey Park.
29. Memorial Day Service in Bexley
There will be a Memorial Day Service at Drexel Circle on Monday at 11:00 AM.
30. Memorial Day Parade in Grove City
A Memorial Day Parade will take place in Grove City on Monday at 11:00 AM in Grove City Town Center. There will be a service following the parade at the Grove City Cemetery and an open house for the remainder of the day at the American Legion Post 164.
31. Canoe and Kayak the Lakes at Prairie Oaks Metro Park
On Monday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM you can canoe or kayak on the lakes at Prairie Oaks Metro Park. First come, first served. Kayaks and canoes are provided as well as instruction.
32. Meet the Animals at Highbanks Metro Park
Stop by the Nature Center at Highbanks Metro Park between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Monday to meet educational animals up close.
*Please be aware, information is gathered from multiple community sources. Times, dates and locations are subject to change. There may be a fee to participate in a featured activity. Please call ahead or check links to confirm activities. Inclusion of an event on this list is not considered an endorsement. Please use your best judgement when attending public events and consult your doctor if you have questions regarding the safety level of a public event. Read my disclaimer here. Enjoy what you do today!*