Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
1. Blooms and Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory
Blooms and Butterflies will be open at Franklin Park Conservatory through July 7! You can walk through the Pacific Island Water Garden to see free-flying butterflies. Check out the Metamorphosis Lab to see new butterflies emerge from their chrysalis. Daily hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
2. BAM UnderCurrent – CANCELLED due to weather!
UnderCurrent is a new series featuring events under Janet Echelman’s sculpture “Current” at Gay & High Streets in downtown Columbus! This Friday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, the street will be closed off for BAM (Bar, Art, Music) featuring live music, art, food and drinks for purchase and creative experiences provided by Columbus Museum of Art!
3. Music in the Park in Stradley Park
This event takes place on Friday from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and this month includes a Touch-a-Truck event! Check out public works and public safety vehicles and enjoy balloon animals, a giant inflatable slide, face painting, and more! There will be live music from Poverty String Band and food trucks.
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4. Rock the Block in Uptown Marysville
On Friday night from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM in Uptown Marysville, enjoy live music by McGuffey Lane and One Number Off, a Kids Zone with face painting, games, a splash pad and more! There will be food vendors, as well. This is a free event.
5. UNEXTINCT at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
On Friday and Saturday from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM explore a world of illusions and extraordinary wildlife at this special engagement event at the Columbus Zoo. There are 15 scenes to experience. Tickets are available online.
6. Village Valuables in German Village
Search for treasure in German Village during neighborhood yard sales on Saturday from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
7. Westgate Farmers Market Spring Preview
The first Westgate Farmers Market of the season is the Spring Preview! This Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
8. Columbus Comic Garage Fest
Visit 4 “garage sales” featuring comic book sales! Check the link for addresses! Hours are from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM or 5:00 PM depending on the location. The sale takes place Saturday and Sunday.
9. Columbus Division of Fire Ambulance Visit and Storytime at Whetstone Library
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week at Whetstone Library on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. There will be an ambulance-themed storytime, meet firefighters and check out their vehicles! There will be a story time at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Come early or stay late to see the EMS truck!
10. Storytime with Mindy Atwood at Coffee Connections
On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM enjoy a free story time with local author Mindy Atwoods at Coffee Connections of Hilliard.
11. Touch a Truck at Prairie Township Sports Complex
On Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, kids can climb on Township vehicles at the Prairie Township Sports Complex!
12. Sonic Party at United Skates Columbus
Skate with Sonic on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM at United Skates! Tickets available online.
13. Annual Family Fun Fest at Bible Baptist Church
This free Family Fun Fest includes inflatables, games, face painting, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, hot dogs, Mexican food, and Greek food on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
14. The Buzz About Bees at Blendon Woods Nature Center
On Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Blendon Woods Metro Park you can learn about the different kinds of bees that live in Ohio and how you can help them. This event takes place in the Nature Center.
15. Cap City Festival at Saunders Park
Cap City Festivals feature free entertainment, activities, food and resources for local neighborhoods! This weekend’s festival takes place from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Saturday at Saunders Park. There will be music from DJ Sonicc Blush, Donato’s Pizza, inflatables, Bring the Farm to You and much more!
16. CMA Community Days
On Sunday, May 19th from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM enjoy a day of free activities at Columbus Museum of Art including live performances, sweet treats, a photo booth, and free admission to the museum. Registration is encouraged.
17. Moos & Brews at Combustion Brewery
On Sunday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM get your photo taken with Pfarr Farms’ Scottish Highland cows at Combustion Brewery & Taproom in Pickerington! There will be food trucks including Sweet Tooth Ice Cream!
18. Pokemon Community Day at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Find Pokémon hidden on the trail at Blacklick Woods Metro Park! Meet fellow trainers, enjoy an “Appletun” pie, and create a Pokémon-themed craft on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
19. Hilliard Family Concert Series at Hilliard Library
On Sunday at 3:00 PM enjoy a concert featuring Flautango: flutist Rodolfo Vazquez & guitarist Sean Ferguson performing Latin American music at the Hilliard branch of CML.
Related: 11 Fun Things to do in Hilliard
20. Bring the Zoo to You at Britton Farms Park
On Sunday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Britton Farms Park in Hilliard you can meet character ambassadors from the Columbus Zoo and also enjoy a craft, airbrush tattoos and balloon twisting!
21. Music in the Garden at Old Towne East Community Gardens
Enjoy a free concert in the Community Garden on Oak Street in OTE on Sunday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Related: Summer Nights in Columbus: Music, Movies and More!
22. Show Care to Ronald McDonald House Families with Seeds of Caring
In this ongoing project from Seeds of Caring, children 4-12 can help hospitalized kids and their families by packing toiletry kits for their stay at Ronald McDonald House. Families and groups can participate any time this summer: Just drop off your completed kits at Ronald McDonald House between 9am-9pm any day from June 1-Aug. 31.
*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!*