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These annual festivals in Columbus are some of the most anticipated events in Central Ohio! They only come around once a year so you must plan accordingly!
Spring and Summer in Columbus, Ohio are jam packed with outdoor events and festivals! Our calendar fills up quickly when we start to pencil in these favorite activities!
This list includes some of the most popular festivals and events that take place in Columbus each year including the upcoming dates for 2021!
Dublin Irish Festival
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin (Ohio, that is)! This celebration features a parade, family-friendly activities and more!
- Upcoming date(s): March 13, 2021
- Location: Dublin, Ohio
- Read more: 5 Super Fun Playgrounds in Dublin
Delaware Arts Festival
- Upcoming date(s): Canceled for 2021
- Location: downtown Delaware, Ohio
- Read more: Exploring Delaware with Your Kids
This annual arts festival includes artists, vendors, food, live entertainment and a student art show.
Asian Festival
The Asian Festival showcases the cultural heritage of the Asian people and provides an educational experience for all ages!
- Upcoming date(s): Virtual Festival being held May 29 & 30, 2021
- Location: Online
Columbus Arts Festival
The Columbus Arts Festival is a 3 day festival featuring local artists, vendors, activities for kids, live performances and more!
- Upcoming date(s): Cancelled for 2021
- Location: Arena District, downtown Columbus
- Related: Over 100 Fun Things to do in Columbus, Ohio
Hilltop Bean Dinner
The Hilltop Bean Dinner is a family friendly festival that remembers the role of Westgate Park in the Civil War. The park was the site of a prison camp, Camp Chase, and the festival offers some traditional food (like beans) but much more: food vendors, craft vendors, music and more!
- Upcoming date(s): cancelled for 2021
- Location: Westgate Park
Grove City Wine and Arts Festival
- Upcoming date(s): June 18 & 19, 2021 (tentatively scheduled for 2021)
- Location: Grove City Town Center
- Related: 5 Super Fun Playgrounds in Grove City
This festival features art for sale, vendors, food trucks, and over twenty wineries.
Worthington Arts Festival
- Upcoming date(s): typically mid June, not confirmed for 2021
- Location: Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington and Thomas Worthington High School
This festival in Worthington features fine arts and crafts, vendors, food, activities and more!
Com Fest
Columbus’ Community Festival features local bands, food, performances and more with a focus on grassroots community partners!
- Upcoming date(s): Virtual Festival will take place June 25-27, 2021
- Location: Online
Pride Festival
A celebration of Columbus’ LGBTQ community and allies. Takes place in June each year and features a parade, special events, live music and more.
- Upcoming date(s): 2021 dates TBA
- Location: TBA
Red White and Boom
Columbus’ 4th of July celebration is the largest in the Midwest and includes live music, vendors and a large fireworks display!
- Upcoming date(s): July 2, 2021
- Location: Downtown Columbus, Scioto Mile
Summer Jam West
This festival celebrates local artists, local bands and supports the curation of a mural on the west side of Columbus each summer.
- Upcoming date(s): Cancelled for 2021
- Location: Westgate Park
- Related: The Unofficial West Side Ice Cream Trail
Jazz and Ribs Fest
Featuring 3 days of live jazz performances and the best rib connoisseurs along the Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus.
- Upcoming date(s): Cancelled for 2021
- Location: Downtown Columbus
Lancaster Festival
- Upcoming date(s): July 24-31, 2021
- Location: various locations throughout Lancaster, Ohio
- Related: 13 Fun Things to do in Lancaster Ohio with Kids
This festival includes live music acts, artistic demonstrations, food, theater performances and much more taking place in various venues and outdoor locations in Lancaster, Ohio.
Ohio State Fair
The Ohio State Fair is a highlight of summer in Columbus with live entertainment, competitions, special events, rides, concessions, games, Ohio foods and so much more!
- Upcoming date(s): July 28 – August 8, 2021 (options still being evaluated).
- Location: Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds
- Related: 15 Activities Kids Can Do for Free at the Ohio State Fair
All Ohio Balloon Fest
- Upcoming date(s): August 12-14, 2021
- Location: Union County Airport, 760 Clymer Rd., Marysville, OH 43040
This annual event features hot air balloon rides, live music acts, aerial entertainment and kids’ activities!
Columbus Food Truck Festival
Each summer the Scioto Mile is packed with the city’s best food trucks and you can walk around the riverfront area eating until you burst!
- Upcoming date(s): August 20 & 21, 2021
- Location: Scioto Mile
Millersport Sweet Corn Festival
- Upcoming date(s): September 1-3, 2021
- Location: 2718 Blacklick Eastern Rd., Millersport, OH 43046
This event includes a tractor pull, rides, contests, prizes, a parade, shopping, live entertainment, and of course, sweet corn!
Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival
This festival is held at Creekside in Gahanna and features live jazz music, food, a family fun zone and more!
- Upcoming date(s): September 17-19, 2021
- Location: Creekside, Gahanna
Columbus Italian Festival
- Upcoming date(s): October 4 and October 8-10, 2021
- Location: St. John The Baptist Italian Catholic Church, 720 Hamlet St., Columbus, OH 43215
This festival includes a Taste of Italy on Monday and a festival Friday through Sunday! The festival includes live entertainment, a parade, food, rides for kids and more!
Circleville Pumpkin Show
- Upcoming date(s): October 20-23, 2021
- Location: downtown Circleville, Ohio
- Related: A Complete List of Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals in Central Ohio
This festival in Circleville features all things pumpkin! Every pumpkin food you can imagine, live music, vendors, rides and pumpkin contests!
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*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!*
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