Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Family-Friendly Things to do this Weekend in Columbus, Ohio:
1. Marion Popcorn Festival
The Marion Popcorn Festival takes place Thursday through Saturday in downtown Marion, about 1 hour from Columbus. There will be live music, rides, vendors, a Popcorn Parade, and more.
2. Friday Night Street Fair in Clintonville
Enjoy food trucks, vendors, games and music in Clintonville on Friday night from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
3. Franklinton Friday
Franklinton Fridays offers the chance to visit Franklinton art studios, local businesses and enjoy food and entertainment! Hours are 6:00 PM-10:00 PM on Friday.
4. Columbus Oktoberfest
The Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest takes place at Ohio Expo Center on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free and parking is $12. There will be live music, dining, beer, games, a marketplatz, and kids activities like inflatables, arts and crafts, face painting and more. On Sunday there will be a Family Funday with a Princess and Super Hero Breakfast, parade and more!
5. Uptown Friday Nights
Enjoy live music in Uptown Westerville and merchants will stay open late on this special Friday night event from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
6. 934 Fest
934 Fest takes place on Friday night and Saturday. Friday night features the full reveal of the outdoor mural gallery, live music, and a food truck. On Saturday, there will be a kids area, vendors, more food trucks and two stages of live music!
7. Fall Migration Bird Hike at Blacklick Woods
Take a 2 mile hike with a naturalist on Saturday at 9:00 AM to look for songbirds!
8. Hilltop Hop
Explore the businesses of Broad & Westmoor during the monthly Hilltop Hop! There will be a food truck, a handmade vendor market and a pop up from Slice of Heaven Bakery on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
9. For the Love of Hilliard
On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM enjoy shopping, dining, art, music and more. Each participating business in Hilliard will be offering a special promotion, activity or vendor. Check the link for a map featuring each business.
10. Animatronic Adventure at Columbus Convention Center
Animatronic Adventure features over 250 lifelike animatronic creatures, including 70 true-to-lifesize dinosaurs, giant robotic insects, talking trees, and ultra-realistic safari animals. The attraction will be in town on Saturday and Sunday. Use the promo code PREHISTORIC to get tickets for $21/person.
11. Gathering Market at Griffey’s Book Emporium
Head to Griffey’s Book Emporium in Delaware for a vendor market with local creatives on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
12. Columbus Sympony at Westland Library
Listen to the Columbus Symphony at Westland Area Library on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Seating is first come, first served.
13. We’re Going on a Bug Hunt at Blacklick Woods Nature Center
Look for bugs, insects and arthropods at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Saturday at 2:00 PM.
14. Harvest Fair and Movie Night at Columbus Commons
The Harvest Fair at Columbus Commons takes place on Saturday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and features inflatables, a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, face painting, balloon twisting, stilt walkers, a farm experience and more. At 8:00 PM the movie Encanto will be shown in the park.
15. Movie Night at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Watch the movie Top Gun Maverick at dusk at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Saturday.
16. Powell Street Market
Head to Powell on Sunday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM to shop from 70 local vendors filling the streets!
17. Westgate Wags and Whiskers
On Sunday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Westgate Lodge take part in contests and activities for pets and humans alike! Enjoy a food truck, raffles, and pet-themed vendors. Pets must be leashed at all times.
18. Craft Workshops at Olentangy Caverns
There are two opportunities for crafts at Olentangy Caverns this weekend. Kids can make their own Gemstone Jewelry or Macrame Necklace! Check the link for details. Both events are taking place on Sunday.
19. An Afternoon with Author and Illustrator Merrill Rainey
On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM meet author and illustrator Merril Rainey at Cover to Cover.
20. Nature Tram at Blacklick Woods
Take a tram tour through Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Sunday at 3:00 PM.
21. Show Your Local Park Some Love: Litter Cleanup with Seeds of Caring
Calling all Planet Protectors! Get outside and get dirty this fall with this free at-home activity from Seeds of Caring: Kids 2-12 will play an interactive game to learn how to protect our planet by choosing to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Then put your knowledge into action by creating litter pick-up kits to clean up your local park or playground! This project is available through October 1.
*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!*