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. Millersport Sweet Corn Festival
The Millersport Sweet Corn Festival takes place August 30th thru September 1st from 5 pm – 11 pm and September 2 from 11 am – 11 pm. There will be food, vendors, rides, games, concerts, and more! Admission is free and parking is $10.
2. Obetz Zucchini Fest
The Obetz Zucchini Fest will take place Friday through Monday and will feature a parade, car show, concerts, and food! Monday is Kids Day with shows by COSI, Horse-N-Around, Magic Nate and more!
3. Free Library Card Day at Ohio History Center
On Friday, Columbus Metropolitan Library card holders can receive free admission to Ohio History Center and Ohio Village. Hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
4. 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.
5. Loud in the Library
On Friday from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Tremont Road Branch of the UA Library there will be live music, food, activities, a Photo Booth, and access to the library after hours!
6. Uptown Friday Nights in Westerville
Friday night from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM enjoy live music and shop local businesses in Uptown Westerville.
7. West Jefferson Ox Roast
The West Jefferson Ox Roast takes place on Saturday through Monday and features a parade, vendors, kiddie tractor pull, contests, a dance, and much more!
8. Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival
This Labor Day Festival is the largest in Ohio and takes place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. There will be musical performances, a parade, car show, rides, ice cream social, animals from the Columbus Zoo and much more! The parade is on Monday at 10:00 AM. Rides begin at noon each day.
9. Butterfly Weekend at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Saturday through Monday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, stop into Blendon Woods Metro Park for a celebration of butterflies!
10. Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival
On Saturday and Sunday, over 25 vintage base ball teams will play against each other for the Ohio Cup! They will play by 1860’s rules! In addition, there will be vintage base ball crafts and displays, whiffle ball batting practice, a flea circus, and more! This event begins at 10:00 AM each day and is free for members. Tickets are available online.
11. Alum Creek Dam Tours
Take a tour of Alum Creek Dam on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Tour times are 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM each day. Learn about the dam’s history and mission. This is a 1 hour tour that include climbing 100+ steps. Best for ages 6 and up.
12. Nature Tram at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Take a tram ride through Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Saturday at 1:00 PM.
13. Music Series in Historic Dublin
Enjoy live music in Historic Dublin on Saturday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
14. Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory
On Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free General Admission to Franklin Park Conservatory. Identification is required.
15. Bird Tunnel Party
This 8 hour celebration takes place rain or shine on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM in Glen Echo Park. There will be local and national DJ’s providing 8 hours of dance music!
16. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventure at Blacklick Woods
On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, take the Buttonbush Trail to find TMNT related items, maneuver though obstacles with ninja moves, make a craft, meet turtle ambassadors, enjoy photo ops and more at this event at Blacklick Woods Metro Park! Recommended for ages 3-12 but everyone is welcome.
17. Totally Paw-some! Treat Our Animals Well with Seeds of Caring
In this FREE Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids 4-12 will show compassion for shelter dogs by making a homemade dog toy and collecting dog treats, gently used blankets, and towels for pups at the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center. This project is available through 10/30/23.
Labor Day Events in Columbus, Ohio:
Don’t forget about the festivals listed above that are taking place all weekend, including Labor Day. The following events are Labor Day only.
18. Labor Day Arts Festival in Upper Arlington
The Labor Day Arts Festival in Upper Arlington takes place on Monday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at Northam Park and the lobby of the Tremont Library. There will be art activities, performances, over 120 artists, community groups, food trucks and more!
19. Meet the Critters at Sharon Woods Metro Park
On Monday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM stop by the Naturalist Office at Sharon Woods Metro Park to visit with the education animals such as frogs, turtles, salamanders and more!
20. Storytime-Crafts at the Creek
Join a story and craft time at the Visitor Center at Alum Creek on Monday at 10:30 AM. Best for preschool/kindergarten ages.
21. Labor Day at Ye Olde Mill
On Monday from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, head to Ye Old Mill for food trucks, live music, and a special sundae creation from Velvet Ice Cream.
22. All in a Day’s Work at Slate Run Farm
On Monday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Slate Run Farm you can play a matching game and learn about 19th century occupations and the history of Labor Day.
23. One Year Anniversary at Griffey’s Book Emporium
Celebrate one year of Griffey’s on Monday from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM with a 10% discount on all books, a gift basket raffle, coffee and lemonade and more!
24. Labor Day Monday Skating at Skate Zone 71
There are 3 skating sessions available on Monday beginning at 12:00 PM at Skate Zone 71.
*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!*