What Should We Do This Weekend? Columbus, Ohio, August 18-20, 2023

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. S’Miles of Sunflowers at Lynd Fruit Farm

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM take a free wagon ride to apple cannons, kids zone and sunflowers at the Pataskala Farm. Cost is $10/person. 5 and under free.

2. EcoKids at The Works

Learn about habitats and the natural world in the outdoor habitat exhibit at The Works! This event takes place every Friday from 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM and is included with admission. Perfect for ages 3-6.

3. Teddy Bear Picnic – End of Summer Luau at The Works

Join the second annual Teddy Bear Picnic – luau style – at The Works on Friday from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with themed activities, crafts, refreshments, and story time for kids aged 2-10 and their families. Included in admission or with membership.

4. Book to Film Series at Gateway Film Center

This movie series featuring movies based on books is free with your library card! August 18-20 the film will be The Perks of Being a Wallflower and the showings are at 2:00 PM each day. This movie is recommended for ages 11-17.

5. Friday Night Street Fair

On Friday night from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM this street fair in Clintonville features food trucks, vendors, games and live music!

6. Screen on the Green: Sister Act at Goodale Park

Watch Sister Act (Rated PG) at Goodale Park at sunset on Friday. Food trucks will be available!

7. Farm Animal Event at Worthington Farmer’s Market

Experience a hands-on farm encounter at Worthington Farmers Market on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, featuring farm animals and interactive activities presented by Bring the Farm to You.

8. Yoga for Kids at Westgate Farmers Market

Black Lotus Sanctuary will host a free kids’ yoga session at the Westgate Farmer’s Market on Saturday. The Artmobile will also be on site with creative activities for kids! The market goes from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday.

9. Open Studio at Columbus Museum of Art

Drop into the Open Studio at Columbus Museum of Art on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM to experiment and create art! August theme is Under the Sea and this activity is included with admission.

10. Storytime with Author Jordan Christian LeVan

Meet author Jordan LeVan at the Upper Arlington Public Library on Saturday at 11:00 AM, where he’ll share his inspiring journey of overcoming speech challenges and advocating for others through his non-fictional children’s book series. Register in advance.

11. Columbus Food Truck Festival

The Columbus Food Truck Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Franklin County Fairgrounds and includes local and national food trucks. There is also a vendor market and live music! Tickets are $5.

12. National Honey Bee Day at Easton Town Center

Celebrate National Honey Bee Day on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Easton Town Center, with activities including learning about pollinators, purchasing Easton’s wildflower honey, and exploring sustainable initiatives by various brands.

13. Nacho Saxadillas at the Reynoldsburg Branch of CML

On Saturday from 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM, join Nacho Saxadillas (a blend of 5 different types of saxophones) for a free musical performance at the Reynoldsburg Branch of Columbus Metropolitan Library!

14. All Black Book Fair at Columbus State Community College

Attend the 2nd annual All Black Book Fair on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM featuring black authors nationwide, meet-and-greet sessions, book signings, mini-workshops, poetry, and more. There will be the option to buy books and admission is free!

15. Summer Music Series in Historic Dublin

Enjoy live music in Historic Dublin on Saturday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

16. Animals at Night at Highbanks Metro Park

Attend this Preschool Storytime at Highbanks Metro Park’s Nature Center on Saturday at 6:00 PM, featuring stories, a chance to meet nighttime educational animals, and a guided exploration walk with a naturalist to discover evening critters, suitable for ages 3-5.

17. Community Cookout at Jefferson Community Park

The first-ever Community Cookout takes place on August Saturday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Jefferson Community Park. Enjoy grilled hot dogs, tasty sides, live music by local artist Kinny, from Kinny and the Jets, Kona Ice, and a water balloon toss!

18. Canoe the Lake at Sharon Woods Metro Park

Canoe on the lake at Sharon Woods Metro Parks on Sunday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. All ages are welcome and canoes and life jackets are provided. First come, first served.

19. German Village Makers Market

This outdoor artisan market on Sunday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM features over 65 local vendors and makers. There will also be food trucks, beverage stands, entertainment and more!

20. Brass & Beignets at Way Down Yonder

Stop by Way Down Yonder Beignets & Coffee on Sunday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM for a taste of New Orleans and tunes by the NACHO Street Band! All tips/donations go towards fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House expansion.

21. Go Fourth! A Block Party for All!

This block party at Budd Dairy Food Hall and Seventh Son Brewing Company features a diverse vendor market, fun yard games, delicious eats, engaging entertainment including juggling and aerial demonstrations, crafts, face painting, chalk art, and even an animal demonstration from the Columbus Zoo! It takes place on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

22. Sundays in the Park in Topiary Park

This Sunday in Topiary Park and Kaufman Plaza enjoy food trucks, live music, games. Event begins at 1:00 PM. Food Trucks this week will be: Red Head Chef and Galaxy Coffee. Live music by Scott Brooks.

23. Monarch March at Blacklick Woods Nature Center

Join a naturalist on Sunday at 2:00 PM for a one-mile hike to look for for milkweed, caterpillars, and butterflies. Meet at Blacklick Woods Nature Center.

24. For Kids: Pollen, Please at Battelle Darby Nature Center

Discover the world of pollinators through a short hike and craft activity at Battelle Darby Nature Center on Sunday at 2:00 PM.

25. Get CRAFTY! Fall Crafts for Meals on Wheels with Seeds of Caring

Join Seeds of Caring to bring cheer and smiles to clients of Meals on Wheels! In this FREE Anywhere Project, kids 4-12 will grow in empathy for homebound seniors through age-appropriate discussion, then create fall-themed crafts to be included in Meals on Wheels deliveries this fall. This project is available through September 25.

*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!*