What Should We Do This Weekend? Columbus, Ohio, July 21-23, 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 in Columbus, Ohio this Weekend:

1. Franklin County Fair

The Franklin County Fair takes place July 17-23 in Hilliard! Check out farm animals, a dog show, magic, fear food, rides and games, live music, dance, a demolition derby and much more!

2. Kids Dream Family Film Series at Marcus Theatres

On July 18-22 watch Mummies at participating Marcus Theatre. There is also a $3.00 Popcorn & Drink Special. You can see the movie for free with a voucher from American Family Insurance. See link for details!

3. Into the Woods at Franklin Park Amphitheater

From July 19-22 you can see the Columbus Performing Arts Players perform Into the Woods at Franklin Park Amphitheater at 7:30 PM each night. Admission is free.

4. Lancaster Festival

The Lancaster Festival takes place July 20-29 all over the city of Lancaster and features tons of live music and concerts, a children’s corner, bike races, a drum circle, and specifically this weekend there is an Art Walk on Friday and Festival Fair Day on Saturday. In addition, AHA! Children’s Museum will be free from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Sunday and they will have a 2:00 performance by Fairfield Strings and Keyboard’s Youth Symphony.

5. Back-to-School Supply Drive with Seeds of Caring

In this group-friendly Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids 4-12 will help make sure families supported by Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority have a great start to the school year! Drop off 2+ Back to School Supply Kits and cheer cards to a volunteer’s porch in Powell, Westerville, or Grove City July 28-30 or to our home office in Worthington July 31. 

6. Commons for Kids at Columbus Commons

Every Friday this Summer from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM enjoy activities for kids at Columbus Commons! There will be free carousel rides, inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting and a theme each week. This week’s theme is Carnival Day!

7. 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.

8. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Animal Ambassadors at Miller Park Library

Visit with animals from the Columbus Zoo at the Miller Park Library on Friday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM!

9. Preschool Dance & Sing with Miss Marlene at Plain City Public Library

This event includes singing and dancing to preschool favorites on Friday at 11:00 AM! This event is outside and no registration is required. Bring a blanket!

10. Food Truck Friday at RMHC

On Friday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Schmidt’s Sausage Truck, Taquitos and The Buckeye Lady will be at Ronald McDonald House and a portion of the sales will be donated to RMHC of Central Ohio. Click the link to order ahead!

11. Jazz & Rib Fest at the Scioto Mile

The Jazz & Rib Fest takes place Friday through Sunday along the Scioto Mile! This free event includes live jazz music, BBQ vendors and other concessions. The festival begins at 11:00 AM on Friday. See the link for a list of bands and vendors.

 12. Book to Film Series at Gateway Film Center

This movie series featuring movies based on books is free with your library card! July 21-23 the film will be Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie and the showings are at 2:00 PM each day.

13. Farm Animal Petting Zoo at Orange Library

Visit with farm animals at Orange Library on Friday at 2:30 PM. Drop in anytime until 4:00 PM. You can hold and touch the animals including chicks, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, goats and more.

14. Screen on the Green at Goodale Park

Watch the movie Galaxy Quest at Goodale Park beginning around 9:00 PM on Friday. Food trucks will be available beginning at 7:30 PM.

15. Meet the Authors at Grove City Visitor’s Center

Four local authors will be at the Grove City Visitors Center on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. For a meet and greet.

16. Kids Series at Grandview Theater & Drafthouse

Grandview Theater and Drafthouse is offering free admission for kids to movies on Saturdays and Wednesdays! This Saturday’s movie is The NeverEnding Story and it will be shown at 10:30 AM.

Related: 17 of the Best Restaurants in Grandview

17. The Weekend Market at Columbus Brewing Company

Enjoy more than 80 vendors, food trucks and beer at the Columbus Brewing Company’s west side tap room on July 22nd and 23rd.

18. An Afternoon with Author Andrew Auseon at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers

On Saturday at 1:00 PM, join author Andrew Auseon at Cover to Cover to talk about his book Spellbinders: The Not-So-Chosen One. Also in attendance will be the award-winning narrator of the Spellbinders audio book, Pete Cross!

Related: 5 Magical Bookstores for Kids in Central Ohio

19. Summer Music Series in Historic Dublin

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

20. Sunday Funday in Historic Worthington

Celebrate the 80’s at Sunday Funday in Historic Worthington on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. There will be 80’s music, shopping, food drinks, games and more!

21. Goodale Park Music Series

Enjoy live music in The Gazebo at Goodale Park from 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM on Sundays. This Sunday’s band is Whirlybirds.

22. Fast & Curious Kids 1st Annual Car Show

This is a car show for the kids to participate in! On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM enjoy a tiny tots show and awards! This event is free to attend. There is a fee to register if you’d like to participate in the car show. Other activities include bounce houses, face paining, balloon artistry and more.

23. Music in the Garden in OTE

Enjoy a free concert in the Community Garden on Oak Street. The concert starts at 6:00 PM on Sunday.

24. Sounds of Summer Concert Series in Westerville

This free concert takes place at the Alum Creek North Park Amphitheater at 6:30 PM on Sunday. This week’s music is provided by Street Player.

25. Concerts on the Green at Worthington Village Green

Enjoy a family-friendly concert by the Ladies of Longford at 7:00 PM on Sunday on the Northwest Quadrant of the Village Green in Worthington.

*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!*