Columbus Ohio Festivals Information

Columbus Ohio Festivals are unique in theme and culture. Because this city is so diversified in culture, there are many festivities throughout the year.

Festivals have been a part of society for years. For many years they were known as feasts and were associated with religion. They were a simple way of meeting social needs in communities and providing entertainment at the same time. They also provided knowledge and stories to future generations of that particular culture.

Today many of the cultural festivities are held to share traditional knowledge and community benefits with others. Festivals also celebrate arts, comedy, film, music, food and history just to name a few. They each have something different to offer. Come join the fun at the Columbus Ohio Festivals.

Select the month below for the list of festivals you want to see.

Calendar of Festivals in Columbus Ohio

Columbus Ohio Festivals – February

Arnold Sports Festival
Dates: February 28 – March 3, 2013
Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hall D, 400 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio
Contact: Phone: 614-431-2600

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Columbus Ohio Festivals – March

Arnold Sports Festival
Dates: February 28 – March 3, 2013
Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hall D, 400 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio
Contact: Phone: 614-431-2600

African American Heritage Festival
Dates: Saturday, March 23th, 2013– Saturday, March 30th, 2013
Location: Throughout The Ohio State University campus, Columbus, Ohio
Admission: Free for most events
The event traditionally brings thousands of visitors to Columbus and is a time for people of all ages and walks to celebrate African-American history and culture.

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Columbus Ohio Festivals – April

Grove City Lions Club Spring Craft Beer Fest
Date: April 27, 2013 from 2PM to 6PM
Location: Beulah Park, Grove City, OH
Cost $35 pre-sale or $40 at the door for 20, 4 oz samples.
The Grove City Lions Club Spring Craft Beer Fest is a fund raiser. Funds raised by our event will be used to purchase a Guide Dog for a local sight impaired individual through the Pilot Dog organization. Other highlights are Over 120 varieties of Craft Beers from around the world; a silent auction; Held in the historic Upper Club House of Beulah Park; We appreciate Designated Drivers and there will be a $5 admission fee for each DD entitling them to unlimited soda, a food voucher and a complimentary sampling glass. Tickets are limited. Don’t delay!

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Columbus Ohio Festivals – May

Central Ohio Folk Festival
Date: May 3, 4 & 5, 2013
Location: Batelle-Darby Creek Metro Park, 1755 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, Ohio

South Side Community Festival
Date: Friday, May 17, 2013 from 4-7pm
Location: Barack Community Center, 580 E Woodrow Ave., Columbus Ohio 43207
Admission: Free
City Year Columbus at South High School in conjunction with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is putting on the first South Side Festival. There will be a live DJ, community resources, performances, games, food, free face painting, caricatures, & spray-on tattoo art, bounce house, and much more!

Asian Festival
Date: Saturday, May 25th, 2013 from 10AM – 9PM
Sunday, Sunday, May 26th, 2013 from 11AM – 7PM
Location: Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio

Dragon Boat Races and Festival
Date: May 27, 2013 from 8AM – 4PM
Location: Genoa Park, Downtown Columbus, Ohio
Free Admission
Again this year, Dragonboat races and land festivities will be coming to Columbus! Learn about dragon boat racing and why it is a fast-growing international sport. The Steel City Dragonboat Club of Pittsburgh will again be bringing two boats for Columbus teams to compete. In addition, there will be Dragon and Lion dances as well as workshops for your participation (Tai-chi, Yoga, taiko drumming, Obon and bamboo dance).

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Columbus Ohio Festivals – June

Banana Split Festival
Date: June 7th & 8th, 2013 – Friday, 4PM to 10PM, and Saturday, Noon until 10PM
Location: JW Denver Williams Memorial Park, Wilmington, Ohio 45177
Celebrating the 50′s and 60′s.

Columbus Arts Festival
Date: June 7, 8, and 9, 2013
Friday through Saturday 11:30AM – 10PM, Sunday 11:30AM – 6PM
Location: Scioto Mile on the Riverfront

Granville Art Affair & Wine Festival
Date: Friday, June 7, 2013: The Art Affair from 5PM – 9PM; The Wine Tasting from 5PM – 9PM
Saturday, June 8, 2013: The Art Affair from 10AM – 8PM; The Wine Tasting from 4PM – 8PM
Location: Great Lawn of the Bryn Du Mansion, 537 Jones Rd., Granville, OH 43023
Join us for the Granville Art Affair & Wine Festival, Licking County’s only fine arts festival, over 100 artists, fine food, live musical entertainment,and an activity tent for kids of all ages, wine from throughout the country and food samples from Central Ohio restaurants.

Park Street Festival 2013
Dates: June 7 – 8, 2013
Location: Arena District, Park Street, (just seconds from Nationwide Arena) Columbus, OH
The start of summer is right around the corner, so kick off the summer festival season with the annual Park Street Festival! Park Street Festival is a two-day event featuring entertainment, arts & crafts, family fun, delicious food and great music for all ages. The festivities will feature live music and special events. Whether you’re a parent looking for a great way to spend an afternoon with your kids, a food lover eager to taste an eclectic mix of the best food trucks & carts in Columbus, or a music fan looking to hear great live music and enjoy camaraderie among 20,000 friends, Park Street Festival is one event that offers something for everyone.
Park Street Festival is proud to announce this year’s collaboration with the Ronald McDonald House, and we are honored to have Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio (RMHC) as our charitable partner. For over 3 decades, RMHC has provided a home-away-from-home to families with seriously ill children, and we are happy to contribute to this meaningful cause. “Park Street Festival is unlike any other summer event in Columbus,” says event organizer Michael Gallicchio. “No matter their ages or interests, Park Street Festival has something exciting for all audiences, and it benefits a great cause. It’s the festival to
be at this summer.” Park Street Festival is fun for the whole family, and the perfect way to enjoy the start of summer.

Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival
Date: June 14, 15, and 16, 2013
Friday from 5AM – 11PM; Saturday from 11AM – 11PM;
Sunday from 11AM to 6PM
Location: Olde Gahanna, in and around Mill and Granville Streets and Creekside Park

Juneteenth Ohio Festival
Dates: June 14th, 15th & 16th, 2013 – Noon to 9PM
Location: Franklin Park, 1755 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio
Join the thousands who will travel to Columbus, Ohio to take part in the array of events, performances, exhibits, natural hair seminars, college fairs, health fairs, health screenings, health walks, children’s activities and the longest running talent show in the state of Ohio. The 23rd annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival will delight, inform and inspire all ages!

Worthington Arts Festival
Date: June 15 and 16, 2013
Location: Village Green, Routes 161 and 23, Worthington, Ohio 43085

London Strawberry Festival
Date: June 20 – 22, 2013
Location: Downtown London, Ohio – State Routes 56 and 42

Solebrate! Food & Music Festival
Dates: June 21st – 23rd, 2013; Friday 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm; Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Location: Franklin County Fairgrounds, 4100 Columbia Street, Hilliard Ohio
Hilliard plays host to this grand summer launch party that will offer culinary delights from premier central Ohio restaurants, delicious signature drinks, strolling performers and in the background, the sweet sounds from known local and regional bands. In addition, live cooking demonstrations, veggy art carving and sand sculpting competitions and ice sculpture demonstrations, provide for plenty of entertainment and participation.
Admission: Adults – $8; Students, Seniors, Military – $6; Kids 12 and under – Free
Click here for more information

Powell Festival
Date: Friday, June 28 (5-11pm) & Saturday June 29, 2013 (Noon-11pm)
Location: Village Green Park, 47 Hall Street, Powell, Ohio 43065

ComFest Community Festival
Date: June 28, 29, & 30, 2013
Location: Goodale Park

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Columbus Ohio Festivals – July

4th of July Celebration in Columbus, Ohio

North Market Food & Ohio Wine Festival
Dates: July 12 – 14, 2013
Location: North Market, 59 Spruce Street, Columbus, OH
The Food & Ohio Wine Festival will kick-off on Friday night with a special preview party from 7-10 p.m. Live music by Blues Hippy. Preview party tickets are $20 and include a souvenir glass, 10 tasting tickets and a $5 gift certificate to the North Market.

Westerville Music and Arts Festival
Dates: July 13 – 14, 2013
Saturday 11AM to 8PM; Sunday 11AM to 5PM
Location: Heritage Park

Lancaster Festival
Date: July 18 – 27, 2013
Location: Various Locations

Jazz and Rib Fest in Columbus
Dates: July 19-21, 2013
Friday and Saturday from 11AM to 11PM; Sunday from 11AM to 8:30PM
Location: Columbus Arena District along Spring & Long Streets, McFerson Commons and North Bank Park.

The Mt. Carmel Pickerington Violet Festival
Date: July 24 – 27, 2013
Location: Victory Park, Lockville Road, Pickerington, Ohio
A four-day, fun-filled family festival that showcases Pickerington as a great place to live, work and do business!

Lazy Daze of Summer Festival
Date: Saturday, July 27, 2013, from 11 am-6 pm
Location: Lawn and streets surrounding the Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 West First Avenue, Grandview Heights, Ohio 43212
Juried crafts, food, music, and more on the lawn & streets surrounding the Library!

PulpFest 2013
Dates: Thursday, July 25th – Sunday, July 28th, 2013
Location: Hyatt Regency Columbus. 350 North High Street, Columbus, OH
“The Summer’s Great Pulp Convention,” PulpFest is a new and improved version of the venerable convention catering to fans and collectors of vintage popular fiction.

The 2013 Heat of Summer Fiery Foods Festival
Dates: July 27-28 2013
Location: Foundation Park, Pataskala Ohio
The festival is hosted by the Pataskala Lions Club. We are highlighting all things hot and spicy. From hot sauces to BBQ we will have all kinds of products to taste and purchase. Companies from all over Ohio will be attending to sell there best products. Included at the event will be a Chili Cook Off for anyone to compete in, a craft show to browse and look at local and hand made products and events and games for kids. The best part is the festival is free to attend.
For more information: www.facebook.com/TheHeatOfSummerFest

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Columbus Ohio Festivals – August

Canal Winchester Blues & Ribfest
Dates: August 2nd & 3rd, 2013
Location: Downtown Canal Winchester, OH
Canal Winchester will be celebrating some of the best sights, sounds and tastes of summer at the Canal Winchester Blues & Ribfest this August in historic downtown Canal Winchester. The event will offer live blues music, rib and food vendors, a beer garden, and arts and crafts vendors. The Blues & Ribfest will be a great atmosphere for friends, and family to relax and enjoy Smokin’ Blues, Sizzlin’ Hot Ribs, & More! There is no charge to be placed at our event.

Dublin Irish Festival
Date: August 2, 3, and 4, 2013
Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM;
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Coffman Park

Festival Latino in Columbus
Date: August 10 and 11, 2013 from 11 am – 8 pm
Location: Genoa Park, (behind COSI) Downtown Columbus

All Ohio Balloon Fest
Dates: August 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th, 2013 from 2PM to 10PM
Location: Union County Airport, 760 Clymer Road (just off Industrial Parkway), Marysville, OH
Celebrating 38 years you’ll find two nights of fun with live entertainment…check out the website to get tickets to see Kellie Pickler on August 15th!!!! See the hot air balloon launch and Balloon Glow! The Kids can enjoy Kidz City with a climbing wall, jumpies and more!

Columbus Food Truck Festival
Dates: Friday, August 16, 2013 and Saturday, August 17, 2013 from Noon til 10pm
Location: Columbus Commons, 160 S. High Street, Columbus, OH
The Columbus Food Truck Festival is back this summer bigger and better then ever!! The Columbus Food Truck Festival is a two-day event featuring over 40 of the best Food Trucks in Ohio, entertainment, arts & crafts and family fun for all ages. You’ll find great food, live music and special events. Whether you’re just looking for a great way to spend an afternoon, a food lover eager to taste a delicious mix of the best food trucks & carts in Columbus or a music fan looking to hear great live music, The Columbus Food Truck Festival is one event that offers something for everyone. We are proud to announce our collaboration again this year with the Ronald McDonald House and we are lucky to have Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio (RMHC) as our charitable partner. For over 3 decades, RMHC has provided a home-away-from-home to families with seriously ill children and we are happy to take part in this heartfelt cause. Our mission is to draw attention to Downtown Columbus, support our
non-profit partners, spotlight the gourmet mobile food movement and support our local independent small business owners.

Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival
Dates: August 16-17, 2013
Location: Huber Park on Davidson Drive, just south of E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio

WAG! Dog Festival
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2013 from 10AM to 5PM
Location: Prairie Oaks Metro Park, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH (western Franklin & northeastern Madison counties)
As the region’s largest dog event, WAG! is a perfect day’s adventure for dogs and dog lovers alike. Taking place in the beautiful Darby Bend Lakes area of Prairie Oaks Metro Park in Hilliard, there will be pet-friendly trails to wander and lakes to splash in where the route to activities leads past appealing booths, where attendees can stop, shop and learn from the area’s finest dog-related product and service providers. Admission is FREE!

41st Annual Greek Festival in Columbus
Date: Aug. 30th – Sept. 2nd, 2013
Friday and Saturday: 11AM – Midnight; Sunday: Noon to Midnight;
Monday: 11AM to 7PM
Location: The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High Street, Columbus, OH

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Columbus Ohio Festivals – September

41st Annual Greek Festival in Columbus
Date: Aug. 30th – Sept. 2nd, 2013
Friday and Saturday: 11AM – Midnight; Sunday: Noon to Midnight;
Monday: 11AM to 7PM
Location: The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High Street, Columbus, OH

Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival
The Labor Day Festival is Canal Winchester’s largest and longest running event. What began in 1920 as a small gathering is now a local tradition that attracts thousands of visitors each year. This year’s event will include carnival rides, a parade, live entertainment, a cruise-in and much more.
Dates: August 31 – September 2, 2013
Location: The Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival is held in the village’s historic downtown area. The Village of Canal Winchester is located off U.S. Route 33, approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Columbus. Parking for the festival is available on public streets and parking lots throughout the village.

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival
Date: Monday September 2, 2013 from 10AM to 5PM
Admission: Free
Location: Northam Park, Upper Arlington

Marion Popcorn Festival
Date: September 5, 6, and 7th, 2013
Thursday 11:00 AM – Midnight
Friday 11:00 AM – Midnight (Beer Gardens Open till 1 AM Friday)
Saturday 11:00 AM – Midnight
Location: Marion, Ohio

Lithopolis Honeyfest
Ohio’s honey festival expands to 2 days – Friday and Saturday after Labor Day. Minutes SE of Columbus along Columbus St. in downtown Lithopolis. Bee beards, beekeepers and equipment, honey varietals for sale, honey tasting, honey extracting. American Honey Princess, mead (honey wine) and wine tasting, honey-made food. Busy Beehive kids crafts, honey bee and beekeeping educational exhibits, photo contest, fantastic art, two stages of great live music and more! Free admission, parking and shuttle! Like us on Facebook!
Date: September 6, 2013 from 1PM – 7PM; September 7, 2013 from 9AM-7PM
Location: Columbus Street in downtown Lithopolis
Free admission, parking and shuttle service
For more information click here

Mohican Bluegrass Festival
Annual bluegrass festival featuring local, regional, and national bluegrass bands – one of the best in the country!
Dates: Thursday – Saturday, September 12-14, 2013
Location: Mohican Wilderness Campground, 22462 Wally Road, Glenmont, Ohio 44628 – Phone: 740-599-6741

Covered Bridge Festival
Tours can be self-guided or reservations can be made on one of the tour buses.
Date: September 20, 2013 – September 22, 2013
Location: Throughout Union County
Click here for a schedule

Backwoods Fest
Nestled on a 60 acre wooded area in Northern Perry County, you will find one of Ohio’s finest arts and crafts festivals. Craft vendors from several states come to share their variety of items. Encounter the aroma of open-fire and kettle-cooked foods throughout the festival. Taste roasted almonds and pecans and fresh pork crackling as you stroll the festival roadways. Take some time and you’re sure to find something special. Do not forget to check out the pre-1840 Encampment area. See what it was like to live and work in an early settlement. Pick fresh pumpkins and mums for your own decorating. No matter what your age, you will be happy you came to enjoy the food, the music, the arts and crafts plus the relaxed atmosphere, and the fellowship of many from across Ohio and its neighboring states!
Dates: September 20, 21 & 22, 2013
Hours: Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 9am-5pm
Admission: Adult admission $9.00 Kids 10 and under are free and parking is free!
Location: 8572 High Point Rd, Thornville, OH 43076

Columbus Oktoberfest
Dates: September 27 – 29, 2013
Hours: Friday 5pm-12am, Saturday 12pm-12am, Sunday 12pm-8pm
Location: Ohio Expo Center, 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211

Riverfront Art Festival, formerly known as Goodale Park Art Festival
Dates: September 27, 28 and 29, 2013
Friday- 5 PM-9 PM; Saturday- Noon-9 PM; Sunday- Noon-5 PM
Location: Downtown Riverfront (behind COSI – 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH, 43215)

Freeman’s Farm Fall Festival
Dates: to be announced;
Fall Festival hours: Saturdays (10AM-5PM) and Sundays (Noon-5PM)
Location: Freeman’s Farm, 6142 Lewis Center Rd., Galena, OH 43021
With the aroma of “apple butter a stirrin’ and kettle corn a poppin’,” visitors to the farm enjoy hayrides through scenic woods, campfire concessions, a farm animals petting area, delicious fresh popped kettle corn, and apple butter making over an open fire. A beautiful year round Country Market features Amish meats & cheeses, bulk foods, gourmet coffees and teas, hand dipped Velvet ice cream and gift items. Fall treats and decorations including pumpkins, corn shocks, gourds, straw bales, and caramel apples abound.
For more information visit their website

Hot Times Community Music & Arts Festival
Date: to be announced
Location: 240 Parsons Avenue, (Main & Parsons, Columbus, Ohio)

India Festival
Art, music, food, and the culture of India are celebrated.
Date: to be announced
Location: Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio

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Columbus Ohio Festivals – October

Appalachian Color in the Hills Festival
Dates: October 4, 5, & 6, 2013
Hours: Friday, 10AM-10PM; Saturday, 9AM-11PM; Sunday, 10AM-5PM
Location: Glouster Park, 53 Madison St, Glouster, OH
Glouster Park it is a true Appalachian style Craft and Music Festival with an international food court, 3 days of great entertainment featuring Kentucky Head Hunter on Friday and Appalachian Bluegrass with The Hart Brothers on Saturday, and wonderful gospel with Sara Rchardson and many others on Sunday. We’ll have a free kids zone with old fashion games and the Magic of Dave Layman and Helicopter rides over the Beautiful Appalachian Foothills in full Fall Color.
Free admission to Festival 2 stages of Entertainment, 1 stage is free. Main stage tickets are general admission. For all 3 days just $20.

Columbus Italian Festival
Date: October 11,12, & 13, 2013
Friday, 5 PM to 11PM; Saturday, Noon – 11PM; Sunday, Noon – 8PM
Location: Saint John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, in Italian Village

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Christmas Events and Holidays

Don’t miss the excitement of the Columbus Ohio Festivals. With the wonderful diversity of the communities in this charming city, the Columbus Ohio Festivals are the best!

To have your Columbus Ohio Festivals listed, please use the Event and Festival form on my contact page.

Please Note: If you wish to participate in a festival as a performer, vendor or volunteer, please contact the event’s website and use their contact form. This website, In-and-Around-Columbus.com is not involved directly with the festivals and only lists information.

Please Note: All information for the Columbus Ohio events and festivals is obtained from numerous sources. In-and-Around Columbus posts this information from these sources and is not accountable for the correctness of this information. All information such as locations, dates and times are subject to change.