Summer is finally here, and with it lots of opportunities to enjoy time outside. From festivals to shopping to metro parks and more, there are so many ways to get some fresh air and have fun. Need ideas for your Columbus, Ohio summer bucket list? Here are 31 outdoor things to do in Columbus, OH this summer.
See What Nature Has to Offer
The Columbus area is home to a variety of parks and places to enjoy nature and learn about plants and wildlife, including metro parks, neighborhood parks, and more.
1. Metro Parks
Visit one of Central Ohio’s 20 metro parks, or take a stroll along the more than 230 miles of trails (spanned across seven area counties). There’s everything from waterfalls to rock climbing to gorgeous scenery.
2. Local Parks
Step away from busy city sidewalks to enjoy local parks like Goodale Park (Columbus’ oldest public park) or Schiller Park (the city’s second oldest park).
3. Topiary Garden Park
While this land used to feature the Deaf School’s dormitory and campus, it now houses a topiary garden with recreations of Georges Seurat’s painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte.”
4. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The conservatory is home to beautiful collections of gardens and art, more than 400 species of plants, changing exhibitions, and a variety of classes and events.
5. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Enjoy the outdoors while learning about animals from all over the world (the zoo has nearly 10,000 animals and 600 species), animal habitats, and ongoing conservation projects.
Stroll While Outdoor Shopping
Get some retail therapy while supporting local businesses and enjoying city views.
6. Markets at Pearl
The Pearl Market is a downtown farmers’ market that happens every Tuesday and Friday from late May to October. The Sunlight Market is an outdoor marketplace and street festival that occurs every third Sunday of the month during the season. The Moonlight Market is a similar event that takes place on the second Saturday of the month from April through October.
7. German Village Makers Market
The Makers Market is a monthly outdoor market that features local vendors selling art, clothes, accessories, home goods, food, and more.
8. The Grandview Hop
Make your way to Grandview for this monthly block party and night market featuring 100+ pop-up shops, live music, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and more. This year’s events are June 25, July 30, August 27, and September 24.
Get Moving With Exercise Classes
Give your endorphins a boost with outdoor workouts.
9. Fitness Classes at Columbus Commons
Columbus Commons hosts yoga and cardio classes weekly from May through September. There are three classes per week on what they call Workout Wednesdays.
10. Goat Yoga
Goats & Yoga at Harrison Farm is what I consider one of Columbus’ best-kept secrets. Class starts with Katherine Harrison of Harrison Farm introducing the goats and any other farm animals joining that day, then Dana Bernstein of Bern Yoga leads the class. It’s the perfect combination of physical activity and petting cute animals.
Enjoy Music and Entertainment
See bands and artists from near and far perform, or catch a movie under the stars.
11. Live Outdoor Music
There are several opportunities to catch live music in Columbus. KEMBA Live! is an indoor/outdoor concert venue with performances spanning a range of genres. Columbus Commons hosts performances by the Columbus Symphony as well as free concerts by local artists and big names.
12. Wonderbus Music + Arts Festival
Wonderbus is a weekend festival with multiple stages for contemporary concerts plus art, food, and activities. This year’s festival takes place August 26-28 at The Lawn at CAS.
13. NightLight 614
NightLight 614 is an outdoor movie series for people 21+, with craft beer and wine, local food trucks, and stunning views of the skyline.
Savor the Best Food in Columbus Ohio
If enjoying delicious food while soaking up the sun sounds like your cup of tea, consider checking out these outdoor food options.
14. Farmers Markets
You can find a variety of farmers markets in the Columbus area, including North Market, Worthington, Clintonville, Dublin, Grove City, Westerville, and more. Enjoy fresh fruit and veggies, dairy products, baked goods, and other yummy snacks.
15. Columbus Food Truck Festival
The Columbus Food Truck Festival gives you the opportunity to purchase delicious items from a wide variety of food trucks from Ohio and beyond. There’s also craft and retail vendors and live music. This year’s event is August 19-21 in Hilliard.
16. Columbus Fiery Foods Festival
Try fiery foods, sauces, and salsas from restaurants and vendors across the country. This year’s festival is August 27 and 28 in Downtown Columbus.
17. Jazz & Rib Fest
Spend time along the Scioto Mile listening to jazz music and devouring BBQ from a variety of vendors. This year’s event takes place July 22-24 in Downtown Columbus.
18. Enjoy Food or Drinks on a Patio or Rooftop
Patio season is in full swing, and there are several restaurants and bars throughout the city with outdoor seating. For elevated views, try Columbus rooftop bars like Lincoln Social, VASO Dublin, or Lumin Sky Bar and Kitchen.
Dive Into History, Culture, and Community
Learn about historical events and celebrate culture and community.
19. Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival and March
Stonewall Columbus, a 501(c)(3) organization working to uplift LGBTQ+ identities, hosts an annual festival, resource fair, and march that also serve as fundraisers to support the organization’s community programs and operations. This year’s festival and resource fair take place June 17 and 18 near downtown Columbus, and the parade is June 18.
20. Juneteenth Ohio Festival
The annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival celebrates the end of the enslavement of African American people in the US and offers cultural discovery plus events promoting ethnic diversity, cultural unity and enrichment. There’s music, food, family-friendly activities, a college and career fair, employment recruitment, a classic car show, and more. This year’s event takes place June 18 and 19 in Downtown Columbus.
21. Community Festival
Community Festival, also known as ComFest, celebrates creativity and activism in the community. There’s live music, food, drinks, and a street fair filled with vendors selling clothes, art, crafts, and more. This year’s event is happening June 24-26 in Goodale Park.
22. Dublin Irish Festival
The largest three-day Irish festival in the world takes place the first weekend of August in Dublin, Ohio. Learn about Irish culture and tradition, try tasty food, experience Irish dancing, and sing along to Irish music. This year’s festival is August 5-7.
23. Ohio Village
Ohio Village is a village replicating life in the 19th century. Visitors can tour different houses and buildings, take part in 19th century activities, and learn more about life in Ohio in the late 1800s.
Admire Art
Columbus is home to SO many artists, and summer is the perfect time to view their work and buy their creations while spending time outside.
24. Franklinton Fridays
Check out art from local artists, enjoy live performances, and grab a bite to eat on the second Friday of each month.
25. Actors’ Theater of Columbus
Spend an evening at the amphitheater in Schiller Park as members of Actors’ Theater of Columbus perform famous works by Shakespeare.
Cheer on a Local Sports Team
Grab some stadium food and head to the stands to root for a local team.
26. Columbus Crew Match
The Columbus Crew is the city’s Major League Soccer team, which played its first season in 1996 and has since won two MLS cups.
27. Columbus Clippers Game
The Columbus Clippers is the city’s Minor League Baseball team. They began playing in 1977 and have since won 10 league titles and 16 division titles.
Other Outdoor Activities in Columbus OH
Looking for more outdoor activities in Columbus, Ohio? Perhaps try one of these.
28. Scavenger Hunt
Explore the city and learn more about Columbus’ history with a scavenger hunt. Some options include scavenger hunts by Let’s Roam and Urban Adventure Quest.
29. Red, White & Boom
Experience the largest Independence Day celebration in the Midwest. Enjoy a fireworks show, parade, and live entertainment. This year’s event takes place on July 1 in Downtown Columbus.
30. Doo Dah Parade
Celebrate liberty and lunacy with the Doo Dah Parade, a whimsical event filled with satire and humor. The parade starts at 1 p.m. on July 4 and there’s live music at the gazebo in Goodale Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
31. Ohio State Fair
This year’s state fair returns July 27 – August 7 and features an assortment of exhibits and attractions, rides, concerts, food, and even butter sculptures.
Enjoy the warmer weather with unique outdoor activities in Columbus. What’s on your summer bucket list?
I’m a freelance copywriter in Columbus, Ohio constantly daydreaming about my next adventure.
