Love reading, libraries, and everything books? Add The Columbus Book Festival to your summertime Columbus festival list! Columbus Book Festival Head downtown to the Discovery District for a two-day festival for all ages on July 11-12, 2026. You'll enjoy national and local authors, … [Read more...] about The Columbus Book Festival in Discovery District
Events for Families and Kids
All skill levels welcome to pedal the Tour de Buckeye Lake
Experience the beauty of Buckeye Lake on scenic routes, perfect for cyclists of all skill levels. Tour de Buckeye Lake is cycling event, focused on displaying the beauty of the Buckeye Lake region hosted by Bike Buckeye Lake on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Bike Buckeye Lake is a nonprofit … [Read more...] about All skill levels welcome to pedal the Tour de Buckeye Lake
Free Movie Admission: From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
Gateway Film Center and Columbus Metropolitan Library offers FREE movies with the beloved series, From Book to Film. Head to Gateway Film Center for FREE family-friendly movies every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. As part of the film center’s ongoing efforts to improve the … [Read more...] about Free Movie Admission: From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
KidsLinked’s Free Columbus Children’s Festival – June 20
Don't miss the KidsLinked’s Columbus Children's Festival on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at SportsOhio in Dublin from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The free festival celebrates youth and family sports and will feature lots of activities and entertainment for the family, including sports competitions, family … [Read more...] about KidsLinked’s Free Columbus Children’s Festival – June 20
2026 Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest – Cool Jazz, Hot Ribs, and free admission
The Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest is July 24-26, 2026, featuring hot ribs and cool jazz in Downtown Columbus. Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest Each summer, this festival is a highly anticipated tradition with the best of jazz and rib connoisseurs for a festival full of music and barbecue, brought to … [Read more...] about 2026 Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest – Cool Jazz, Hot Ribs, and free admission
Huge list of Outdoor movies around Columbus
Enjoy movies under the stars with friends and family around Columbus throughout the summer and fall. Many community-sponsored movies are returning for 2026. There are also plenty of drive-in style movies that give you the outdoor movie experience in your car. Please check individual … [Read more...] about Huge list of Outdoor movies around Columbus
Meet Nature Cat from PBS at Second Saturday Kids Days with WOSU Public Media
Second Saturday Kids Days are free events that take place in the Ross Community Studio at the WOSU Public Media headquarters. Each Second Saturday event features a new theme to explore that combines imagination, interaction and technology to explore art, science, math and reading. Children … [Read more...] about Meet Nature Cat from PBS at Second Saturday Kids Days with WOSU Public Media
Free Commons for Kids on Fridays at Columbus Commons
Columbus Commons celebrates kids on Friday mornings from June 5 - August 14, 2026 with Commons for Kids. We are so excited for these fun events to return this Summer! All activities and games are offered free of charge from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fun at Commons for Kids Free … [Read more...] about Free Commons for Kids on Fridays at Columbus Commons
Visit these Story Trails in Columbus for reading + nature fun!
Did you know that there are Story Trails and Story Walks all over Columbus? These special trails are located in parks, and feature nature-inspired stories for you to enjoy along your walk. Storybook Trails combine the love for reading, nature, and outdoor activity, and are a great way to spend … [Read more...] about Visit these Story Trails in Columbus for reading + nature fun!
Summer Kids’ Series at Studio 35 (free for kids!)
When the weather isn't what you want or the kids have become annoying, go to the movies! Studio 35 is showing favorite family movies for the Summer Kids’ Series thanks to sponsor CollegeAdvantage 529 Plan. Kids' tickets are FREE, adults are $5. Catch a movie at 10:30 am on Saturday, … [Read more...] about Summer Kids’ Series at Studio 35 (free for kids!)
PBJ & Jazz free kids concerts at Topiary Park (it’s a family favorite!)
PBJ & Jazz Concert Series at Topiary Park is one of our favorite casual events to attend in the summer! Kids love these concerts! Learn about all types of music while enjoying the amazing Topiary Park! PBJ & Jazz concerts are free 1-hour long interactive concerts with … [Read more...] about PBJ & Jazz free kids concerts at Topiary Park (it’s a family favorite!)
Free Pollinator Palooza at Franklin Park Conservatory
Celebrate birds, bees, butterflies and all of the creatures that make our gardens grow during Pollinator Palooza, happening Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Franklin Park Conservatory in conjunction with National Pollinator Week. Engage with various organizations that are raising awareness for … [Read more...] about Free Pollinator Palooza at Franklin Park Conservatory
Celebrate all things Irish at the Annual Dublin Irish Festival
The annual Dublin Irish Festival returns as a full festival on July 31 - August 2, 2026, so get that kilt out of your closet! Experience a three day celebration of all things Irish in Coffman Park with one of the country’s largest Irish Festival. Have a beverage or four, and enjoy … [Read more...] about Celebrate all things Irish at the Annual Dublin Irish Festival
Phoenix Theaters Lennox 24 Free Summer Movie Series
Lennox Town Center 24 is now owned by Phoenix Theaters, and you can enjoy FREE family movies with the Free Summer Movie Series. Films are show at 10 am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Doors open at 9 am; seating is limited to auditorium capacity. Admission is totally free, and they are … [Read more...] about Phoenix Theaters Lennox 24 Free Summer Movie Series
Top things to do in Grove City, Ohio
Grove City is a suburb of southwest Columbus, Ohio in Franklin County. It boasts a small-town feel with plenty of parks, businesses, community events, plus the convenience of nearby Columbus. Downtown Columbus is just 15-20 minutes away. This vibrant little city offers a variety of … [Read more...] about Top things to do in Grove City, Ohio
