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 activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a shopaholic, or love good food and drink, there is something to offer everyone.
Read more about visiting Grove City, including community events, festivals, parks, attractions, and more.
Community events in Grove City
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)
Patrons age 21 and older may purchase and enjoy an alcoholic beverage from a liquor-permitted establishment; then sip, stroll, shop and explore within the DORA boundaries of the historic Town Center.
Before a patron leaves the liquor-permitted establishment with alcohol, he/she must request a DORA-designated cup.
DORA hours are 2 p.m. to midnight, daily, excluding the annual Boo Off Broadway (Beggar’s Night), Monday, Oct. 31, and the Christmas Celebration, Friday, Dec. 2. See website for participating establishments and boundaries.
Grove City Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, May 13 through September 9, 2023 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Historic Town Center Broadway and Park St
From peaches to homemade jellies and baked goods, and from tomatoes to sweet corn on the cob, sauces, fresh locally grown produce of every kind. Details here.
Heart of Grove City Food Truck Festival and Shop Hop
May 12, May 26, June 9, June 23. July 7, July 21, July 28, August 4, August 18, September 1, September 15, September 29, October 13, and October 27.
Dine from food trucks in town center and shop local businesses offering specials and more from 4-9 pm. Most dates coincide with Summer Sizzle Concerts, and are also DORA days where you can get your favorite adult beverage from local establishments and enjoy the downtown area. Details.
Summer Sizzle Concert Series
Most Fridays, May 26-September 1, 2023 at Town Center. Details.
Grove City Summer Sizzle
Community Outdoor Movie Series
Wednesdays at The Naz June 21-July 26, 2023. Details.
Annual Festivals in Grove City
Grove City EcoFest
Saturday, April 22, 2023. EcoFest is a naturally fun celebration showcasing green exhibitors and interactive family activities to inspire healthier living and preserve our environment. Details.
Gardens at Gantz Herb and Perennial Plant Sale
Saturday, May 13, 2023, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Details.
Touch a Truck to Fill a Truck
May 20, 2023 from 10 am – 2 pm
At Byers Chevy. There will be a fire truck, tow truck, cement truck, fork lifts, John Deere tractor, garbage truck, dump truck, Police Cruisers, Police K9 units, skid steer, and more. Details here.
Grove City Wine and Arts Festival
June 16 and June 17, 2023 at the historical Town Center. The festival will feature over 20 Ohio wineries, as well as authors, artists and artisans with wine-related treasures. Details.
Independence Day Celebration
TBA 2023.
Bourbon & Spirits Festival in Grove City
August 12, 2023, 1pm to 10pm. Tastes bourbons (and now other spirits) at this annual festival. Details here.
Grove City Boo off Broadway and Trick or Treat
Saturday, October 28, 2023. Boo off Broadway is a free, family-friendly trunk or treat style event at Town Center Park.
Regular Beggars Night or Trick or Treat is on Halloween. Details here.
Grove City Christmas Celebration, Parade, and Mistletoe Market
December 1-2, 2023. This 2-day family-friendly festival features live entertainment, Santa visits, ice sculpting, reindeer, traditional carols, holiday shopping, a parade, and the official tree lighting. Details here.
Grove City Christmas Celebration, Parade, and Mistletoe Market
Community and Parks in Grove City
There’s no shortage of green space and fun in Grove City, with three great parks, 30 miles of multi-use recreational paths, a destination garden, a family water park, a skate park, an off-leash dog park, and lots of playgrounds and ball fields.
Century Village: Step back in time and experience life in the 19th century at Century Village. This living history museum showcases a collection of authentically restored buildings, giving visitors a glimpse into the past. Open to the public during the summer months on the fourth Saturday from May through September from 2-4 p.m. 4185 Orders Road. Website.
Big Splash outdoor waterpark: Open daily the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, except on days the South-Western City School District is in session. The Big Splash is available only to season pass holders and guests of pass holders. Details.
Gardens at Gantz Park: Three main gardens to demonstrate a wide range of gardening styles: The Garden of Yesterday, The Garden of Today and the Garden of Tomorrow, plus a labyrinth, workshops, and more. Website
Evans Center 55+ recreation center: Daily and weekly activities such as exercise and yoga designed for seniors, card and board games, arts and crafts opportunities, and performing arts like chorus and drama. See schedule.
Kingston Center, Evans Center & Gantz Farmhouse: Indoor programming and activities
Dog Park at Breck Community Park with separate off-leash areas for large and small canines. See website.
Grove City Skate Park, 3728 Hoover Rd. See website.
Fryer Park Splash Pad: Open June-August when the YMCA outdoor pool is open. The bright, colorful interactive water play structures follow Discovery Frontier’s space theme and include a rocket slide and a variety of whimsical spray effects with accessibility for all. Details here.
Windsor Park: Accessible playground, pickleball complex, tennis courts, and more. 4408 Broadway
Gantz Park: Accessible playground, Gardens at Gantz (Herb Garden), Gantz Barn, Gantz Arboretum, tennis courts, basketball court. 2255 Home Rd., Grove City.
Check out the Parks and Recreation website for details!
More community Resources
Need more information about Grove City, Ohio? Check out the following resources that are available to residents, potential residents, and visitors!
Grove City Government
grovecityohio.gov · (614) 277-3000
4035 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123
Grove City Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce hosts events and programs and provides resources to support the development and success of businesses
gcchamber.org · (614) 875-9762 · e.dir@gcchamber.org
4069 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123
Heart of Grove City
Community Non-Profit dedicated to promoting growth within Grove City’s historic town center. This organization conducts major events, along with focusing on business advocacy, economic development, and historic preservation.
heartofgrovecity.org · (614) 539-8762 · info@heartofgrovecity.org
3378 Park Street, Suite C, Grove City, OH 43123
Discover Grove City
The official magazine of Grove City, Ohio, Discover Grove City provides compelling local content, along with containing The Source – the activity guide detailing Grove City Parks and Recreation Department offerings.
cityscenecolumbus.com/communities/discovergrovecity
Visit Grove City
Visit Grove City, the official destination marketing organization for the City, is charged with marketing Grove City as a premier business and leisure destination, thus enriching our community’s overall quality of life.
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