2026 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops at Columbus Commons

Nationwide Picnic with the Pops is coming back to Columbus Commons in Summer 2026. The full schedule hasn’t been released yet, but we will update as they are!

Enjoy the ultimate picnic with acclaimed artists and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra this summer with The Nationwide Picnic with the Pops concert series at the Columbus Commons. 

Nationwide Picnic with the Pops and Richard Marx Columbus Commons credit: Randall L. Schieber

These concerts are such a fun event! Enjoy nationally-known artists and tribute bands as they perform WITH the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion in the Columbus Commons.

Bring a picnic and enjoy an evening at this casual family-friendly event. Bring your own food, beverages, alcohol, and coolers, so you can make it a more affordable outing.

Purchase food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) from on-site vendors. Soft drinks, water, and alcoholic beverages can also be purchased at any of the CAPA bar stands.

Gates open at 6 p.m. (located on the Main and Rich streets), with the shows beginning at 8 p.m. 

Nationwide Picnic with the Pops, CSO and The Ohio State Marching Band.

2026 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops Schedule

June 13, 2026: Ledisi

Ledisi’s love for classic songs and legendary singers knows no bounds. The Grammy-winning vocalist celebrated the catalog of Nina Simone at the Hollywood Bowl in 2021, and now, on her new album For Dinah, the powerhouse pays tribute to Dinah Washington. 

Saturday, June 20, 2026: Wyclef Jean

Grammy Award-winning performing artist, producer and composer Wyclef Jean returns after debuting with the Columbus Symphony in 2018! Wyclef’s music, both as a solo superstar and as founder and guiding member of the Fugees, has been a powerful pop cultural force for over two decades. With a wealth of musical influences from jazz to classic rock to reggae, Wyclef’s hits include “Gone Till November,” “We Trying to Stay Alive,” and more.

Saturday, June 27, 2026: Windborne’s The Music of Tom Petty

A heartfelt tribute to one of America’s most enduring rock icons, this program celebrates the music of Tom Petty with symphonic arrangements of classics like “Free Fallin’” and “American Girl.” It’s an evening of nostalgia, storytelling, and singalong favorites. Windborne Music produces Symphonic Rock shows around the world.

Saturday, July 11, 2026: Guster

Witness three decades of indie-rock hits including “Satellite” and “Amsterdam” reimagined for a full orchestra. Experience this one-of-a-kind collaboration where bright melodies and clever songwriting meet world-class symphonic power. 

Saturday, July 18, 2026: LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes is an internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum selling artist whose genre-defying career has spanned nearly three decades. Her groundbreaking hit “How Do I Live” remains one of Billboard’s all-time greatest songs, and she’s had 15 top-10 hits across genres, including the global smash “Can’t Fight the Moonlight.” Rimes has sold over 48 million records globally, earned eight Grammy nominations and two wins, and made history as the youngest solo artist ever to receive a Grammy.

Saturday, July 25, 2026: The Alan Parsons Live Project

Known for their cinematic sound and progressive rock legacy, The Alan Parsons Live Project delivers an immersive evening of iconic hits such as “Sirius” (the Chicago Bulls theme), “Eye in the Sky,” “Games People Play,” “Don’t Answer Me,” and more. Paired with the full orchestra, this concert offers a rich, atmospheric musical experience.

July 31 and August 1, 2026: OSU Marching Band

A Columbus favorite and annual tradition, “The Best Damn Band in the Land” joins the Columbus Symphony and shows off their precision marching, dynamic musical arrangements, and beloved fight songs and battle cries. These high-energy concerts are a highlight of the summer season for audiences of all ages.

Find tickets and full details on the website!

Tickets for concerts

General admission lawn tickets start at $43.35+ (fees may apply) for adults when purchased by phone at 614-469-0939, or online via www.PicnicWithThePops.com. Tickets for children ages 3-14 are $10.50. Children 2 and under are free.

Tables on the front lawn, near the stage are available for purchase at each concert (subject to availability). For more information or to purchase a table call 614.469.0939.

Single table seats can be purchased in any quantity and range from $60-$90 (fees apply) per seat. Table seats can be purchased in advance by phone at 614.469.0939, online at www.PicnicWithThePops.com, or in person at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 E. State St.).

Check out the other activities going on at Columbus Commons this year!

• Columbus Commons Fitness Classes
• Popcorn Pops with Columbus Symphony Orchestra
• Food Truck Food Court on Thursdays at the Commons
• Free family fun: Commons for Kids 
• Columbus Commons Free Movie Nights

Parking for Nationwide Picnic with the Pops

Parking is available at the Columbus Commons Parking Garage, located at 55 East Rich Street, just steps away from the park.

Spaces are also available in the lot beneath the Columbus Commons (entrance at 191 S. Third St.). Parking is $5. Pay for parking in advance to make your experience a quick and easy one! Or book Pre-paid parking!

Looking for more music?

Check out our huge list of outdoor concerts around Columbus!

Free 2026 outdoor concert roundup around Columbus