There’s always so much fun planned at The Scioto Mile! Summer Fun on the Scioto runs through fall and include free events ranging from musical performances, happy hours, and kayaking, to silent discos, dance classes, yoga, and more.
Located in the heart of Downtown Columbus, the Scioto Mile is an integrated system of parks, boulevards, bikeways and pedestrian paths.
Scioto Mile Fountain
Daily May 23 through September 2, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., with evening light shows from 7 pm – 10 pm.
The Scioto Mile Fountain features 3 stainless steel halo structures with 300 fog nozzles, speaker system with surround sound, super shooter that jets 100 feet in the air, 344 fountain sprites that are lit by self-contain LED lights.
New this year, sensory-friendly hours will be on Mondays, June 2-Aug. 25, from 11 a.m.–noon.
credit: Infinite Impact Photography
The Patio and DORA
The Patio at the Scioto Mile Fountain will offer alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic refreshments for purchase Thursday-Sunday throughout the summer. With the Center City DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area), residents ages 21 and up can responsibly enjoy their alcoholic beverages in designated areas along the Scioto Mile and throughout Downtown.
For information about changes to Fountain hours or closures visit www.DowntownColumbus.com/SciotoMile
Bicentennial Park, 233 S Civic Center Drive
Special events on the Scioto Mile
FREE Fountain Fest
Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25, 2025 from 11 am – 10 pm at Scioto Mile Fountain
The Scioto Mile Fountain re-opens for the season with a FREE two-day celebration with music, food trucks, live performances, art, and more surprises. All ages are welcome to splash in the Fountain, and adults can indulge in a drink using the Center City DORA.
All ages are welcome throughout the day, but family programming starts at 11 a.m. and adult-centric programming kicks off at 4 p.m.
credit: Infinite Impact Photography
FREE Kayak Days
Saturday, July 13 & Saturday, August 10, 2025 from 1 pm – 5 pm
Free kayaking opportunities for adults and families. Bicentennial Park boat launch, near Main Street Bridge. All experience levels welcome to enjoy a complimentary kayak, tandem kayaking and SUP rentals.
credit: Infinite Impact Photography
FREE Scioto Social
Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 8 – 10 pm at Scioto Mile Fountain
This riverfront block party encourages all adults to splash through the fountain. A live DJ will be rocking the Scioto Mile fountain. DORA beverages will be available on site.
credit: Infinite Impact Photography
Series on the Scioto in Downtown Columbus
Breakfast at Bicentennial Park
Fridays | May – October, 2025 from 7-10 am
Grab some coffee, waffles or ice cream at the Bean Machine food truck. Plus, join a spirited group jog along the riverfront with a run club. Walkers welcome. The food truck will not be on-site during large festival dates.
Runs will start and end at Bicentennial Park, taking off at 6:44 am. Find more information by following @sciotomilersrunningclub.
Go kayaking during Wednesdays on the Water
Wednesdays, May 28 – July 30, 2025 at Bicentennial Park boat launch, near the Main Street Bridge
Paddle down the Scioto River with a 50% off discount on a one-hour watercraft rental. Spots are limited, so book ahead to secure your kayak! Walk-ins accepted, but not guaranteed.
*All events are subject to change: visit DowntownColumbus.com/SciotoMile for the most up-to-date information.
credit: Infinite Impact Photography
FREE Fountain Fitness Classes
Thursdays & Sundays | June – August, 2025
Hit the (fountain) floor this summer with Free Dance + Fitness Classes! Fitness on Thursday and Dance on Sundays! Cool off post-workout with a splash in the Fountain.
All skill levels welcome. Advance registration is recommended but not required. After Thursday evening classes, unwind as the stunning Fountain illuminates the night sky.
FITNESS
Thursdays, June – August *no event July 3 or August 14
SESSION 1: 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm
SESSION 2: 7:15 pm – 8 pm
DANCE
Sundays, June – August *no event June 22, July 20, or August 10
SESSION 1: 9:30 am – 10:15 am
SESSION 2: 10:15 am – 11 am
DORA at Dusk
Second Fridays | June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, 2025 from 6-10 pm
Grab your favorite DORA drink and hop aboard the FREE Trolley Pub while rolling through Downtown hotspots. Pedal between (or let your neighbors do all the work) The Patio at Scioto Mile Fountain, The Junto, Franklinton Fridays, and Land-Grant Brewing. Score exclusive drink specials along the way!
credit: Infinite Impact Photography
Golden Hour Paddle
Fridays, August 1, 8, 22 | 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
August 29 | 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Boat launch under the Main Street Bridge, near Bicentennial Park
Paddle down the Scioto River with a 50% off discount on a one-hour watercraft rental every Friday in August. Spots are limited, so book ahead to secure your kayak! Walk-ins accepted but not guaranteed.
More fun just up the road…
Don’t forget, Columbus Commons is just a couple of blocks away and will also have lots of programming through the Summer.
- Columbus Commons Fitness Classes
- Popcorn Pops with Columbus Symphony Orchestra
- Picnic with the Pops
- Food Truck Food Court on Thursdays at the Commons
- Free family fun: Commons for Kids
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