Worthington, Ohio is located in the north part of Columbus, at the center of the state at Ohio’s crossroads – the intersection of U.S. State Route 23 and State Route 161. With lots of attractions, a thriving downtown, plus small-town charm, there are always so many things to do in Worthington.
Follow the brick sidewalks to the Village Green, where you’ll find events throughout the year on the Green and throughout downtown. Check out some of the upcoming fun and things to do in Worthington.
via Old Worthington Partnership
New in Worthington
Train Observation Station
Now open for tours in McCord Park! 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is open April through October, on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Check out the Caboose and learn all about the fascinating history of trains and railroads. Read more about the history of the caboose here.
Saturday, April 8 & 22: 1pm – 3pm
Saturday, May 13 & 27: 1pm – 3pm
Saturday, June 10 & 24: 1pm – 3pm
Saturday, July 8 & 22: 1pm – 3pm
Saturday, August 12 & 26: 1pm – 3pm
Saturday, September. 9 & 23: 1pm – 3pm
Saturday, October 14 & 28: 1pm – 3pm
Worthington Farmer’s Market
One of the only year-round Farmer’s Markets in Central Ohio. The Worthington Farmer’s Market is located in downtown at the intersection south of 161/High for the Summer season from May – October.
Starting on Saturday, April 8 at 9am, find us OUTSIDE along High Street in historic Old Worthington.
APRIL Hours: Saturdays, 9am-12pm
Summer Hours: Starting May 6 Saturdays, 8am-12pm (May-October).
Market returns in indoor in November.
DORA in Worthington
D.O.R.A., or Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, has expanded hours to every day between 11am and 10pm. Individuals will be allowed to walk within the DORA boundaries with an alcoholic beverage purchased from a liquor permit holding establishment.
The DORA will include the High Street corridor between South Village Green Drive and just south of South Street (to include the new yet-to-open Chupala Restaurant) and east/west boundaries along New England Avenue from 26 E. New England to 41 W. New England.
Note: you cannot take a beverage from one establishment to another. You must consume beverage at the establishment from which it is purchased, or outside within the DORA boundaries.
via Old Worthington Partnership
2023 Sunday Fundays
Finish off the weekend with Sunday Fundays, held once a month through November. The Worthington Partnership, along with the merchants, will host an afternoon of themed food, entertainment, and specials in the historic district. Each merchant will adapt the theme to their own business.
Check out the Facebook events for more details closer to each event date.
June 11: Rainbow Love
July 23: Totally 80’s
August 13: Tribute to Fair Food
September 24: Oktoberfest
October 22: Spooky Pet Parade
November 26: Holiday Open House
Annual Worthington Events
Worthington Bunny Hop: Saturday, April 1, 2023. Bunny Hop has something for everyone, including music, crafts, vendors giving out candy and prizes, a photo booth, and even a chance to meet our beloved bunny friend!
Green on the Green: May 6, 2023. Annual festival celebrating being green and eco-friendly in everyday life.
Concerts on the Green: most Sundays during the Summer, May 21 – August 13 on the Village Green
Worthington Arts Festival: June 17-18, 2023
Fourth of July: July 4. Rotary Family Picnic from 4 pm – 9 pm with inflatables, games, music, and more at Thomas Worthington. Fireworks at dusk; best viewed from the Family Picnic area at Thomas Worthington, or at the football stadium to the west of the high school.
Patriot Day – 9/11 Remembrance: tba 2023 at noon on the Village Green with American Legion Post 239
Family Nights at Worthington Community Center: Most Fridays in fall tba 2023 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Pre-registration requested.
Worthington Fire Department Open House: tba 2023 from 11 am – 2 pm
Worthington Police Department Open House: tba 2023 from 11 am – 2 pm
Old Worthington Market Day: Saturday, October tba 2023. Large community festival with vendors, food, farmers market, music, and more.
Old Worthington Fall Crawl: tba 2023 from 5 pm – 8 pm. This first annual “crawl” will feature all things fall. Stroll through the historic business district and collect harvest-themed treats at 15+ businesses with your $25 program and wristband. Register through The Worthington Partnership.
Haunted Griswold: tba 2023 from 7 pm – 9 pm. Visit the Griswold Center and see for yourself the transformation that has taken place from an activity center to spooooooooooky. This event is open to the community.
Halloween on the Green: tba 2023. Details and time tba
Trick or Treat Night: Always October 31, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The City of Worthington schedules Beggars Night in Worthington on Halloween, October 31st each year, no matter what day Halloween falls on. If you live in the City of Columbus areas of the Worthington School District, follow the City in which you live.
Santa’s Mailbox: Late November-mid-December, tba 2023. Drop off letters to Santa in the mailbox outside of the Griswold Center. Make sure to include a return address in order to receive a response. It’s free!
Worthington Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting: Sunday, November 26, 2023. Stroll streets and enjoy musical entertainment during this traditional holiday festival before the tree lighting at 5:30 pm.
Slice of Worthington Pizza Competition – tba for 2023
A Taste of Worthington Food Festival – tba for 2023
Historic Ghost Tour of Worthington – tba for 2023
Attractions in Worthington
Our list isn’t all-inclusive, but here are some places to start!
Village Green: Considered the center of downtown Worthington, the Village Green is where you’ll find people gather for festivals, concerts, farmers markets, and more throughout the year.
Worthington Libraries: Consisting of three locations, the Worthington Libraries are known for their fun events and buildings. As part of the Central Library Consortium (CLC), patrons enjoy cross-lending privileges for materials with their participating CLC library card.
Worthington Historical Society: Maintains properties such as the Orange Johnson House, the Old Rectory, the Jeffers Mound, and hosts events through the year to educate and remember the town’s history.
The Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center: The MAC promotes the performing, visual and digital arts through programs, education, performances, exhibits, and more.
Worthington Community Center: Featuring a full fitness center, programming, leagues, camps, special events, an amazing aquatic Center and more. Day, Monthly, and Annual passes are available for purchase for residents and non-residents.
Griswold Center: Community center for Seniors, 55+, offering a balance of programs in arts, drama, sports, fitness and education, along with a variety of trips!
Worthington Pools: Indoor and outdoor pools offering lessons, swim team, special events, and day passes.
The Ohio Railway Museum: This long-running museum is dedicated to railroad history, and offers streetcar & passenger car rides on Sundays, from May – December.
Other Resource Links
City of Worthington
Experience Worthington
Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming fun in Worthington and nearby areas
Friday, June 2, 2023
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Friday, June 9, 2023
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Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Thursday, June 15, 2023
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Tuesday, June 20, 2023
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Thursday, June 22, 2023
Friday, June 23, 2023
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Friday, June 30, 2023
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Past events; tba for 2023
Family Nights at Worthington Community Center
The Worthington Community Center hosts Family Nights select Friday evenings this winter and early spring from 6:30-8:30 pm. Kids of all ages will enjoy the free fun, which includes arts and crafts, little tykes gym activities, and big kids’ gym activities.
Adults must stay with their children, and cannot attend without children.
Worthington Chocolate Walk
Thursday, March 3 from 5-9pm. The Worthington Partnership hosts a sweet stroll through the historic business district. Tickets are $25, and includes vouchers to visit at least 15 businesses for a treat. Each business will offer a chocolate treat for you to experience their business in a unique, yummy way. It’s the perfect chance to shop for Valentine’s Day and buy local! Registration begins at 4 pm; tickets must be purchased in advance.
Holiday Open House
Head to Old Worthington for the annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, November 27 (always the Sunday after Thanksgiving). Enjoy seasonal activities and shopping from noon till 5:00 p.m. Details.
Experience the sights and sounds of the holiday season, including, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music and a photo opportunity with Santa. Local retailers will be offering special promotions and sidewalk sales.
Worthington Tree Lighting
After the Holiday Open House on November 27, head to Southeast Village Green for the annual tree lighting. The program begins at 5:30 with carols and an appearance by Santa Clause to light the tree. More details to be announced.
Val says
Please contact the organizers directly.
Frank Clay says
I would like to rent a booth for my business for the Old Worthington Market Dat Sat Oct 8, 22, please advise on who i would contact to rent the booth, please advise, Frank Clay