The Columbus Arts Festival, held at the downtown riverfront, is one of the signature summer events in Columbus, Ohio. It draws some of the finest artists in the nation, along with art lovers from across the country.
Festival Events and Activities
The free festival features four performing art stages, a Hands-On Activities Village, film screenings, over 250 participating artists, a VR tent, and a Big Local Art village. More than 150 live acts include jazz, R&B, rock, choral music, comedy, modern dance, poetry, and storytelling. Prominent performers at the festival include BalletMet performances, R&B star Anderson East, Pride at the Fest performances.
Arts and crafts vendors offer paintings, jewelry, prints, glass art, home design items, and metalworks. Visitors can create something themselves with Hands-On activities. In addition to that, there are many food trucks and vendors as well as craft beers and other beverages at the Big Local Beer Garden. The festival attracts about 450,000 attendees.
The Big Local Art Village on Rich Street showcases 60 local artists who will demonstrate their visual, performing, and culinary arts. Dance and theatre performances take place at the riverfront amphitheater in Genoa Park, featuring over 30 troupes and groups.
The Music Stage is located under the train bridge on Rich Street and displays over 20 acts by local musicians, such as Dr. E., Parker Louis Band, Andy Shaw Band, The Shazzbots, Forever Unknown, and Black River Gypsies. Festival guests can also take part in a Scavenger Hunt, visiting eight locations and collecting clues to find a package and win the prize.
The delightful food is one of the highlights of the Festival, featuring tasty barbecue, lobster tacos, buckets of chocolate chip cookies, etc.
Festival Opening Hours and Location
Attendees can join the festival Friday from 11 am to 10 pm and Saturday from 10 am – 10 pm. Also, gates are open on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Pay attention to these hours to organize your time at the festival as best as possible. Columbus Downtown Riverfront will host the festival.
