If you’ve ever found yourself wandering through Goodale Park in late June and suddenly stumbled into a sea of local bands, food vendors, nonprofit booths, and people dancing in the grass with bare feet and big smiles, you have accidentally experienced ComFest.
And if you haven’t? Well, it’s about time you changed that.
Running 50+ years strong, the Columbus Community Festival is one of the city’s most prized events. Here’s everything you need to know!
So… what is ComFest Columbus?
Short for “Community Festival,” ComFest is a completely free, volunteer-run celebration of music, art, activism, and radical joy that’s been happening in Columbus since 1972. This year’s event will take place June 27 – 29 at Goodale Park, and yes, it’s going to be just as magical, chaotic, and inspiring as ever.
Unlike your typical summer festival, ComFest Columbus Ohio doesn’t exist to sell you a $16 beer and make you wait in line to hear a headliner you can’t actually see.
It exists to bring people together.
The core idea is community over profit. Equity over ego. It’s as grassroots as it gets, and that’s what makes it so special.
A Festival That Gives Back
ComFest isn’t just about good vibes and jam bands.
It also gives back.
Thanks to the generosity of festival-goers and volunteers, the organization awarded $12,500 in grants to local nonprofits this year alone. So every beer you sip (please do not BYOB) and every step you dance is helping uplift the community.
More Than a Festival: It’s a Movement
ComFest isn’t just a place to hear the best local live music the Arch City has to offer (though the music does slap, let’s be clear). It’s a full-blown movement with a mission rooted in collective action, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
The Columbus Community Festival is guided by a set of principles that champion cooperation, inclusivity, and harmony with the environment.
You’ll find 200+ vendor and nonprofit booths representing everything from voter registration efforts to environmental advocacy to handmade jewelry. Whether you’re looking to join a cause or just snag the best handmade soap you’ve ever smelled, there’s something for everyone.
What to Expect at ComFest 2025
This year’s festival will feature returning favorites like the Sing-Out Stage and the Friday & Saturday night Silent Disco, which was such a hit last year they brought it back by popular demand.
Local breweries like Seventh Son Brewing, Columbus Brewing Company, and Good Liar will be serving up libations, and in a surprise twist, the souvenir mugs will have a different logo than the volunteer t-shirts, which is different than years past.
Why does this matter? Because for the ComFest faithful, anything with the ComFest logo on it is a prized possession, especially when the shirts are only available to the volunteers.
That’s right. No corporate sponsors here, just passionate people bringing joy and love to their city. If you want to help make the magic happen (and get an exclusive t-shirt with a unique logo + sweet perks), consider signing up to volunteer here.
Each volunteer shift comes with chips that can be used for food, drinks, merch, or entry to the Silent Disco.
The Street Fair: A True “Street of Dreams”
The ComFest Street Fair is one of the most diverse and engaging arts events in all of Ohio. From colorful art and handmade goods to community organizations and food vendors from all over the city, the energy in the air is unmatched.
With 25 Community Food Vendors and 12 Commercial Food Trailers, you’ll want to show up hungry. And thirsty. And maybe with a reusable tote bag or two.
Local Bands, Big Energy
The music lineup at ComFest always delivers. In years past, Columbus favorites like Zoo Trippin’, Trachete, The DAMNits, and Gelatinus Cube have taken the stage, and this year promises another killer roster of local talent. Whether you’re into funk, punk, folk, or anything in between, you’ll find something that makes you want to dance in the grass.
The official 2025 ComFest program guide, complete with the live band schedule, vendor map, and workshop listings, will be released in June. Keep an eye on ComFest’s website and social media for updates.
ComFest Parking Tips
Pro tip: ComFest parking can be a bit of a circus. Your best bet is to walk, bike, rideshare, or use COTA to avoid the stress. If you do drive, plan ahead and look for garages nearby in the Short North or street parking around Goodale Park. You’ll thank yourself later.
TL;DR: When is ComFest in Columbus Ohio?
The important stuff:
🗓️ June 27 – 29, 2024
📍 Goodale Park, Columbus, OH
💸 Admission: Free
🎶 Vibes: Immaculate
Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just in it for the Silent Disco and live music, ComFest Columbus is one of the most unique and powerful celebrations of community anywhere in the Midwest.
Find more family-friendly fun around Columbus here.