Music
&
Nightlife
Live Music
Eat & Drink
Live Music

The Ultimate Guide to Summer Festivals in Columbus and Central Ohio

Culture & Arts, Event, Things to Do

logo-buf-600w
Written by Step Out Columbus
Published on May 28, 2025
Young kids enjoying a thrill ride at a local fair
Photo courtesy of St. Catharine of Siena Church

Summer in Columbus is more than just sunshine and patio season — it’s a full-blown celebration of culture, music, food, and community. Whether you’re a local looking to spice up your weekends or a visitor eager to experience the city’s vibrant scene, Central Ohio’s summer festivals offer something for everyone.

From the high-energy vibes of the Buckeye Country Superfest, where country stars like Jelly Roll and Kane Brown light up Ohio Stadium, to the delightfully quirky Doo Dah Parade, a satirical July 4th tradition that parades through the Short North and Victorian Village with irreverent humor and homemade floats, Columbus knows how to throw a party.

Needless to say, there are tons of unique festivals in Columbus and Central Ohio that are worth checking out.

So buckle in, and let’s explore the must-attend summer festivals that make Columbus and Central Ohio the place to be when the temps rise.

Festivals

2026 Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest

Fri, May 15 - Sun, May 17 • Times Vary

Free

Big Stan’s Bar and Grill • 8635 Blackbird Lane Thornville, OH 43076

Other

Prepare to hoist the Jolly Roger and set sail for the most anticipated event of the season! From May 15th to May 17th, 2026, the scenic shores of Buckeye ...

Arts & Crafts

SUMMER FUN DAY!!

Sun, Jun 14 • 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Free

BrewDog Brewery & Taproom • 96 Gender Road Canal Winchester, 43110

Other

Join us this summer at Brewdog Dogtap for a vibrant and lively craft market, where creativity meets fun!!!!!   Discover a curated selection ...

Arts & Crafts

Animal Lovers Day

Sun, Jul 26 • 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Free

BrewDog Brewery & Taproom • 96 Gender Road Canal Winchester, 43110

Other

Come out and bring all the adorable people/animal friendly doggies, plus any other pets you would like . We are excited to meet all your friendly furry ...

Arts & Crafts

FALL FEST

Sun, Sep 13 • 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Free

BrewDog Brewery & Taproom • 96 Gender Road Canal Winchester, 43110

Other

What better way to celebrate fall then a gorgeous Fall Market at Brewdog. We will have 60+ unique and individual Makers for you to shop this Fall Market.   Make ...

Arts & Crafts

HALLOWEEN MARKET/ TRICK OR TREAT

Sun, Oct 25 • 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Free

BrewDog Brewery & Taproom • 96 Gender Road Canal Winchester, 43110

Other

Hey Boo, come on over while we get spooky. We will have the ghouliest of Makers around to haunt your dreams. So come shop, eat, and get dressed up so you ...

Arts & Crafts

Holiday Market

Sun, Nov 29 • 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Free

BrewDog Brewery & Taproom • 96 Gender Road Canal Winchester, 43110

Other

Come join us for a amazing holiday event. We will have a Santa and Mrs. Kimmie Claus for pictures. Plus, free hot chocolate and coffee to drink while you ...

Live Music

Sonic Temple 2026

Fri, May 15 - Sun, May 17 • All Day

Historic Crew Stadium • One Black and Gold Boulevard Columbus, 43211

Other

What is Sonic Temple? Ohio’s Largest Art & Music Festival 4 days of rock and metals biggest names, featuring massive headliners and immersive art, ...

Things to Do

BREAKAWAY OHIO 2026

Fri, May 29 - Sat, May 30 • All Day

Historic Crew Stadium • One Black and Gold Boulevard Columbus, 43211

Other

Breakaway Music Festival Ohio! May 29-30, 2026. We are becoming the most beloved and trusted brand in live entertainment, renowned for our vibrant, ...

Live Music

Buckeye Country Superfest

Sat, Jun 13 • 3:00 pm

Ohio Stadium • 555 Borror Drive Columbus, 43210

Other

An annual summer tradition, Buckeye Country Superfest returns to Ohio Stadium on Saturday, June 13 with superstar Tyler Childers headlining.  Buckeye ...

Eat & Drink

Buckeye Lake PirateFest 2026

Fri, May 15 - Sun, May 17 • Times Vary

Big Stan's Bar & Grill • 8635 Blackbird Lane, Thornville, OH 43076. Thornville, Ohio 43076

Other

Ahoy! Buckeye Lake PirateFest sets sail May 15–17, 2026, for Three Days of Adventure on and around the Shores of Buckeye Lake. Visitors can enjoy the ...

Educational

Sunrise Sanctuary’s Annual Spring Fling Fundraiser

Sun, Jun 14 • 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Admission starts at: $10

Sunrise Sanctuary • 16730 Martin Welch Rd Marysville, OH 43040

Other

TICKETS FOR SUNRISE SANCTUARY'S SPRING FLING ARE AVAILABLE! This is one of our biggest annual fundraisers, so make sure to reserve your spot! Tickets ...

Things to Do

Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival

Fri, Jun 19 • 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Ohio History Center • 800 East 17th Avenue Columbus, 43211

Other

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Originating in Texas, it has been observed annually on ...

Things to Do

Celtic Heritage Festival

Sat, Jun 20 - Sun, Jun 21 • Times Vary

Johnston Farm & Indian Agency • 9845 North Hardin Road Piqua, OH 45356

Other

Like many of Ohio's earliest settlers, John Johnston was of Scots-Irish descent. In the 1830's, many Irish immigrants came into the state to help build ...

Find more awesome events in and around Columbus, Ohio here.

Event Guides

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Step Out Columbus Newsletter Sign Up
Subscribe for our marketing and business newsletter too!

Connect with Columbus

Submit an Event

List a Business

 

Find More ➭ Event Guides, Outdoors, Summer
X
To save to your favorites you must login first.
Login Here
X
You must be logged in to use this feature.