Budgets are tight and we're all cutting back our spending. But that doesn't mean we have to cut back our fun. Columbus' free summer theater, movies, music and history are just waiting for audiences. Here are nine free things to do that I like. Send me your favorites.
Actors' Theatre in Schiller Park
Photo by Carol Ottolenghi
Open-air theater has been a Schiller Park tradition for more than 20 years. This summer's productions include The Three Musketeers, adapted from Dumas' book, and two plays by Shakespeare: The Tempest and As You Like It. There are beautiful -- and not so beautiful -- villains, dashing swordplay, period costumes and too many disguised noblefolks to keep track of. Bring picnics, blankets or chairs to sit on, and bug repellant.
When: Thursdays-Sundays, May 28-Sept. 6. If the weather is bad, the play is cancelled.
Where: Schiller Park in German Village
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: free, but donations are accepted.
When: Thursdays-Sundays, May 28-Sept. 6. If the weather is bad, the play is cancelled.
Where: Schiller Park in German Village
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: free, but donations are accepted.
Wex Drive-In
Bring blankets or lawn chairs and settle in for some fun flicks under the stars. If it rains, the screening moves inside, and the Wex Drive-In Warm-Up is canceled.Thu., June 18: The Wolf Man This is the 1941 classic with Lon Chaney Jr., Claude Rains, Warren William, Bela Lugosi and Ralph Bellamy. This makeup was cutting edge "special effects."
Thu., July 23: American Graffiti Iconic DJ Wolfman Jack stars in George Lucas' coming-of-age film set pre–Vietnam War.
Thu, Aug. 20: O Brother, Where Art Thou? This Coen brothers' farce has great music and a young George Clooney.
Where: Wexner Center Plaza, High and 15th on the OSU campus
Time: 8 p.m. "warmup; 9 p.m. screening
Cost: free
Outdoor Concerts
Photo courtesy of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board.
No matter your musical preference, free tunes are in the air this summer. Five days a week you can find some sort of melody -- Big Band, jazz, rock, classical, bluegrass, reggae, military marches and everything in between. Check the area listing above and head for a free “music break.”
Bird Walk at Blendon Woods
Photo by Carol Ottolenghi
Up for an early morning bird hike? Bruce Simpson, park naturalist at Blendon Woods Metro Park begins and ends this one at the park's Nature Center.
When: July 25
Where: Blendon Woods, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Westerville
Time: 7-9 a.m.
Cost: free
This is just one of hundreds of programs offered free by the MetroParks. Photographing wildlife, geology, senior citizens programs, hiking, tram rides, creeking, kids' stuff -- there's even a working farm to explore. 15 parks, all around Central Ohio. All free.
When: July 25
Where: Blendon Woods, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Westerville
Time: 7-9 a.m.
Cost: free
This is just one of hundreds of programs offered free by the MetroParks. Photographing wildlife, geology, senior citizens programs, hiking, tram rides, creeking, kids' stuff -- there's even a working farm to explore. 15 parks, all around Central Ohio. All free.
You Be the Jury
The Supreme Court of Ohio is more than just a gorgeous mix of marble, brass, mosaics, hand-painted ceilings and intricate carvings. 45-minute tours cover Ohio history, how the courts work, and the building's architecture and artwork.Downstairs, the Visitor Education Center provides a hands-on look at the law. This award-winning exhibit uses a car trunk to explain a court case on search and seizure. A shiny wall of CDs highlights the case on downloading music. Small groups are welcome to tour the Center without appointment. Note: All visitors must present photo identification and be physically screened before entering building.
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 65 South Front Street, downtown Columbus
Cost: free
Libraries Are Everywhere!
Ohio libraries are #1 in the United States, and Central Ohio's are among the best of the best. One of the reasons Ohio comes out on top year after year is the programming our libraries have. In addition to reading clubs for kids, teens and adults, there are programs on everything from henna tatoos to computers, going green, resume writing, movies, crafts, gaming and more.(And, yes, there really are people who rank libraries.)
Summer Fun at the Columbus Museum of Art
When things are tough, art can lift our spirits and our moods. Thanks to generous donors, Museum entrance and progamming is free throughout July and August. This includes:- all special exhibitions;
- Drawing in the Galleries;
- Family Adventures;
- Art Challenges;
- Artist Brown Bag Lunches;
- Surprise Supplies Saturdays;
- Musical performances every Sunday.
Where: 480 E. Broad St., downtown Columbus
Note: Closed Independence Day and Labor Day.
Volunteer -- You Are Needed!
Like to golf? Volunteer on one Columbus' seven city course, and earn free golf time. Is gardening your thing? Then join one of the morning or evening groups tending the 11,000 + rose bushes at Whetstone's Park of Roses. Among other things, volunteers are needed to:- coach;
- hike and clean park trails (they'll supply bags and gloves);
- help with cultural events;
- teach scrapbooking and art classes;
- greet people at the rec. centers;
- sell things at the Golden Hobby Shop, the City's consignment shop for crafts by senior citizens.
Art and Music Festivals
Photo by Carol Ottolenghi
There's not a summer weekend without a festival in Columbus and Central Ohio, and many of them are free. Some of them are nationally recognized for art and music, others are more local in flavor. All of them offer music, fun and a wide range of cultural tradition, foods and activities. So, check the area listing above, slather on some sun screen and head for local adventure.