Summer festivals in Columbus have kicked into full gear. Every weekend promises music, art, foods, crafts and great opportunities for people-watching. So smear on some sun screen, grab some water and head out to the celebrations of Central Ohio.
If you know of free summer festivals in Columbus and Central Ohio that I’ve missed, please email me.
Columbus Arts Festival
It's moved east from the Riverfront, right next to the Columbus Museum of Art and CCAD -- a perfect spot for this huge, juried art show with painters, sculptors, musicians and fine crafts from across North America.
When: June 5-7
Where: Discovery District, Columbus
Juneteenth Festival
Celebrate the implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation with family, friends and other Central Ohioans.
When: June 19-21
Where: Franklin Park, Columbus
Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival
60 groups, including Columbus' own Jazz Arts Group and the Columbus Blues Alliance. Four stages. Hands-on "Musical Discovery Zone" for kids. A mini-midway. Food. More music. Much, much more music.
When: June 19-21
Where: Olde Gahanna, Gahanna.
Cost: $2. Military families and kids under 12: free
Worthington Arts Festival
Dubbed one of the top 200 art shows in the nation, this show has something for every taste and budget.
When: June 21-22
Where: Village Green, Worthington
Powell Festival
Food, crafts, animal mascots, beer garden, music -- even fireworks!
When: June 26-27
Where: Village Green Park, 47 Hall St., Powell
Time: Fri.: 5-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m.
ComFest
ComFest stands for "Community Festival," and it's all about seeing ourselves -- no matter the differences -- as one community. Tie-dye, info to recycle computers, vendors a-la-1970's; multiple stages with rock, funk, bluegrass, jazz.
When: June 26-28
Where: Goodale Park, Short North
Note: Potentially topless women alert
WaterFire
Bonfires dance on the Scioto River as music flows into the audience. If the weather behaves, it's very dramatic.
When: June 13, July 1, Aug. 7 and 28, Sept. 4 and 19
Where: Downtown Columbus riverfront, near Genoa park amphitheatre
Time: music starts 7:30 p.m.; WaterFire bonfires lit 8:30 p.m.
Red, White and Boom! This doesn’t count as an official festival, but the annual fireworks extravaganza downtown is definitely a carnival.
When: July 3
Where: Downtown Columbus riverfront, near Genoa park amphitheatre
Westerville Music and Arts Festival
Music and art in historic downtown Westerville.
When: July 11–12
Where: Heritage Park, Westerville
Lazy Days of Summer Festival
A juried crafts show, music, food, belly dancing and a kids' activities area make this a great day out.
When: July 18
Where: Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. 1st Ave.
Time: 1 p.m.
Pickerington Violet Festival
History, crafts, music and, of course, violets are on parade this weekend.
When: July 22-25
Where: Victory Park, Lockville Rd. Pickerington
Jazz and Rib Fest
30 years-old, and the JazzFest is still sizzlin'. Multiple music stages, and BBQ-ers from across the U.S. and Canada giong for the "Best Ribs" title.
When: July 24-26
Where: Arena district, downtown Columbus along the riverfront
Tomato Festival
Budget wrinkles almost got in the way, but the Tomato Festival is back with dancing, kids' activities, a fitness challenge and "Reynoldsburg's Got Talent!"
When: Aug. 14-15
Where: Huber Park, Reynoldsburg
Festival Latino
Latino music, dance, food...Latino spirit!
When: Aug. 15-16
Where: Downtown Columbus riverfront, near Genoa park amphitheatre
Upper Arlington Labor Day Festival
Almost 200 artists and fine craftpeople are in this juried show, along with a kids' area and a HUGE Friends of the Library booksale by the Upper Arlington Library.
When: Sept. 7
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Northam Park, Upper Arlington
Marion Festival
Large midway, vendors, food, crafts, music and serious people-watching.
When: Sept. 10-12
Where: Marion, Ohio. If you’re in Marion, you can’t miss it.