Looking for free things to do this fall in Columbus? Of course you are! We central Ohioans are a practical bunch, and we know that free fun is always a good thing. Here are 10 free things to do -- if you know of more, please add them at the bottom link.
1. Gallery Hops -- Short North, Grandview and More!
Gallery hops bring out the fun and the fancicful. There's art, music, street performers, and lots and lots of people watching. Go early if large crowds bother you, go late if you want to be part of the lively parade.- The Short North Gallery Hop: The First Saturday of each month, 4 p.m.-whenever. It's on High St., from about 5th to the Cap area, but check the side streets, too. There's always something going on.
- The Grandview Gallery Hop: The last Saturday of each month, from April-November, 5-9 p.m. It's on Grandview Ave. between 1st and 5th.
- Gallery Walk Gahanna: Saturdays, 2-7 p.m. It's at Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna.
2. Walk Your Way to Better Health
Photo by Carol Ottolenghi.
Stretch your legs, grab your health and nutrition questions, and head out for Walk with a Doc.
This walking program was created by Dr. David Sabgir, a board-certified cardiologist at the McConnell Heart Hospital at Riverside Methodist Hospital, and at Grady Memorial Hospital in Delaware. In addition to the walks, you may sign up to receive weekly health and nutrition tips. Walks are scheduled for Metro Parks and in shopping malls, so check the schedule at the link above.
Another free walking program is the Metro Parks "Commit to Be Fit" series of hikes through different parks each Sunday at 1 p.m. For more info and directions, check the schedule at the Metro Parks "Commit to Be Fit" link below.
This walking program was created by Dr. David Sabgir, a board-certified cardiologist at the McConnell Heart Hospital at Riverside Methodist Hospital, and at Grady Memorial Hospital in Delaware. In addition to the walks, you may sign up to receive weekly health and nutrition tips. Walks are scheduled for Metro Parks and in shopping malls, so check the schedule at the link above.
Another free walking program is the Metro Parks "Commit to Be Fit" series of hikes through different parks each Sunday at 1 p.m. For more info and directions, check the schedule at the Metro Parks "Commit to Be Fit" link below.
3. Festivals, Festivals, Festivals!
Photo by Melissa Peña. Courtesy of the Ohio Historical Society.
Cultures collide in great ways during festival season, when everyone enjoys music and food from someplace else. Labor Day weekend kicks off Columbus' fall festival season, and this year's schedule is packed! There are FREE arts festivals, fall harvest festivals and the Circleville's Pumpkin Festival.
4. Metro Parks Passport Program
The pond at Sharon Woods offers a spot for calm togetherness. Photo by Carol Ottolenghi.
Plan a scavenger hunt through the Metro Parks with the Metro Parks Passport Program. Pick up a Passport and rules now through October 31 at any Metro Parks office. Then assemble your team and set off to explore.
This is just one of hundreds of the year-around programs offered free by the MetroParks. The parks offer classes in photographing wildlife, geology, senior citizens programs, hiking, tram rides, creeking, kids' stuff -- there's even a working farm to explore. There are 15 parks, all around Central Ohio. Dress for the weather and enjoy!
This is just one of hundreds of the year-around programs offered free by the MetroParks. The parks offer classes in photographing wildlife, geology, senior citizens programs, hiking, tram rides, creeking, kids' stuff -- there's even a working farm to explore. There are 15 parks, all around Central Ohio. Dress for the weather and enjoy!
5. Libraries Are Everywhere!
Bookingham Forest guards the children's room at Old Worthington Library. Photo by Carol Ottolenghi.
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 computers, going green, resume writing, movies, crafts, books, gaming and more.
(And, yes, there really are people who rank libraries.)
(And, yes, there really are people who rank libraries.)
6. Free Music Is in the Air
Photo by Carol Ottolenghi.
Check these out.
Columbus GospelFest: Sept 12, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Genoa Park, Washington Blvd., Columbus (in front of COSI)
OSU Marching Band Practice: until Sep 23, daily 9 a.m.-noon, after Sept 23, M-F 4-6 p.m.; in the fields south of the stadium, directly east of Lincoln Tower.
Gahanna Rotary Family Series: Tuesdays through September, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna
Sounds on the Town Jazz Concert Series: Wednesdays through September, 6-9 p.m., 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus
Concerts on the Creek: Saturdays through October, 7-9 p.m.; Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna
Some recitals at OSU's School of Music are also free. http://music.osu.edu/2_news_events/concerts/concert_calendar.php
Columbus GospelFest: Sept 12, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Genoa Park, Washington Blvd., Columbus (in front of COSI)
OSU Marching Band Practice: until Sep 23, daily 9 a.m.-noon, after Sept 23, M-F 4-6 p.m.; in the fields south of the stadium, directly east of Lincoln Tower.
Gahanna Rotary Family Series: Tuesdays through September, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna
Sounds on the Town Jazz Concert Series: Wednesdays through September, 6-9 p.m., 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus
Concerts on the Creek: Saturdays through October, 7-9 p.m.; Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna
Some recitals at OSU's School of Music are also free. http://music.osu.edu/2_news_events/concerts/concert_calendar.php
7. Columbus Museums Are Worth Your Time
Photo courtesy of the Ohio Craft Museum.
Columbus has art museums and military, history and kids museums. There are museums about golf and science and fire-fighting. Many of them are free, or offer free days and programs. In addition to the usual free hours (click the link above), this fall:
- The Motorcycle Hall of Fame is holding a family day and open house, Sept 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.;
- The Wexner Center has an Oct 3, hands-on, day-long project Especially for Families: PAINT. Go to edweb@wexarts.org or call (614) 292-6493 to register;
- The Ohio Historical Center is opening up to break dancing, spiritual altars and more with a day of of dance, history and art celebrating the ties between the Latino and African cultures on Oct 10, noon-3:30 p.m.
8. 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
9. Ohio Statehouse Tours
Photo courtesy of the Ohio Statehouse Photo Archive.
These tours aren't just for school kids -- the Statehouse plays a huge role in both Ohio's history, and its future. Tours are offered 10-3, Monday through Friday, on the hour, and on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Groups of 10 should call 888/OHIO-123 to arrange for a guide.