Columbus Downtown Bucket List: July/August 2018 Edition
Looking for things to do in downtown Columbus this summer? Many people enjoy making an event bucket list to help them get the most out of the season. Whether it’s a baseball game, outdoor concert, food and drink tasting or a family-friendly festival–there’s no shortage of things to do in Columbus in July and early August. To help make residents aware of the most popular activities in the city, we put together a summer 2018 Columbus Downtown Bucket List. Check off as many as you can!
1. Visit the Farmer’s Market on the Plaza
Every Thursday this summer from 11 AM-1:30 PM, come out to the plaza in front of Nationwide Arena for the Nationwide-Pearl Alley Growers’ Association Farmer’s Market. Here you’ll find fresh fruit, vegetables, honey and more. The mix of fresh food will change each week as the season progresses, so you’ll find new things to try with every visit!
2. Watch an Outdoor Rock Concert at EXPRESS LIVE!
Did you know that EXPRESS LIVE! was the first indoor and outdoor concert venue in America? This summer EXPRESS LIVE! has a lineup of music from some of the biggest names in a variety of genres. Here are a few of the groups taking the stage at EXPRESS LIVE! in Columbus this July and August. Click on each one to purchase tickets to their concert.
Coheed and Cambria & Taking Back Sunday | July 23
Brit Floyd Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Dark Side | July 27
All Time Low & Dashboard Confessional | August 9
311 & Gym Class Heroes | August 16
3. Catch A Baseball Game at Huntington Park
When the weather is great, there’s few better things to do in Columbus than attend a Columbus Clippers baseball game at Huntington Park, the 2018 Best of the Ballparks winner. While the AAA team is in the midst of a winning season, fans also come out for the numerous promotional nights that feature discounted food and drink, prize giveaways, entertainment and much more.
Family-friendly crowd favorites during summer 2018 include Sugardale Dime-A-Dog nights on Mondays, Kids Eat Free nights on Wednesdays, seats in the all-you-can-eat Wendy’s Hamburger Balcony and the LEGO Let’s Play Tour Weekend from July 20-22.
Click here to purchase tickets to a 2018 Columbus Clippers baseball game.
4. Monthly Seasonal Craft Bier Keg Tapping
Come enjoy Hofbräuhaus’s newest Craft Bier every month on the first Tuesday at 7PM at their Keg tapping event. Their brewed-in-house bier and their authentic German cuisine will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to Munich, Germany!
5. Attend the 2018 Jazz & Rib Fest
One of the most highly anticipated summer events in downtown Columbus, the Jazz & Rib Fest–held Friday, July 20 through Sunday, July 22 along the Scioto Mile–gives jazz and rib aficionados the finest in both music and BBQ.
Now in its 39th year, this free, family-friendly event–hosted by the Columbus Recreation & Parks Department–features hot food, cool jazz and much more. Don’t miss this great celebration of summer in Columbus!
6. Explore Grandview Heights at the Grandview Hop
On August 28, the Columbus neighborhood of Grandview Heights will be hosting a summertime sidewalk market, Grandview Hop, from 5-9 PM. The family-friendly stroll takes place on Grandview Avenue between 1st and 5th Avenues, and features live music, local shopping, art, food and more. This is a great opportunity to explore one of Columbus’ most popular areas!
7. Watch a movie at NightLight 614
Looking for a fun low-key night? Head outdoors to watch a movie at NightLight 614! This ongoing event for the 21+ crowd takes place in the summer and features some of your favorite movies under the stars. Indulge in some of Columbus’s best food trucks and craft beer and wine while you relax and enjoying the show! Check out what’s coming to the big screen and get your tickets.
8. Play Kickball at McFerson Commons
The Arena District Kickball League–organized by the Arena District Athletic Club–will be starting its 2018 season on August 6, which means dozens of players will descend on McFerson Commons for weekly games. Whether you’re playing competitively or just for fun, there’s an opportunity to get involved, meet new people and stay active. Get some friends, coworkers or neighbors together and register your team by July 20!
9. Plan a Night out on the Pedal Wagon
The best way to experience the city of Columbus? With friends on a Pedal Wagon cruising through the Arena District and the Short North! The ride starts in the Arena District and allows for you and up to 15 riders to enjoy an adult beverage as you pedal your way down the streets of Columbus. The ride takes 2-3 hours and you’ll have the opportunity to stop into a few bars and restaurants along the way. Book your adventure today!
10. Chow down at the Columbus Food Truck Festival
Head down to the Scioto Mile on August 17 and 18 for the 8th Annual Columbus Food Truck Festival! This scrumptious event is free to attend and features 2 stages with live music and over 50 of Columbus’s best food trucks serving up a wide variety of food!
What else is on your 2018 Columbus Downtown Summer Bucket List? Share your favorite upcoming events in the comments below!