July Events and Activities in Columbus
How it is July already? It feels like summer is going too fast! The 4th of July is the halfway point of summer, but we have lots of fun activities left to do!
In addition to our events, be sure to check out some summer ideas below!
- Cool off by heading to one of these Ohio beaches.
- Relax under the moonlights with Movies Under the Stars.
- The shaded playgrounds have things such as large trees, tent covers, and some with buildings nearby to pop in and cool off.
- Strap on some water shoes, bring a small net, and see what you can find at these Creeking Spots around Columbus!
- 4th of July Fireworks and Activities Around the City
July: Activities and Events
July 1-8
July 1: Bluey’s Big Play: 3 showtimes today at The Palace Theater! Grab your tickets before they are gone!
July 1: Columbus Food Trucks at Columbus Commons: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Come out and enjoy lunch down at the Commons!
July 1: Columbus Clippers Party at the Park: 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. at the stadium | Live music before the game!
July 1: Doo Dah Parade: The Musical: 7:30 p.m. at The Southern Theater | Come see the magic of the Doo Dah Parade on stage!
July 1: Freedom Fest: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. in Hilliard | Hilliard’s popular patriotic celebration! Complete with live music, food trucks, a Kids’ Zone, and fireworks.
July 1: Columbus Crew Game: 7:30 p.m. at Lower.com Field | Come out and cheer on the crew!
July 1: Patriotic Pops with Soul: 8:00 p.m. at The Columbus Commons: The Columbus Symphony continues its 4th of July weekend celebration with Patriotic Pops and Soul featuring Tamika Lawrence and Columbus’ own Worship and Praise Chorale!!
July 1-3: Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park: 7:05 p.m.| Come see the Clippers play ball!
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Worthington Farmers’ Market: 8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. | Come out and shop local each Saturday morning!
July 2-July 10: Military Free Days at Columbus Zoo: To honor the members of the military and the sacrifices made to serve our country, the Zoo is offering free Zoo admission and discounted Zoombezi Bay admission to all who are serving and have served our great nation, including their immediate family.
July 2: Freedom Fest in Hilliard: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.| Freedom Fest is a free annual event at Municipal Park that celebrates Independence Day weekend with nationally known artists. Attendees enjoy food trucks, swimming, a Kid Zone, concerts and a spectacular fireworks show at dusk.
July 2: Independence Day Bike Parade: 10:00 a.m. at Orange Park | A patriotic celebration at Orange Township Hall Park, 1680 E Orange Rd. Bike Decorating will begin at 10 am. Decorated at home!? GREAT! The parade around the park will kick off at 10:30am! Flags, popsicles, and water will be handed out at the end of the race!
July 2: Community Days at Franklin Park Conservatory: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Join the Conservatory for Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for a FREE day of fun on the first Sunday of every month (with Columbus or Franklin County ID)!
July 2: Patriotic Pops: Come out to the Columbus Commons to see this entertaining show!
July 2: Ring your Bell with Columbus Clippers:6:05 p.m. | Party at the park, family day and post-game fun run.
July 3: Red White and Boom: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. | BOOM! is the largest single-day event in Columbus! Come out and enjoy the fun all day long!
July 4: Doo Dah Parade: 1:00 p.m. at Goodale Park | Celebrate Liberty & Lunacy with traditional weird customs and costumes and funny opinions in the Short North Arts District & Goodale Park in the shade near the gazebo for the live music from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
July 4: Independence Day Parade Dublin:11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | The parade will be in the traditional format and begin at 11 a.m. Watch as bands, floats, dancers and more march through Historic Dublin.
July 4: Independence Day Celebration in Westerville: 10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Begins with parade in the morning, with live music beginning at 5, followed by fireworks at night!
July 4-6: Free Summer Movies: Free select 10 a.m. showings every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Lennox Town Center 24. Free admission for all ages and groups are welcome. Doors open at 9 a.m. and movie begins at 10 a.m. with two films to choose from. Event will run until August 12.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Farmers’ Market at Franklin Park Conservatory: 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Come out each Wednesday to get your fresh produce!
July 5: 9-5 The Musical: Featuring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, Dabney Coleman at The Ohio Theater!
July 6-30: Carole King The Musical: Experience the remarkable true story of Carole King, the legendary singer/songwriter who became one of the most successful solo acts in pop music history. Showing at the Short North Stage with various dates and times throughout July.
July 6: Dogs Night Out: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Graeters | Enjoy free Dogsters treats and great socialization time with other pets and people. Dogster Frozen Dog Treats are formulated to taste as good to your dog as ice cream. First Thursday of every month!
July 6: Easton Unplugged: 6:00 p.m. at Easton | Grab a seat on a patio and enjoy the new series of acoustic music each Thursday.
July 6: Hilliard Celebration at the Station: 6:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. | Featuring Fabulous Johnson Brothers tonight!
July 7: Fitness Yoga on the Square: 8:30 a.m. at Easton | Free yoga on the Square!
July 7: Friday Night Glow Skates: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Glow while you roll at Skate Zone 71!
July 7: Zoombezi Bay Family Nights: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | As the sun goes down, the Wild Tides Wave Pool turns into one cool aqua-theater as some of your favorite movies play on a jumbo screen. Incredible Hulk!
July 7: Summer Concert Series at Sycamore Park: 7:00 p.m. | Enjoy a free concert in the park on Sunday night! Lee Gant Band! The movie below follows the concert!
July 7: Friday Night Flicks at Sycamore Park: The movie starts at dusk to see Top Gun Maverick!
July 7: Franklinton Friday: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Tour open studios and new gallery exhibitions with food trucks on site too!
July 7-9: Shrek Jr.: Put on by New Albany Youth Theater at The McCoy Center: Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
July 8-14
July 8: Motivation at the Station: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | High-intensity fitness classes with SHED Fitness, 7 – 7:50 a.m. and Yoga with Mat Happy Yoga, 8 – 8:50 a.m.
July 8: Market Opens at Branstool Orchards: 9:00 a.m. | The market at Branstool opens for the season and U pick peaches will be available soon.
July 8: Summer Saturdays: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Tanger Outlets | Join for FREE Family Fun! There’s live music, food trucks, sidewalk sales, and more! Second Saturdays activities take place near Nike.
July 8-9: Unicorn World: 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. at Convention Center | Life-sized unicorns, a magical forest, and a fun-filled day of unicorn activities + rides for the whole family!
July 8: Moonlight Market: 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at Markets at Pearl | Come shop local at this fun event!
July 8: The Music of Whitney Houston: Windborne Music and the Columbus Symphony present The Music of Whitney Houston featuring Broadway sensation Rashidra Scott for an evening of hits including “Saving All My Love,” “How Will I Know?,” “Where Do Broken Hearts Go?,” and of course, “I Will Always Love You.”
July 8: Uptown Saturday Night in Westerville: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Westerville City Hall | Lords of Literature to perform!
July 8: AKC 2023 Agility Premier Cup: 7:00 p.m. at Historic Crew Stadium | The top Agility teams in the country have gathered in Columbus, OH to compete in the all-star competition on the dog sport’s calendar, the AKC Agility Premier Cup. 50 competitors will make the finals to compete for ultimate glory!
July 8: Columbus Crew Game: 7:30 p.m. at Lower.com Field | Come out and cheer on the crew!
July 9: Food Drive and Hands-on Help: 2:00 p.m. at Beechwold Center | Children will collect food donations, sort and help in the food pantry, and grow in empathy through the Hunger Experiment.
July 9: Martina McBride: Free concert at the Commons! Must get tickets in advance.
July 9: Concerts on the Green: Live music each Sunday night on the green in Worthington!
July 11: Grand Opening of Glenwood Pool: Eight lane lap pool, diving area, kiddie pool, and dual water slides!
July 11, 18, 25: Hilliard Farmers’ Market: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Come out each Tuesday to support locals at the Hilliard United Methodist Church.
July 11: Summer Spray Down with Norwich Township: 1:00 p.m – 2:00 p.m. at Heritage Middle School | Cool off with a firehouse spray down!
July 12: Grove City Outdoor Movies at the Naz:The Grove City Community Outdoor Movie Nights return in June, providing free, family-friendly fun for all. Ghostbusters tonight!
When and Where: 8 p.m., Wednesdays behind The Naz Church, 4770 Hoover Road.
July 13: Celebration at the Station: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Music at the Station with a new band each week. DORA event! Swagg tonight!
July 13-16 Miami Valley Steam Threshers: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Pastime Park in Plain City | You will be able to enjoy large display of tractors, steam and gas engines, but also watch them being used in our demonstrations throughout the day. Lawn mower pulls, a grand parade through downtown, touch a truck/tractor, steam engine spark show, tractor/truck pulls and so much more, all included for $5 admission.
July 14: Zoombezi Bay Family Nights: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | As the sun goes down, the Wild Tides Wave Pool turns into one cool aqua-theater as some of your favorite movies play on a jumbo screen. BOLT tonight!
July 15-22
July 15: PBJ and Jazz in Topiary Park: Enjoy a free kid-friendly jazz concert and take home an art activity.
July 15: Tribute Band to Abba: 8:00 p.m. at The Columbus Commons: Many critics agree, The Concert: A Tribute To ABBA is the most amazing and authentic ABBA tribute show in the world. Come dance, come sing, having the time of your life at THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE CELEBRATION!
July 15: Motivation at the Station: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | High-intensity fitness classes with SHED Fitness, 7 – 7:50 a.m. and Yoga with Mat Happy Yoga, 8 – 8:50 a.m.
July 15: Tacos and tequila: 1:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. in Grove City Historic Town Center | You can grab food from Latin food trucks and partake in high-end tequila tastings. On the corner of Park Street and Broadway.
July 15: Columbus Wine Festival: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at The Kelly Green in Whitehall | Sample from 15 wine trends as well as enjoy live music, local artisans and more!
July 16: Concerts on the Green: Live music each Sunday night on the green in Worthington! The Ark band playing tonight!
July 17-July 23: Franklin County Fair: Times vary each day | Most attractions and performances are FREE with admission (excluding select Grandstand events, rides, games and food).
July 19: Grove City Outdoor Movies at the Naz:The Grove City Community Outdoor Movie Nights return in June, providing free, family-friendly fun for all.
July 20: Cocktails at Franklin Park Conservatory: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.| Enjoy a classy evening of gin samples with live music accompaniment. After tasting, join in a scavenger hunt to find gin ingredients, grab an inspired dish from local food trucks and try some creative pursuits.
July 20: Celebration at the Station: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Music at the station for this DORA event. Conspiracy performing tonight!
July 20- 29: Lancaster Festival: See website for times! | Musical performances, art activities, family-friendly concerts and more! Sheryl Crow and Andy Grammer to perform in 2023.
July 21: Zoombezi Bay Family Nights: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | As the sun goes down, the Wild Tides Wave Pool turns into one cool aqua-theater as some of your favorite movies play on a jumbo screen. Indiana Jones to play tonight!
July 21: Popcorn with the Pops: | 5:30- 8:00 p.m. Sing and dance with the Columbus Symphony at two special family concerts recommended for children ages 3-12. Children will enjoy free popcorn and free pre-concert fun and games including face painting, balloon animals, food trucks, and more! Gates open at 5:30, with show at 7:00 p.m.
July 21: Grove City Summer Sizzle Concert Series: Enjoy the charm of the historic Town Center set to music Friday evenings as open-air concerts fill the warm summer air. When and Where: 7-8:30 p.m., Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the performances.
July 21-28: Christmas in July at Zoombezi Bay: Live entertainment, Early Christmas specials at our food and retail location, Christmas giveaway at 12:25 pm each day…And, of course…visits from Santa and his elves!
July 22: Open Barn Days at Sunrise Sanctuary: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Occur once a month and purchase tickets online!
July 22: Uptown Saturday Night in Westerville: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Westerville City Hall | JT Hillier to perform!
July 22: Ben Folds Tour: What Matters Most: 8:00 p.m. at The Columbus Commons |Widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of his generation, don’t miss his “What Matters Most” tour stop in Columbus, Ohio.
July 23-31
July 23: Sunday Funday in Worthington: I love the 80’s theme! Monthly themed dining, shopping and entertainment in Worthington’s historic district.
July 23: German Village Makers Market: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Shop tons of local vendors and food trucks in German Village.
July 23: Concerts on the Green: 7:00 p.m. | Live music each Sunday night on the green in Worthington!
July 23: Columbus Crew Game: 7:30 p.m. at Lower.com Field | Come out and cheer on the crew!
July 25-29: Kids Dream Series at Marcus Theater: Watch DC League of Super-Pets at participating Marcus Theatre. There is also a $3.00 Popcorn & Drink Special. You can see the movie for free with a voucher from American Family Insurance. See link for details!
July 26: Grove City Outdoor Movies at the Naz:The Grove City Community Outdoor Movie Nights return in June, providing free, family-friendly fun for all. ET Tonight!
July 26-August 6: Frozen: Various times | A Broadway Show you won’t want to miss!
July 26-August 6: Ohio State Fair: Discover the Ohio State Fair, a favorite family tradition since 1850! Come for the Midway, featuring more than 50 exhilarating rides, and unleash all the fair flavors on your tastebuds with your favorite goodies from one of the amazing food vendors!
July 27: Touch A Truck Polaris: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | KidX Club Touch-A-Truck, located in the Polaris Lifestyle Center near The Cheesecake Factory. This is a FREE, family-fun event where you and your kids can interact with a variety of COOL vehicles up close, including cranes, semi-trucks, emergency vehicles, and more! Sponsored by Aqua Tots!
July 28: Columbus Commons:10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Every Friday enjoy activities for kids at Columbus Commons. Free carousel rides, inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting and a Sports theme this week!
July 28: EcoKIDs at The Works: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Learn about habitats in the outdoor habitat exhibit. Great for ages 3-6.
July 28: Food Truck Friday at RHMC: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m .| Roosters and J-POPs will be at the Ronald McDonald House and a portion of the sales will be donated.
July 28: Mount Carmel 4th Fridays: 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. | Many local businesses open late in Westerville. Come out for a fun summer night!
July 28: Zoombezi Bay Family Nights: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | As the sun goes down, the Wild Tides Wave Pool turns into one cool aqua-theater as some of your favorite movies play on a jumbo screen. Showing Madagascar 2!
July 28: Bat Hike at Blendon Woods: 9:00 p.m. | Take a short hike to learn about bats and look for them!
July 29: Motivation at the Station: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | High intensity fitness classes with SHED Fitness, 7 – 7:50 a.m. and Yoga with Mat Happy Yoga, 8 – 8:50 a.m.
July 29: Free Kayak Day on the Scioto Mile: Experience free kayaking, tandem kayaking and SUP rentals on the Scioto River this Saturday from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. The boat launch is under the Main Street Bridge near Bicentennial Park.
July 29: Kids Series at Grandview Theater and Drafthouse: 10:30 a.m. | Showing Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban.
July 29: Japanese Garden Festival at Dawes Arboretum: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Hand on activities, food trucks, yoga, origami, calligraphy and info on the garden.
July 29: Splash Circus: 1:30 p.m. | Head to the Main Library downtown and see a funny juggling adventure that incorporates water too!
July 29: The Grandview Hop: From 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Saturday head to Grandview Avenue for an open air market, food trucks, live music, a charity beer garden, kids activities and more! Many local shops and restaurants in Grandview will stay open late!
July 29: Summer Music Series: 5:00 pm. – 7:00 p.m. in Dublin | Come out and enjoy live music in Dublin!
July 30: Goodale Park Music: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Live music at the Gazebo each Sunday.
July 30: Christmas in July Clay: 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. | Paint a Christmas Tree and it includes an electric kit with snacks and drinks to enjoy too!
July 30: Sundays in the Park: 1:00 p.m. | Come to Topiary Park for food trucks, live music, games, face painting, and a balloon artist.
July 30: Concerts on the Green: 7:00 p.m. | Live music each Sunday night on the green in Worthington!
July 31: Bring the Farm to You: 10:00 a.m. in Powell | Bring the Farm to You event! Pack a picnic and explore the splash pad after to cool off!
July 31: Columbus Crew Game: 7:30 p.m. at Lower.com Field | Come out and cheer on the crew!
Be sure to check back often as we add events each week! Have a Happy 4th of July! The events and details are subject to change, so be sure to use the links to check directly with the businesses.
