Locals and first-time visitors alike are often surprised by just how much Columbus has to offer. From art-filled districts and buzzing food scenes to green spaces that feel like hidden gems, this Midwestern city blends charm with modern energy in all the right ways. Whether you’re looking to spend a weekend or dive deeper into the city’s culture, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it meaningfully. With a mix of unexpected finds and crowd-favorite experiences, Columbus proves itself as more than just a stopover—it’s a destination worth remembering. This guide highlights the best experiences to make your visit unforgettable.
Experience the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival
Columbus roars to life each spring with the high-octane energy of the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, hosted at the Historic Crew Stadium from May 8–11, 2025. Music fans gather for an unforgettable four-day experience that brings together legendary and emerging rock artists across multiple stages. Acts like Slipknot, Foo Fighters, and Pantera typically headline, drawing crowds from across the Midwest. But it’s not just about music—massive art installations, immersive visual performances, and specialty food vendors elevate the entire atmosphere into a multisensory experience. Attendees can explore craft beer gardens, themed lounges, and fan-driven meet-and-greets while enjoying festival-exclusive merchandise. Whether you’re a long-time rock fan or attending for the first time, Sonic Temple’s lineup and ambiance deliver something unmatched in the Midwest festival circuit. Tickets often sell out early, so plan ahead. This event anchors Columbus as a destination for global rock culture in 2025
Attend the Columbus Arts Festival
Creative energy fills the downtown riverfront from June 6–8, 2025, as the Columbus Arts Festival showcases over 250 national and local artists. Organized by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, this juried event spans mediums like painting, sculpture, ceramics, and digital art. Visitors can interact directly with artists, making it more than just a marketplace—it’s a cultural exchange. Multiple live performance stages feature jazz, folk, indie, and spoken word acts, while hands-on art stations keep children engaged. Gourmet food trucks and pop-up dining spaces offer everything from classic fair treats to artisanal fare. The festival’s setting along the Scioto River provides a picturesque backdrop, particularly in the evenings when booths are lit and the skyline glows. For collectors and casual attendees alike, this event celebrates creativity and connection. It’s consistently rated one of the best arts festivals in the country and a key summer highlight in Columbus.
Explore the COSI Science Festival
COSI’s Science Festival, running April 30 through May 3, 2025, transforms Columbus into a massive hands-on learning lab. Designed for learners of all ages, this multi-day experience includes over 100 free events citywide, culminating in the Big Science Celebration outside COSI’s main campus. Local universities, tech companies, and scientific organizations host pop-up stations where visitors can explore robotics, biology, physics, and sustainability through real experiments. Kids can launch rockets, interact with reptiles, or explore virtual reality zones. Adults will appreciate talks by STEM experts, brewery-based science nights, and behind-the-scenes tours of research labs. The event promotes inclusive, accessible science education, aligning with COSI’s mission to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. Parking can be tricky, so arriving early is recommended. As one of the few city-wide science festivals in the U.S., COSI’s event is a model of community-powered science outreach and a spring essential in Columbus.
Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory’s Blooms & Butterflies Exhibit
Color bursts to life inside the Pacific Island Water Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory during the Blooms & Butterflies exhibit, which runs through July 6, 2025. This annual tradition features hundreds of exotic butterflies flying freely among tropical flora, offering a magical experience that’s perfect for all ages. Visitors can view newly emerged butterflies in the Metamorphosis Lab, where species from around the globe take flight daily. Interactive signage and guided tours help educate on conservation, pollination, and the delicate lifecycle of butterflies. Beyond the exhibit, the conservatory’s outdoor gardens begin blooming in spring, adding to the lush surroundings. Photography enthusiasts flock here for close-ups of butterflies perched on vibrant flowers, while families enjoy nature-inspired scavenger hunts and weekend programming. Tickets include access to all indoor biomes and art installations, making this an ideal daytime excursion in central Columbus. Advanced booking is encouraged during peak season weekends.
Attend the Juneteenth Ohio Festival at Genoa Park
Celebration meets cultural reflection during the Juneteenth Ohio Festival, happening June 21–22, 2025, at Genoa Park along the Scioto Riverfront. This two-day event honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans with a dynamic mix of entertainment, education, and empowerment. Festivalgoers enjoy live gospel, hip-hop, R&B, and jazz performances from local and national artists. Family zones feature kids’ activities, storytelling, and health screenings, while vendor booths showcase Black-owned businesses, soul food, and artisan crafts. Educational programming includes lectures, panel discussions, and cultural exhibits that highlight African American history and achievements. The setting at Genoa Park offers scenic skyline views, adding to the sense of community celebration. Admission is free, making the event accessible to everyone. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for an all-day festival experience. Whether attending for the music, the message, or the atmosphere, the Juneteenth Ohio Festival stands out as one of Columbus’s most meaningful summer events.
Explore the Short North Gallery Hop
Vibrancy takes over the Short North Arts District every first Saturday with its celebrated Gallery Hop. This monthly event transforms High Street into a walking art showcase, featuring dozens of galleries that extend their hours to debut new exhibitions and highlight local talent. Visitors can expect to find everything from contemporary paintings and sculpture to street art and design pieces. Beyond the galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, and breweries join the action with live music, performance art, and themed displays. Food trucks and pop-ups add a festive flair, making the Gallery Hop feel more like a cultural street party than a typical art event. Many artists are on hand for meet-and-greets, offering buyers a deeper connection to their work. Whether you’re an art collector or a casual observer, the Gallery Hop delivers something unique with each visit. It’s one of the most consistent and accessible ways to experience Columbus’s creative pulse.
Visit the Columbus Museum of Art’s Special Exhibitions
Rotating exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Art keep each visit fresh, showcasing regional, national, and international artists across multiple styles and time periods. Whether it’s a modern installation, a retrospective on Impressionism, or a spotlight on Black contemporary artists, the museum curates meaningful stories through visual expression. In 2025, special exhibits include a photography series on Midwest identity and a mixed-media collection focused on environmental themes. Visitors also enjoy the JPMorgan Chase Center for Creativity, which encourages hands-on engagement for all ages. Docent-led tours, artist talks, and community events provide deeper insight and connection to the featured works. The museum’s bright architecture and well-organized layout enhance the experience, with a café and garden patio offering a relaxing break. Admission is free on Sundays, increasing accessibility for local families and travelers alike. Located downtown, it’s a cornerstone of Columbus’s cultural district and a must-visit for arts-focused itineraries.
Attend the Columbus Food Truck Festival
Street food culture takes center stage during the Columbus Food Truck Festival, scheduled for August 16–17, 2025, at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. As Ohio’s largest gathering of mobile culinary talent, the festival draws over 50 food trucks serving everything from Korean barbecue and vegan gyros to gourmet grilled cheese and funnel cakes. Two live music stages feature regional bands and acoustic sets throughout the day, while local artisans sell handcrafted goods in adjacent vendor booths. Families can explore dedicated kids’ zones, complete with inflatables, face painting, and educational demos. Seating areas with shaded tents make it easy to relax and sample multiple bites. Entry is affordable, and parking is plentiful, making it an easy day trip even for those coming from outside Columbus. Foodies, casual snackers, and curious tourists alike walk away satisfied, often with a new favorite local vendor in mind. This event celebrates flavor, community, and small business excellence.
Explore the Scioto Mile and Riverfront Parks
Urban nature finds its pinnacle along the Scioto Mile, a vibrant stretch of parks and public spaces hugging the downtown Columbus riverfront. Locals and visitors alike enjoy walking or biking the interconnected trails that wind through Bicentennial Park, Genoa Park, and North Bank Park. Kids splash in the interactive fountains during warmer months, while yogis roll out mats for sunrise classes on scenic lawns. Seasonal programming includes free concerts, food truck rallies, and movie nights under the stars. The riverwalk offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, especially at sunset. Benches, swings, and public art installations invite casual exploration, making it ideal for both exercise and leisure. Kayak rentals and paddleboarding launch points give adventure seekers a unique view of the city from the Scioto River itself. With nearby cafés and breweries just steps away, the Scioto Mile seamlessly blends nature with urban energy—making it one of Columbus’s most inviting destinations.
Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s New Habitats
Animal lovers will find fresh excitement at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in 2025 with the debut of the North America Trek exhibit and the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation. This $40 million expansion introduces upgraded environments for species like river otters, bald eagles, black bears, and Mexican wolves. Designed to mimic natural ecosystems, the habitats offer improved animal welfare while immersing guests in educational storytelling. The Ohio Center focuses on native species and environmental protection, spotlighting efforts to save creatures like the eastern hellbender and freshwater mussels. Visitors can also explore upgraded trails, shaded observation decks, and interactive learning spaces for kids. Regular zoo programming—like animal talks and seasonal events—continues to run alongside the new features, enhancing the overall experience. Parking is ample, and admission includes access to all exhibits and aquarium displays. As one of the top-rated zoos in the country, Columbus Zoo’s 2025 updates add even more value for returning and first-time guests.
Attend the Ohio State Fair
Every summer, the Ohio State Fair delivers tradition, fun, and flavor in equal measure at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. Running from July 23 to August 3, 2025, the fair features everything from roller coasters and pig races to national touring music acts and deep-fried delicacies. Families enjoy agricultural exhibits, petting zoos, and creative arts competitions that celebrate the state’s diverse heritage. New in 2025 are interactive STEM displays and an expanded natural resources park, offering immersive educational fun for children and adults alike. Musical performances span genres—expect country stars, hip-hop icons, and classic rock legends on the main stage. Fairgoers can sample iconic Ohio treats like elephant ears, fried cheese curds, and locally churned ice cream from dozens of vendors. With its vibrant midway, hands-on exhibits, and iconic butter cow sculpture, the Ohio State Fair remains a multi-generational staple of summer in Columbus.
Explore the German Village’s Book Loft
Literary adventure unfolds room by room at The Book Loft in historic German Village. This independent bookstore occupies a maze-like 32-room building that once housed general stores and saloons in the pre–Civil War era. Each narrow hallway and creaky stairwell reveals shelves packed with discounted titles across every imaginable genre—from classics and cookbooks to graphic novels and poetry. Visitors often lose track of time while browsing, aided by the whimsical background music that plays differently in every room. The store’s exterior courtyard and ivy-covered façade make it one of the most Instagrammed locations in Columbus. Staff picks, bargain bins, and local author displays keep the selection fresh and relevant. Located on a brick-lined street near popular cafés and bakeries, The Book Loft is a quintessential stop for both tourists and lifelong residents. Open late most nights, it invites curious minds to wander, read, and leave with far more books than planned.
Visit the Otherworld Immersive Art Experience
Futuristic fantasy meets digital art inside Otherworld, Columbus’s wildly imaginative immersive museum. Spanning 32,000 square feet, this surreal playground includes over 40 interactive rooms designed by more than 40 artists from across the country. Glowing tunnels, alien gardens, secret passages, and augmented reality portals invite visitors to touch, explore, and play their way through each space. Unlike traditional museums, nothing is off-limits—doors open to new dimensions, and optical illusions warp your sense of space and time. The narrative centers around a mysterious research facility and parallel worlds, blending sci-fi with childlike wonder. Visitors often spend hours inside, and photography is encouraged. Timed ticketing helps control crowds, especially on weekends. Located just 10 minutes from downtown, Otherworld is ideal for families, couples, and content creators looking for visually stunning experiences. It’s one of the most talked-about attractions in Columbus and continues to evolve with new installations throughout the year.
Attend the Columbus Coffee Festival
Coffee enthusiasts across the Midwest make the annual pilgrimage to the Columbus Coffee Festival, set for October 4–5, 2025, at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. Over 25 roasters and brewers showcase their best beans and blends, offering unlimited sampling to attendees with tasting passports. Expect everything from single-origin pour-overs and nitro cold brews to inventive espresso-based creations and cozy seasonal lattes. Food vendors, artisan markets, and live music stages round out the experience, while DIY stations allow guests to create their own latte art. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with picnic tables, bean bag zones, and photo ops set against a fall-themed backdrop. Workshops on home brewing, coffee tasting, and sustainable sourcing provide added value. Whether you’re a caffeine connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the event delivers a memorable, aromatic journey through Columbus’s buzzing coffee scene. Advance tickets are strongly recommended, as the festival consistently sells out.
Explore the Columbus Metro Parks’ Outdoor Adventures
Nature escapes are just minutes away thanks to the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system, which oversees more than 20 free-to-access parks across the region. Outdoor lovers can find everything from paved biking paths at Blacklick Woods to off-grid trails at Clear Creek and horseback riding at Battelle Darby Creek. In 2025, adventure programs include ranger-led kayaking trips, moonlit hikes, archery classes, and a backpacking series for beginners. Kids can join nature camps or visit park nature centers with hands-on wildlife exhibits. Seasonal wildflower blooms, birdwatching hotspots, and scenic overlooks offer excellent opportunities for photography and relaxation. All parks are open year-round with clearly marked maps, well-maintained facilities, and ample parking. Online reservations are available for shelters and special programs. Whether for fitness, mindfulness, or exploration, the Metro Parks network serves as Columbus’s backyard and offers something fresh in every season.