The 2024 summer bucket list for Columbus

Summer is officially here. Today — Thursday, June 20 — is the first day of summer, and we are ready to turn up the heat. From live music and holiday celebrations to hiking and festivals, summer is when CBUS comes alive. Get ready to get outside with this guide featuring summer happenings — including ideas for the Fourth of July — between June and August.

The great outdoors

When the weather is above 60° in CBUS, we want to be outside as much as possible. That’s why we are resharing these handy guides to make sure you spend your summer just like us — outside.

• We love a free event, and these free kayak days are paddling right up our alley. Keep this post saved or take a screenshot so you can wade into local waters in July + August.
• Looking to get more fit this summer? So is Senior City Editor Mitch, and that’s why he’ll be using these outdoor trails for running, hiking, and walking. His first stop was at the brand new Canopy Walk at Blacklick Woods — take a sneak peek.
• Keep the kids entertained every Friday morning with Commons for the Kids. This summer event offers lawn games, carousel rides, and weekly themed activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Aug. 9.
• If the heat has you feeling like this, consider stopping by a community pool or splash pad to cool off.
• Start your days at these local farmers markets for fresh produce like tomatoes, corn, and peaches.
• Enjoy all the various local parks Columbus has to offer, including options that are dog-friendly, family-friendly, and nature-focused.
• Whether you’re looking to practice your putting, or crack a few long shots at the driving range, we’ve got plenty of options with these local golf courses.

Now playing

From shows to concerts to free movies, Columbus’ entertainment offerings are hot this summer. We’ll make sure you know the highlights and can’t-miss events, plus each link will take you to lengthier guides.

• We believe the best seat in the city is under the stars, and that’s why we’ll be watching outdoor movies until cold weather returns. Mitch’s favorites include “Barbie” on Friday, July 19 at Goodale Park; “Office Space” on Tuesday, July 23 at Land-Grant Brewing Co.,; and “Fight Club” on Thursday, Aug. 22 at Genoa Park.
• Keep your concert calendar full with our guide. We’ll continue to update it as more shows are announced, but keep these ones in mind as you budget out your plans: Lionel Richie on Thursday, June 13 at the Schottenstein Center; Hozier on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at the Schott; and Weezer on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Nationwide Arena.
• Did you know a total of 11 performers are set to take the stage throughout the 2024 Ohio State Fair? Some of the biggest names are Ice Cube on Tuesday, July 30 and Gabriel Iglesias on Wednesday, July 31.

Tastes like summer

From summer beers to seasonal menu updates, it’s easy to kick back a few locally brewed or distilled adult beverages when it’s hot and humid outside. That’s why we are keeping these drinks nearby — for the sake of hydration, of course.

• Variety is the spice of life, especially with Land-Grant Brewing Co.'s Summer Session Variety Pack. It’s full of crushable beers like the EZ Pils, a light brew with just 3.8% ABV, or the Citrus Wheat Ale, a tart beer with 4.5% ABV.
• Summer is all about fresh produce and the new Blackberry Rum Swizzle from Echo Spirits Distilling Co. is bursting with berries. It’s concocted with homemade blackberry syrup, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and Echo’s silver rum then topped with more fresh blackberries.
• Seltzers flashed onto the drinking scene and have become a staple, including at Seventh Son Brewing Co. The KittyPaw Orange Cream Seltzer is 4.5% ABV at just 100 calories.
• Sometimes the classics need a seasonal twist, and that’s why Wolf’s Ridge Brewing is doing with its Coconut Cold Brew Daybreak. The regular Daybreak is Mitch’s favorite local beer and this coconut variation rivals that top spot.
• Not all drinks have to be boozy. The Bourbon Ice Cream Float features house-made Middle West Bourbon ice cream topped with Coca Cola from a glass bottle.

Independence Day ideas

Local organizations will be hosting celebrations throughout the week ahead of Thursday, July 4.

• Red, White and BOOM! | Wednesday, July 3 | Downtown Columbus | Prepare for an all day event with parades, kid activities, and street markets. Plus, it’s all capped off with the largest firework show in the Midwest.
• Community Fireworks | Thursday, July 4 | Main Street | Music and festival events begin at 6 p.m. near Capital University + fireworks are expected to begin around 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.
• Doo Dah Parade and Music Festival | Thursday, July 4 | Goodale Park + Short North | The parade showcases the truly strange side of Columbus as no registration or theme is required to join the march, and it’s one of City Editor Mitch’s favorite events to attend each year.
• Independence Day Celebration | Thursday, July 4 | Dublin Coffman High School | The party starts at 4:30 p.m. with food, drinks, and local bands followed by fireworks at 9:50 p.m.
• Independence Day | Thursday, July 4 | Gahanna Municipal Golf Course | Food vendors and live music are set to start at 5:30 p.m. + fireworks will begin around 10 p.m.
• Independence Day Parade and Festival | Thursday, July 4 | New Albany Middle School | Start your day with a parade at 11 a.m. followed by more festivities in the evening, capped off with fireworks at 10 p.m. This will be rescheduled to the following day if it rains.
• Fourth of July Parade and Party in the Park | Thursday, July 4 | Northwest Boulevard | The Upper Arlington celebration is one of the most popular neighborhood parades in the city and folks save their seat earlier and earlier each year, so plan accordingly.
• 4th of July | Thursday, July 4 | Westerville Sports Complex | Food trucks, concerts, and a free fun zone begin at 5 p.m. with a professional fireworks show lighting up the sky at 10 p.m.

Worried about your dog during the fireworks shows? The Franklin County Dog Shelter offered some pro tips to ensure everyone — including our four legged friends — can enjoy the festivities.

Save the dates

From local sports to festivals, there’s no shortage of fun in Columbus.

• Keep up to date with all the best fests in CBUS with our guide.
• Cheer on the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field with local vendors like Condado. The Crew’s home stadium will also host the 2024 MLS All-Star game where the top talent from the MLS + La Liga will compete in CBUS.
• Minor League Baseball is back with the Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park. There are plenty of packages, themes, and discounts offered during home games, including Dime-A-Dog night on Tuesdays.

Don’t worry; we’ve made these guides easy to access too. Follow CBUStoday on Instagram so you can quickly find more concerts and festivals this year.