Travel and Outdoors

Friday, Sept. 15

• 5 p.m.: Overnight camping check-in starts.
• 5-7 p.m.: Treat your pups to Yappy Hour by tie-dying dog bandannas with Friends of Metro Parks and browsing other dog vendor booths.
• 5-8 p.m.: “Try It! Climbing” and “Try It! Kayaking” excursions kick off. Guided sessions with Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure staff will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• 7-10:30 p.m.: Groove to live music from local bands.
• 7:30-8:30 p.m.: Gather around the campfire for Gourmet S’mores with Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure + Public Lands.

Saturday, Sept. 16

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Food trucks, Nocterra Brewing Co., and Land-Grant Brewing Company will be on-site.
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Enjoy a full day of Metro Parks activities including slack-lining, volleyball + hammocking, plus more fun local vendors.
• 9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Metro Parks Annual Climbing Competition — how high can you climb?
• 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Downtown Kayak Floats happening every hour (sign up at the info tent)
• 12 p.m. -3 p.m.: Additional “Try it! Climbing” guided sessions

• 2023 Wine Fest | Friday, Aug. 18-Saturday, Aug. 19 | 5-10 p.m. | North Market Bridge Park, 6750 Longshore St., Dublin | $50 | Sample a selection of wines and enjoy food vendors at the market.

• Powell Farmers Market | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Ohio Liberty Square Plaza, 240 N. Liberty St., Powell | Cost of purchase | Shop local goods and fresh produce from a variety of vendors.

• Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles Jr. | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 6 p.m. | KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave., Arena District | $25-$65 | Spend the night listening to country hits like “Backroad Song.”
• Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Lower.com Field, 96 Columbus Crew Way, Columbus | $89-$604 | Cheer on the Crew in their biggest rivalry match of the season.

• Networking Luncheon | Monday, Aug. 21 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | North High Brewing, 56 N. High St., Dublin | Free | Make new connections at this guided networking event.
• Colorful Macrame Feathers | Monday, Aug. 21 | 6-9 p.m. | BrewDog DogTap, 96 Gender Rd., Canal Winchester | $40 | Make a colorful macrame feather wall hanging with step-by-step instructions provided.

• Ohioans will vote on the legalization of recreational marijuana during the election on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol received 127,772 signatures in order to qualify for the ballot. (The Columbus Dispatch)

• Relive the sounds of Fleetwood Mac with the tribute band Rumors of Fleetwood Mac this fall. The band plays inside the Palace Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $29 + go on sale today at 10 a.m.

• Monster Baby Donuts, which specializes in gluten-free and vegan mini donuts, is opening as a vendor inside the East Market (212 Kelton Ave.) in October. The Dayton-based donut shop offers unique flavors like Cookie Monster and pink lemonade.

• The City of Columbus is introducing Bike Plus, a plan with the goal to “create a safe, connected, and comfortable network for people to bike, scooter, skate, and roll in the city.” Fill out the online survey to share your experiences rolling through CBUS.

• Concerted, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that rewards volunteer hours with concert tickets, is now operating in Columbus. Since the nonprofit launched in January, it has brought in $400,000+ worth of volunteer services in Cincinnati. Get involved in CBUS. (Columbus Business First)

• The Columbus Zoo is hosting Slothvasana: Yoga with Sloths on Saturday, Nov. 4 + Sunday, Nov. 5. Tickets are $99 and include a guided yoga class, a close encounter with a sloth, a complimentary snack and mimosa, a T-shirt, and a sloth-themed raffle.

• If tacos were your last meal on Earth, what Columbus restaurant would you go to? We want to hear about your favorite Mexican restaurants for an upcoming story, so send your opinions our way.

• One card, all the perks. A $200 welcome bonus, unlimited cash back, and 0% interest into 2024 all with no annual fee almost sounds too good to be true — but this card has it all.*

If you’re an animal lover

• Columbus Humane | Greet visitors, support special events, or provide cat, dog, and rabbit care.
• Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center | Volunteer as a dog walker or runner + groomer or bather.

If you want to help your neighbors in need

• LifeCare Alliance | Deliver food through the Meals On Wheels program or assist in the local food pantry.
• The Columbus Dream Center | Help those experiencing homelessness by serving meals or gardening to provide nutritious meals.

Natural-born teachers and mentors

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio | Become a mentor to children ages five through young adulthood and take your mentee to different activities or adventures.
• All THAT — Teens Hopeful About Tomorrow | Build a lasting relationship with a teen by assisting with schoolwork, career searching, and life skills.