Summer on the Scioto brings free family events to downtown parks
Free kayak days are first come, first served while supplies last. | Photo by @downtowncolumbus
Whether you’re looking to spend a Wednesday on the water or have fun at the fountain, Summer on the Scioto has you covered. Mark your calendars (and keep your wallets at home) for these free downtown events.
Dorrian Days
When: Tuesdays, June 11–Aug. 20 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Dorrian Green, 50 S. Belle St.
What: Bring the kids for giant inflatables and COSI’s curbside van at the immersive, downtown park.
Midway on the Mile
When: Friday, July 12–Saturday, July 13 + Saturday, August 10–Sunday, August 11 | 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Rich Street Bridge
What: The carnival-style festival will overlook downtown and feature obstacle courses, a putt-putt course, and a roller rink.
Fountainside Fun
When: Select summer Mondays and Thursdays | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: The Scioto Mile Fountain, 233 Civic Center Dr.
What: Enjoy live music, food trucks, and games while cooling off at the fountain.
River South Garage is a great parking option near the fountain. | Photo by @colsrecsparks
Kayak Days
When: Saturday, July 13 + Saturday, Aug. 10 | 1 p.m.–5 p.m
Where: Boat launch under the Main Street Bridge
What: Take advantage of this free kayaking experience, with complimentary kayaks or tandems available.
Wednesdays on the Water
When: Wednesdays through July 31 | 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: Boat launch under the Main Street Bridge
What: Receive a $15 discount on paddle rentals along the Scioto River — be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
Bonus: Don’t forget the newly renovated Scioto Mile Fountain is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a nightly light show from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Monday, Sept. 2.
Asked
What matters to you most when choosing an event to attend?
A. Live music and entertainment B. Food and drinks C. Games and activities D. Cost E. Location and parking
A Tribute to Queen | Friday, June 7 | 9-10:15 p.m. | Short North Church, 25 W. 5th Ave., Short North | $36 | Dance the night away to Queen’s biggest hits at this multi-sensory experience.
Saturday, June 8
Glow Flow | Saturday, June 8 | 12:30-3:30 p.m. | Sotto Terra, 618 Neil Ave., Columbus | $20 | Resident DJ Kenny Lectro drops the beats while Darcie StarSeed leads a guided movement session at this 21+ black light dance party.
Sunday, June 9
Ohio Painting | Sunday, June 9 | 4-5:30 p.m. | BrewDog, 97 E. Dublin Granville Rd., New Albany | $20 | Paint a canvas of the Buckeye State with all supplies and instructions provided.
Monday, June 10
Chris Brown | Monday, June 10 | 7:30-11:30 p.m. | Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District | $109-$300 | The Grammy Award-winning singer will take the stage with hits from his recent album “11:11.”
Tuesday, June 11
Columbus Clippers vs. Iowa Cubs | Tuesday, June 11-Sunday, June 16 | Times vary | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln., Arena District | $8-$24 | Cheer on the Clippers with promotions throughout the week, including Dime-A-Dog Night and Thirsty Thursday.
Meet your new dinner date: Purple Carrot plant-based meals
Purple Carrot’s nutritious meals are loaded with flavor. | Photo by Purple Carrot
Introducing your secret weapon against boring, tasteless meals: Purple Carrot.
Purple Carrot offers chef-prepared, fully plant-based meals that are ready to eat in under two minutes. Prefer to cook yourself? Opt for meal kits or shop plant-based grocery items from a fully stocked “plantry.”
This spring, Purple Carrot is ushering in the warm weather with vibrant, seasonal meals like Roasted Red Pepper Farro Bowls with chickpeas and mint (yum).
The Columbus Food Truck Festival is returning Friday, July 12 + Saturday, July 13 on the Scioto Mile. The free fest will feature 58+ vendors, including Cousins Maine Lobster, Cazuelas, and Zaki Mediterranean Grill. Live music and a vintage exchange will also be on-site.
Film
Free outdoor flicks are back in the Trolley District near Franklin Park Conservatory. The next film is “Drumline” on Thursday, June 13 at dusk. Bring a blanket and enjoy complimentary popcorn.
Trending
There were some special celebrities in CBUS this week during the Workday Golden Club Pro-Am. The tournament paired A-listers like Peyton Manning + Chris Pratt on the Muirfield Village course prior to the Memorial Tournament. (10TV)
Weather
These aren’t the types of records we want to break. After another tornado touched down in Delaware County on Wednesday night, Ohio has now tied its all-time record for most tornadoes in a year with 62.
Sports
Four Ohio State football fall camps are open to the public on Thursday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 4. Tickets to see the Buckeyes in action are $50 a piece and go on sale Tuesday, June 11 at 10 a.m.
Answered
The majority of you shared that your favorite ice cream shops in CBUS were already in our guide, but one response stood out — Diamonds Ice Cream at 5461 Bethel Sawmill Center. It’s known for its artisan Mexican paletas and ice cream, and we’re excited to give it a try.
Listen
The Cleveland Browns officially extended head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Cleveland Browns with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Pets
Bowl goals for dogs = Premium proteins. Vibrant veggies. Tantalizing textures. Be the dog parent who keeps mealtime exciting with 50% off Nom Nom’s pre-portioned, freshly-made meals.*
Kids
🎈 Calling all the kids
Commons for Kids returns with free summer fun
Upcoming themes including “Animals” and “Health and Safety.” | Photo by Robb McCormick Photography
Commons for Kids is back today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Columbus Commons.
The free, family-friendly event runs every Friday morning through August 9, and features lawn games, carousel rides, and weekly themed activities.
Today’s theme is “Going Green,” and here’s what you can expect:
All of the happenings at Bicentennial Park and the Columbus Commons is part of what makes summertime so special in CBUS. I made it out for the Food Truck Food Court last year, and definitely recommend checking it out.
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