July 1, 2024

Today’s Forecast

🎇 Here comes the boom

Downtown buildings and bridges will also light up in red, white, and blue. | Photo via Canva

Red, White & BOOM! — the largest fireworks display in the Midwest — is returning to CBUS on Wednesday, July 3. Before 400,000 people travel downtown for the festival, we’re here to make sure your night is bright.

The BOOM! basics

The free festival will span 2.5 miles downtown, including Battelle Riverfront Park, Bicentennial Park, and McFerson Commons Park. It will be the largest, single-day event in Columbus for the year.

The action starts at 12 p.m. with live music and 100+ food and drink vendors. Performances continue all day, and you can use the festival guide map to find the food truck alley and list of performers.

The Ford Oval of Honor parade will step off from the Main Street bridge at 5:30 p.m. Find great viewing areas along Front Street and Broad Street.

The main event of fireworks begins at 10 p.m. They are expected to last just under 30 minutes, with the finale taking off from Franklin University.

Pro tip: Last year, Senior City Editor Hanna watched the show from the Scioto Mile, and the view was perfect. Bring blankets or chairs if you want to sit and get comfortable.

Expect classic fair food like lemonade and corn dogs. | Photo by Red, White & BOOM!

Parking

Planning ahead is the best way to combat parking problems.

It’s recommended to pre-order parking ahead of the festival from garages listed on SpotHero. This will give you rates and walking distance from the action.

Staying safe

With so many people in one space, you may be worried about safety. Co-executive director Shawn Verhoff assured there are measures in place to help with everything from parking restrictions to disasters.

"[It’s] one of the safest environments coming into downtown, with nearly a third of the Columbus Police Department working,” he said.

Events

Monday, July 1

Blooms and Butterflies | Monday, July 1-Sunday, July 7 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Downtown | $0-$24 | Travel amid hundreds of colorful exotic butterflies flying freely through the Pacific Island Water Garden and watch new butterflies emerge from their chrysalis at the Metamorphosis Lab.

Tuesday, July 2

The Peach Truck | Tuesday, July 2 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Oak Grove at Jorgensen Farms, 7500 Harlem Rd., Westerville | Cost of purchase | The Peach Truck is popping up to sell fresh-from-the-orchard peaches — pre-order is available.

Wednesday, July 3

Columbus Crew vs. Nashville SC | Wednesday, July 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Lower.com Field, 96 Columbus Crew Way, Arena District | $46-$504 | Cheer on the Black and Gold, and stick around to see fireworks displays after the match.

Thursday, July 4

Columbus Clippers vs. Toledo Mud Hens | Thursday, July 4-Saturday, July 6 | Times vary | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln., Arena District | $8-$24 | The Clip Show returns home for a quick three-day homestand with Fourth of July specials and activities.

100+ more events

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Coming Soon

Yes Sushi, a California-based sushi spot, is opening at 443 E Main St. downtown on Aug. 1 in the former MD Express location. Customers can anticipate rice bowls, noodles, sashimi, dumplings, and of course — lots of sushi rolls. (614now)

Drink

A new high-end cocktail bar is coming to Bexley at 2511 E. Main St., but the name is being kept a secret. A Labor Day weekend opening is expected for “Bexley’s first cocktail bar,” offering unique drinks and a wine + beer list. (614now)

Pets

With the fireworks ahead, you may be anticipating a tough week for your pup. We’ve summed up some tips from the Franklin County Dog Shelter on how the keep the scaries away during the commotion.

Watch

We quizzed some locals on Columbus, and now we want you to test your knowledge. Check out our trivia reel, and then let us know how many you got correct.

Outdoors

July is National Parks and Recreation Month. Use our guide to visiting seven of the best national parks, from Joshua Tree to the Great Smoky Mountains. Pro tip: Blue Ridge Parkway is just over a five-hour drive.

Sports

Head coach Ryan Day isn’t ready to name Will Howard Ohio State’s starting quarterback. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Buckeyes with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Travel and Outdoors

Plan a local stay you’ll never forget

Stay at the first craft beer hotel in the world. | Photo via @doghousecolumbus

We all need a staycation from time to time, and we went looking for unique lodgings around town that showcase that Buckeye spirit.

Rooms with a view

The Hilton Columbus Downtown, 402 N. High St.
Take in scenes of the city at the largest hotel in Ohio. Enjoy the hotel’s live fire restaurant, FYR, or the rooftop bar, Stories on High.

Scenic stays

Doghouse Columbus Hotel, 96 Gender Rd.
Bring your pup to this 42-acre, dog-friendly hotel. Each room is beer-themed and has beer on tap, plus tour the 6,000-sqft interactive craft beer museum.

Hideaways with history

South Wind Motel, 919 S. High St.
This vintage boutique motel was built in 1959 but was given a new life in 2022. Nestled in German Village, this family-run spot is steps away from top local shops and restaurants.

Cabin fever

Parker House Ohio | Gahanna
This award-winning, waterfront retreat was built into a hillside and sleeps 13. The cabin is cozied in the trees and features areas for hiking and exploring nature.

8 more staycation spots

The Buy

A five-star rated swimsuit from Nordstrom — we like this lace-up back one-piece for an adjustable fit or this v-wire one-piece for a dipped neckline with support.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Hanna

From the editor

If you haven’t been to the Hilton Columbus Downtown, I recommend checking it out (even if you don’t stay the night). Check out our interview with the chef behind FYR to learn more.

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