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💰 The best things in Columbus are free
Find walking paths, climbing walls, and one day a brewery at this downtown oasis. | Photo via @cbusmetroparks
You don’t need major funds to have major fun in Columbus; just look at these free activities.
We promise these free things to do are more than just an aimless walk in the park. Instead, we’re making sure you get well-researched, unique suggestions worth the trip.
Outdoors
Scioto Audubon Metro Park | There’s something for everyone at this downtown outdoor area, ranging from rock climbing to volleyball to fishing. All you need to bring is your own equipment.
For kids
Cornhenge | Admittedly, you probably won’t spend more than 15 minutes here — but it’s worth a mention, and the kids will love it. That’s because it’s so odd to see a field of stone corn sculptures that have been standing proudly in a grassy patch since 1994.
Scioto Mile Fountain | Throw on some sunscreen and bathing suits for a day at this recently renovated fountain. It now shoots bursts of water 100 ft in the air, a marvel both kids and parents can’t help but watch each time.
Pearl Market | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Pearl Market | Cost of purchases | Connect with local farmers, artisans, and creators in the historic Pearl Alley and neighboring streets.
FORE! Miler | 7-9 p.m. | Muirfield Village Golf Club | $55 | Link up with local runners at this four-mile road race that finishes on the 18th green of the Muirfield Village Golf Club.
Friday, May 23
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo | 7:30 p.m. | Mershon Auditorium | $89+ | Relive the 1980s with this classic rock queen who brought us hits like “Heartbreaker,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”
Saturday, May 24
Jeni’s Strawberry Jam | Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25 | Land-Grant Brewing Co. | Free | Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is back with a strawberry-based collaboration with Land-Grant for a weekend of picnic-style fun.
Nina West’s SUGAR IN THE TANK | Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25 | Times vary | Natalie’s Grandview | $56+ | Nina is back on stage in Columbus and all feels right again. Act quickly — tickets are almost sold out.
Sunday, May 25
Trivia Night | 7-9 p.m. | Fourth St. Taproom & Kitchen | Free | Take a trip to this campus-area bar with your smartest friends and dominate the OSU students who are still around for summer break.
Monday, May 26
The Memorial Tournament — Practice Rounds | Monday, May 26-Wednesday, May 28 | Times vary | Muirfield Village Golf Club | $321+ | Watch the top PGA competitors warm up the sticks and get familiar with the course.
Tuesday, May 27
Candle Making Experience | 7-8:30 p.m. | Vella & Co. Candle Studio | $44+ | Go through the steps of creating your own scented candle, then come back the next day to pick up your creation.
Wednesday, May 28
Nashville SC vs. Columbus Crew | 8-10:30 p.m. | Lower.com Field | $32+ | We’re hoping the Crew send this Tennessee-based team back home with a loss, just like Ohio State did in December.
Thursday, May 22
Blooms & Butterflies | Thursday, May 22-Sunday, July 6 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Franklin Park Conservatory | $0+ | Explore the Pacific Island Water Garden, where hundreds of vibrant butterflies flutter in a tropical paradise with nectar flowers — plus, visit the Metamorphosis Lab to see new butterflies emerge.*
Zoombezi Bay is now sliding into summer. The waterpark with a wave pool and lazy river reopened for the year with new attractions and extended hours. (10TV)
Eat
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit is officially leaving its Clintonville food truck behind, but it’s staying in the neighborhood with a new brick-and-mortar location. The restaurant is just moving down North High Street to the former Wizard of Za. (Columbus Business First)
Family
A playground designed for special needs kids and those with developmental disabilities is now open at Blendon Woods Metro Park. The colorful set has many ADA-compliant features, including a wheelchair ramp, rubber flooring, and sensory-friendly activities. (Spectrum News 1)
Biz
Kroger plans to invest nearly $100 million into improving or building central Ohio grocery stores. This includes six Kroger locations targeted for enhancements as well as a new build in Powell, set to open this year. (Columbus Business First)
Drink
The Columbus coffee roaster roster (say that three times fast...) just got bigger. Ravello’s Coffee is opening a permanent location inside The Daily Bar in the Italian Village at 883 N. Fourth St.
Job
Coca-Cola Consolidated cracked open a new, $90 million warehouse in Columbus, and it’s expected to bring in 300 jobs. The production center will handle 16 million cases of Coke products each year, according to local reports. (NBC 4)
Feel Good
Talk about an encore. After rocking out Historic Crew Stadium during Sonic Temple, Metallica partnered with Carhartt to donate $110,000 to two Columbus nonprofits. They are Worthington Food Pantry ($65,000) and The Open Shelter ($40,000). (ABC 6 On Your Side)
Transit
The Student Summer Pass Program is back at COTA. Any student currently enrolled in a central Ohio college or school can ride the bus at a discounted rate from now through September. The pass is $62 for four months, which is the typically the cost of one month of standard unlimited rides. (Spectrum News 1)
Trending
This is just another average day of saving lives for the crew at Columbus Fire Station 29, who spent their afternoon rescuing seven ducks stranded in a sewage drain. Naturally, their mother watched the firefighters intently, but quickly fled the scene before we could get a comment. (NBC 4)
Number
$4,000. That’s how much an ounce of gold is expected to cost in 2026. And since gold thrives in unstable markets, its rally appears far from over.Check out gold IRAs, which let you own physical gold while taking advantage of IRA tax breaks.†*
Prepare for a hands-on experience when you visit Lifestyle Pottery. | Photo provided by Lifestyle Pottery
Small Business Week was from May 4-10, but we’re keeping this local party rolling.
After we received an influx of submissions, we knew we couldn’t stop with just one week. So, we’re back again sharing another local biz. This time it’s Lifestyle Pottery.
This locally owned studio opened in May 2022 at 4610 N. High St. in Old Beechwold. Now, owner Bella Thompson has a team of eight employees, all molded together with a love of spinning clay.
How would you describe your business?
Pottery shop and studio offering pottery classes, workshops, open studio & kiln rentals to the community. A relaxing and welcoming space for all to try pottery no matter your skill level!
When someone visits your small business for the first time, the one thing they have to do is _____.
Pottery! We hope everyone gets the chance to play with clay. It’s truly such a relaxing craft!
Looks like I’m adding Ravello’s Coffee to my list of local roasters I need to try. I’ll be making a trip once they get up and running, so stay caffeinated and stay tuned.
Asked
Answered
When did the “Cornhenge” sculptures arrive in Dublin?
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