Best Time to Visit Popular Destinations in Columbus, United States
1. The Ohio State Fair
Experience the state's largest annual event with agriculture shows, live music, and delicious food. The fair usually takes place in July.
- Agri-Culture: Showcases the best of Ohio's agricultural products.
- Entertainment: Offers a variety of live music and performances.
- Food: Features unique and delicious food options from across Ohio.
2. Columbus Arts Festival
Celebrate the arts in downtown Columbus with outdoor galleries, performances, and workshops. Typically held in early June.
- Artistic Diversity: Features artwork from various local, regional, and national artists.
- Performances: Offers live music, dance, and theater performances throughout the festival.
- Workshops: Provides hands-on workshops for attendees to learn new art techniques.
3. German Village Festival
Celebrate German heritage in the historic German Village with food, music, and crafts. The festival usually takes place in late June.
- Heritage: Showcases traditional German culture through food, music, and dance.
- Artisans Market: Features local artisans selling handmade crafts.
- Children's Activities: Offers various activities for children, such as face painting and puppet shows.
4. ComFest (Community Festival)
Experience a vibrant celebration of community, arts, activism, and music. ComFest usually takes place in late June.
- Community Engagement: Provides opportunities for attendees to learn about local organizations and get involved.
- Music: Offers live music performances from various genres.
- Activism: Promotes social change and activism through workshops, speeches, and events.
5. Franklin Park Conservatory
Explore tropical gardens, artwork, and seasonal exhibits at this beautiful glasshouse. The conservatory is open year-round, but the blooming of orchids in winter is a must-see.
- Tropical Gardens: Features palm trees, orchids, and other exotic plants.
- Artwork: Showcases rotating exhibits of contemporary artwork.
- Seasonal Exhibits: Offers themed exhibits throughout the year, such as butterflies and orchids.
6. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Meet thousands of animals from around the world at this award-winning zoo. The best time to visit is during the summer for the most animal interactions.
- Animal Encounters: Offers various encounters with animals, such as feeding giraffes and petting stingrays.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts through research and breeding programs.
- Outdoor Exhibits: Features expansive outdoor exhibits for a more natural environment for the animals.
7. Scioto Mile Riverfront Park
Enjoy outdoor activities along the Scioto River, including boating, fishing, and biking. The park is open year-round, but summer offers the best weather for these activities.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers various outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and biking.
- Scenic Views: Provides beautiful views of the Scioto River and downtown Columbus.
- Events: Hosts various events throughout the year, such as concerts and festivals.
8. Columbus Clippers Baseball Games
Watch a Triple-A baseball game at Huntington Park, home of the Columbus Clippers. The best time to visit is during the summer when the weather is warm.
- Baseball Games: Enjoy professional baseball games in a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Food and Drink: Offers a variety of food and drink options, including local favorites.
- Promotions: Features various promotions and giveaways throughout the season.
9. Ohio State Football Games
Experience college football at its best at Ohio Stadium. The best time to visit is in the fall during football season.
- College Football: Enjoy a high-energy atmosphere and fierce competition.
- Tailgating: Participate in the famous Ohio State tailgate parties before the game.
- Mascot: Meet Brutus Buckeye, the iconic Ohio State mascot.
10. Columbus Food Truck Festivals
Savor delicious foods from a variety of food trucks at festivals held throughout the city. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when the food trucks are most active.
- Food Trucks: Features a rotating selection of local food trucks.
- Variety: Offers a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional to exotic.
- Live Music: Provides live music and entertainment at the food truck festivals.
11. Short North Arts District
Explore Columbus's trendy neighborhood filled with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The district is open year-round, but summer offers the best weather for outdoor dining and exploring.
- Art Galleries: Showcases a variety of contemporary art galleries.
- Shopping: Features boutique shopping for unique finds.
- Restaurants: Offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining.
12. Brewery District
Discover Columbus's historic brewing district filled with craft breweries and local restaurants. The best time to visit is during the warmer months for outdoor dining and brewery tours.
- Craft Breweries: Features a variety of locally-owned craft breweries.
- Restaurants: Offers a range of dining options, from casual to upscale eateries.
- Brewery Tours: Provides guided tours of local breweries and their beer-making processes.
13. COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
Explore science through interactive exhibits at this popular museum. The best time to visit is during the school holidays when there are fewer crowds.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on exhibits that make learning fun and engaging.
- Planetarium Shows: Provides daily shows in the planetarium, including constellation tours and laser light shows.
- Special Events: Hosts various events throughout the year, such as science-themed parties and workshops.
14. Thurber House
Explore the home of renowned author James Thurber and his quirky world. The best time to visit is during the summer when the house offers various events.
- Literary History: Offers a glimpse into the life and works of James Thurber.
- Tours: Provides guided tours of the house and grounds.
- Events: Hosts various events, including writing workshops and literary events.
15. Columbus Museum of Art
Explore contemporary and modern art at this beautiful museum. The best time to visit is during the summer when the museum offers free admission on Sundays.
- Contemporary Art: Features a collection of contemporary and modern art.
- Free Admission: Offers free admission on Sundays during the summer.
- Special Events: Hosts various events throughout the year, such as art-making workshops and lectures.