COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Central Ohio is gearing up for a weekend packed with Independence Day festivities, community gatherings and family activities from July 4 through July 6.
Storm outlook: A cold front is expected to pass through much of the eastern U.S. Monday, but forecasters say Columbus and the broader Ohio Valley should enjoy favorable weather for celebrations.
Red, White & BOOM!
Columbus, July 3
This flagship event returns for its annual citywide celebration spanning downtown Columbus. Starting at noon, the festival features live music, vendor booths and family zones. The fireworks extravaganza is set to launch from Genoa Park at approximately 10 p.m. Organizers anticipate drawing more than 400,000 attendees.
Community celebrations across suburbs
-
Gahanna hosts two days of patriotism: July 3 at the municipal golf course with music and fireworks around 10 p.m., and July 4 parade down Granville Street starting at 10:30 a.m.
-
Groveport offers a family event July 3 with live music and concessions, followed by a July 4 kids’ parade at 10:30 a.m. and main parade at 11 a.m.
-
Hilliard stages its annual parade July 4 at 9 a.m., then transitions to Freedom Fest from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring headline acts like Gabby Barrett, Dillon Carmichael, a kids’ zone and fireworks at dusk.
-
Dublin starts with a fishing derby at 8 a.m. July 4, shifts to a parade at 11 a.m., and culminates in a star-studded concert featuring Kansas and 38 Special at 4:45 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:50 p.m.
Parades, car shows and family fun in the city
-
The 42nd Annual Doo Dah Parade & Party returns to Goodale Park on July 4, offering quirky floats and street entertainment.
-
Clintonville’s July 4 Celebration at Whetstone Park includes a car show and family activities on July 4.
-
The Kids Family Fun Day, hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio on July 5, offers free entertainment.
Arts, music and classic cinema
-
The Wallflowers and Early James perform at The Bluestone on July 5.
-
Paint‑and‑sip sessions, gallery hops and Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Schiller Park add artistic flair over the weekend.
-
For classic‑film lovers, the CAPA Summer Movie Series is screening 28 titles at Ohio Theatre this summer, with additional literary adaptations featured at Gateway Film Center and Columbus Met Library.
LOOKING AHEAD
With the July 4 holiday aligned on a Friday, extended celebrations may continue into Sunday. Though travelers might face thunderstorms early in the week, the Red, White & BOOM! and major outdoor gatherings should proceed under mostly clear skies.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Event details, including start times and performers, are subject to change. Attendees are encouraged to verify information on organizers’ official websites before attending.