COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A lively weekend awaits Central Ohio residents, with outdoor festivals, live music, family-friendly activities and more setting the stage as summer officially begins June 20–22.
🚀 Festival season kicks into high gear
The weekend marks the 50th annual Origins Game Fair, a tabletop gaming convention drawing fans and hobbyists to downtown Columbus. Meanwhile, Hilliard’s Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show invites art lovers to explore handmade creations at the Makoy Event Center on Sunday. Also in Hilliard, Come experience the Makoy Event Center this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Avant‑Garde Art & Craft Show.
Nelsonville also buzzes with energy during the Nelsonville Music Festival, a soulful three‑day event running June 20–22 and featuring Americana and indie acts.
🎤 Country, hip-hop and rock hits
On Saturday, Buckeye Country Superfest takes over Ohio Stadium with country headliners Jelly Roll and Kane Brown, drawing thousands of fans. Rap star Lil Baby headlines Nationwide Arena Sunday evening as part of his WHAM World Tour. For rock‑music lovers, Modest Mouse will perform Saturday night at KEMBA Live!
⚾ Sports and local happenings
The Columbus Clippers face the Indianapolis Bats at Huntington Park in weekend doubleheaders. Birdwatchers can also catch a rare sighting of a young bald eagle named “Star” near 1009 Dublin Road — an educational viewing site run by the Birds of Prey and Wildlife Society
🎥 Cinema, art and community
Families can catch CAPA’s Summer Movie Series at the Ohio Theatre, which is screening 28 classic films throughout June. On the riverfront, the annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival continues its celebration on Saturday, featuring music, food and reflection on the holiday’s legacy.
🎨 Local flair and neighborhood events
German Village hosts its Makers Market on Sunday, offering crafts and artisanal goods for a neighborhood stroll. Anime fans can attend Animate! Columbus at the Convention Center, and reptile enthusiasts can creep through the Ohio Reptiles & More Expo at the Expo Center. At Columbus Commons, the Picnic with the Pops series features a performance by rapper Rick Ross Saturday evening under the Bicentennial Park pavilion.
With an expected record 28 weekends of outdoor screenings, concerts and festivals this summer, Columbus continues to emerge as one of Ohio’s top destinations for music and cultural events.