COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Central Ohio is set for a lively weekend as fairs, festivals, concerts and family events unfold from Friday, July 25, through Sunday, July 27, 2025.
🎪 Ohio State Fair Hits Full Swing
What & When: The annual Ohio State Fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Ohio Expo Center, featuring rides, exhibits, and a diverse vendor scene. A special Boxing Invitational (July 24–26) brings top regional amateur fighters to the fairgrounds.
Who: The Celeste Center hosts big-name acts, including Warren Zeiders on Friday, July 25, and funk legends Morris Day & the Time on Saturday, July 26, with Tauren Wells closing out the weekend on Monday, July 28.
Note: Fairgoers can beat the summer heat in air-conditioned zones like Kasich Hall, the Cox Fine Arts Center and Celeste Center.
🎶 Concerts & Live Music
Vince Gill brings his country classics to the Palace Theatre on Friday, July 25, at 7:30 p.m. Trip.com+4Columbus Performing Arts+4Axios+4.
Ohio State University Marching Band teams up with the Columbus Symphony for an evening of patriotic tunes and fireworks at Columbus Commons, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Columbus Symphony.
Lakeside fans of acoustic rock won’t want to miss Ben Burnley of Breaking Benjamin with Josh & Lacey Sturm at the Columbus Athenaeum on Saturday, July 26.
🏞️ Family Fun & Outdoor Activities
COSI continues its Star Wars–themed “Unofficial Galaxies” exhibit through September.
Franklin Park Conservatory showcases Sean Kenney’s “Nature Connects” LEGO sculpture exhibit until early September.
Free movie nights, splash pads, and farmers markets appear throughout the weekend per Columbus on the Cheap listings.
🌳 Parks & Community Events
Columbus Metro Parks and community planners host local activities:
Lancaster Festival runs Saturday, July 26, across Fairborn and nearby towns.
Nature trails like disc golf, creek exploration, and peach/ apple picking trips are recommended family outings.
ℹ️ What to Know
Fair admission: $6–$10; concerts may require extra tickets.
Beat the heat: Seek out air-conditioned buildings at the fair.
Plan ahead: Popular shows, especially at the Celeste and Palace theaters, may sell out.
From classic country music, marching bands and fireworks to state fair thrills and family-friendly exhibits, Columbus offers an engaging weekend from July 25–27. Whether you’re in the mood for culture, outdoor fun or nightlife, Central Ohio has something for everyone.