olumbus and its surrounding communities are buzzing with a wide range of events this weekend, offering everything from music and arts to cultural celebrations and local flavor.
Concerts and music
• At Newport Music Hall on Friday, Aug. 8, fans can catch Fitz and The Tantrums, while Lord Huron performs at KEMBA Live! on both Friday and Saturday.
• Comic impact arrives Aug. 9, when comedian Matt Rife brings his “Stay Golden Tour” to Nationwide Arena.
Cultural and community festivals
• The Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival offers carnival rides, live music, spaghetti- and pizza-eating contests, a pageant, and the lively “Tomato Wars.”
• At Genoa Park, Festival Latino celebrates Latin American heritage with music, dance, food, art, and fashion.
• Book lovers can explore local talent at the Mid-Ohio Indie Author Book Expo.
• In Westerville, the Uptown Untapped craft beer festival honors its city’s Prohibition-era legacy with unique brews and live entertainment.
• Additionally, it’s peak farmers market season across Central Ohio, offering fresh produce and artisan goods in neighborhoods throughout the region.
Arts and interactive experiences
• At COSI, the “Unofficial Galaxies” Star Wars fan exhibit is on view through Sept. 1.
• The Franklin Park Conservatory features “Nature Connects” by Sean Kenney—lifelike natural displays built from LEGO bricks—open through Sept. 7.
• Outdoor events continue at Columbus parks: theatre production “SHANE” runs at Schiller Park Amphitheater (Thurs-Sun through Aug. 10), while Summer Movie Nights at Topiary Park and Screen on the Green at Goodale Park provide open-air entertainment through mid-September.
Early-August highlights
Though concluded just prior to this weekend, it’s worth noting that the Dublin Irish Festival and Pelotonia—a major cultural and fundraising cycling event—took place the first weekend of August.
Whether you’re drawn to lively concerts, cultural festivals, immersive exhibits, or local authors and artisans, the weekend promises something for nearly every interest across Columbus and Central Ohio.