Red, White & BOOM! is almost here, and with more than 400,000 people expected to head downtown for the Midwest’s biggest fireworks show, planning ahead can make your day a whole lot easier.
Whether you’re coming in for the parade, the fireworks or both, here’s where to park, which roads will be closed and what to expect before you head downtown.
Where to park
If you’re driving to Red, White & BOOM!, it’s worth reserving a parking spot before you arrive. With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected, garages and lots near the event tend to fill up quickly.
Parking reservations are available at:
- Battelle Riverfront Park
- Bicentennial Park/li>
- McFerson Commons
Accessible parking will be available on the north side of Second Street between Mound Street and Civic Center Drive, as well as on Gay Street between High Street and Front Street.
Road closures
Once you’ve figured out where you’re parking, it’s time to plan your route. Several streets are already closed ahead of Red, White & BOOM!, with additional closures scheduled for the parade and fireworks on July 3.
Closures already in effect
The following roads are currently closed:
- Washington Boulevard between Broad Street and Main Street
- Civic Center Drive between Broad Street and Main Street
- Marconi Boulevard between Long Street and Broad Street
- The north curb lane of Broad Street from the Cumberland Trail marker to Belle Street
Closures starting on July 3
Beginning at 2 p.m., several streets around the parade route will close for parade staging, including portions of:
- Main Street
- Rich Street
- Starling Street
- Belle Street
- Lucas Street
- Civic Center Drive
As the parade gets underway around 5:15 p.m., additional temporary closures will affect streets throughout downtown, including portions of Front Street, High Street, Long Street, Gay Street, Spring Street, Nationwide Boulevard and other nearby roads. These closures are expected to last until approximately 7:30 p.m.
Fireworks closures
Beginning at 5:30 p.m., all streets within the main event area, generally bounded by Spring Street to the north, Mound Street to the south, McDowell Street to the west and Third Street to the east, will be closed to vehicle traffic through midnight.
Plan ahead
With more than 400,000 people expected downtown, traffic will be heavy before and after the fireworks. Arriving early, reserving parking ahead of time and giving yourself extra travel time can make for a much smoother experience.
If you’re meeting friends or planning to watch from a specific spot, leave a little earlier than you think you’ll need to. You’ll spend less time sitting in traffic and more time enjoying one of Columbus’ biggest summer traditions.
For more info, you can download the Red, White & BOOM Festival Guide at redwhiteandboom.org.
