Downtown Columbus is looking a little different this week as preparations get underway for the return of Jazz & Rib Fest.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has begun closing several streets around the Scioto Mile ahead of the 45th annual festival. Some roads are already closed for event setup, with additional closures taking effect this week and remaining in place through the festival and teardown.
Whether you’re commuting through downtown or planning a trip to Jazz & Rib Fest, here’s what you need to know before you head out.
The following streets closed at 6 a.m. on Monday, July 20, and will remain closed until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28:
- Washington Boulevard from Broad Street to Town Street
- Belle Street from Town Street to Rich Street
- Additional Closures Begin Wednesday
Starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, these additional streets will close and remain closed until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 27:
- Washington Boulevard from Town Street to Rich Street
- Belle Street from Chapel Street to Town Street
- Starling Street from Town Street to Rich Street
- Town/Rich Street from Belle Street to Ludlow Street
- Rich/Main Street from Lucas Street to Ludlow Street
- Civic Center Drive from Broad Street to Main Street
- Cherry Street from Civic Center Drive to Ludlow Street
- Second Street from Main Street to Noble Street
- Civic Center Drive from Main Street to Noble Street
- Jewett Street from Main Street to Noble Street
City officials note that all street closures are subject to change.
Jazz & Rib Fest Hours
The free festival returns to downtown Columbus with three days of barbecue, live music, and family-friendly fun:
- Friday, July 24: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
While Jazz & Rib Fest runs for three days, many of the road closures extend beyond the festival itself to give crews time to set up and dismantle the event. That means drivers should expect detours around the Scioto Mile throughout the week and into early next week.
The annual festival draws more than 200,000 people to downtown Columbus each year for nationally recognized barbecue, live jazz performances, and one of the city’s favorite summer traditions.
For the latest festival schedule, entertainment lineup, and vendor information, visit HotRibsCoolJazz.org.
Featured image by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash.
