Summer in Columbus hits different. The patios are packed, the festivals are loud, and suddenly your bank account is sweating as much as you are.
But good news: you don’t actually have to spend much (or anything at all) to have a blast this season. Whether you’re looking for movies under the stars, a cheap ride to the zoo, or a front-row seat at a concert that costs exactly zero dollars, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your cheat sheet for max summer fun on minimum funds.
Use a Library Culture Pass
Your Columbus Metropolitan Library card is basically a golden ticket. Their Culture Pass program lets you “check out” free admission to spots like the Columbus Museum of Art, the Wexner Center for the Arts, Franklin Park Conservatory, and more. Just head to the library (in person), grab a pass, and go.
Ride the Zoo Bus for $2
Parking at the zoo is $10. Riding COTA’s Zoo Bus? Just $2, and it gets you $5 Zoo admission, too. It runs from downtown to the Zoo all summer on weekends, so you can skip the traffic and still hang with the polar bears.
Watch a Movie at the Columbus Commons
On select Fridays in the summer, the Commons turns into downtown’s biggest free movie theater. Bring a blanket, grab a snack from a local food truck, and catch blockbusters like Tangled and Moana 2 under the stars. Kid-friendly, date-friendly, wallet-friendly. They will also be showing Halloween movies in October, so the free fun won’t stop when summer ends.
👉 See the full movie line-up here
Visit Franklin Park Conservatory on Community Day
Once a month (the first Sunday), Franklin Park Conservatory opens its doors for free to Franklin County residents. That means you can wander the butterfly garden, hang out in the Palm House, and pretend you’re on a tropical vacation… without leaving town.
👉 Learn more about Community Days here
Go to the Columbus Museum of Art on a Sunday
Free Sundays at CMA are a summer blessing. Admission is totally waived, and it’s a great way to duck out of the heat and into a cool room full of modern masterpieces. Don’t miss the Wonder Room if you’re bringing kids.
👉 Start planning your museum visit here
Catch a Free Concert at Tribute Tuesdays
Held at the Columbus Commons, these Tribute Tuesday concerts are exactly what they sound like: live music from cover bands who really commit. We’re talking Nirvana, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more. Good vibes are highly encouraged.
👉 Get all the concert details here
Go Hike (or Swim) for Free
You don’t need tickets or reservations to get outside:
- Quarry Trails Metro Park: A waterfall, rugged trails, incredible rock climbing, and stunning quarry views just minutes from downtown. It’s a dream.
- Alum Creek State Park: Free beaches, wooded trails, and picnic spots that don’t require a reservation.
- Highbanks Metro Park: One of the best hiking spots near Columbus with killer views and shaded paths.
- Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park: Has bison. Yes, actual bison. Also: prairies, creeks, and wildflower trails.
- Antrim Lake Loop: An easy, paved walk with water views and bonus turtle sightings.
Hit a Free Festival
You could fill your summer calendar just by hopping from festival to festival — and many of them are totally free to attend. Some favorites:
- Jazz & Rib Fest (July 18-20): Music, ribs, and riverfront vibes.
- Columbus Food Truck Festival (Aug. 16–17): Entry is free, food is up to you.
- Festival Latino (Aug. 9-10): Dance performances, live music, and community pride.
I hope you have a fantastic and affordable summer, Columbus!
