For one weekend every summer, downtown Columbus becomes an open-air gallery.
The Columbus Arts Festival returns to the Scioto Mile June 12-14, bringing more than 230 artists, live performances, public art installations, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities to the riverfront. The festival is free to attend and remains one of the city’s signature summer events.
Whether you’re looking to browse artwork, catch a live performance, grab dinner from a local vendor, or simply spend a few hours outside, the festival offers plenty of reasons to head downtown this weekend.
What’s New at the 2026 Columbus Arts Festival?
This year’s festival features several new additions alongside returning favorites.
One of the most anticipated is Re, an immersive projection installation that will bring large-scale digital art to the festival after dark. Visitors can also check out Legal Walls, where muralists and street artists will create works live throughout the weekend.
Fashion As Art returns to the Genoa Park Main Stage with a showcase of local designers, while the Big Local Arts Village highlights dozens of Columbus-based artists and makers.
Festival organizers have also expanded accessibility resources this year, including sensory-friendly spaces, a downloadable sensory map, universal changing stations, and other tools designed to make the festival more welcoming for all visitors.
More Than 230 Artists, Four Stages, And Plenty To Eat
The Artist Market remains the centerpiece of the festival, with more than 230 juried artists displaying everything from paintings and photography to ceramics, jewelry, glasswork, and sculpture.
The festival also continues its Emerging Festival Artists program, which gives up-and-coming Columbus artists the opportunity to exhibit alongside established creators from across the country.
When you’re ready for a break from browsing, you’ll find more than 40 food vendors spread throughout the grounds, along with beverage stations serving everything from lemonade and smoothies to beer, wine, and cocktails.
Live entertainment runs throughout the weekend across four stages, featuring music, dance, spoken word performances, cultural showcases, and special events, including a jazz brunch with Byron Stripling and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra.
You can check out the full, detailed line-up of all performances right here.
Getting There
The festival stretches across the Scioto Mile, Genoa Park, and portions of downtown, making it accessible by car, bike, bus, or rideshare.
Cyclists can take advantage of bike parking near the festival grounds, while COTA offers an easy alternative to navigating downtown parking. Visitors driving to the festival will find garages and surface lots throughout downtown, Franklinton, and the Scioto Peninsula within walking distance of the event.
One Of Columbus’ Best Summer Traditions
Part art show, part street festival, and part community gathering, the Columbus Arts Festival remains one of the easiest ways to spend a summer weekend in the city.
The festival runs Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14. Admission is free. For schedules, maps, artist information, and additional details, visit the Columbus Arts Festival website.
