High Street is about to turn into one big block party.
Hops on High returns to the Short North Arts District on Saturday, May 9, bringing an all-day, pedestrian-only celebration filled with live music, local vendors, art, and hands-on activities.
From 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., High Street will be closed to traffic between West 2nd Avenue and East Russell Street, giving visitors the chance to explore the neighborhood in a whole new way. The event is one of the first open streets experiences of the season, and it’s designed to highlight the creativity and energy that make the Short North such a popular destination.
One of the biggest draws of the day is the massive vendor market, featuring more than 80 makers, artists, and artisans.
Visitors will be able to browse for handmade goods, unique gifts, or something new for the closet. Local businesses will also join in with sidewalk pop-ups and special activations, making it easy to hop from shop to shop.
Music will keep the energy going all day long, with performances happening on the main stage at Warren and High Street, as well as a second stage at Italian Village Park. The lineup includes a mix of local favorites and rising artists, along with pop-up street performances scattered throughout the event.
Beyond shopping and live music, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Guests can take part in hands-on creative experiences like community art projects and interactive installations, or try something new with activities like dance classes, juggling lessons, and even aerial arts demonstrations. There will also be a pickleball pop-up, a hockey shooting zone hosted by the Columbus Blue Jackets, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
If you need a break, Italian Village Park will serve as a gathering space throughout the day, complete with food vendors, a mini stage, and room to relax. Food trucks will also be stationed along the route, offering everything from savory bites to sweet treats while you explore.
For those looking to make the most of the day, the Hops on High Trail adds an extra layer of fun.
By visiting participating stops, you can earn a free sweet treat along the way.
With so much happening across multiple blocks, Hops on High is shaping up to be one of the can’t-miss events of the month. Just be sure to plan ahead, as road closures will be in place throughout the day and into the evening.
To learn more, head over to shortnorth.org/hops-on-high.
