As the weather warms up, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside and enjoy downtown Columbus. And this summer’s lineup along the Scioto Mile is packed with reasons to do just that.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has announced its 2026 summer festival season, bringing a full calendar of free events to the riverfront, from Memorial Day weekend through early fall.
The season kicks off with FountainFest on Saturday, May 23 from 12–4 p.m. at Bicentennial Park.
The free event celebrates the return of the Scioto Mile Fountain with inflatables, live entertainment, and plenty of interactive fun for kids. Highlights include performances by DJ IQ and Puppy Pals Live, a stunt dog show featuring rescued pups pulling off impressive tricks. Learn more about FountainFest here.
Throughout the summer, the Scioto Mile Concert Series will bring live music to the Bicentennial Park Stage on select evenings.
In partnership with CAPA, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and Columbus Jazz, the lineup includes performances by the Blind Boys of Alabama (June 5), the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (June 28), Ruthie Foster (July 10), Dumpstaphunk (Aug. 14), the Columbus Jazz Orchestra (Sept. 18), and the Dan Tyminski Band (Sept. 25). All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are free to attend. Learn more about the Scioto Mile Concert Series here.
One of the biggest weekends of the summer, Jazz & Rib Fest returns July 24–26 to West Bank Park and Bicentennial Park.
The festival pairs nationally recognized jazz artists with some of the best barbecue around. This year’s lineup features acts like Keiko Matsui, Jonathan Butler, Jeffrey Osborne, PJ Morton, and more, plus a special tribute to Columbus legend Nancy Wilson. New for 2026, a Brass Band Stage will add even more energy to the weekend with New Orleans-style performances. Learn more about Jazz & Rib Fest here.
The season wraps up with CBUS Soul® Fest over Labor Day weekend, September 4–5.
The two-day event celebrates music, culture, and community with performances from artists like Stokley and Lalah Hathaway, along with local DJs and emerging talent. Learn more here.
All events are free and take place along the Scioto Mile, making it easy to drop in, explore, and enjoy everything downtown Columbus has to offer this summer. TO learn more about what Columbus Recreation and Park has on offer this summer, head over to columbusrecparks.com/events.
