When the summer months arrive in Columbus, it’s time for fun and merriment at the various art festivals that take place in the city each year. As the summer is just around the corner, here is a reminder of three must-visit annual art events in and around Columbus, Ohio. Make plans to enjoy these festivities once the current situation has returned to a state of normalcy!
Columbus Arts Festival
The Columbus Arts Festival is an annual summer event that’s been around for several decades. Though this year’s festival has been canceled, you can plan on enjoying it once again next year! Starting out as the humble Festival of the Arts on the Statehouse lawn way back in 1962, it has evolved over the years to become one of the most highly-respected and popular arts festivals in the country. These days, this massive festival is hosted along the Scotio Mile, which is an urban oasis that stretches along the gorgeous riverfront of the city.
In June of each year, the area transforms into a colorful and bustling outdoor gallery where over 260 of the nation’s top artists gather to display their latest work and meet with art enthusiasts from all over the country. Apart from the sprawling Artist’s Market, the festival offers a whole host of attractions, including dance and theater productions, top-quality restaurants, live music, and virtual reality experiences.
Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival
The Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, which took place for the first time last year from May 17 to May 19 at the MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, was such a huge success that the organizers have decided to make this an annual event – though the 2020 celebration has been canceled. The three-day event featured live performances by the biggest names in rock and metal, including greats like System of a Down, the Foo Fighters, The Cult, The Hives, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Apart from the wonderful music, the festival provides visitors with many other forms of entertainment, including stand-up comedy performances and spoken word acts. In addition, festival-goers are treated to diverse art exhibitions where they can interact with artists and purchase their work.
There’s also no shortage of food and drink options, as various local restaurants have a presence at this festival. As the line-up for the next festival will apparently feature legendary bands like Metallica, Staind, Cypress Hill, Evanescence, and Deftones, fans are eager to hear when the next iteration of this event will take place.
Grove City Wine and Arts Festival
The annual Wine and Arts Festival takes place in June in Grove City, which is about a 16-minute drive out of Columbus. This popular outdoor event is for wine connoisseurs and art lovers alike and draws roughly 30,000 visitors each year. At the festival, patrons don’t only get to sample a large variety of wines from top Ohio wineries, but can also appreciate and buy the work of artists and craftsmen. In addition, the festival offers live music and delicious food options that range from comfort food to oysters on the half shell. The live music has been canceled for the 2020 festival, but plans to return to future gatherings.
Now that the summer months are looming, it is time to prepare for all the exciting annual summer art festivals that are hosted in and around Columbus. Whether you like wine, food, music, or art, these art festivals offer loads of fun for everyone. Be sure to check websites to confirm availability, but you can begin making plans for future summers as well!
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