This post was updated on April 9, 2019 to include up-to-date information.
When the weather gets warm, Columbus residents know there is no better place to be than outside enjoying the sunshine. While our town is home to a variety of outdoor experiences and patios perfect for soaking up some Vitamin D, we also have a large number of farmers' markets that serve a dual purpose — allowing you to enjoy the day while purchasing locally produced groceries for the week. Sure, supermarkets are fine, but no one can deny that meals just taste better when created with farm-fresh produce and breads you picked out at the market that day. During the summer months, there are a plethora of markets around the city open almost every day of the week (some are even open daily). We've broken them down by day, so pick a time, find the one closest to your neighborhood, and enjoy!
Pearl Market
May 24 through October 11
Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 am-1:30 pm
The opening of Pearl Market is highly anticipated every year, and every year, it manages to live up to the hype. Here you'll find all kinds of loot, from hand-crafted clothing and woodwork to delicious food. It's a great place to spend the morning, grab lunch, or simply swing through for a mood-booster.
The Hilliard Farm Market
May 28 through September 10
Tuesdays 4-7 pm
At the Hilliard Farm Market (as with most markets in the area), all of the items sold are grown or made by the vendor. This guarantees a freshness and a quality that you just don't find at the supermarket, as well as wonderful conversations throughout your shopping experience.


Pearl Market
May 24 through October 11
Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 am-1:30 pm
The opening of Pearl Market is highly anticipated every year, and every year, it manages to live up to the hype. Here you'll find all kinds of loot, from hand-crafted clothing and woodwork to delicious food. It's a great place to spend the morning, grab lunch, or simply swing through for a mood-booster.
The Clintonville Farmers' Market
Beginning on April 27
Saturdays 9 am-noon
Stop by the Clintonville Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings, and start your weekend off right! 2017 marks the market's 15th season, so the vendors are obviously doing something right. If you choose to ride your bike (or bring a stroller), you can park it at the Baer Wheels Bike Corral!
Westgate Farmers' Market
June 1 through October 19
First and third Saturdays, 9 am-1 pm
The Westgate Farmers' Market was created by a group of like-minded local residents with one goal in mind: to make healthy, locally produced foods more accessible to the community. Since the market opened, it has grown each year, drawing Columbus farmers and artisans to show their stuff and build relationships with Westgate community members.
The Canal Winchester Farmers' Market
May 25 through September 28
Saturdays, 9 am-12 pm
Now in its 19th season, the Canal Winchester Farmers' Market continues to grow every year, offering varying supplies of fresh produce, warm baked breads and pastries, flowers and artistic trinkets to its guests — all while maintaining the atmosphere of a friendly, old-fashioned marketplace.
The Worthington Farmers' Market
Year-Round
May through October | Saturdays, 8 am-noon
November through April | Saturdays, 9am-noon
The Worthington Farmers' Market is the largest in the area, boasting more than 70 farmers, artisans, bakers and more from Columbus and the surrounding neighborhoods. The market is open year-round, but moves indoors for the colder winter months. Here you'll find everything you need to make a fantastic wholesome meal, from maple syrup and breads to high quality cuts of meat, dairy, and fresh produce.
Grove City Chamber of Commerce Farmers' Market
May 18 through September 7
Saturdays 8 am-noon
Peach chipotle barbecue sauce, apple jelly, fresh breads, oh my! Find all of this and more at the Grove City Chamber of Commerce Farmers' Market.

Photo courtesy of Nathan Ward via Seventh Son Brewing Company
Tucked into a charming corner of Columbus's Italian Village lies Seventh Son Brewing Company — a collaboration between childhood friends and a stellar spot to enjoy a beer. Stop in for a unique brew in a range of flavors and varieties, and be sure to accompany your choice with a bite from the food truck of the day. Beer to try: The Humulus Nimbus This strong pale ale toes the line between an IPA and a pale, and includes berry-piney hops and light malts. Mmm mm good! ABV: 6%
Photo courtesy of Sideswipe Brewery
This small-operation brewery focuses on quality, not quantity — and that might be why a pint here is so dang delicious. The cozy taproom is located mere steps from downtown Columbus, and offers a no-frills experience with a friendly atmosphere, fun games and great company. Beer to try: The Coop Looter This American-style saison is made with whole white wheat and aromatic Belgian malts, and is packed with effervescent flavors, thanks to the hints of grapefruit and cracked pepper. ABV: 6%
Photo courtesy of Pigskin Brewery
This friendly brewery in Gahanna offers excellent brews created and served with love — and excellent food to boot! Stop in for Won off Wednesdays, during which the company will share a unique weekly small batch brew for one time only. Once it's gone, it's gone for good! Proof that the best things in life are fleeting. Beer to try: Autumn Wind Russian Imperial Stout An intensely roasty, dark brew with complex malts and hops. Look for notes of chocolate and coffee. ABV: 10.5%
Photo courtesy of Wolf's Ridge Brewing
Wolf's Ridge Brewing is where elegance meets adventure. Stop in at either the tap room or the more formal dining room to get a taste of incredible beer and delectable bites. In the tap room, you'll find bar snacks, shareables and sandwiches, and in the dining room you'll find more upscale fare. Look out for the Hudson Valley foie gras, the shrimp and grits, the scallops, and the New Zealand lamb rack — and make sure to chase down your choice with a house-made beer. Beer to try: Clear Sky Cream Ale This easy-drinking, crisp ale took home first place in the 2017 Beer Army Beer Wars. Pick up a bottle or a pint on draft, and we're sure you'll taste the winning quality. ABV: 5%
Photo courtesy of North High Brewing
North High Brewing, located on (surprise!) North High Street, offers a new kind of experience — one that focuses on the actual brewing of the beer! While you can stop in anytime to enjoy a signature brew on draft (and we highly recommend that you do), you can also "Schedule a Kettle" and brew your own beer with the help of the owners using a North High recipe. Beer to try: The North High Pale Ale The North High Pale Ale is an easy-drinking brew with plenty of hops and caramel malt to balance the flavor. You might feel like a champ for drinking it, as this winning beer has secured a gold medal at Beer Wars, a silver at the 2016 World Beer Cup, and a bronze at the Best of Craft Beer Awards in Bend, Oregon. Look out for notes of tropical fruit, citrus and herbs. ABV: 5.5%
Photo courtesy of Chris Heidel via Zauber
This brewery offers traditional German and Belgian beers served in a quirky, low-key environment that is 100% American. Zauber initially opened as a small alley-side growler fill station in 2012, but is now a lively, full-service bar and taproom nestled on 5th avenue. Stop in on Wednesday for board game night, or on weekend morning to catch the EPL soccer games. Beer to try: Wunderland A Belgian strong dark ale brewed in the traditional way, with only yeast, malt and hops. Still, the flavor is rich, complex and strong. ABV: 8.7%
Photo courtesy of Matthew Carbone via Land Grant Brewing Company
Born from a passion for great beer, intriguing design and midwestern sports, Land Grant Brewing Company has certainly become a Columbus staple since it opened in 2014. The founders all come from different backgrounds, which means each offers an interesting perspective on the style of the taproom and of the beers themselves. Everything about Land Grant is a collision of flavor and culture! Stop in seven days a week to try the beer and sample from an impressive lineup of food trucks. Beer to try: Son of a Mudder A brown ale that is truer than true. Brewed with toasty hops and balanced with seven different malt varieties, you'll find flavors of toffee, caramel and coffee. This beer is sure to warm you to the core! ABV: 6.1%
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Harrison via Smokehouse Brewing
Smokehouse Brewing is the spot to settle if you're looking for a bit of barbecue with your beer. While the juicy wings, sauerkraut balls and messy ribs are certainly delightful, the refreshing beers are certainly the main event. The tart IPAs and bold stouts pair well with the sauces, and always leave you wanting another. Beer to try: The Woody Haze Barrel Aged Scotch Ale Brewed every Valentine's Day, this dark, amber ale is a celebrated staple of Smokehouse Brewing. The bourbon barrel-aging process gives the brew a rich flavor that pairs well with gamey meats.
Pack your picnic basket with the essentials (wine and cheese, of course), and head out to Schiller Park to catch sunset. There's nothing quite as romantic as sharing a picnic on a blanket in a beautiful park. Schiller, nestled in the famed German Village, is certainly one of the prettiest around, but also has an interesting history. The 23.5-acre park was established in 1857, originally dubbed Stewart's Grove. In 1891 however, the park was renamed for the famous German poet, Friedrich Von Schiller, who is forever commemorated by his statue in the center of the park. In World War I, when American sentiment was anti-German, the park was named after Washington (along with several nearby streets), but luckily the change didn't last long. Due to the poetic nature of this Columbus gem, it is only fitting it is named after an artist! Enjoy your packed meal here among the trees and beautiful scenery, and hit a nearby pub for cocktails in the German Village afterward.
Photo courtesy of Joe Santry via the Columbus Clippers
When the weather gets warmer, buy yourself some peanuts and cracker jacks and take yourself out to the ballgame! The Columbus Clippers play on summer evenings at Huntington Park, which has been named the best ballpark in the nation. Root, root, root for the home team alongside your sweetheart. This is a great opportunity to see where his or her loyalties truly lie. Go Clippers!
Photo courtesy of Cooper Fenske Photography via Vertical Adventures
Rock climbing is a fun and challenging way to work your mind and your body at the same time, and it's even more fun when you take your honey along with you! Whether you're belaying or bouldering (no ropes), you will work together to help each other complete problems and reach the top. And bringing a plus one means you'll always have a partner to hold the ropes. Just don't tick them off while you're on the wall — your life is in their hands. On your first visit to Vertical Adventures, you have the option to start bouldering right away, or take Rope 101: Intro to Climbing. This class is $39 a person, but includes your lesson, equipment, and a two week trial at the gym.
Photo courtesy of Star Lanes Polaris
We see you rolling your eyes — bowling is nothing new. But when you reserve a lane at Star Lanes Polaris, you can count on a party. It's bowling like you've never seen it before. Grab a bite and cocktails at the Point Bar & Grill before hitting the pins. Far from typical bowling food, the cuisine here is contemporary, made fresh to order, and delicious as heck. Then grab your shoes, pick out a ball, and aim for the pins in a black-lit setting with private suites and quirky decor.
Photo courtesy of Wine on High
Ready to wind down with a glass or two of your favorite label? Or looking to try something new? This locally-owned shop is home to more than 300 varieties of wine, all of which are available to enjoy by the glass, in a tasting, or in a bottle that you can take home with you. Kick back with your sweetheart and take in the upscale atmosphere while you sip and savor to your heart's content. We recommend pairing your choice with a charcuterie board, filled with artisan cheeses and meats.
Photo courtesy of Tommy Fiesel Shadowbox Live
The Shadowbox Live troupe produces a wide variety of theatrical shows each year, ranging from rock operas and traditional musicals to contemporary dances and comedy shows. Currently Columbus residents can catch the popular sketch comedy, the Lunchbox on select Fridays, Evolutionaries (the stories of Prince and Bowie) through June 22, and so much more.
Worry not — while there are plenty of opportunities to spend money in Columbus, there are also a number of activities that are just as fun and completely free! So if the budget is looking a little tight this week or you're just looking for a new adventure, check out this list.

Photo courtesy of George C. Anderson via the Columbus Park of Roses
Ahh, breathe it in. This public garden in the heart of Columbus has grown over the years to include over 12,000 roses or more than 400 varieties. We didn't even know that many rose varieties existed! While late May through mid-June is the best time to visit to find peak bloom, each season offers a unique and beautiful perspective. The park is free year-round and open to visitors dawn to dusk. Also note that a new entrance is in the works and should be open this spring, and if you're looking to be more involved, the park is always looking for volunteers!
Established in 1987, the Worthington Farmers' Market is an experience unlike any other. Even if you're not up to purchasing anything, meeting local artisans and farmers and soaking in the culture of our beloved city can be an easy breezy way to spend a Saturday.
The Columbus Museum of Art has something for people of any age. Enjoy art and exhibitions from world-renowned artists and bring your kids to engage in hands-on educational activities. The museum offers free admission every Sunday from 10 am–5 pm, so take advantage!
If it's a gorgeous day outside, you might consider visiting one of Columbus's 19 metro parks and hitting the trails. If you're a real go-getter, make it a life goal to hike all of the trails in the area with the 52 hike challenge!
Nestled in the German Village, one of Columbus's most popular neighborhoods, the Book Loft offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is one of the nation's largest independent bookstores, and is made up of a grouping of pre-Civil War era buildings that were once general stores, a saloon and a nickelodeon cinema. The 32 rooms of bargain-priced books are bound to make you forget about the outside world for just a bit.
On the first Saturday of each month, galleries, restaurants, boutiques and salons come together to showcase Ohio-based artists while singers, saxophonists, improv dance troupes and other entertainers perform in the streets. The event has been a town favorite for over 30 years, and it's not tough to see why.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Recreation and Parks
Rhythm on the River takes place on select Fridays June through September, and features free performances from local arts organizations and national treasures alike. Bring some snacks and a blanket to enjoy a romantic picnic under the stars during the show.
Waterfalls, prehistoric caves and spectacular cliff-top vistas await you at Hocking Hills. Head out for an afternoon or weekend trip to experience one of Ohio's most beautiful nature preserves, and hit some of the nearby art galleries while you're at it.
Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card! In this free summer film series, the Gateway Film Center will show movies that have been adapted from books. All you need to do to get free entry is present your library card.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Recreation and Parks
We have no shortage of excuses to celebrate in our city, and we make sure to throw festivals throughout the year to prove it. Want even more reason to celebrate? Some of these festivals, including biggies like ComFest, Jazz & Rib Fest, Doo Dah Parade and the Columbus Arts Festival, are completely free.
The historical covered bridges in Union County were designed and built by Reuben L. Partridge in the late 1860s and 1870s. The five still standing are gorgeous, and offer a window into what once was. Spend a day giving yourself a self-guided driving tour of the bridges, reading up on each one as you encounter it.
Take a walking tour of the idyllic Chadwick Arboretum using the free walking tour app, and experience more than 60 acres of flora and trees. It's a good way to experience a slice of nature if you're near The Ohio State University's main campus.

Photo courtesy of the Topiary Park
Inspired by Georges Seurat's famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte, this park is truly a local gem. Stroll through the garden and admire the artistry of the sculptures, each of which has a personality of its own.
Engaging in a volunteer event gives you a chance to experience Columbus in a new way while giving back to the community you love. Columbus Gives Back offers a range of volunteer activities, from cookie baking at the Ronald McDonald House to leading a dance for individuals with disabilities. The events are fun, interesting and completely free to participate in!
The Riffe Gallery showcases the work of talented Ohio artists as well as collections from the state's museums and galleries. Admission is free, so stop by at your leisure to see the latest exhibition.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Recreation and Parks
The Scioto Mile, which stretches along the river from the Arena District to the Whittier Peninsula, is a lush, urban oasis home to parks, bikeways and pedestrian paths. Bring your bike, walking shoes, or a picnic and blanket to simply stretch out and enjoy a beautiful day.
While you're on the Scioto Mile, stop by the climbing wall. Standing 35 feet tall and covering 6,100 square feet, it's the largest free outdoor climbing wall in the country. Climbers serious about ascending more than a few feet need to bring their own shoes and rope. Not interested in actually climbing? Sitting back and watching the athletes is an activity in itself.
The Thurber House, once home of humorist, author and New Yorker cartoonist James Thurber, is now a non-profit literary center and museum. Thurber called the Victorian-style building home while attending THE Ohio State University, but the house now welcomes readers, writers and all interested in learning. You can give yourself a tour free of charge.