Your guide to summer fun in Ohio:
Central Ohio Events
Events happening in Columbus and central Ohio
Food Trucks
John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, South High and East Rich streets
Dates: Every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May through October, and every Tuesday morning in June from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Ten of Columbus’ best food trucks will be serving lunch, providing enough variety so there is always something new to try. Plus, head on down Tuesday mornings in June for breakfast treats.
Admission: free
Shadowbox Live Performances
John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, South High and East Rich streets
Dates: May 26 and September 1
Shadowbox Live presents “Leather & Lace: A Musical Tribute to the Women of Rock” on May 26 and “Front Street Funk” on Sept. 1. Bars and food trucks open at 6 p.m. with music beginning at 8 p.m.
Admission: free
Obetz Zucchinifest
Fortress Obetz, 2015 Recreation Trail
Dates: Aug. 30 to Sept. 2
The Zucchinifest is a family-friendly event that has something for everyone, including rides, food, and games. Entertainment includes Warrant (Aug. 30), Scotty McCreery & Special Guest (Aug 31), and Spin Doctors & Smash Mouth (Sep 1).
Admission: free
Braxton Miller’s CHARG1NG Youth Football Camp: Columbus Edition
Fortress Obetz, 2015 Recreation Trail
Former Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller will host the third annual Charg1ng camp. Each participant will receive free gear, lunch and a photo with Miller, who played in the NFL. Special guests include former Ohio State football players and current NFL players.
Admission: $100; ages: 6-13 (youth); 13-17 (high school)
(Disney/Pixar via AP)
Splash ’N’ Cinema
Lancaster Park, 4390 Lancaster Ave.
Dates: June 21, July 19, Aug. 9, with movies beginning at dusk; splash pad hours extended until 9 p.m.
Cool off at the splash pad and watch a family-friendly movie. The lineup begins with “Ralph Breaks the Internet” on June 21, followed by “Incredibles 2” (July 19) and “Mary Poppins Returns” (Aug. 9).
Admission: free
Hooks and Heroes
Dixon Quarry, 4400 Industrial Center Drive
Date: June 15, 8:30 a.m. to noon
Youths ages 3-17 are invited to learn the basics of fishing and connect with local heroes, such as police officers, firefighters, and military personnel.
Admission: free
Contact:kduffy@obetz.oh.us, 614-409-4416 to register
Heroes for Heroes
Heroes for Heroes 5k Obstacle Course & Trail Walk
Civic Park, 6800 Daugherty Dr.
Date: 8:30 a.m. Sept. 8
The sixth annual Heroes for Heroes is a fundraiser the city of Reynoldsburg created to benefit Hope for the Warriors. The 5k obstacle course allows teams or individuals to compete. The course includes walls, tire flips, low crawls, traversing through water and mud pits. Public safety and military personnel, as well as citizens from around Ohio, are invited to compete.
Admission: Individuals, $25 through Aug. 24; $30 through race day; teams of 2 to 4, $50/$60; 5k walk, $20/$25
Fred Squillante | The Columbus Dispatch
Tomato Festival
Huber Park, 1520 Davidson Dr.
Date: 4 to 11 p.m. Aug. 8-9, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 10
The festival ran from 1965 to 2017 before taking last year off. It is back and run by the city rather than a private group. Highlights will include the band Great White on Friday night, a car show and Biggest Tomato Contest.
Admission: free
Eric Albrecht | The Columbus Dispatch
Food Truck Festival
JFK Park, 7232 E. Main St.
Dates: 5 to 8 p.m. June 14 and Sept. 13
This food-lovers’ feast continues its fourth season with some of the best food trucks in central Ohio taking over JFK Park. Come for an evening of great food, live music and activities for the whole family.
Admission: free
Jonathan Quilter | The Columbus Dispatch
Farmers’ Market
Huber Park, 1520 Davidson Dr.
Dates: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, June 6 through Sept. 5
Enjoy fresh produce grown by Ohio farmers and goodies made locally. Join us at the market, which has been going strong for 12 years, for fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, cheese, honey, jams, baked goods and fresh flowers, live music and fun activities. Don’t forget the annual corn roast at the last market, when there’s a free ear of corn for everyone.
Admission: free