Special Events in Columbus
March
Arnold Fitness Week
Greater Columbus Convention Center and Veterans Memorial
This may be the largest fitness expo in the world! It routinely draws 10,000 athletes and more than 70,000 spectators. The Arnold Schwarzenegger Fitness Weekend features international fitness and strength competitions, a world-class fitness expo and continuous entertainment. Weekend highlights include men's and women's bodybuilding, women's fitness competition, martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading and dance competition, a 5K pump and run race, World's Strongest Man competition and arm wrestling.
March-November
Blooms & Butterflies
Franklin Park Conservatory 1777 E. Broad St.
Franklin Park Conservatory is a flutter with hundreds of butterflies at this popular annual event. Walk amid hundreds of the flying jewels--all different colors and sizes. You even can watch butterflies hatching from their cocoons.
May
Asian Festival
1777 E. Broad St.
The sights, sounds, and tastes of Asia are captured at this event. Sample Asian cuisine from a gamut of countries, shop the Asian market, keep the kids active with hands-on activities, and be entertained by the stage performances and cultural booths.
June
Columbus Rose Festival
Whetstone Park of Roses
3923 N. High St.
The 2 day festival is held when roses are at their peak. Take in the sights and smells, or attend a floral design workshop by a gardening expert, listen to live entertainment, or buy a few plants.
July
Red, White and Boom
Downtown riverfront, Columbus
The annual Independence Day celebration is full of live music, a parade, and food and is topped off by one of the most extravagant fireworks displays in the Midwest!
August
OHIO STATE FAIR
State Fairgrounds, I-71 at 17th Ave. (Expo Center)
It's not summer until you see the life-size butter cow at one of the largest state fairs in the country. This 17 day fair features everything from star studded performers and heart stopping rides to livestock exhibits and exceptional displays for the whole family to enjoy. Nationally known musical acts, one of the world's longest sky rides and the largest junior fair in the nation are highlights. Agricultural displays, children's contests, tractor pulls, laser light shows, and, of course, the butter cow, are mainstays.
September
Columbus Family Fun Fest
Riverfront Amphitheater, Genoa Park, Washington Boulevard
Celebrate family at Columbus' most family friendly festival. Columbus' downtown riverfront will host extreme sports entertainment, river rides, artistic adventures and an evening fireworks extravaganza, Stars and Stripes, over the Scioto.
October
German Village Oktoberfest
Mohawk Alternative School Athletic Field
The German Village Oktoberfest is a celebration blending a time-honored German festival with the vitality and charm of a thriving urban neighborhood. More than 30 bands performing on three stages, a wide variety of authentic German food, as well as artisans and shops; Oktoberfest continues to brew a whole new tradition of fun.
November
Columbus International Festival
Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad St.
The 49th annual Columbus International festival is an entertaining and educational event sponsored by the Columbus Chapter of the United Nations Association. Numerous countries will be represented through food, exhibits, education, shopping and entertainment.
December
Winterfair
Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave.
Artists from across the nation will showcase their traditional and contemporary crafts including ceramics, wood, glass, painting, metal, jewelry, photography and sculpture. It's the perfect place to pick up holiday gifts.