Here are Columbus’ free summer concerts for families to enjoy

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Get ready for food, live music and activities. The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department on Wednesday announced the lineup of concerts for this summer.

“When our community members think of summer in Columbus, they think of the high-quality festivals and concerts such as Jazz & Rib Fest that they’ve come to know and love,” said Bernita Reese, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, in a press release. “Year after year, we continue to enhance these events to improve the experience for residents and visitors, who enjoy these free events at the beautiful parks and locations our city has to offer. We can’t wait to see everyone at our events this summer.”

Here’s what Columbus can look forward to:

Jazz & Rib Fest

The event draws over 200,000 people to downtown Columbus each year. The festival returns July 19-21 along the Scioto Mile downtown riverfront. The festival is free and includes a lineup of more than 40 artists. 

Headliners this year are: 

Along with entertainment, there will be tons of food to enjoy from 17 BBQ vendors and 25 alternatives to BBQ, such as vegan and vegetarian options. There will also be beverage options, such as beer from Jackie O’s, Fling Craft Cocktails, Vinette Wine and Pepsi products.

Cap City Festivals

These festivals have brought entertainment, activities and more to community parts for over a decade. 

There will be festivals going from May to August. For a full list of dates and locations, click here. Guests can enjoy live performances from Sonicc Blush, Whitney Taylor Ray and DrippDaDon & The Vibrationz feat. The Ft. Hayes All Stars. In addition, there will be a zip line, a climbing wall and more activities for people of all ages to enjoy. 

Sundays with the Symphony

Columbus residents can enjoy free concerts by the Columbus Symphony right in their neighborhoods. They are filled with family-friendly music which will be conducted by Luis Biava. 

Johnson’s Real Ice Cream will be available but batches will be limited. For a the full schedule of concerts, click here. 

Bicentennial Park Summer Concerts

There will be free summer concerts at Bicentennial Park on some Fridays throughout the summer, which feature a DJ, live music and food trucks. For all music and food truck line ups, click here.