Columbus Festivals — Music, Food & Entertainment Events Guide

Columbus, Ohio is a vibrant entertainment destination that comes alive during festival season, offering a wide variety of music, food, and cultural events throughout the year. The city hosts major country music festivals, multi-genre live music events, food festivals, and community celebrations at popular venues such as live performance halls and outdoor festival spaces.

From large-scale music gatherings to local cultural celebrations, Columbus, OH provides entertainment options for both residents and visitors. This guide helps you explore top festivals, discover event venues, learn helpful attendance tips, and find reliable ticket purchasing options for year-round events in Columbus, Ohio.

Sonic Temple Festival 2026 – 4 Day Pass

Dates: May 14–17, 2026
Time: TBA
Location: Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Headliners: My Chemical Romance, Shinedown, Bring Me The Horizon, Tool, and many more
Availability: Only 2% of tickets left – secure yours now!

Buckeye Country Superfest 2026

Date: June 13, 2026 • Saturday
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Headliners: Tyler Childers, The Red Clay Strays, and many more
Availability: Selling fast – don’t miss out!

Columbus hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the most notable:

1. LC Pavilion (formerly Lifestyle Communities Pavilion)

Location: 7201 Pavilion Blvd, Columbus, OH
Capacity: 20,000
About: LC Pavilion is one of Columbus’s largest outdoor venues and a premier location for major music festivals, particularly country, rock, and pop events. Its open-air layout makes it perfect for summer concerts and large-scale festival experiences.

2. Columbus Arts Festival

Location: Downtown Columbus
About: Celebrating local artists, crafts, and performances, the Columbus Arts Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year. Live music stages often feature a variety of genres, including jazz, blues, and indie.

3. Columbus International Festival

Location: Battelle Riverfront Park
About: A cultural celebration featuring music, dance, and food from around the world. While not exclusively a music festival, live performances are a major highlight.

4. Rock on the Range / Americana Festivals

Location: Mapfre Stadium & LC Pavilion (past events)
About: Large-scale music festivals featuring national acts across rock, country, and indie genres. These festivals draw fans from across Ohio and neighboring states.

5. Ohio State Fair Music Stage

Location: Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds
About: Features a mix of country, pop, and classic rock performances alongside fair attractions and food vendors.

Columbus is home to festivals that appeal to all music tastes:

• Country Music Festivals: LC Pavilion is the hub for summer country festivals featuring artists like Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, and Morgan Wallen.
• Rock & Indie Festivals: Outdoor venues like Express Live! and LC Pavilion host multi-day events for fans of rock, alternative, and indie music.
• Jazz & Blues Festivals: Smaller downtown venues host jazz and blues weekends, often free to the public.
• Electronic / EDM Festivals: Seasonal electronic music festivals often take over outdoor stages at LC Pavilion and surrounding parks.

Columbus offers many family-friendly events:

• Interactive music zones for children
• Food vendors with kid-friendly menus
• Art and craft activities
• Safety zones and first aid stations

Q: What are the best festival venues in Columbus?
A: LC Pavilion, Express Live!, and Ohio State Fairgrounds host the largest and most popular festivals.

Q: When is the festival season in Columbus?
A: Most major festivals occur from spring through summer (March–August), but indoor events continue year-round.

Q: Can I attend festivals with children?
A: Yes, many festivals offer family-friendly zones, activities, and amenities.

Q: Where can I buy tickets for Columbus festivals?
A: Tickets are available through official festival websites, authorized ticket sellers, and venue box offices.

Q: Are festivals in Columbus outdoor or indoor?
A: Both! LC Pavilion and Express Live! are outdoor venues, while some cultural and winter festivals are held indoors.

Q: How do I get to LC Pavilion for festivals?
A: LC Pavilion is accessible by car, with parking lots nearby, and rideshare services are recommended during major events.

Looking for more live music and entertainment in Columbus, Ohio? Check out these popular links for upcoming concerts, top venues, and additional shows happening this summer:

• Discover all August 2026 events in Columbus – stay updated on all the hottest concerts, comedy shows, and live performances this August.
• Browse Columbus concert venues – find detailed information on the city’s top locations for live music, theater, and entertainment.
• Check out Nationwide Arena events in Columbus – upcoming concerts, seating info, and ticket options at one of Columbus’ premier arenas.

Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, a date, or a full weekend of entertainment, these resources help you find the best live experiences Columbus has to offer.