Free events in Columbus

4 listings in Columbus, OH: free concerts, festivals, shows and things to do. Each one checked against its official source, every catch spelled out.

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This weekend 1 listings

EntertainmentFree (worth about $10)

Short North Gallery Hop: free art openings and street performers every first Saturday

First Saturday of each month, 4–8pm

Short North Arts District, High StreetColumbus

Since 1984 the Short North has held Gallery Hop on the first Saturday of every month, 4–8pm along High Street: galleries open new exhibitions, open studios show work in progress, and musicians, dancers and chalk artists turn the sidewalks into stages. It's free; shops and restaurants run specials too. The next one is Saturday, November 7.

Verified Oct 28 · shortnorth.org

No catch

Coming up 3 listings

EntertainmentFree (worth about $10)

WinterFest Columbus: free afternoon of music and food trucks on the Scioto Mile

Sat, Nov 21, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Dorrian Green, Scioto MileColumbus

Columbus Recreation and Parks kicks off winter with WinterFest on Saturday, November 21, 2026, noon–4pm at Dorrian Green on the Scioto Mile: local music, food trucks and seasonal craft beer and cocktails. Admission is free and open to all; food and drinks are for sale.

Verified Oct 28 · columbusrecparks.com

No catch

EntertainmentFree (worth about $10)

Free gallery opening night at the Tyson Cultural Arts Center, with food and drinks

Fri, Dec 4, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts CenterColumbus

The city's Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center opens two new exhibitions on Friday, December 4, 2026, 6–8pm: 'Common Threads' by Char Norman in the Main Gallery and 'Chasing the Light: Artists Speak' in the Loft Gallery. Food and drinks are provided. Both shows run through January 9, 2027.

Verified Oct 28 · columbusrecparks.com

No catch

EntertainmentFree (worth about $20)

Short North Holiday Hop: High Street goes car-free for a day of holiday fun

Sat, Dec 5, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Short North Arts District, High StreetColumbus

On Saturday, December 5, 2026, noon–8pm, High Street in the Short North (W 2nd Ave. to E Russell St.) becomes a pedestrian-only 'Short North Pole' with a market of 150+ artisan vendors, live performances, free photos with Santa, live ice sculpting, a kids' holiday paint party, paper crafts and a community Hanukkah lighting at 6:30pm. Galleries hold their biggest Gallery Hop of the year.

Verified Oct 28 · shortnorth.org

No catch