Get Involved: The 2025 Columbus Arts Festival Is Callin' All Creators (And Just Folks Who Wanna Have Fun)
This Festival Runs on Fuel: A Paid Partnership
COLUMBUS, OH – Forget standin' on the sidelines, Kin. The 2025 Columbus Arts Festival, held June 6-8 on the city's riverfront, is servin' up a full plate of opportunities for you to do more than just look. Presented by the American Electric Power Foundation and produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC), this year's festival is packin' over 230 exhibiting artists, yeah, but the real sauce? It's in the dozens of interactive spots designed for all ages and skill levels to create, learn, and just vibe.
The Kids Hands-On Activities Village: Where the Young G's (And Grown-Ups) Get Busy
Word to Battelle for puttin' this village on. Located on Dorrian Green, right by COSI, this spot is always jumpin'. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, you got volunteers from 25 local organizations holdin' it down.
What kinda action are we talkin'? You can be deckin' out your own magnets, crafting unique artist trading cards, gettin' down with some tap dancing, cookin' up wild, fantastical creatures, buildin' whole theater sets, or just messin' with mad libs. Organizations like BalletMet, Columbus Children’s Theatre, Columbus College of Art & Design, and even folks like the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium and WOSU are there, bringin' somethin' for everybody. The best part? Most of this is free and open to everybody – kids and adults. Don't let nobody tell you ain't got somethin' to do.
Level Up Your Craft: In-Depth Activities (For a Small Fee)
Look, sometimes you gotta invest a little to get a lot, right? This year, the village is also hostin' some deeper dives into the creative process with spots led by folks like Terra Gallery and Creative Studio, Parries Desserts, and Wine & Canvas. These got limited space and materials, so there's a small fee, but you're lookin' at guidin' paint sessions, bubble painting, creating bomb bookmarks, painting your own cookies with edible ink, buildin' fresh flower bouquets (that supports young adults overcoming barriers, salute!), and even gettin' your hands on donut decorating. This ain't just playin', this is buildin' skills, Kin.
Stages Are Live: Performances Keepin' the Energy Up
While you're in the village, keep an ear out. The Columbus Children’s Theatre Stage is gonna be rockin' with highlights from their upcoming season and performances from cats like Artega Wright, Artisan Tap, BalletMet, and the Columbus Cultural Orchestra. Get a taste of the local talent, feel the rhythm.
Future Collectors: Kids' and Teens' Art Galleries
Young Kinfolk, listen up! The Children’s Gallery, hooked up by PNC, lets kids 12 and under play curator. It's a unique, kid-sized spot near the village where donated artwork from exhibiting artists is on sale for $5 and under. Yeah, you heard me, $5! Start your collection early. And this year, they bringin' back a Teens’ Art Gallery for the 13-17 crowd. Both galleries are open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Go ahead, find a piece that speaks to your soul.
Spot the Legend: Arthur S. Hark, A.K.A. Art Shark
Keep your eyes peeled for the festival's official mascot, the Art Shark! This dude is always on the move, swimmin' around both sides of the river. Catch him in the Hands-On Activity Village Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday noon to 2 p.m., or down by the Bicentennial Park fountain Friday 3:45-5 p.m. and Saturday 3-5 p.m. Don't miss the chance for a selfie with the icon!
The Big Local Arts Village: Holdin' Down for the City
Bank of America is behind this crucial spot at the Franklinton entrance (West Rich Street). This is where over 80 artists from right here in central Ohio are showin' and sellin' their work. But it ain't just a marketplace. You got select artists givin' live demonstrations – think wire sculpture, Japanese calligraphy, blacksmithing, stained glass, leather work, ceramics... the whole nine!
Right there, the Big Local Arts Stage is pumpin' with Columbus-based musicians layin' down the soundtrack for the weekend. And if you get thirsty after all that inspiration, the Rhinegeist Beer Garden is right there with brews and games. Fuel up on local art, local music, and local drinks. That's how we do it.
Connect Deeper: WOSU, Arts Organizations, and More
WOSU Public Media is bringin' their booth to Dorrian Green every day with craft make-and-takes tied to your favorite family shows, PBS KIDS characters showin' love, and chances to chop it up with WOSU hosts.
Wanna learn more about the scene? Hit up the Columbus Arts Marketing Association's spot on Washington between the Main and Rich Street bridges. Fifteen different Columbus arts organizations, like BalletMet, CAPA, the Columbus Museum of Art, and Jazz Arts Group, will be there. Play games, grab tickets, or just find out how you can plug in.
Don't forget to grab that classic festival selfie! There's a giant picture frame set up just north of the Rich Street Bridge and Washington Boulevard with the city skyline in the background. Lock in that memory.
And swing by the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s booth at Rich Street and Civic Center Drive for their quiz show. Spin the wheel, answer a question about the arts' impact (the answers are right there, ain't no trick!), and win a prize. Easy money!
Finally, peep the Art Garden by Franklinton Arts District in West Bank Park near the beer garden. Columbus artists will be live painting, and you can check out panels from past mural festivals (with QR codes if you wanna buy!).
So look, Kinfolk, June 6th through 8th, the riverfront is the move. Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (artist booths dip an hour earlier Friday and Saturday, but they might stay out if the energy is right).
This ain't just another event; it's a chance to engage, create, and connect with the pulse of the city's creative scene. Don't just witness the culture, become a part of it. Step out and own that experience!
For all the details, hit up columbusartsfestival.org. And if you feelin' generous with your time and energy, they lookin' for volunteers too at columbusartsfestival.org/engage/volunteer.
Let's Go!
