15 Things to Do in Columbus This Week · July 2–5, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Red White and Boom!

Columbus's iconic annual Fourth of July fireworks and celebration event returns for another massive Independence Day weekend spectacle.

Friday, July 3, 2026 · Columbus

America 250-Ohio Fourth of July Celebration

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with music, food, games, movies, and patriotic moments beginning at the Ohio Statehouse.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 · Ohio Statehouse, Columbus

DooDah Parade at Goodale Park

The beloved satirical parade has been poking fun at the world from the Short North Arts District since 1984 — a Columbus Fourth of July tradition.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 · Goodale Park, Short North Arts District

Sports

Hilltop U.S.A. 5K

A USATF-certified, chip-timed 5K honoring veterans on the Hilltop with a special pre-race flag raising ceremony, commemorative America 250th birthday medal, and free ice cream at the finish.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 · Glenwood United Methodist Church, Columbus

Food & Drink

July Sommerfest: Red, White and Brats

Germania Columbus celebrates Independence Day weekend with a German-American Sommerfest featuring brats and festive fare.

Friday, July 3, 2026 · Columbus

Morning by Rooh Pop-Up Cafe

Progressive Indian restaurant Rooh Columbus launches a weekend pop-up cafe every Friday–Sunday from 8–2 PM offering a modern take on Indian morning flavors.

Friday, July 3, 2026 8:00 AM · Rooh Columbus, Columbus

Red, White and BBQ

A Fourth of July BBQ social gathering hosted by Columbus Super Friends Meetup for a fun holiday cookout experience.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 4:00 PM · Columbus

Music & Nightlife

Redferrin at The Bluestone

Live music night at downtown Columbus's storied converted-church venue The Bluestone.

Friday, July 10, 2026 7:00 pm · The Bluestone, 583 E Broad St, Columbus

Outside: A Touch of Red at The Bluestone

First Fridays Columbus returns to The Bluestone with multiple DJs, dance floors, patio energy, fashion, and a full night of music and culture.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 · The Bluestone, Columbus

TRASHDOM | A Donut Sundae Comedy Show

Break out your jorts — Donut Sundae's improv comedy crew returns for a red, white, and stupid night of laughs at Hashtag Comedy Club.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 9:00 PM · The Hashtag Comedy Co., Columbus

Paisley James Fields at The Rambling House

A full night of queers and country music at The Rambling House, with Fanservice opening for Paisley James Fields.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 · The Rambling House, Columbus

Date Night

BAM Thursday at the Columbus Museum of Art

Bar, Art, and Music evening at the Columbus Museum of Art — a social night combining cocktails, gallery access, and live music for adults 40s–60s.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 5:30 PM · Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus

Wine Down Wednesdays: The Lincoln Patio Jazz Series – Sean Carney

Sultry summer evening on the Lincoln Theatre's rooftop patio featuring live jazz from Sean Carney, hors d'oeuvres, and curated wines or specialty cocktails.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · Lincoln Theatre, Columbus

Free Events

Coffee with a Cause: Affordable Housing & Stability

CYP Club coffee and conversation event connecting young professionals with community leaders and nonprofits working on affordable housing in Columbus.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 7:30 AM · COhatch Upper Arlington, 1733 West Lane Avenue, Columbus

Arts & Culture

Olde Towne East Summer Tour of Homes

A self-guided summer tour through the historic Olde Towne East neighborhood showcasing the area's stunning residential architecture.

Sunday, July 12, 2026 12:00 PM · Fran Ryan Center, Columbus