Summer in Columbus is ripe with warm evenings and plenty of activities for the whole family … especially the community-focused “first Friday” events (that don’t just happen on Friday.) It’s a perfect way to get the kids out of the house, explore Columbus and support local businesses!

Here’s our comprehensive list of community events not to miss! Weather and other factors can sometimes result in changes or canceling of these events, so be sure to use the links to check directly before heading out. 

Grandview Hop

One of the most notable community events, the Hop takes place along Grandview Avenue between 1st and 5th Avenues, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. the last Saturday of each month during the summer. Grandview Avenue’s summertime sidewalk market regularly attracts more than 4,000 attendees during each event.

Website: Grandview Hop

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Short North Gallery Hop

Taking place the first Saturday of every month, Gallery Hop runs from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., with restaurants and bars staying open considerably later. With dozens of galleries and non-traditional exhibit spaces, it’s a city favorite, especially to explore with the family.

Website: Short North Gallery Hop  

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Westerville Fourth Friday

Westerville’s event takes place between April – September from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The event has grown so much in the past several years that the city decided to shut down State Street in order to accommodate the thousands of visitors who stop by to enjoy street vendors, food carts, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and extended hours in the Uptown shops.

Every Fourth Friday has a theme in order to attract different audiences, and this year’s themes include nature, safety, and farm in the city.

Website: Westerville Fourth Friday

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Worthington First Wednesdays

Worthington is the latest community to jump on the bandwagon, starting 1st Wednesdays this year from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Alcoholic beverages are available to be purchased in to-go cups at one of the seven establishments in the district so guests can explore the shops and activities.

Each month, visitors and residents alike will not only have an opportunity to explore Old Worthington but also learn and participate in a new community involvement opportunity. Upcoming themes include: celebrate art, patriotic activities, and back to school.

Website: Worthington Wednesdays

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Franklinton Fridays

Franklinton Fridays, which take place the 2nd Friday of each month, are considered a neighborhood-wide celebration of art, science, and community. Showcasing all Franklinton has to offer, there are a variety of art shows and theater, as well as classes and science exhibits.

Website: Franklinton Fridays 

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Gay Street’s Moonlight & Sunlight Markets

Gay Street offers two distinct events April through October: the Moonlight Market which takes place every Second Saturday and the Sunlight Market that takes place monthly from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. With over 100 sidewalk vendors who pop-up to sell a wide variety of artisan products in addition to bars and restaurants offering specials, both events are must-attends for families.

Website: Gay Street Market Sunlight Market and Moonlight Market 

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Delaware First Friday

Taking place from May through October, Deleware’s community event runs from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. with a different theme every month. For parking, there is a free shuttle every 15 minutes between the Hayes Building and downtown Delaware.

Website: Delaware First Friday

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Friday Nights Uptown

This is a community block party in Marysville from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on select Friday nights. The remaining dates for 2019 are: Wine Fest on June 7, Rock the Block on July 12, Big Bicenntenial Bash on August 16 (4:00 – 10 p.m.) and August 17 (noon-10:00 pm), and Rocktoberfest on October 4, 2019. There’s live music, food and family fun!

Website: Friday Nights Uptown

Does your community have a “Friday” event that we missed? Be sure to comment below!