April 24, 2023

Contact:
Dominique Shank, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 614-512-0049 (cell)

COLUMBUS – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is hosting several new summer events for 2023, introducing Wednesdays on the Green and Dorrian Days, as well as some familiar festival favorites, such as Columbus’ 42^nd annual Jazz & Rib Fest, which draws more than 200,000 people to downtown Columbus.

“Connecting the people of our community is core to our mission, and Columbus Recreation and Parks Department will once again host dozens of free community festivals and neighborhood events this summer for people to get out, connect with each other and have fun,” said Bernita A. Reese, M.S., CPRP, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. “If you are looking for positive ways to celebrate all that makes Columbus great, we have plenty of free programming for you to enjoy with your family and friends. I’m so excited about all we’re bringing to the residents of Columbus this summer!”

The 2023 Columbus Recreation and Parks summer festival lineup includes:

Jazz & Rib Fest: Columbus’ premier festival, Jazz & Rib Fest, will return to downtown Columbus July 21-23! Jazz & Rib Fest offers a diverse line-up of artists for all audiences to enjoy for free. Headlining performances will be held on the West Bank Park Stage, and they include:

• Friday, July 21: Maysa – 6:30-8 p.m. and Chris Botti – 9-10:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 22: The Soul Rebels – 6:30-8 p.m. and Stephanie Mills – 9-10:30 p.m.
• Sunday, July 23: Norman Brown – 4-5:30 p.m. and Arturo Sandoval –  6:30-8 p.m.

Visit HotRibsCoolJazz.org for the complete lineup and more festival information.

Rise Up CBUS!: Columbus Recreation and Parks is partnering with the Columbus Department of Neighborhoods to host Rise Up CBUS! events this summer. These events at locations around the city offer free food and live music, along with lots of community resources for residents to explore. The 12-event series kicks off April 27 at Dodge Community Center and runs through Sept. 28. Rise Up CBUS! supports Opportunity Rising, Mayor Andrew Ginther’s aspirations for every Columbus resident to equitably prosper and grow. Visit Columbus.gov/RiseUpCbus to view the full schedule, and learn more about the events.

Cap City Experiences: Cap City Experiences empower families and reconnect our communities. The festivals aim to strengthen engagement between families and service providers, promote healthy community relationships, and provide a safe and fun environment for residents to relax and enjoy festivities. Events take place within Columbus neighborhoods and feature free food, live music, games and more. The four-part series kicks off May 20 at Far East Community Center. Visit ColumbusRecParks.com/CapCity to see the full schedule, including entertainment.

Wednesdays on the Green: Wednesdays on the Green, a new event presented in partnership with the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC), is a happy hour-style event that is perfect for individuals, families or friends who want to enjoy warm summer nights listening to free live music in downtown Columbus along the Scioto Mile! The six-part series takes place on Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m. at Dorrian Green, located in front of COSI at 50 S. Belle St. The line-up for Wednesdays on the Green is May 31 featuring Mojoflo, June 14 featuring Popgun, June 28 featuring Yumbambe, Aug. 9 featuring Honey and Blue, Aug. 30 featuring The Ark Band and Sept. 6 featuring The Floorwalkers. Don’t miss this fun new event downtown!

Dorrian Days: Presented in partnership with CDDC, Dorrian Days take place on Tuesdays from June 13-Aug. 15 (excluding July 4) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Dorrian Green. This family-friendly event features the fountain at Dorrian Green, inflatables, performances, science experiments and more.

Columbus Symphony Community Concerts: Returning for the third year, this partnership with the Columbus Symphony brings free symphony concerts to the Columbus community! These concerts feature the entire orchestra performing family-friendly music, ranging from symphonic to pop and movie hits everyone will know and love. The one-hour concerts start at 7 p.m. on Aug. 1 at Dodge Community Center; Aug. 2 at Woodward Park Community Center; Aug. 3 at Barack Community Center; Aug. 4 at Westgate Community Center; and Aug. 6 at Driving Park Community Center.

CBUS Soul Fest: Returning to downtown Columbus for the second year, CBUS Soul Fest celebrates Columbus’ vibrant Black culture, music, history and soul. A partnership with Experience Columbus, the event features live music and local food trucks. The event is Saturday, Aug. 19, from 4-11 p.m. at Genoa Park. Watch SciotoMile.com/Cbus-Soul-Fest for more information as event details are finalized.

To learn more about Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, visit ColumbusRecParks.com.