Columbus Indiana - Columbus, Indiana. Unexpected. Unforgettable.
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Festivals & Events

Columbus is a great destination for a weekend getaway. You'll enjoy the collection of work by renowned architects and landscape architects and also have your pick of fun events.

For a printable PDF version of this information, go here.

COLUMBUS FARMER'S MARKET :
Wednesdays and Saturdays, June - September 

  • Saturdays 9:00 am - 12:30 pm, June 1 - Sept 21    
  • Wednesdays 4:00 - 7:00 pm, June 5 - Sept 25
  • Cummins Parking Lot, Lindsey Street, Downtown Columbus
  • You’ll find locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh from the farm at the Columbus Farmer’s Market in Columbus, Indiana. Get fresh flowers for your home, arts and crafts to enjoy, and luscious produce for your kitchen table.
  • Energize your day with fun events. From special guest chefs that demonstrate their cooking tips to the outrageous follicles of the Bad Hair Day, there’s always something for everyone at the Market. The fresh air is filled with the beautiful sounds of live music provided by local and regional musicians to add the perfect tempos and tune to your Saturday in Columbus.
  • See photos of The Columbus Farmer's Market here.
  • Visit the Farmer's Market website.
  • Also visit the Columbus City Farmer's Market, the Edinburgh Farmer's Market, and Natural Choices Farmer's Market. Find more information here.

COLUMBUS CITY FARMER'S MARKET : Saturdays, June - September

  • 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
  • FairOaks Mall - South Parking Lot, Columbus
  • Find fresh, locally grown produce, fruit, meats, eggs, honey, sauces, baked goods, jewelry, local art, herbs, flowers, plants, coffee, tea, and pulled pork sandwiches.
  • Call 812-378-0539 for more information.

GIRLFRIEND RIDE : Saturday, June 15

  • A bicycle ride for the ladies only: a chick trip! The feel-good, action packed, girlfriend-iest bicycle ride of the year, last year had over 4,000 riders!  Bring your best girlfriend and ride for a good cause, the Turning Point Domestic Violence Services in Columbus. You can go 10K, 25K, or 50K, you decide.
  • Begins at The Columbus Learning Center, 4555 Central Avenue. Registration begins at 7:30 am and ride at 9:00 am.
  • Visit the website.

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY 4H FAIR : July 5 - 13

  • Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds - Google map
  • For a fleeting week during the warm days of summer, people from the surrounding area gather for food, fun, family, and friends at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fair.
  • Free Entertainment is offered each day at the David Boll Theater.

BIGGEST BLOCK PARTY EVER : Saturday, July 27

  • 5:30 pm, Downtown Columbus
  • This year’s headliner is The Hunter Smith Band (Super Bowl Champion and former punter for the Indianapolis Colts). There will be twelve bands playing on three stages, special food from downtown restaurants, beer and wine, and a kids' fun zone.
  • Admission is $8, children 12 and under free. All proceeds benefit the Columbus Area Arts Council.
  • For more information, go here.
  • Photo of Block Party by Joe Sanders

ROCK THE PARK : Saturday, August 17

  • 6:30 pm, Mill Race Park, Downtown Columbus
  • Featuring REO Speedwagon
  • Tickets go on sale June 17

COLUMBUS ARTFEST : Saturday, August 24

  • Washington Street, Downtown Columbus
  • Find artwork from local, regional, and national artists with mixed media, ceramics, fiber, leather, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, printmaking, graphics, drawing, sculpture, woodwork.
  • View the event website.
  • View photos from this event.

GLASSBLOWING & IRON POUR : August 23 - 24

  • Roll your own glass and watch your own iron block being poured!
  • More info here and here


 HOSPICE CONCERT : Saturday, Aug. 31

  • Featuring 60s supergroup Tommy James and the Shondells, at Mill Race Park starting at 6:30 pm.
  • Free admission, raffle tickets for $10,000 prize available for $10 each. All proceeds benefit Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
  • Opening act will be Groove Essentials of Indianapolis, the evening will close with a fireworks show.
  • For more information on the concert, go here.

 

SCOTTISH FESTIVAL : September 14 - 15

  • Take in all things Scottish, including highland dancers, clan tents, heavy athletics, sheep dogs, European cars, bagpipers, re-enactors, children's activities, Scottish country dancing, as well as merchandise and food vendors.
  • Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds - Google map
  • For more information, call 812-546-6060 or visit http://www.scottishfestival.org.
  • See photos of this event here and here.
  • View more photos and get information here.

106.1 THE RIVER'S HOT RODS & ROCK 'N ROLL : Saturday, September 21

  • See classic cars, trucks, hot rods, motorcycles, and more! Bring everyone out for this annual family-friendly event on the streets of downtown Columbus! You'll see some of the best hot rods and street rods anywhere in Indiana!
  • For photos of the event, go here.
  • There's no registration fee. No trophies. Just pride, passion, and a good time!
  • For more information, go here.

HOPE RIDE : Saturday, September 21

  • The annual Hope Ride has it all! Great music, wonderful food, exciting scenery, and terrific folks make this ride worth the journey. The Hope Ride provides a festival atmosphere enjoyable for all ages. Enjoy the diverse assortment of musical talents at rest stops along the way and tantalize your ears with everything from Blues to Bluegrass! You’ll find yourself hanging out and tapping your clips.
  • Highlights include Simmons Winery (featuring locally grown grapes and seasonal produce), Anderson Falls Park (a hidden treasure), several truss-style iron bridges, the lazy Flat Rock River, windmills, old barns, Possum Glory, Hope’s Bandstand, the Yellow Trail Museum, Simmons One-Room Schoolhouse, and the Rural Letter Carriers Museum.
  • Proceeds Support the Hope Food Bank.
  • See photos from last year's ride here.
  • Visit the Hope Ride website.

HOPE HERITAGE DAYS : September 27 - 29

  • Hope Town Square
  • This event has everything from concerts, food, crafts and merchandise booths to a parade, exhibitions, and more.
  • See photos of this event here.
  • For more information, go here.
  • For a Google map to Hope, go here.

ETHNIC EXPO : October 11 - 12

  • Travel the world without spending a dime. Admission is free to a lively festival rich with sights, sounds, and smells from all over the world. Enjoy ethnic food from diverse cultures, discover goods from around the world, and view free, live performances on multiple stages both days, featuring Celtic, African, Caribbean, Scottish, Japanese, and other styles of music and dance.
  • 2nd and Washington Streets, Downtown Columbus
  • View photos of Ethnic Expo here.
  • Go here to visit the Ethnic Expo website.

HISTORIC TOUR OF HOMES : October 19 - 20

  • The tour features eight mid-century modern architectural homes filled with “Mad Men” and unique designs.
  • Tours are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday and from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday.
  • Tickets go on sale August 1.

NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JACKS : Saturday, October 26

  • PNC Bank Lot on 4th and Washington Streets, Downtown Columbus
  • As night falls on Columbus, countless glowing faces spring to life. Individuals and organizations from across Columbus carve jack-o’-lanterns and submit them to compete in a contest to determine who are the most creative carvers in town. The shining faces then set the ambiance for an evening festival which includes games, entertainment, the “Monster Mutt Parade” pet costume contest, and more. Admission is free and the fee to enter carving contest is $5. All proceeds benefit Advocates for Children.
  • For more information on this event, go here.

 

DEJA VU ART AND CRAFT SHOW : Saturday, November 16

  • Broken toys, yesterday's newspaper, and china shards may seem like trash to most, but in the hands of professionals, they can be transformed into beautiful art and fine crafts. Nearly 50 artists from Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, several members of Indiana Artisan or Kentucky Crafted, will be in attendance.
  • Art and fine crafts featured include book arts, jewelry, sculpture, weaving, wearable art, woodworking, leatherwork, and mosaics, all created from scrap materials or items that have been repurposed.
  • Learn more on the Facebook page.

 

YES CINEMA FILM FESTIVAL : November (weekend to be determined)

  • Yes Cinema, 328 Jackson Street, Downtown Columbus
  • More details to come.

 

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS : Saturday, December 7

  • This free parade features floats, animal units, and walking groups created by local corporations, businesses, and community groups. The streets of downtown Columbus light up with thousands of twinkling lights. QMIX fireworks follow when Santa passes City Hall.
  • 6:00 pm, Downtown Columbus (123 Washington Street)
  • For more info, call 812-390-6912 or email columbuslights@gmail.com.
  • Visit the Festival of Lights Facebook page.
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