Columbus' Family Friendly Festivals

Kelly R:  The highlight of the Columbus Arts Festival is the hundreds of artists who showcase and offer their art at all price points, but there is plenty more for families to enjoy. Live performances on the festival's multiple stages include music, theater, dance, and spoken word. The many food and drink vendors will please everyone, with options ranging from traditional festival food to unique offerings. Kids will love hands-on arts and crafts activities, face painting, a children's art gallery, and much more.

Hannah Scott:  Did someone say tacos? The folks behind the first annual Columbus Taco Fest have rounded up all the best taco food trucks and restaurants in the area for one fantastic fiesta. Live music will be provided by local bands and DJs, and there will even be a dog dress-up contest. Bring a hearty appetite!

Cost: Free admission

Kelly R:  Festival Latino is Ohio's largest Hispanic/Latino event, celebrating Latin American culture through the arts, workshops, and authentic cuisine. The whole family will enjoy live music and dance, and there is a special children's area with activities for the younger set.

Kelly R:  This annual celebration of Jazz and Barbecue takes place along downtown Columbus' beautiful riverfront. Enjoy continuous jazz on three stages by local and international musicians as pit masters serve up delicious barbecue. Sample the efforts of award-winning barbecue teams and vote for your favorite as they compete for the title of "Best Ribs." The festival welcomes families, with a variety of kid friendly areas and offerings.

Kelly R:  Check out the Midwest's largest food truck festival, featuring over 50 food trucks from Ohio and the surrounding areas. There is live music on two stages and activities for the whole family, including a large Kids Zone.

Kelly R:  The annual Greek Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition presented by the parishioners of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The festival features gourmet food, cathedral tours, cultural exhibits, cooking demos, vendors, and a kids center.

Katie G.:  If you like Italian food then you don't want to miss the Columbus Italian Festival. Held Columbus Day weekend, the festival attracts over 35,000 visitors each year. The festival features many local Italian restaurants serving favorites such as pizza, sausages and cannoli. There's a parade, marching band competition, Italian cultural events, bocce ball tournament, kids events and cash raffle.

Kelly R:  At the Ohio State Fair, your family can eat its fill of food-on-a-stick while enjoying live entertainment, carnival rides, and getting up close and personal with livestock.

Katie G.:  For a few days in March, thousands of athletes from all over the world come to Columbus for the Arnold Sports Festival. Founded by the former bodybuilder, Arnold Schwarzenegger, this 4-day festival brings athletes in town to compete in more than 70 sports and events.

The Kids & Teen Expo takes place at the Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building and will include a sports area with more than 20 sports, contests, games, demonstrations, a fun zone, face painting and more. There is plenty to do and see for the whole family.

Katie G.:  Take me out to the ballgame at Ohio Village's Vintage Baseball festival called the Ohio Cup. With more than 30 teams competing from all over the country, guests can experience what baseball was like in the 1860s. There will be historic games and sports for kids to enjoy along with a chance to play with Columbus' own Ohio Village Muffins.

Brigitte Nohra Miller:  Celebrate the diverse cultural community of Columbus and discover international cultures and traditions from around the world. With great shows, tasty food and festival “Passport” and global activities for kids as well as arts and crafts, your family is sure to enjoy this festival. Don't miss the Parade of Nations.

Katie G.:  The Asian Festival will celebrate the cultural heritage of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The festival, which draws up to 100,000 visitors throughout the weekend, will feature cultural demonstrations, hands-on art, interactive dance performances, Asian music, marketplace, martial arts workshops and Asian cuisine. There is a special children's area where kids can participate in crafts, games and activities and even dress up in ethnic costumes.

Kelly R:  Grove City EcoFest takes place in Grove City Town Center, and celebrates the town as a healthy and eco-friendly community. The festival includes live entertainment, food, an interactive KidZone, an educational Sustainability Zone, health and wellness demonstrations, and environmentally friendly vendors.

Hannah Scott:  The Easton Food Fest is a three-day event that's sure to please your taste buds. Food Truck Friday features 20+ food trucks, with live music during lunch and dinner hours. Sippin' Saturday is just for the adults with a Crawl Around the Town Pub Crawl and ride vouchers available. Sweet Sunday gives your family the chance to sample desserts (4 for $1) on the Town Square, with live music again. Prizes and free food are offered with a donation of Youth Socks or T-Shirts for the Directions for Youth & Families organization.

Katie G.:  As one of the premier fine arts and craft shows in the city, the Worthington Arts Festival draws about 25,000 visitors each year. Held on the lawn of the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center, vendors come from all over the country to showcase their sculptures, jewelry, glass, photography, furniture and mixed media art. Food, beverages and entertainment are also featured during the two-day event. Local shops and restaurants are also open for families to enjoy in downtown Worthington.