Charitable Events & Festivals in Columbus, May-October 2023

There are thousands of nonprofits hosting hundreds of fundraisers and community festivals around Columbus all year long. Looking to get involved, give back, or get out and about in the city? Mark your calendar for our roundup of charitable events & festivals across central Ohio over the next six months (May-October 2023).

Asian Festival photo courtesy of Experience Columbus

May 2023

COSI SCIENCE FESTIVAL • May 3-6
From tours to trivia, educational talks, nature walks, and more, discover an array of exciting events for all ages.

PAINT YOUR PET FUNDRAISER • May 5
Enjoy Cinco de Mayo with tacos, beers and painting your favorite pet with Project Good Paint at Charity Newsies.

CENTRAL OHIO WISH GALA • May 13
Help make life-changing wishes come true for local children with critical illnesses at the Mercedes-Benz of Easton Central Ohio Wish Gala.

CONCERT FOR COMMUNITY • May 18
From an initial chorus of 100 who agreed to sing and serve in their community, The Harmony Project has now grown to over 1,000 people who sing with high energy for local, regional, and national audiences.

NORTH MARKET APRON GALA • May 19
The North Market Apron Gala features music, drinks and a fun dining experience while strolling through the city’s historic market.

KING ARTS COMPLEX 36TH ANNIVERSARY GALA • May 19
The King Arts Complex celebrates 36 years with a fundraiser and party with a purpose to support youth programs & performances.

WONDERBALL • May 19
Fashionable evening of local food, music, performances, and interactive, unexpected experiences at Columbus Museum of Art.

COLUMBUS RACE FOR THE CURE • May 20
Support Komen’s mission to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in local communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.

ASIAN FESTIVAL • May 27-28
Free public cultural event featuring live performances, art exhibitions, entertainment, Asian food court, market place, children’s arts and crafts, and more.

 

Photo by Joe Maiorana, courtesy of Columbus Arts Festival

June 2023

BEXLEY HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR • June 4
Not just a showcase of some of the amazing history and homes in Bexley, but a major fundraiser for the Bexley Women’s Club, which has awarded 925 scholarships totaling over $585,000 to students in the Bexley area.

COLUMBUS ARTS FESTIVAL • June 9-11
Celebrate the start of summer with exceptional visual art, music, dance, theater, food, film, family activities and a whole lot more at the Columbus Arts Festival, produced by GCAC, at the downtown riverfront.

SUMMER WINE FESTIVAL • June 10
Popular event that showcases a variety of established and up-and-coming wine brands, with a portion of proceeds benefiting CD102.5 for the Kids.

COLUMBUS PRIDE • June 16-17
Summertime celebration of LGBTQIA+ rights, culture, and progress.

CREEKSIDE BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL • June 16–18
Now in its 24th year, the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival gathers world famous groups and performers at the Creekside District in Gahanna for attendees to enjoy the best blues and jazz in Ohio.

JUNETEENTH OHIO CELEBRATION • June 17–18
Throughout 25 years of celebration, Juneteenth Ohio has emerged as the enjoyable family weekend of cultural discovery, filled with a variety of events promoting cultural unity, enrichment, and ethnic diversity.

NEXT UP COLUMBUS AWARDS • June 22
Networking event and awards reception spotlighting 23 young professionals to know in 2023.

SPECIAL OLYMPIC GAMES • June 23
Support the Ohio Special Olympics by volunteering to help pack lunches and organize food for the games the following day.

THE GRANDVIEW HOP • June 24
Summertime night market and community stroll along Grandview Avenue with beer sales benefiting Private School Pups.

 

Zoom Duck Derby to benefit The Alpha Group of Delaware

July 2023

RED, WHITE & BOOM! • July 3
An experience and a tradition for over 400,000 visitors who come together to celebrate the country and to honor our military and veterans.

ZOOM DUCK DERBY • July 9
Seventh annual event where 5,000 rubber ducks will be dropped and race along the lazy river at Zoombezi Bay to raise money for people with developmental disabilities in central Ohio.

JOE MORTELLARO GOLF CLASSIC • July 10
One of the longest running fundraisers for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio (and the largest charity golf outing in central Ohio)!

CHICA SPORTS & FITNESS CAMP • July 11-14
Overnight camp that offers unique activities led by experienced program leaders that are centered around life lessons, exploration, nature, and summer fun.

JAZZ & RIB FEST • July 21-23
Highly anticipated summertime tradition offering both jazz and rib connoisseurs the finest in music and barbecue.

OHIO STATE FAIR • July 26 – August 6
A favorite family tradition since 1850, with tons of exciting attractions, food, and entertainment, this multi-day fair at the Ohio State Fairgrounds brings in upwards of 800,000 visitors.

THE GRANDVIEW HOP • July 29
Summertime night market and community stroll along Grandview Avenue with beer sales benefiting TriVillage Mentor League.

THE OHIO EGGFEST • July 29
A grilling, smoking, barbecue and cooking competition to raise funds for The Buckeye Cruise and The James Cancer Research Hospital.

 

Pelotonia is a community that is determined to see an end to cancer

August 2023

DUBLIN IRISH FESTIVAL • August 4-6
The world’s largest three-day Irish festival is held in Dublin, OH, where Irish and the Irish-at-heart are invited to share and celebrate the best in Irish dance, music, art and culture.

PELOTONIA • August 4-6
Three-day experience that includes a weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism with 100 percent of every dollar raised going to cancer research.

FESTIVAL LATINO • August 12–13
Free, family-focused event featuring national and international music acts, Ohio-based Latino dance and music, children’s activities, and more.

COLUMBUS FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL • August 19–20
Enjoy two days of food, music and fun, with a portion of proceeds supporting Ronald McDonald House and Music Loves Ohio.

THE GRANDVIEW HOP • August 26
Summertime night market and community stroll along Grandview Avenue with beer sales benefiting Private School Pups.

EAT UP COLUMBUS • August 26
City soirée celebrating changemakers in Columbus, while raising essential funds to support Freedom a la Cart’s work to empower survivors of human trafficking.

CBUS SOUL FEST • August TBA
Come out to experience Columbus’ vibrant Black culture, music, history, and soul!

 

The Grandview Hop welcomes thousands of attendees to an open-air night market/street festival on the last Saturday of each month from June-September

September 2023

COLUMBUS GREEK FESTIVAL • September 2-4
Annual celebration of Greek culture and heritage, live performances, tours, authentic food, and more.

BIKE THE CBUS • September 3
Columbus’ original city-wide ride since 2008, Bike the Cbus is a bicycle tour for all ages and abilities. The 30-mile route will highlight Columbus landmarks over a combination of trails and road riding.

COLUMBUS OKTOBERFEST • September 8-10
Put on your dirndls and lederhosen, pump up the polka and raise your beer stein. Columbus’ German heritage is on display at this fun annual celebration.

CAPES AND CROWNS ADVENTURE • September 17
Join A Kid Again for a charity walk and family fun fest at Huntington Park.

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S • September 24
Join the 1.5 mile charity walk at Columbus Commons in support of the Alzheimer’s Association.

FASHION WEEK COLUMBUS • September 24-30
See runway couture from the city’s best local designers and shop for your next look to make heads turn at a full week of events and shows.

THE GRANDVIEW HOP • September 30
Summertime night market and community stroll along Grandview Avenue with beer sales benefiting charity.

THE FESTIVAL FOR GOOD • September 30
Festival for Good features businesses that were founded with one purpose—to create true social impact in their communities. This year, FFG will be an exciting added feature at The Grandview Hop!

 

Campfire to benefit The Flying Horse Farms

October 2023

CAMPFIRE • October 6
Be immersed in the stories and community that allows children with serious illnesses to live without limits at Flying Horse Farms’ biggest event of the year, featuring live music, camp bites & sips, and an inspirational program.

COLUMBUS ITALIAN FESTIVAL • October 6-8
Experience the roots of Columbus’ Italian Village neighborhood and join in the music, food & parades.

BOO AT THE ZOO • October 7-30 (Weekends)
Get ready for lighthearted Halloween fun without the fright during Boo at the Zoo weekends.

FURNITURE BANK BED RACE • October 14
Compete with a team and have fun racing beds to help support the restoration of homes for local families and children in need.

AFTERNOON TEA FUNDRAISER • October 15
Join Celebrating One at Mozart’s Cafe for an anniversary party, recognizing 7 years of making a difference, helping people to keep moving forward, and honoring special milestones!

MAKING STRIDES OF COLUMBUS • October 29
Help make a difference in the lives of those suffering from breast cancer by participating in a walk at Genoa Park.

HIGHBALL HALLOWEEN • October TBA
A costume couture party that inspires outfits that are elaborate, wacky, and incredible.

Did we miss your favorite charitable event or festival? Contact us to let us know!