Short North Arts District
The Short North Arts District is truly home to Columbus’s creative class. Artists, designers, retailers, photographers, and inventors all mix and mingle here, drawing on each other’s creativity to make the neighborhood extraordinary.
For the last 30+ years the culturally rich community has pioneered the urban revitalization of central Ohio. Always welcoming, all are invited to explore this neighborhood known for its eclectic art, dining, nightlife, fashion, home décor, and unique gifts. Living here means you are steps away from galleries with a wide range of art to add to your growing collection, as well as many of the city’s finest restaurants and dozens of one-of-a-kind shops. The neighborhood also boasts an abundance of condos, century-old houses, and new apartments.
The energy is infectious and makes you feel alive, starting with the celebrated Gallery Hop on the first Saturday of each month, drawing hundreds to High Street to walk the neighborhood and enjoy the art life. Held annually in October, HighBall Halloween is the nation’s most elaborate costume party. And if you’re looking to buy, the seasonal Sunday Bazaars in May and August, or a day-long treasure hunt at the Short North Yard Sale (first Saturday in June), will leave you excited to show off your purchases.
The Short North Arts District is where the largest pride event in the Midwest – the Columbus Pride Parade & Festival, steps off to continue throughout Downtown Columbus. Comfest, hosted in Goodale Park, is a three-day festival – held the last weekend every June – bringing together alternative politics, arts & crafts, music and reunions with old friends and introductions to new ones. It draws tens of thousands from near and far.
Every Columbus Day weekend, Columbus celebrates the Columbus Italian Festival, presented by Saint John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, followed by the sights, sounds and flavors of Greece at the annual Greek Festival, held at the ornate Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Labor Day weekend. Take a tour of the cathedral to learn how it was painstakingly decorated by hand.
There is nothing hidden in this fabulous neighborhood, spanning the mile-stretch just north of downtown along the High Street corridor and connecting to the OSU campus. Every step of the way will delight with all the community has to offer.