Unofficial kick-off to summer stuff: The list
By: Jen Bryant
Memorial Day weekend– the unofficial start to the summer– is just around the corner. The long weekend is the perfect excuse for a road trip, but if you decide to stay closer to home, there’s plenty to do right here in Columbus. Below is your guide to the best food, booze, and entertainment happening in the 614 this Friday-Monday.
*Note: Some activities may be weather-dependent, so check for updates before you go.
Friday, 5/26
The Melanincholy Festival is an all-ages fest held twice a year in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood. The festival’s purpose is to showcase and support artists and musicians of color in our community. The Melanincholy Festival, which features music, film, poetry, fine arts, workshops, and family centered activities, starts 5/26 and runs through 5/28.
Nothing says summer like baseball! The Columbus Clippers will play at Huntington Park every day from 5/26-5/29. There will be fireworks after Saturday’s game. Monday is Dime-a-Dog Night, so you can stuff your face on the cheap while supporting your local team.
The Convention Center is hosting the North American Gay Volleyball Association Championships from 5/26-5/28. The schedule is as follows: 5/26 – Pool Play; 5/27 – Pool Play & Bracket Play; 5/28 – Bracket Play. After the tournament, head to AXIS for nightly after-parties.
Saturday, 5/27
Columbus’ annual Asian Festival will take place at Franklin Park on 5/27 and 5/28. The festival features food, music, dance, martial arts, and more, showcasing the unique cultural heritage of many different countries.
Looking to burn some calories while helping a good cause? The PetPromise 5K Walk/Run is held each year on Memorial Day weekend. The run is intended to “promote awareness of the pet overpopulation problem and support efforts to change the future for all homeless pets through education, rescue, sterilization, and adoption.” Pups welcome!
If you want to cool off, Grandview’s new pool opens for swimming on 5/27. From the site: “We’d like to dedicate the pool with an initial “Big Splash” event where everyone enters the pool at once, to be captured by an aerial camera for posterity. Please join us and become a part of the city’s history!”
MGMT presents The 614×513 Showcase, a night dedicated to connecting the underground hip-hop scenes from Columbus and Cincinnati. Multiple hip-hop artists from the 614 and 513 will be at Rehab Tavern to showcase the best that both cities have to offer.
Sunday, 5/28
Dust off your hottest white outfit and head to AXIS for the 16th Annual White Party, hosted by local drag legends Nina and Virginia West. The party features Alaska, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. DJ Alan will be spinning until 4 AM.
Callahan’s is hosting a Summer Break Rooftop Party from 5-9. At 10, the 2000s Summertime Kickoff Block Party starts at Park Street Patio, featuring music from the 90s, 2000s, and today.
CD102.5 has a reputation for bringing quality acts to Cbus. Next up: Franz Ferdinand is playing at the Newport on 5/28.
Shadowbox Live will perform a free show at the Columbus Commons to “pay tribute to two changelings who revolutionized music, fashion, and pop culture.” Bring your lawn chair or blanket and check it out. There will be a bar and food trucks at the event.
Monday, 5/29
Nursing a killer hangover after all the fun over the weekend? No worries, Oddfellows has you covered! They’re planning an all-you-can-eat BBQ-themed brunch on 5/29. The event will feature a special cookout-themed vegan menu presented by Woodhouse Vegan Pop-Up. Grab some munchies and a Bloody Mary and people-watch from the patio.
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