Festivus at 400 Square is an online-outdoor combo event for 2020

Columbus, you get to choose your own adventure at this year’s Festivus at 400 Square, which begins Dec. 11. Will you shop outside? Online? Both?  

Stephanie McGlone, community director for 400 West Rich, said continuing their event in any capacity was important. 

“This year has impacted our internal community in such significant ways; our artists were often forced to make hard decisions financially, which forced us to be creative in ways we couldn’t imagine,” she said. “So obviously we want to find a way to continue supporting the artists and promoting local/small-businesses, while also celebrating the creative accomplishments we’ve overcome in these difficult past few months.”

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

A total of 21 vendors will be outside, and the 400 West Rich building will be closed to the public during the event. 

“We’re in a unique position in that we have a large outdoor space and feel extremely grateful to be able to open it up safely to provide for both the artists and the art loving community in Columbus,” McGlone said. 

A food truck will also be onsite with a separate, designated eating area. In-person shoppers will get to shop while listening to live music and take selfies in a COVID-safe photo booth set up in an interactive art installation. 

Online shoppers won’t be forced to shop in silence, however. McGlone said staff plans to share a playlist to help everyone get in the holiday mood. 

And for anyone who doesn’t want to be outdoors, 25 vendors will be virtual-only this year. Buyers will also be able to pick up their treasures onsite if they choose. 

Artists’ wares include fine-art originals and prints, as well as cards, pins, and in keeping with 2020 style, facemasks. Buyers will also find macramé, plants, bath bombs, clothing, jewelry, and hand-knit accessories.

Festivus hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13. For more information, visit 400westrich.com.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY