Get OUTdoors in Columbus
Though a booming metropolis, outdoor adventure can still be found in and around Ohio's capital city. With 20+ Metro Parks throughout the city, downtown boasts miles of multi-use trails along the Scioto Mile and the country's largest free outdoor climbing wall at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. Take in free concerts on summer weekends at Bicentennial Park or the Columbus Commons. Rent a CoGo Bikeshare from any station throughout the downtown area and explore the neighborhoods that run along the Scioto Mile.
Southeast Ohio offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration in just an hour's drive. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative wildlife conservation centers in the world, with rare and endangered species from around the world living in a natural, open-range habitat that visitors can explore through Open Air Safaris or zip lines in the sky. Hocking Hills is packed with opportunities for action and adventure when taking in the area's cliffs, gorges, caves, waterfalls and more by hiking, climbing, kayaking, zip lining or any other means.
No matter the season, there is always a sporting event taking place in Columbus. Cheer on the baseball stars of tomorrow, the Columbus Clippers, at Huntington Park, repeatedly voted best Triple-A ballpark by Ballpark Digest. Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew SC play at MAPFRE Stadium, the first major league stadium built specifically for soccer in the United States.
During the winter months, the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets are sure to get you pumped up when firing of the cannon every time they score! Most teams host a 'pride night' so be sure to check individual websites for dates offering a program specifically for LGBTQ fans. In addition to Columbus' sports teams, the city also showcases a slew of LGBTQ sporting tournaments, including the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series, the world's largest annual LGBTQ single-sport competition happening in Columbus Aug. 24-29, 2020 at Berliner Sports Park.
We can't talk about getting outdoors without talking about the rooftop bars and patios throughout the city. After a day of exploring or watching a game, what better way to enjoy a beer or cocktail than on a patio or at a rooftop bar?
Milestone 229 sits right on the Scioto Mile and offers summer concerts in the park and a view of the running fountains in the summer months. The newly opened Lincoln Social Rooftop in the Short North Arts District offers stunning views the district and hand-crafted cocktails among other drinks and small bites. After a few cocktails, head right downstairs for SoCal cuisine at Cameron Mitchell's newest concept, Del Mar. Juniper, also located at the south end of the Short North Arts District is an upscale rooftop dining experience that provides exceptional views of the downtown Columbus skyline. BrewDog in Franklinton offers a wide variety of their Scotland based beers on tap, a patio with a fire pit out front along with a rooftop patio and, of course, pups are welcome. (You can also visit their original U.S. location just south of the city which features the production facility, a hotel, dog park and huge patio, along with games and a beer museum).
With the rising temperatures and sunshine of summer comes the sounds of live music and buzzing crowds, the smells of hot food and the taste of cold beer, the magnetic energy only a seasonal festival can bring — and another great outdoorsy reason to visit Columbus. Nearly every single weekend has a major community event or festival this time of year.
Visit in May for the Columbus Taco Fest, featuring tacos from local food trucks along with tequila and live music, or the Asian Festival celebrating the culture and heritage from across Asia. June hosts the Columbus Arts Festival, featuring more than 250 artists, hands-on activities and food trucks on the riverfront, followed directly by the Columbus Pride Festival, Father's Day weekend in June, attracting nearly 700,000 people to downtown Columbus. The Sunday of Pride weekend features Bat 'n Rouge, the drag queen softball tournament benefitting local LGBTQ charities. July offers Red, White & BOOM!, the Midwest's largest firework display and the Jazz and Rib Festival. Summer season winds down with the Dublin Irish Festival and the Columbus Food Truck Festival, among others.
If you don't make it in the summer months, fall is still a fabulous time to visit Columbus. The temperatures are starting to get cooler, and the leaves begin changing. Visit in September for Columbus Oktoberfest, celebrating Columbus' German heritage, or in October for HighBall Halloween, the nation's biggest and fiercest costume party closing High Street in downtown Columbus with dozens of over-the-top high-couture costumes streaming a 60-foot runway.
No matter what time of year you visit, you will find a city that is vibrant and alive and known for its open attitude, smart style and entrepreneurial spirit. Named among Expedia's most exciting LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations in the world, Columbus' blend of unique neighborhoods, dynamic nightlife, noteworthy music scene, arts and culinary experiences, events, attractions and accommodations are all made unforgettable by the diversity of its outgoing locals who warmly welcome visitors. Find all there is to see and do in Columbus and start planning your trip at outincbus.com. Sign up for our Out in Columbus e-newsletter or request an LGBTQ guide to be sent to you to start exploring!
Find all there is to see and do in Columbus and start planning your trip at outincbus.com. Sign up for the Out in Columbus e-newsletter or request an LGBTQ guide to be sent to you to start exploring!
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