Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Columbus West, OH

Riverfest is an annual event that extends to people of all income levels the ability to participate in activities on the...

Riverfest is an annual event that extends to people of all income levels the ability to participate in activities on the waterways free of charge and to develop a connection and commitment to our natural resources. WaterFire and the Center of Science and Industry (COSI)produce this event. Individuals attending will be given the opportunity to canoe and/or kayak along the Scioto River, to enjoy hands-on activities, an educational movie in the Extreme Screen Theater at COSI, and live music and entertainment by WaterFire. Riverfest On Tour! will also partner with Franklin County Metro Parks and other agencies during the month of July to promote water activities at other venues across central Ohio in the weeks leading up to the final celebration at the end of July.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Jun 29, 2012

It's really pretty straighforward: you grab a plate of smoking ribs smothered in barbecue sauce (maybe a side of crispy...

It's really pretty straighforward: you grab a plate of smoking ribs smothered in barbecue sauce (maybe a side of crispy slaw), pop a squat in a prime spot to catch a breeze off the river and chill while listening to smooth jazz. Does it get any better? Only if you count the fact that there is not one but many bands to listen to, beer to sample, and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained too. Ahhh summertime!

Hours: Fri, Jul 20, 2012: 11am - 11pm Sat, Jul 21, 2012: 11am - 11pm Sun, Jul 22, 2012: 11am - 8:30pm

Salsa, merengue, forro, nortano, cumbia...whew! If that isn't enough to get your groove on, check your pulse. It is...

Salsa, merengue, forro, nortano, cumbia...whew! If that isn't enough to get your groove on, check your pulse. It is sure to quicken over two days at this music- and dance-filled fiesta celebrating many different Latino cultures on multiple stages with nearly conitnuous performances of bands and dance troups. There will also be an activity-packed children's area with face painting, craft making and soccer kicking. And don't forget the food. Plenty of savory, spicy and sweet to tempt the palate.

Hours: Sat, Aug 11, 2012: 11am - 8pm Sun, Aug 12, 2012: 11am - 8pm

There's so much going on during this New Year's Eve celebration, you may not be able to do it all. But fear not, with a...

There's so much going on during this New Year's Eve celebration, you may not be able to do it all. But fear not, with a selection of entertainment this broad, you are practically guaranteed to have a great time. Family-oriented activities include a block party, parades, teen idol dance party, craft stations, wandering magicians, belly dancers, clowns, and plenty of venues hosting live music. Save your energy, you won't want to miss the thrilling fireworks.

Hours: Mon, Dec 31, 2012: 4:30pm - 4:30am

Enjoy a great outdoor concert by Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Bring your picnic basket, a nice bottle of wine, and enjoy...

Enjoy a great outdoor concert by Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Bring your picnic basket, a nice bottle of wine, and enjoy the evening, which sometimes ends with fireworks. Held on the lawn of Chemical Abstracts Service, just north of the OSU campus.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Jun 15, 2012 Sat, Jun 16, 2012 Sat, Jun 23, 2012 Sat, Jun 30, 2012 Sat, Jul 7, 2012 Sat, Jul 21, 2012 Fri, Jul 27, 2012 Sat, Jul 28, 2012

This popular evening of free entertainment and gallery displays is held on the first Saturday of each month and centers...

This popular evening of free entertainment and gallery displays is held on the first Saturday of each month and centers on High Street. Some galleries offer appetizers. A popular reason to get dressed up and hit the town.

Hours: Sat, Mar 3, 2012: 4pm - 10pm Sat, Apr 7, 2012: 4pm - 10pm Sat, May 5, 2012: 4pm - 10pm Sat, Jun 2, 2012: 4pm - 10pm Sat, Jul 7, 2012: 4pm - 10pm Sat, Aug 4, 2012: 4pm - 10pm Sat, Sep 1, 2012: 4pm - 10pm Sat, Oct 6, 2012: 4pm - 10pm Sat, Nov 3, 2012: 4pm - 10pm Sat, Dec 1, 2012: 4pm - 10pm Sat, Jan 5, 2013: 4pm - 10pm Sat, Feb 2, 2013: 4pm - 10pm Sat, Mar 2, 2013: 4pm - 10pm April 2013

The rockets' red (and white! and blue!) glare in the form of the biggest fireworks spectacular in the region is a superb...

The rockets' red (and white! and blue!) glare in the form of the biggest fireworks spectacular in the region is a superb way to celebrate Independence Day, but add to it a roster of live music, children's activities in a specially-constructed area of Batelle Park, a thrilling fly-over by the Ohio Air National Guard and plenty of fabulous food and drink, and this is one party not to be missed. The event takes place at a number of venues along and around the Scioto River on July 3.

Hours: Tue, Jul 3, 2012: 10am - Midnight

Oenophiles, take heed! Your cup is sure to runneth over at this festival that boasts the best Ohio wines for trying and...

Oenophiles, take heed! Your cup is sure to runneth over at this festival that boasts the best Ohio wines for trying and buying. A premier tasting event, the festival features plenty of food to pair with the grapes, as well as roving entertainment, live music, and even activities for the children, including a shot at scaling the Ohio Farm Bureau's corn climbing wall.

Hours: Fri, Jul 13, 2012: 7pm - 10pm Sat, Jul 14, 2012: 11am - 8pm Sun, Jul 15, 2012: Noon - 6pm

A feast for the senses, this event celebrates the ancient, highly-accomplished Greek culture. Hear Hellenic singers and...

A feast for the senses, this event celebrates the ancient, highly-accomplished Greek culture. Hear Hellenic singers and listen to the rhythmic strum of the bousouki. See agile dancers join arms to high step and turn. Try it yourself during a workshop for beginners. Tour Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral and see the spectacular mosaic wall art. And don't forget to taste the food: enough souvlaki, spanakopita, gyros, mousaka and baklava to fill a Trojan Horse.

Hours: Fri, Aug 31, 2012: 11am Sat, Sep 1, 2012: 11am Sun, Sep 2, 2012: Noon - Midnight Mon, Sep 3, 2012: 11am - 7pm

Viva Italia! Held over the Columbus Day weekend, this festival celebrates all things Italian -- especially music and...

Viva Italia! Held over the Columbus Day weekend, this festival celebrates all things Italian -- especially music and food. There will be cooking demonstrations, conversational Italian workshops, author signings, rides, bocce, a magician and a clown for the children. Plus, everyone will be talking about Italian-American Idol, now with two competitions (one for teens, another for adults), both guaranteed to be thrilling.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Oct 5, 2012: 5pm - 11pm Sat, Oct 6, 2012: Noon - 11pm Sun, Oct 7, 2012: 11am - 8pm