Hosted Events

Our House. Their Show.

runners with drinks cheers after the marathon

Capital City Half Marathon Finish-Line Party & Post-Race Concert

Produced by M3S Sports

Saturday, April 25 | 8 am

The OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon and Columbus Promise 5K will host their post-race celebration at Columbus Common. 

Autism Speaks Empower Walk & 5K

Produced by Autism Speaks

Saturday, May 9 | 9 am

The Autism Speaks Empower Walk & 5K Run is more than just a walk or run – its a celebration of community, inclusion, and progress. This exciting event combines everything you love about the traditional Autism Speaks Walk with the added energy of a 5K run!

Whether you’re walking, running, or cheering from the sidelines, you’ll be part of an inspiring experience filled with connection and purpose. The event features a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities. 

The Concert for Humanity: The Sounds of 1976

Produced by Harmony Project

Thursday, May 14 | 6 pm

The Concert for Humanity: The Sounds of 1976 brings our community together for a powerful night of music, connection, and shared purpose.

On May 14, 2026, a 500-voice chorus, live bands, and guest artists will celebrate the iconic sounds of 1976 — featuring music made famous by artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, ABBA, Stevie Wonder, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, and more. 

girls at the 5k

Girls on the Run Central Ohio Spring 5K

Produced by Girls on the Run of Central Ohio

Saturday, May 17 | 8 am

Each Girls on the Run season comes to an end with a celebratory 5K with a post-race program at Columbus Commons. 

Cheer on program participants as they celebrate this milestone of crossing the finish line! 

SUMMER614 Concert

produced by Fame Productions

Saturday, May 30 | 4 pm

From the records that raised us to the anthems that still move us today, SUMMER614 blends classic hip-hop and R&B with modern energy in an atmosphere rooted in nostalgia, culture, and community.

Set against the backdrop of downtown Columbus, this isn’t just about who’s on stage — it’s about the memories, the moments, and the shared experience of music that connects us all.

 

 

 

JoyFest

Presented in partnership with Zora’s House

Saturday, June 6 | 1 pm – 6 pm

Think: good music, beautiful people, incredible vendors, and joy everywhere you turn. JoyFest (formerly the Women of Color Owned Market) is a free, one-day celebration of culture and community in Columbus. Presented by Zora’s House and powered by the creativity and entrepreneurship of women+ of color, JoyFest features a curated marketplace, live music and DJs headlined by Honey and Blue, family-friendly fun, and all the vibes! Learn more here 

women posing for a photo

Nationwide Picnic with the Pops

produced by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra

Dates listed below | 6pm

The summer home of the Columbus Symphony, Columbus Commons is excited to host another season of the annual outdoor concert series, Picnic with the Pops. Tickets required to attend. 

Ledisi

Saturday, June 13 

Ledisi’s love for classic songs and legendary singers knows no bounds. The Grammy-winning vocalist celebrated the catalog of Nina Simone at the Hollywood Bowl in 2021, and now, on her new album For Dinah, the powerhouse pays tribute to Dinah Washington. Raised in Alabama, Washington sang the blues and jazz with the same charm she brought to pop. Ledisi brings the same spirit across everything she does, imbuing Washington’s classic songs with the verve of neo-soul and contemporary jazz. Be there and see why John Legend called her “one of the greatest singers in the world, period.”

Wyclef Jean

Saturday, June 20 

Grammy Award-winning performing artist, producer and composer Wyclef Jean returns after debuting with the Columbus Symphony in 2018! Wyclef’s music, both as a solo superstar and as founder and guiding member of the Fugees, has been a powerful pop cultural force for over two decades. With a wealth of musical influences from jazz to classic rock to reggae, Wyclef’s hits include “Gone Till November,” “We Trying to Stay Alive,” and more.

windborne's the Music of tom petty

Saturday, June 27 

A heartfelt tribute to one of America’s most enduring rock icons, this program celebrates the music of Tom Petty with symphonic arrangements of classics like “Free Fallin’” and “American Girl.” It’s an evening of nostalgia, storytelling, and singalong favorites. Windborne Music produces Symphonic Rock shows around the world.

Guster

Saturday, July 11 

Guster meets the Columbus Symphony! Witness three decades of indie-rock hits including “Satellite” and “Amsterdam” reimagined for a full orchestra. Experience this one-of-a-kind collaboration where bright melodies and clever songwriting meet world-class symphonic power.

Leann rimes

Saturday, July 18 

LeAnn Rimes is an internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum selling artist whose genre-defying career has spanned nearly three decades. Her groundbreaking hit “How Do I Live” remains one of Billboard’s all-time greatest songs, and she’s had 15 top 10 hits across genres, including the global smash “Can’t Fight the Moonlight.” Rimes has sold over 48 million records globally, earned eight Grammy® nominations and two wins, and made history as the youngest solo artist ever to receive a Grammy.

the alan parsons live project

Saturday, July 25 

Known for their cinematic sound and progressive rock legacy, The Alan Parsons Live Project delivers an immersive evening of iconic hits such as “Sirius (the Chicago Bulls theme), “Eye in the Sky,” “Games People Play,” “Don’t Answer Me,” and more. Paired with the full orchestra, this concert offers a rich, atmospheric musical experience.

The Ohio State marching band

Friday & Saturday, July 31 & August 1

A Columbus favorite and annual tradition, “The Best Damn Band in the Land” joins the Columbus Symphony and shows off their precision marching, dynamic musical arrangements, beloved fight songs and battle cries all topped off with a brilliant display of fireworks! These high-energy concerts are a highlight of the summer season for audiences of all ages.

Columbus Crew Soccer Celebration

produced by Columbus Crew

Friday, June 19 | 3 pm

Grab a chair and your favorite soccer fan to cheer for your team in the fresh, open air! Complete with games, food, and a bar, this event is free to attend and no registration required.

America250 Central Ohio Picnic

Produced by america250

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence at Columbus Commons this summer! This free family-friendly celebration is made complete with bars, food trucks, and a drone show. The event concludes with a special concert from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. 

This event is presented by America 250-Ohio in partnership with the City of Columbus, Ohio Statehouse, Ohio History Connection, Columbus Symphony, Columbus Commons, and CAPA.

Saturday, July 4 | 6 pm

Nationwide Popcorn Pops

Presented by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra

June 26 & July 10 | 5:30 pm

The summer home of the Columbus Symphony, Columbus Commons is excited to host another season of the annual outdoor family-friendly concert series, Popcorn Pops.  Tickets required to attend. 

Friday, June 26 | 5:30pm

Friday, July 10 | 5:30pm

614 Funk Fest

Produced by Fame Productions

Saturday, August 9 | 4 pm

The producers of SUMMER614 bring you an unforgettable fusion of Funk and Classic R&B at Columbus Commons! This year’s Funkfest highlights legendary artists alongside soulful R&B acts, with great food, drinks, and vendors—all while celebrating the power of Music is Therapy. Tickets are required to attend. 

A link to purchase tickets will be added when tickets become available.

 

women smiling and giving peace signs at an outdoor concert

Gay Softball World Series Event Opener

Produced by gay softball world series

Monday, August 31 | 4 pm

The Gay Softball World Series returns this summer for the fourth time and is kicking off the competition with a welcome celebration at Columbus Commons! This event is free to attend.

Want to Host Your Event at the Commons?

We’re not just a park, we’re an event venue. We are happy to host your events right here in the heart of Downtown Columbus. Click below to find out more!

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