Summertime brings a seemingly nonstop set of entertainment options to Columbus, including Fourth of July events, concerts, movies, festivals and nationally known entertainers. Here is a curated selection of highlighted events for July.
Doo Dah Parade: July 4
Independence Day need not be solemn, and if you are in a mood for some satire, sarcasm and all-around anarchy on the Fourth of July, the annual Doo Dah Parade may be just the ticket (though none is required). The parade will get underway at 1 p.m. on Park Street, but visitors are welcome to participate in a block party with live music from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Goodale Park. Tickets: None; doodahparade.com
‘Red, White and Blues’: July 5
The Columbus Jazz Orchestra will make notes soulful and swinging to mark Independence Day in a concert at New Albany’s Hinson Amphitheater. “Red, White and Blues” will be conducted by guest bandleader Zach Compston. The group will also perform separate programs at the Hinson on June 7 and Aug. 23. Tickets: $47.50 and up; jazzartsgroup.org
Behind the Beers: July 6
Acclaimed journalist and beer expert Joshua Bernstein will be at Weiland’s Market for a beer tasting — July’s theme is fruit-based beers. Enjoy five beer samples, snacks and receive a complimentary copy of Columbus Monthly at the event. More information: weilandsmarket.com/events
‘Hamilton’: July 8-20
Perhaps you saw Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about Alexander Hamilton on Broadway, in a movie theater or during an earlier stop in Columbus, but “Hamilton” fans (and newbies) will have a fresh chance to catch up with the iconic show when this touring production lands at the Ohio Theatre.
Buy tickets for “Hamilton”
Literary Picnic with Scott Woods and Hanif Abdurraqib: July 10
Join two of Columbus’ strongest literary voices on the Thurber House lawn for an evening of conversation centering on poetry, essays and cultural criticism. The evening will start with a picnic. The main program will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. More information: thurberhouse.org/summer-events-2025
‘Waitress’: July 10-Aug. 10
The Short North Stage will perform its own production of the Broadway hit, a Sara Bareilles-composed musical revolving around the travails of a pregnant member of the wait staff at Joe’s Diner. The show will be performed at the Garden Theater. Tickets: $43.35 to $92.75; capa.com
Jazz & Rib Fest: July 18-20
Enjoy as much jazz and barbecue as you can handle at the Jazz & Rib Fest, hosted along the Scioto Mile. Food vendors range from award-winning barbecue fare to classic festival sweets, plus several other cuisines to please every palate. More information: hotribscooljazz.org
Summer Jam West: July 19
From noon to 7 p.m. in Westgate Park, attendees of this annual community arts festival — being held for the 10th and final time — can partake of artist vendors, food trucks, and kids’ activities and areas while listening to live music and other performances. Tickets: None; hilltoparts.org
Ohio State Fair: July 23-Aug. 3
The state fair’s star power goes beyond that famous life-size butter cow. Among the first-rank musical artists to take to the stage at the Ohio Expo Center this year are Foreigner (July 24), Leanne Morgan (July 29), Quinn XCII and Chelsea Cutler (July 31) and AJR (Aug. 1).
Don’t forget about the All-Ohio State Fair Band and Youth Choir (July 27) and the Sale of Champions livestock auction (Aug. 3). Tickets: On-site gate admission is $10 to $12, free for children 5 and younger; ohiostatefair.com
Vince Gill: July 25
From “I Still Believe In You” to “One More Last Chance,” the singer has long ago proven his bona fides as a country music icon. Hear him live when he swings by the Palace Theatre. Tickets: $76.30 to $196.74; capa.com
Ways to give back
RMHC Joe Mortellaro Golf Classic: July 14
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio will host its annual golf classic — the largest charity game in central Ohio. All golfers are invited to a post-classic dinner with celebrity guests. More information: rmhc-centralohio.org/events
Arthritis Foundation Charity Auto Show: July 17-19
The Dublin Metro Center will be the home of the 42nd annual Arthritis Foundation Charity Auto Show, a three-day event featuring over 1,000 classic and collector cars. The proceeds earned go toward arthritis research, advocacy and resources. More information: arthritis.org/events/autoshow
Dog Days of Summer: July 19
Head over to Budd Dairy Food Hall which, in partnership with Ohio Pet Charities, will host a plethora of adoptable furry friends. Vendors will include veterinarians, pet rescues and more. More information: ohiopetcharities.org/events
This story is a combination of the Summer Entertainment Guide from the June 2025 issue of Columbus Monthly and the July issue Datebook feature. Subscribe here.
This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: Festivals, fairs and more things to do around Columbus in July
Reporting by Peter Tonguette and Lucy Clark / Columbus Monthly
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