Free Family Events in Columbus: Your Guide to a Creative Summer with WAV
- Gigi Cox
- May 6
- 4 min read
Looking for free, creative fun for the whole family this summer? We Amplify Voices (WAV) is bringing music, hands-on art, and community connection to events across Columbus — all at no cost to you! Here’s where to find us and make the most of your summer adventures.
Where to Find WAV This Summer
📍 Hilltop Spring Jamboree — May 17, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Westgate Farmers Market, 2925 W Broad St. Columbus, OH 43204
The Hilltop Spring Jamboree is popping up at the Westgate Farmers Market for the first time! Co-created by WAV, Hilltop Arts Collective, and Music Columbus, this free, family-friendly event brings a lively mix of live music, art-making activities, and creative fun to the Hilltop.
Live performances by Jared Mahone, Dom Deshawn, Mery Steel, and The Bridgers
Hands-on art projects with WAV and Hilltop Arts Collective
Bounce house, Musical Petting Zoo, bubbles, and more!
Bonus: Shop local goods at the Farmers Market while you’re there!
📍 Columbus Commons Family Events
Location: Columbus Commons (Downtown)
Columbus Commons is the place to be this summer for free family fun! From Friday mornings filled with kids’ activities to special Family Fun Days and evening movie nights under the stars, there’s something for everyone.
We Amplify Voices will be popping up with art activities at these featured events:
Family Fun Day – Saturday, May 24 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, carousel rides, and interactive art activities with WAV!
Commons for Kids: Celebrate Summer – Friday, June 20 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Celebrate the season’s kickoff with crafts, games, inflatables, and more.
Commons for Kids: Art Day – Friday, August 8 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Celebrate creativity with art-themed activities — including special projects led by WAV artists!
📍 Columbus Arts Festival — June 6–8
Location: Downtown Riverfront / Scioto Mile
Check out the Columbus Arts Fest, featuring over 250 visual artists, four stages of performances, dozens of food vendors. WAV will be hosting a booth full of creative activities for families throughout the weekend, come find us!
📍 Summer Jam West — July 19, 12:00 PM- 7:00 PM
Location: Westgate Park
After 9 amazing years, 2025 marks the 10th and final Summer Jam West. Join WAV's incredible partners at the Hilltop Arts Collective for a grand finale filled with live music, mural painting, kids' art activities, and unforgettable moments honoring the Hilltop community’s creativity and spirit.
📍 National Night Out — August 5, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
Franklinton Night Out Location: Avondale School Yard, 141 Hawkes Ave, Columbus, OH 43222
National Night Out is a celebration of community, connection, and neighborhood pride that promotes healthy neighborhoods by generating support and participation in anti-crime activities. We’ll be in Franklinton with free art activities, so if you're nearby, come say hi and enjoy: backpack giveaways, community resources, free food, raffle prizes, music, games, and more!
Not in Franklinton? National Night Out events happen all across Columbus, check your neighborhood for a celebration near you!
📍 Pop-Up / Speak-Up (Coming Soon!)
Stay tuned- WAV Artists will be popping up across Columbus this summer with community open mics! Join us while we create safe spaces for creative expression, where people of all ages can explore new instruments and start authentic conversations. Thanks to Art Makes Columbus for making this possible!
At-Home Creativity: Make Your Own Sun Prints!
Can't make it to an event? Bring the creativity home!
Tips for Enjoying Summer Events:
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs- Perfect for grounding yourself, having a picnic, or enjoying live music in comfort!
Pack a tote bag or backpack- It’s useful for collecting flyers, carrying water, and taking home your art creations.
Bring a reusable water bottle- Stay hydrated while you explore and create!
Encourage kids (and yourself) to try something new- Whether it’s strumming an instrument, jumping into a craft, or chatting with an artist, make space for curiosity and connection.
Talk with community organizations- Stop by booths (like ours!) to learn about local programs, creative workshops, and ways to get involved. We’d love to meet you!
Do an emoji check-in- Pause throughout the day to check in with your group and ask everyone to share how they're feeling using an emoji. It’s a quick way to check the vibe and make sure everyone’s having a good time (or needs a break)!
Make a family music playlist- After seeing live artists, create a playlist at home with the songs and artists you discovered together.
Share your experience on social media- Post your favorite moments and help amplify community creativity by tagging @WeAmplifyVoices. Don’t forget to tag other amazing organizations you connected with too; sharing your experience helps uplift the entire creative community.
📩 Stay Connected!
Don't miss a single event — sign up for WAV’s newsletter here for updates, inspiration, and more family-friendly creativity all year long!
