Your guide to the biggest events in Columbus! Knowing us, we will more than likely come up with something cool as the year goes on so be sure to keep an eye on our calendar of events!
Columbus Farmer’s Market
May 4th – September 21st
123 Washington St. Columbus, IN 47201
On Saturday mornings from 9:00am to 12:30pm enjoy tons of vendors, different brunch options, and musical entertainment to help perk up your morning!
The Farmer’s Market brings the rural and city communities together – it’s fun, family-friendly, entertaining, while featuring healthy foods and adding to the quality of life for the Columbus area.
Scottish Festival
September 8th & 9th
Bartholomew County Fairgrounds, 750 W 200 S, Columbus, IN 47201
A weekend of Scottish entertainment including: Celtic concerts, Ceilidh, Highland dancing competition, sporting competitions, clan tents, sheep dog trials, European car show, music, bagpipe marching bands, re-enactors and living history, children’s activities, Scottish dancing, merchandise, and food vendors.
Ganesh Festival
September 5th – 8th
The Commons, 300 Washington St, Columbus, IN 47201
Hot Rods & Rock ‘n’ Roll
September 21st
400 Washington St, Columbus, IN 47201
Enjoy classic cars, trucks, hot rods, motorcycles, and more at this family-friendly event! There is no registration fee and no trophies – just pride, passion, and a good time, with music at night so don’t forget to bring lawn chairs. Food and merchandise will be available.
Mill Race Marathon
September 27th & 28th
500 Washington St. Columbus, IN 47201
Kick off the weekend on Friday, September 27th and don’t miss one of the largest Kids Fun Run events in the Midwest. Open to all children up to 6th grade, and it’s completely FREE!
On Saturday, lace up your sneakers as the full marathon begins! Powered by Cummins, the Marathon course is a flat Boston Qualifier that runs through downtown Columbus taking participants past the architectural sights of the city and through the parks. Still looking for a challenge, but maybe not 23.2 miles worth? Sign up for the half marathon or 5k!
After the races, enjoy family fun downtown with food and music…even if you do not run! Register early for a discounted entry fee!
Hope Heritage Days
September 28th & 29th
Hope Town Square, 326 Jackson St., Hope, IN 47246
Hope Heritage Days is entering its 56th year. Long considered the quintessential Hoosier Celebration, the event is Bartholomew County’s largest and oldest multi-day festival.
From the always excellent musical entertainment to the over 125 food and vendor booths, this autumn festival is wonderfully Hoosier…. and uniquely HOPE!
Photo by Larry Simpson
ETHNIC EXPO
October 11th & 12th
123 Washington St. Columbus, IN 47201
Ethnic Expo is a weekend of events celebrating cultures that come together to call Columbus home to create a vibrant, welcoming community – and also one of the largest and most beloved local festivals.
Enjoy international food and marketplace, continuous entertainment and children’s activities.
Exhibit Columbus Symposium
October 24 & 25
The Commons, 300 Washington St. Columbus, IN 47201
The Symposium places the modern legacy of Columbus into a global perspective through presentations and conversations between professionals and community leaders, while serving as inspiration for, and introduction to, participants making work in the exhibition. It acts as a convenor of people and ideas around Columbus and its cultural heritage.
Déjà Vu Arts & Fine Craft Fair
November 9th
300 Washington Street, Columbus, IN 47201
Leave it to an artist to see the beauty in worn leather coats, mismatched silverware, broken dishes, and old sweaters.
Many of the work at the show includes collage, jewelry, book arts, home décor, mixed media, sculpture, wearable art, woodworking, mosaic, and glass art – all created from scrap materials or items that have been repurposed.
Columbus Festival of Lights
December 7th
400 Washington St, Columbus, Indiana 47201
Columbus Festival of Lights is an annual event where the community gathers to watch illuminated floats grace the street of the City of Columbus. Thousands gather to create new traditions and remember nostalgic times from their childhood.
The Lights Festival is an event where people of all backgrounds and beliefs can come together to have an uplifting, positive, and unforgettable experience!
