SIGNATURE EVENTS IN
THE COLUMBUS, INDIANA AREA
See all signature events on the community calendar
Exhibit Columbus
Biennial Event
Upcoming events
Learn more about Exhibit Columbus
About...
For the Fall 2021 Exhibition, co-curators Iker Gil and Mimi Zeiger invited exhibition participants to create site-specific, future-oriented installations, which were developed in response to the theme: New Middles: From Main Street to Megalopolis, What is the Future of the Middle City?
Photo courtesy Exhibit Columbus
Tough Mudder Columbus
July 31 / August 1
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About...
Epic is an understatement. Tough Mudder Classic is one 8-10 mile loop of mud-soaked mayhem loaded with 25 best-in-class obstaclesThis is is your chance to get outside your comfort zone, discover what you’re made of, and cross that finish line stronger than you started. Strap in and get ready for an all-out festival in Mudder Village with live entertainment, authentic local eats, lawn games and all the incredible Mudder camaraderie you can handle.
Scottish Festival
September – Fairgrounds, Columbus
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A weekend of Scottish entertainment, competition, and history, including: Celtic concert, Ceilidh, Highland dancing competition, clan tents, sheep dog trials, European car show, musical entertainment, bagpipe marching bands, re-enactors and living history, children’s activities, Scottish country dancing, merchandise, and food vendors.
- A Weekend of All Things Scottish blog post
Photos by Tony Vasquez
Hope Heritage Days
September – Hope, Indiana
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Long considered the quintessential Hoosier celebration, the event is Bartholomew County’s oldest multi-day festival. During the last full weekend in September each year, the “Surprising Little Town” of Hope, Indiana, swells in population. From the musical entertainment to over 125 food and vendor booths, this festival is wonderfully Hoosier….and uniquely HOPE!
Admission: Free.
Hot Rods and Rock 'n' Roll
September
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About...
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! Bring lawn chairs. Food and merchandise will be available for purchase.
Mill Race Marathon
September
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Begins downtown. A full marathon, a half-marathon, and a 5K. Sanctioned by United States of America Track and Field (USATF) and a certified Boston Marathon qualification course. Powered by Cummins. After the races, enjoy family fun downtown with food, music, and a bungee bouncer…even if you do not run! The after party ends pm after the drawing for a new truck.
Photos by Carla Clark, for The Republic newspaper
Ethnic Expo
June – October on Fourth Street in downtown Columbus
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About...
Ethnic Expo 2021 is a series of events celebrating cultures that come together in Columbus, Indiana to create a vibrant, welcoming community. Ethnic Expo is one of the largest and most beloved local festivals. The new format of several smaller events has been adopted in 2021 to address Covid safety concerns.
Sponsored by First Financial. Hosted by the City of Columbus
Deja Vu Art and Fine Craft Show
November – The Commons, downtown Columbus
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Broken toys, yesterday’s newspaper, and china shards may seem like trash to most, but in the hands of professionals, they can be transformed into beautiful art and fine crafts.
Held at the new Commons, which is located at 3rd and Washington Streets in downtown Columbus, Indiana, artists from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky attend as well as members of Indiana Artisan or Kentucky Crafted.
Art and fine crafts featured include jewelry, sculpture, weaving, wearable art, woodworking, leather work, and mosaics, all created from scrap materials or items that have been repurposed.
Festival of Lights (returns in 2023)
December – downtown Columbus
About...
The Columbus, Indiana Festival of Lights parade is an annual holiday parade through downtown Columbus on the first Saturday of December. The parade is followed by the QMIX Christmas Musical Fireworks.
Photos by Virajjani
