6th Street Arts Alley Event, Photo by Tony Vasquez

Your Guide to the biggest EVENTS IN THE COLUMBUS, INDIANA AREA

Architecture Tours

Discover how a small Midwestern city became a modern architecture destination, exemplifying how the built environment impacts daily life.

Miller House & Garden Tours

Be inspired by the story of three top designers working with exceptional clients to create one of the nation’s most significant midcentury homes, celebrated for its colorful interiors and remarkable landscapes.

Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Farmers Market

May – September 

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.

 

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Columbus On Tap

May 10

Custer-Nugent Amphitheatre & Festival Field at Mill Race Park, 50 Carl Miske Drive, Columbus, IN 47201

This first-year event will feature UNLIMITED POURS from an estimated 50+ craft breweries, distilleries & wineries from all over the state and ~250+ different beers, wines & spirits! There will be incredible live music on the big stage, great local food, local art, games and more from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. It’s going to be one of the biggest parties of the year and is expected to sell out in advance!

What better way to spend a summer Saturday than drinking great Indiana craft beer, wine, and spirits with friends, listening to great live music and enjoying local food.

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Smoke on the square

May 16 & 17, 2025

Hope, IN

Get Fired Up for a Weekend of BBQ, Friends, and Fun!

Mark your calendar for an unforgettable weekend filled with mouthwatering BBQ, great company, and plenty of fun. Whether you’re a BBQ pro or just a fan of fantastic food, this event welcomes competitors from near and far to showcase their skills. Judged by experts and certified judges from the Kansas City BBQ Society, this promises to be a flavorful showdown you won’t want to miss.

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Chuck Taylor All Star Days

June 7

Downtown Columbus, IN

This first-year event  will be a fun way to celebrate the legendary Chuck Taylor and his All Star tennis shoe.  The celebration will include food trucks, basketball themed activities, speakers and the history of Chuck, notable basketball stars from Indiana, kids zone, live music, and so much more.  Everyone is encouraged to wear their Chucks!

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Juneteenth Jubilee

June 21

Downtown Columbus, IN

The Columbus branch of the NAACP invites everyone to join the 2025 Juneteenth Jubilee, a day dedicated to honoring the strength, resilience, and cultural legacy of the Black community.

A variety of events will highlight how food, music, art, and movement have served as sources of healing and connection through centuries of adversity and triumph will be happening all day.

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Exhibit Columbus

August – November 

Downtown, Columbus, IN 400 Washington St. Columbus, IN 47201

For the fifth cycle of Exhibit Columbus, Yes And invites contributors to explore the legacy of Columbus, Indiana, by adding to the multiple and overlapping lives of buildings and spaces. Originating in improv theater, Yes And is a technique for affirming and building upon an idea to create a shared narrative. It is a participatory call to work from existing material to shape positive change.
 
Through a cycle of events, Exhibit Columbus will encourage the public to collaborate in the creation of the ongoing performance of the city. Whether we’re recovering architectural remnants, reflecting on cultural legacy, staging a dramatic spectacle, or reimagining public play, Yes And invites everybody to the public spaces of Columbus to expand what forms of togetherness and collaboration are possible.

Photo by Hadley Fruits for Landmark Columbus

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Tough Mudder

August 2 & 3

CERAland Park, 3989 S 525 E, Columbus, IN 47203

Tough Mudder Classic is an 8-10 mile loop of mud-soaked mayhem loaded with 25 best-in-class obstacles. Tough Mudder creates hardcore obstacle courses designed to test your all around strength, stamina, and mental grit. With the most innovative courses and millions of participants worldwide to date, it is the premier challenge series in the world.

This 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.

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Columbus, IN Pride Festival

September 6 

Mill Race Park, Carl Miske Drive, Columbus, IN 47201

Since 2018, the Columbus IN Pride Festival has been a vibrant celebration of unity and inclusivity, bringing the Columbus community together to honor our diverse LGBTQA+ residents, allies, and families.
 
 
This festival is a lively blend of delicious food, live music, inspiring art, and a variety of booths from nonprofits and LGBTQA+-friendly retailers. Join in for an unforgettable day filled with joy, acceptance, and pride!

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Fiesta Latina

September 12

Downtown, Columbus, IN 47201

Get ready for a lively day filled with music, dance, and flavors! Come enjoy live performances, including authentic Mariachi and traditional dance, and explore the cultural and arts & crafts booths. Savor delicious food from Latino vendors and join in on the fun with soccer games and more. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of heritage and community—there’s something for everyone!

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Scottish Festival

September 13 & 14

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.

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Hot Rods & Rock 'n' Roll

September 20 

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.

Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Mill Race Marathon

September 27 & 28

500 Washington St. Columbus, IN 47201

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!

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Hope Heritage Days

September 26 – 28

Hope Town Square, 326 Jackson St., Hope, IN 47246

Hope Heritage Days is entering its 57th 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!

 

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Ethnic Expo

October 10 & 11

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.

 

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Deja Vu Art & Fine Craft

November 8

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.

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Farmers Market vendor in Columbus, Indiana

Festival of Lights

December 6 

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!

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