During the summer it seems like every weekend in Columbus is packed full of events, but none more so than this coming weekend. There’s a feast of opportunities for food lovers.
On Saturday (1-3pm) the North Market will be filled with the beloved smell of all things bacon. It’s the third annual Wild Goose Creative Bacon Camp, which is more of a celebration of bacon than a camp. There will be cooking competitions, arts and crafts and of course lots of opportunities to taste. Tickets cost $10 each and there are still some available.
On Saturday and Sunday (11am-8pm) is the Ohio Food Truck Festival, which will be held at the Ohio Historical Society (near Crew stadium on 71). There will be over 35 food trucks and carts from all over the state, 25 arts and crafts vendors, music, beer, games and Silent Disco.
There will also be local street food at Urban Scrawl in Franklinton. Urban Scrawl is a free 2 day festival that features live painting by artists on large panels, electronic, hip hop, and rock music, a b-boy exhibition, arts & crafts vendors, children’s activities, and food vendors. This year Urban Scrawl is Saturday, August 25th from noon to 10pm. and Sunday, August 26th from noon to 6pm at 400 West Rich Street.
Fans of our Alt Eats tour might enjoy the Columbus Egyptian festival, now in its 18th year with traditional foods and desserts. Friday-Sunday. There’s also the new Northland International Community Festival “a celebration of the vibrant history & cultural diversity of the community in the Northland area of Columbus”. The festival is a free two day event at the new Northland Performing Arts Center with food and craft vendors, live music and performing arts and community outreach groups.
Saturday is also Columbus’ third annual summer Beerfest, this year at the LC Pavilion. They are planning to have over 200 craft beers to celebrate the bicentennial with a mix of Ohio-brewed and out of state beers. The event runs from 7-11pm (6pm for VIP entry) and tickets are $35 in advance or $45 on the day. Your ticket will give you 25 (5oz) sample tickets.
On Sunday you’ll find a more relaxed experience at Jorgensen Farms where they are celebrating their first Backyard mint festival. There will be a farm animal petting zoo, hayrides, yard games, plenty of good eats, and Jeni Britton Bauer will be on hand to demonstrate how to make peppermint-infused whipped cream, as well as peppermint chocolate milk. The event runs from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m at Jorgensen Farms; 5851 E Walnut St, Westerville. Kids: $10 (under 2 years of age are free); Adults: $15
Sunday is also the last Goodale Park Music Series concert of the summer. The Spikedrivers will be playing a free concert from 12:30-2pm at the Goodale Park Gazebo. Bring a picnic and sit on the lawn or grab lunch from one of the food carts.
On Sunday evening Latitude 41 are hosting one of their monthly Sunday suppers. Chef Adam Cobb is preparing a rustic Spanish dinner, inspired by his time spent working in Spain. The dinner is $150 for a table 6 people and Latitude is open from 5-10pm on Sundays.
As well as all these special events, there are all of the regular food tours, farmers markets, Fridays at the Meadery and Artisan Sundays at the North Market. This time of year is the perfect time to visit farmers’ markets as there’s all manner of gorgeous produce available.
If you need a break from all that eating and drinking the Columbus Invitational Performing Arts Showcase on August 25, will spotlight talented, local performers in an America’s Got Talent-style competition. It is designed to increase public awareness of some great young artists, and to garner support for them. August 25, 7 p.m. in the Shedd Theater, Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Avenue. Saturday night is also the Available Light Theater annual fundraiser ‘Feed Your Soul‘. “Feed Your Soul is a party for everyone who believes that great art makes us more joyful, compassionate people. It’s not a formal gala – just a fun night out with delicious local foods, the coolest silent auction in town, and a special night of performances you won’t see anywhere else”.
After all that food you might need some exercise. Bike the Cbus is coming up on September 1st and we are proud to be a sponsor of this great event. August 25th is the last day to register to get a free t shirt with your entry fee. Bike the C-Bus explores some of the neighborhoods in and around Columbus. The entire ride will cover approximately 25 miles over 4 segments and will feature stops that highlight change that is occurring in our neighborhoods. Each stop will be sponsored by businesses and community groups and provide snacks and drinks for the riders. It definitely a ride to explore and learn, not a race and it’s a lot of fun.
