Columbus Arts Festival Celebrates 50 Years

The 50th anniversary of the Columbus Arts Festival takes place June 3-5 in the Discovery District. More than 230 artists from around the country were chosen out of 1,000 applicants to participate in the three-day event. The Greater Columbus Arts Council, which organizes the Arts Fest, made extra efforts to include more local artists and restaurants this year. New elements include an Emerging Artists program promoting a dozen Central Ohio artists; a mobile app enabling visitors to locate artists and food vendors; an adult’s-only area with hands-on art activities; exhibitions of local student artwork; and an art-making demonstration tent. Poets, spoken word artists, and nearly 20 bands representing a variety of musical genres will perform throughout the festival. In partnership with Dine Originals Columbus, special menus will be offered by local restaurants including Barcelona, Barrio Tapas Lounge, Black Creek Bistro, DeepWood, Due Amici, Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus, G. Michael’s Bistro, Katalina’s Café Corner, Mozart’s Bakery, The Refectory, Rigsby’s Kitchen, TASI café, and The Top Steak House. The signature cocktail will be a vodka libation called “Liquid Art.”

“Fifty years is a long time for a festival to be around,” said Jami Goldstein, Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Events for GCAC. “We’ve built a solid reputation in the artist community as a well-run festival with friendly volunteers, great artist amenities and a community that appreciates and buys art.”

The festival will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on June 3 and 4, and from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on June 5. Festival organizers plan to move the event back to the Columbus Riverfront in 2012.

Photos by Greg Bartram.