By Lacey Luce
You know the Columbus Arts Festival is this weekend right? I hope so because we’ve been working pretty hard to get the word out.
My warrior butt will be firmly planted at the Fest from open to close June 12-14. That’s right, I’ll be working this weekend, and work for me will be down by the river surrounded by more than 300 exhibiting artists, 160 performances, a full schedule of films, hands-on activities, and more than 40 food vendors at my disposal. Cry me a river right?!
You could be like me and spend the whole weekend at the Arts Festival. There’s more than enough to keep you entertained, and half the city will be there. But I would be remiss in my duties if I didn’t note that there are plenty of other things to do in our fair Cbus.
For instance, in the Festival Guidebook we’ve dedicated a two-page spread to downtown happenings that people can go explore without relinquishing their precious parking space.
You could head over to Franklinton on Friday night for Franklinton Fridays, where Glass Axis will have walk-in workshops from 4-6 and a reception for their People Who Live in Glass Studios exhibition. The Vanderelli Room has extended their hours to match Festival hours and in addition to their exhibition Game Show they will have live performances by the Artist Wrestling League. Also, in that neck of the woods, on Saturday is the 400 Farmers & Makers Market. Pro tip: bring a cooler, shop the market, put fresh finds in cooler, go play at the Arts Fest.
Urban Arts Space has the Remnants exhibition, which I am totally in love with. I bought a piece during the opening (yes, even someone working in nonprofit can find affordable art) and I have an overwhelming desire to go back and visit her. On Friday night UAS has Paging Columbus: Hide and Seek. After reading the description I’m intrigued and wish I could go check it out.
The Riffe Gallery has All Play, No Work, another fantastic exhibition. It’s also worth noting that both of these exhibitions are free to the public, because our city works hard to support the arts and make them accessible.
While you are at the Fest you should definitely head into COSI. My personal favorite thing there is the Top Secret: License to Spy interactive exhibition, but there’s oh so much more.
The Ohio Theatre has CAPA’s Summer Movie Series. And on Saturday night, up and down Gay Street is the monthly Moonlight Market.
On Sunday Next@Wex Fest is bringing Belle & Sebastian, Jungle and Son Lux. I know Belle & Sebastian is the headliner, and they are great, but I’m loving Jungle’s first album so I’m a little more geeked up to see that.
And, there’s even another festival downtown, the Park Street Festival.
With so much to do I hope you’ll take photos and share, here are a few hashtags to consider: #CbusArtsFest #ArtFan #artmakescbus
Lacey Luce is the marketing, communications and events strategist for the Greater Columbus Arts Council and she will spend the weekend stalking Twitter and Instagram for awesome posts on #CbusArtsFest, #ArtFan and #artmakescbus.
