Earth Day: How to celebrate Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day with these sustainability tips.
Problem Solved
- Central Ohio is hosting numerous festivals and events this spring as the weather warms up.
- Events range from cultural celebrations like the Cherry Blossom and Asian Festivals to large music festivals like Sonic Temple.
- Several events, including marathons and vendor markets, will take place in downtown Columbus and the Short North.
Winter is finally shrinking away in the rearview mirror as central Ohio speeds into spring. Temperatures are rising, flowers are blooming and everyone suddenly has more daylight than they know what to do with.
Now that the sun isn’t setting at 5 p.m., how do you plan to spend your extra time? We’ve rounded up a few ideas to get you started.
Whether you’re craving new cultural experiences, family-friendly fun or live music alongside a few thousand of your closest friends, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the extra sunshine this season.
Greater Columbus Cherry Blossom Festival
When: March 25-April 25
Where: Franklin Park, 1755 E. Broad St.
Details: Inspired by Washington DC’s famous National Cherry Blossom Festival, central Ohio celebrates its own blossoms from more than 100 cherry trees in Franklin Park each spring. Organized by International Voluntary Organizations, the theme for Columbus’ fifth-annual Cherry Blossom Festival is “Peace Begins with Me.” The Cherry Blossom Festival Food & Drink Trail will be open to the public for the entirety of the festival. and local venues will host additional cherry blossom events throughout the month.
Admission: Free
More information: ivocolumbusoh.org/cherryblossomfestival
Eggs, Paws & Claws
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 3-4
Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Road, Powell
Details: The sun is finally out, and so are your favorite creatures at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This two-day event is the perfect way for families to kick off Easter weekend. Schedule a photo experience with the Easter Bunny, enjoy meet-and-greets with the zoo’s friendly character ambassadors and take part in an “Eggs-splore and Find” activity for the chance to win a prize. Zookeeper talks are also scheduled to take place throughout the two days.
Admission: General admission is $27.95 for children, $32.95 for seniors and $34.95 for adults.
More information: columbuszoo.org/events/eggs-paws-and-claws
OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25
Where: Downtown
Details: Whether you’re an elite runner or just trying to move more in 2026, this event has a course to fit your health goals. More than 12,000 runners and walkers will flood downtown Columbus on April 25 for the 23rd-annual OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon and Columbus Promise 5K. More than 30 bands and entertainers will line the course, and athletes and spectators alike are invited to the Byers Xtra Mile Finish Line Party and PNC Post Race Concert at Columbus Commons from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission: Registration for the 5K is $65; quarter marathon is $95; and half marathon is $120. Spectating, of course, is free.
More information: capitalcityhalfmarathon.com
Earth Day at the zoo
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25-26
Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Details: The Columbus Zoo promises an “eco-celebration like no other” for patrons throughout the Earth Day weekend. Local organizations like Franklin Park Conservatory and the Ohio EPA will host conservation activity stations inside the zoo entrance, and character ambassadors will be available for meet-and-greets − when they aren’t rolling through the zoo on a musical train, that is. And don’t forget your dancing shoes to properly Party for the Planet in the Conservation Courtyard.
Admission: General admission is $27.95 for children, $32.95 for seniors and $34.95 for adults.
More information: columbuszoo.org/events/earth-day-celebration-weekend-protect-our-species
Earth Day Columbus
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 26
Where: Scioto Audubon, 400 W. Whittier St.
Details: Green Columbus presents a free, family-friendly celebration of the planet filled with hands-on opportunities to learn about the environment and how to protect it. Peruse booths from more than 50 local vendors, visit the kids tent for live bugs and arts and crafts, and grab a bite to eat from a local food truck. In the true spirit of Earth Day, attendees are encouraged to walk or ride to the event if possible.
Admission: Free
More information: earthdaycolumbus.org/earth-day
COSI Science Festival and Big Science Celebration
When: April 29-May 2
Where: Various central Ohio locations, with the Big Science Celebration taking place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 2 outside of COSI, 333 W. Broad St.
Details: To spread the magic of science and technology to as many learners as possible, COSI Science Festival events will take place in several communities across central Ohio between April 29 and May 1. The Big Science Celebration will serve as the festival’s finale, taking place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 2 on the Scioto Peninsula, just outside of COSI. The free outdoor event will include over 100 exhibitor stations with science activities hosted by local STEAM experts, plus live performances and food trucks to fuel up between discoveries.
Admission: Free
More information: cosiscifest.org/visit
Short North Hops on High
When: Noon to 8 p.m. May 9
Where: West 2nd Avenue to East Russell Street, Short North Arts District
Details: Just in time for last-minute Mother’s Day shopping, Short North Hops on High boasts a vendor market of more than 80 artists and creators to help you find the perfect gift – for Mom or yourself. The all-day pedestrian-only event in the Short North Arts District features live musical performances, additional “artistic acts” and a curated collection of food trucks. Local businesses are also expected to join in with pop-up sidewalk shops.
Admission: Free
More information: shortnorth.org/hops-on-high
Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival
When: May 14-17
Where: Historic Crew Stadium, One Black and Gold Blvd.
Details: Ohio’s largest art and music festival will bring four full days of heavy music and its diehard fans to the city. This year’s lineup features more than 140 bands, including heavy-hitting headliners My Chemical Romance, Shinedown, Bring Me the Horizon, and Tool, but Sonic Temple is a celebration of more than just music. Festivalgoers can expect to encounter immersive art installations throughout the festival grounds, plus plenty of food vendors, beer and spirits to choose from in between sets.
Admission: Four-day passes currently start at $449 and single-day passes currently start at $189.
More information: sonictemplefestival.com
Columbus Asian Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 23 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 24
Where: Franklin Park
Details: Columbus’ 32nd-annual two-day event celebrating Asian cultures and heritage is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors to Franklin Park for a program packed with fun and festivities. If you’re looking to enjoy authentic Asian food, cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations plus additional events honoring Asian cultures and traditions in your own backyard, this is the best time of year to do it.
Admission: Free
More information: asian-festival.org
Ohio Black Expo: Riverfront Culture Fest
When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 23 and noon to 9 p.m. May 24
Where: Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St.
Details: Ohio Black Expo: Riverfront Culture Fest returns Memorial Day weekend, bringing thousands of guests to Genoa Park to celebrate Black culture through engaging workshops, networking opportunities and ample entertainment. The two-day celebration will feature a parade, more than 100 vendors, food trucks, craft beverages, and concerts from various performers, including a set from featured artist October London scheduled for May 24.
Admission: Now through the end of March, single-day passes are $15 and two-day passes are $20.
More information: ohioblackexpo.com
Breakaway Music Festival
When: May 29-30
Where: Historic Crew Stadium
Details: Touring EDM festival Breakaway is set to bring 20 national acts to Columbus for its fifth stop at the end of May, including headliners Disco Lines, GRiZ, Kygo, and Rezz. Four local artists − 2ŁØT, Stoney, Tano, and VryBad – are also set to join the lineup. After getting its start in Columbus 13 years ago, Breakaway has quickly grown to become one of the largest touring festivals in the U.S., bringing Ohio’s passion for EDM to crowds across the country.
Admission: Tickets currently start at $159.
More information: breakawayfestival.com
Newsroom assistant Kelly Tucker can be reached at [email protected].
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.dispatch.com ’
