Ask anyone in Columbus, and they’ll likely be able to list off some of their favorite summer festivals. There’s so many of them, that it sometimes feels like there’s something to do every week. One of the names you’ll likely hear over and over again from eager would-be festival goers is the Jazz & Rib Festival that takes place every year.
It’s kind of the formula for the perfect summer festival. You start out with a perfect outdoor setting close by to a river, center the festival around delicious food stalls as far as the eye can see, and throw in live music with multiple stages around the venue. As the saying goes, “if you build it, they will come.” And they do. The Jazz & Rib Fest brings in around 200,000 people every year, eager to enjoy the weather, sweeping live music, and summer staple foods.
About the Fan-Favorite Festival
The Jazz & Rib Fest is a Columbus tradition that takes place annually at Bicentennial Park and West Bank Park, which are both situated right along the Scioto Mile riverfront in downtown Columbus. The Scioto Mile, being situated in a green, urban area surrounded by the beauty of the Scioto River is a stellar location. Being where it is, there are minimal road closures and people can walk around freely through the area. This a non-ticketed event, meaning you can walk around and enjoy yourself without the need to spend money—but you might not get that far with the smell of delicious ribs, chicken, and other food wafting through the summer breeze.
Given the name of the festival, there are plenty of food stalls offering some of the most succulent ribs and chicken with various barbeque sauces around. With the high attendance of the festival, the Jazz & Rib Fest draws in some of the best food trucks and stalls offering delectable meats and sauces from all over the Midwest. Of course, if tearing into a meaty rib or enjoying a chicken sandwich isn’t your thing, the festival has you covered and offers plenty of other options. Plus, there are a ton of drink vendors too—find some good food, grab a cocktail or beer (or water—after all, it is summer) and get ready to hang out with friends.
Once you’ve sat down with some good eats, the Jazz & Rib Fest offers a wide variety of live music. You can expect to find jazz, r&b, and hip hop performers scattered around the venue at the multiple music stages that are set up ahead of the festival. For the entire duration of the festival, the Jazz & Rib Fest brings in a whopping total of 50 artists who are ready to perform and set the atmosphere at one of Columbus’ biggest summer festivals.
If you’re looking for something fun to get out and do in Columbus during the summertime, do not sleep on this festival. It offers the perfect summer ambiance, especially in the evening, and again—it’s free to get into. The Jazz & Rib Fest spans a total of three days, from July 19th to the 21st and goes nearly all day long.