Hot Hits Weekend Best Bets - 6/12-6/14/26

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Central Ohio heads into the weekend with a calendar anchored by one of the region's signature arts events, alongside concerts, community gatherings and seasonal programming that signal the beginning of the summer festival stretch.

The largest draw of the weekend is expected to be the Columbus Arts Festival, returning Friday through Sunday along the downtown riverfront.

Organizers say the three-day event will feature more than 200 juried visual artists, multiple performance stages, interactive activities and an expanded food lineup along the Scioto Mile. The festival has long served as one of downtown Columbus' most recognizable summer traditions and is expected to draw visitors from across Ohio and neighboring states. Admission remains free.

The arts festival arrives as Columbus continues to position itself as a regional destination for large-scale public events and cultural tourism. City and tourism officials have increasingly emphasized festivals and live entertainment as economic drivers for downtown neighborhoods and hospitality businesses.

Music fans will also find a full weekend schedule across Central Ohio.

Country audiences are expected to converge Saturday for Buckeye Country Superfest at Ohio Stadium, one of the area's largest annual concert events. Additional live performances and club dates are scheduled throughout the city's entertainment venues over the weekend.

Theater and performance offerings continue as outdoor productions remain in season. Actors' Theatre of Columbus is continuing performances at Schiller Park through the weekend, extending the city's long-running tradition of open-air summer theater.

Outside Columbus proper, suburban communities are adding local events to the weekend schedule.

In Grove City, Friday's Town Center Food Truck Festival and Shop Hop will combine food vendors, local shopping and family activities. Weekend programming continues Saturday with the community farmers market and concludes Sunday with Grove City Pridefest.

Tourism officials note that June marks one of the busiest periods of the year for events in Central Ohio, with festivals, concerts and outdoor gatherings accelerating into the summer season. Visitors are encouraged to verify event schedules, parking information and weather plans before attending.