Hot Hits Weekend Best Bets - 6/5-6/7/26

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Central Ohio's summer calendar shifts into high gear this weekend, with major sporting events, food festivals and outdoor entertainment creating one of the region's busiest early-June stretches.

The biggest draw of the weekend is expected to be the 50th edition of the Memorial Tournament, presented by Workday, continuing through Sunday in Dublin. Founded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the event has become one of Central Ohio's signature annual attractions and one of the region's largest sports tourism drivers.

For food festival fans, Columbus Taco Fest returns Saturday and Sunday to Goodale Park with tacos, live entertainment and festival programming built around local vendors and outdoor activities. The event has become one of the city's recurring early-summer traditions.

Wine enthusiasts also have options this weekend.

The Columbus Summer Wine Festival is scheduled for Saturday at McFerson Commons, offering tastings, artisan vendors and live entertainment in a downtown setting. Meanwhile, those willing to venture south of Columbus can find the Grove City Wine and Art Festival featuring tastings, local art and community programming across two days.

Live entertainment continues across the region.

Actors' Theatre of Columbus continues its seasonal outdoor run of Shakespeare in Schiller Park, bringing evening performances under the trees as part of its summer season. Organizers describe the performances as community-focused and donation-supported.

Music fans also have notable stops this weekend, including a Saturday outdoor show at KEMBA Live featuring Claypool Gold with performances involving Primus and related projects.

Families looking for daytime activities can build a weekend around attractions including Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, both operating regular public hours through the weekend.

Visitors wanting a slower pace can also explore parks and neighborhood gathering spaces such as Antrim Park or spend time in the city's brewery and patio scene, including Seventh Son Brewing as summer crowds return outdoors.

Taken together, the June 5-7 weekend offers a snapshot of what Central Ohio does best: major events paired with neighborhood experiences, giving residents and visitors choices that range from championship sports to local culture and summer traditions.