Hot Hits Weekend Best Bets - Memorial Day Weekend 2026

COLUMBUS, O.H. (Audilous) - Memorial Day weekend in Central Ohio will offer a mix of festivals, concerts, family attractions and ceremonies honoring military service members, with events scheduled across Columbus and surrounding communities from May 22 through May 25. Organizers are encouraging visitors to confirm schedules and ticket availability ahead of time as large crowds are expected throughout the holiday weekend.

One of the weekend's largest attractions will be the 2026 Ohio Black Expo Riverfront Culture Fest in downtown Columbus. The festival, scheduled for May 23-24, will feature live music, food trucks, art, vendors and community programming along the riverfront as part of the Memorial Day weekend celebration.

Downtown Columbus also will host the return of Jeni's x Land-Grant Strawberry Jam during the holiday weekend. The annual event is set for May 23-24 and will include specialty food offerings, entertainment and outdoor activities. Organizers also plan to reopen the Scioto Mile Fountain for the season, while the Columbus Clippers will continue their Memorial Day weekend homestand at Huntington Park.

Visitors looking for family-friendly activities can spend the weekend at Cosi- Center Of Science And Industry, which continues to offer hands-on science exhibits and interactive programming downtown. Nearby, Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will feature seasonal floral displays and exhibitions throughout the weekend.

Outdoor gatherings and entertainment are also expected throughout the Arena District and downtown riverfront. Concertgoers can check schedules at KEMBA Live! and surrounding venues for holiday weekend performances, while events and public gatherings continue at John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons.

Outside Columbus, communities across Central Ohio are planning Memorial Day observances and patriotic tributes. The annual Westerville Field of Heroes display will return May 22-25, featuring thousands of American flags and remembrance events honoring veterans and active-duty military personnel. A 5K Run/Walk for Heroes is scheduled for May 24.

Several regional festivals also are planned during the four-day weekend. The Moonshine Festival in New Straitsville, southeast of Columbus, will run May 22-25 with rides, live entertainment, food vendors and demonstrations celebrating the area's Prohibition-era history. Organizers in Oak Hill also are preparing for the Festival of Flags celebration during the Memorial Day holiday.

Communities throughout Ohio will conclude the weekend Monday with Memorial Day ceremonies and parades honoring fallen service members. In downtown Columbus, a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony is planned May 25 along the Scioto Mile as part of the nation's 250th birthday observance in 2026.