We are coming up on the longest day of the year, summer solstice, which is good because a search of the events calendar at ColumbusMakesArt.com showed me that there are a ton of arts events to squeeze into this weekend.
Here are 12 events that caught my eye:
- ReelAbilities Virtual Film Festival presents Don’t Foil My Plans, June 16-18.
- Easton Unplugged at the Yard is featuring Ed McGee Duo, Thursday June 17.
- Upper Arlington’s Music in the Parks drive-in series is featuring Deuce ‘N a Quarter, Thursday.
- Evolution Theater Company, opens Vampire Lesbians of Sodom at MadLab Theater on Thursday. The company received a Project Support grant to produce three shows in 2021.
- The Columbus Symphony presents Popcorn Pops: Space out and Step Up! This interactive family-oriented concert features music inspired by space is Friday, June 18 in the Columbus Commons. Bonus: each adult admission comes with one free child admission.
- And, on Saturday June 19, also at Columbus Commons, the symphony presents Picnic with the Pops: Michal Cavanaugh Performs the Music of Elton John. I can tell you from past experience that this will turn into a sing-a-long!
- Saturday, June 19 is Juneteenth and Marron Arts Group (one of three inaugural Thrive grantees) is presenting We are Maroon: Juneteenth Festival, which includes a day of free performances, workshops and activities.
- The McConnell Arts Center in partnership with Gateway Film Center is hosting an outdoor double feature on Saturday (perfect as we close in on the summer solstice). First there’s a concert with the Moonbats followed by a screening of Back to the Future.
- Saturday is also the opening of The Dog Show: Two Centuries of Canine Cartoons at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum.
- Sunday, June 20 the Hadden Sayers band will be playing on the Worthington village green as part of Worthington Parks & Rec’s free Concerts on the Green series.
And there are a few events that you’ll need to catch this weekend before they are gone.
Last Call:
- Friday is the last day to see Justin Grubb: Conservation Through a Lens at the Audubon Center. Pro tip: enjoy the summer weather and take an easy hike while you are there.
- Sunday is the last showing of Actors’ Theater Columbus’ production of Much Ado About Nothing.
This is my short list for the weekend. What’s yours? Go to ColumbusMakesArt.com to search for even more events as well as public art and artist stories.
Lacey Luce is a digital marketing specialist for the Greater Columbus Arts Council who is excited to see the arts coming back in force!