Things to do in Columbus: Summer 2016 & Graeter’s Giveaway

What are your plans for the rest of the summer? Columbus has so much to offer and I plan to do as much as possible, all with a cone of ice cream in hand.

We are in the thick of summer now! Despite the fact that stores are already trying to ruin what’s left of summer by setting up their Back-to-School displays, we will power through and soak up every last minute. Even though it’s been grossly humid here in Columbus I’m not going to wish it away.

If you know anything about Ohio, beyond putting a Buckeye spin on just about everything, it’s a state chock full of delicious ice cream which is a must during the summer. Guess that’s why they dubbed July National Ice Cream Month, those smart food-holiday inventors, whoever they are. But anywho, to celebrate I’m giving away 2 vouchers for two free pints of Graeter’s ice cream which originated in Cincinatti. One of my favorite flavors is blackberry chocolate chip and I also just fell in love with the coconut chocolate chip (it’s pretty spectacular sandwiched between 2 cookies). The only limit to be qualified is living in an area that sells it. Don’t worry, you don’t have to live in Ohio as I was able to find it when I lived in Memphis, TN! But please CHECK HERE for locations near you first before entering the giveaway (widget at the end of this post)

I plan on eating my fair share of ice cream, along with tackling my long list of things to do this summer. This city is just bursting with activities and as such have decided to share some with you. You know, just in case you also live in this fine city or if you needed an excuse to come visit me. In all honesty, this list is a bit biased towards what I want to do but it’s also a long list that’s bound to have at least one thing on it that you’re in to. Click the links to find out more! Oh and I promise this is not a sponsored post, I honest to goodness want to do all these things and want to spread the love for all to enjoy.

July 15-17: Promowest Fest – Three day music festival in the Arena District. I’m only going on Sunday which includes performances by Brand New, Modest Mouse, Garbage, and Atlas Genius.

July 19-23: Restaurant Week – Restaurants are offering three-course meals at a discounted price (and $5000 of the proceeds go to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank). I’ve already made reservations with various people at 3 restaurants I have never been to before: Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, Kraft House No. 5, and Cooper’s Hawk Winery. Bob and I are also going to Lindey’s because it’s stinking amazing – we go every single Restaurant Week it’s kind of a problem.

July 22-24: Jazz & Rib Fest – Exactly what it sounds like. As if I need an excuse to eat ribs, ha!

July 27: Real Madrid versus Paris Saint-Germain – International soccer comes to the Ohio Stadium! It’s gonna be slightly weird seeing real football and not American football in that stadium but I love watching soccer regardless of the venue. Even if Ronaldo won’t be there because he’s injured.

July 27-August 7: Ohio State Fair – Mix of food, rides, live entertainment (Dolly Parton anyone?), and shopping.

July 30: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Release Party – I preordered my copy already for this release party at the Book Loft in German Village, I’m so excited, it’ll be just like the midnight release lines I stood in growing up reading these books.

August 4: The Goonies – Movie showing in Genoa Park for $5 in advance or $10 at the door. Food and drinks available from Mikey’s Late Night Slice, Dare Devil Dogs, Junior’s Tacos, and Land-Grant Brewing Co.

August 5: Star Wars The Force Awakens – Free movie showing at dusk in Bicentennial Park.

August 5-6: Columbus Summer Beerfest – Admission to either day gets you a souvenir mug and 25 taste tickets. If you by tickets today (July 15, 2016) you can get early entry tickets for regular price!

August 6: Gallery Hop – First Saturday or every month where galleries open their door to the public.

August 12-14: Food Truck Festival – Exactly what it sounds like, a bunch of food trucks all in one place! Last year I actually planned out which food trucks and items to get in advance and split each things with 4 people in order to maximize our sampling potential. It was one of my better ideas and I will be doing that again this year.

August 13: North Market Farmer’s Market Festival – Meet and purchase fresh and locally sourced produce and products from the best-in-class farmers of North Market.

August 18: Best Bites Tacos – All the taco places in town compete for best taco. $30 for admission to be able to sample every vendor.

August 20: Clintonville Quest/CrestFest – Scavenger hunt of sorts around my beloved Clintonville or you can just attend the community festival. I did it last year and it was a blast!

August 26: Night Nation Run – A 5K fun run with glow sticks, lights, lasers, and DJs playing music. And my registration came with a free ticket to a Columbus Crew soccer game – heck yea!

September 9: Ohio Bacon Fest – Food trucks and restaurants will be serving up their signature bacon dishes. I may have purchased VIP tickets for this the moment I heard about it… just saying.

Columbus Crew Soccer: There are obviously several dates for games and I have tickets to 2 different games already, as I’ve mentioned above.

Clintonville Farmer’s Market: Saturdays, April 30-Nov 19, 9am to noon, and alsoWednesdays, July 6-Sept 28, 4-7 pm. I can walk to this from my house and therefore have pretty much no excuse not to go every time.

North Market Farmer’s Market: Saturdays throughout the growing season starting at 8am till they run out!

North Market Peddler’s Picnic: Sundays starting in June, running through the end of October, 10 am-3 pm. Showcasing handmade, vintage, fine art, jewelry and more from local vendors.

NightLight614: Movies in Genoa park on Thursdays throughout the summer with different food trucks every night. (I’m going to The Goonies on August 4 as mentioned above.)

COSI Summer Movie Series: COSI is showcasing 2 different cult classic movies every Friday and Saturday from July 15-September 3.

Graeter’s Ice Cream is a nationally recognized and awarded ice cream brand (Named Top 5 in the Country by the Food Network!) that was founded over 146 years ago in Cincinnati, OH. The fourth-generation family owned and operated company has perfected the art of using the French Pot, a traditional, small batch artisanal process of making ice cream. Known for their indulgent, premium flavors and ingredients, they’re also widely recognized for their gargantuan gourmet chocolate chips. 

ENTER TO WIN BELOW

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Disclosure: I was provided with vouchers for 2 free pints of Graeter’s ice cream from RMD Advertising and an additional 2 vouchers for the giveaway. I was not compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.