Family events in Franklin County, OH

The Columbus Italian Festival brings Italian Village to life with the flavors, music, and traditions of Italy. Centered at Saint John the Baptist Church, the celebration features homemade favorites including pizza, a full slate of live performances, and family-friendly activities. It highlights Italian heritage while embracing Columbus community spirit, creating a welcoming experience for visitors of all ages.

Ohio State faces Maryland in a college football matchup at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Children under age 2 are admitted at no charge and must sit on an adult's lap. Gates open two hours before kickoff. Bags are generally not permitted, except for medical bags, diaper bags, or clutches no larger than 8x5x1. Guests carrying allowed bags should enter through designated screening entrances. Ticketing includes alumni presales, a public onsale, and a separate resale release.

This walk and run welcomes friends and family to get moving in celebration of Day of the Girl and the anniversary of Proyecto Mariposas. Take part by walking, running, or exercising at whatever pace and distance you prefer. The first 30 participants receive a swag bag at the event, and all participants receive a T-shirt. Bring cafecito y chisme to enjoy as you go. This fundraiser supports Proyecto Mariposas in-school programming and outreach.

Open Studio at CMA fosters creative thinking through hands-on exploration of materials and monthly themes inspired by special exhibitions and works on display. People of all ages are welcome to use the Studio to experiment with a wide range of supplies and make art in their own way. On the first Saturday each month, the program is reserved for members. A dedicated quiet period provides a calmer environment for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

This gathering welcomes current students, teachers, staff, alumni, and former members of every school community that has used the McGuffey School Building. Attendees are encouraged to bring photos and memorabilia to help build an archive of the building’s history. The program features an open mic and jam session, a chance to sample Dungeons and Dragons, time to stroll the halls, opportunities to reconnect with old friends, and live performances.

A family friendly armwrestling tournament welcomes competitors across all ages and weight categories in a double elimination format. Entry is $35 per arm per class, and there is a 4‑pound clothing allowance. Awards are presented to the top three finishers, and any class with three or more entrants includes a $50 cash payout, with awards for pros as well. Weigh‑ins take place at the event location, with an early option the day before and additional weigh‑ins available on tournament day. Divisions include professional classes at 0 to 154, 155 to 176, 177 to 199, 200 to 240, and 241 and above. Masters for ages 40 and up include 0 to 180, 181 to 230, and 231 and above. Amateurs compete at 0 to 180, 181 to 230, and 231 and above. Women have an open right category, and kids compete in light, middle, and heavy groups.

Colony Cats (& dogs) is bringing adoptable cats and kittens to Petco in Upper Arlington. Each cat has been tested for FIV and FeLV, vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and dewormed, so they are ready to settle into a new home. Adoptions are completed with an approved application.

Explore an Ethiopian coffee ceremony in partnership with Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS) at the Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti. Set in the sculpture garden, this live program demonstrates the traditional roasting, grinding, and brewing process while sharing Ethiopia’s role as the origin of coffee and its lasting cultural significance. Offered in dialogue with Tavares Strachan: The Day Tomorrow Began, it engages themes of Pan-African histories, diasporic knowledge, and the visibility of cultural traditions across the African continent and its global connections. Registration is free, and participants may choose a tasting experience or opt to observe only.

Enjoy complimentary general admission every Sunday at the Columbus Museum of Art, with access to special exhibitions included. This weekly offering is supported by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All and Free for the Future Campaign donors. Friends and families can explore the Walter Wing and collaborate on a puzzle in a gallery. There is something to discover around every corner. Photo credit: JToland Photo.

Lenny Pearce brings the Toddler Rave World Tour to KEMBA Live in Columbus for an indoor, all-ages experience. Ticket transfer will be delayed for this event and will not be available immediately. Resale on AXS Resale is also not available right away and may be offered later. Please review the terms of AXS’s Purchase Agreement for more information.

The Columbus Walk to End Alzheimer’s is part of the largest event of its kind worldwide, raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Individuals, families, corporate teams, and supporters of all ages gather to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The experience features an opening ceremony, a Promise Garden that recognizes personal connections, and a meaningful walk alongside others committed to the cause. Participation helps fund critical care and support for local families while advancing research toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Participants can start or join a team and honor a loved one while helping move this mission forward.

Celebrate fall at the KidsLinked New Albany Pumpkin Run, presented by Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians. Now in its second year, this family-friendly event offers two ways to participate. Choose the 1 or 2 mile run on a playful course that starts with bubbles. Finishers take home a small pumpkin and a pumpkin medal, and can pick a Pumpkin Mug or a Tritan 1L Sports Water Bottle. Costumes are encouraged, with awards for funniest, most original, and best costume, recognizing the top two or three in each category. Additional recognition goes to the top 10 male and female finishers for each distance. Families can also opt for the Trick-or-Treat Fun Run at a quarter or half mile on a new route. It begins with bubbles and features themed stops, with the Halloween Ball and a small stuffed animal on both distances, plus a Halloween rubber duck and a candy treat on the half mile. Finishers receive a small pumpkin, a pumpkin medal, and the same gift choice, and the costume contest applies here as well. Packet pickup is available on race day only, with check-in at the back of the venue marked by a giant inflatable pumpkin. Please note that pets are not permitted. Strollers are welcome and the course is on grass. The run is planned to proceed in rain, sunshine, or cold, with delays only if lightning is visible. If conditions are unsafe, distances may be adjusted or the event may be canceled. Updates will be shared on KidsLinked’s Facebook page and by email. This run is part of the KidsLinked New Albany Fall Festival and TreatFest.

Celebrate Italian heritage and community spirit at the 17th Annual Italian Festival Parade and High School Marching Band Competition, organized by the Columbus Piave Club. The route moves through Victorian Village, the Short North, and Italian Village, finishing at the Columbus Italian Festival. Look for lively marching bands, vintage cars, and showcases from local groups along the way. Participation is open to bands, organizations, businesses, and other groups. There is no entry fee for most participants, and groups are encouraged to carry a banner. A $100 fee applies to politicians or political organizations.

Experience a choral showcase with five distinct ensembles that trace a journey from the bright, youthful tones of third graders to the polished sound of musicians preparing for college-level performance. The program is suitable for all ages. Presale tickets are $12 for students and seniors and $15 for general admission. At the box office and on the day of the concert, tickets are $15 for students and seniors and $18 for general admission. Children 5 and under are free.

This community dinner brings neighbors, friends, and families together to share a hearty home-cooked meal in a welcoming setting. Guests can enjoy dinner along with activities for all ages that vary with the weather. Admission is $5 for adults, and children under 18 are free. It offers a low-cost way to connect with others, meet new people, and spend quality time around the table.

Skate the rink with a budget-friendly public session that is great for pairs or solo skaters. Admission is $10 for two people or $6 for one, and skate rentals are available for $6.

Older siblings get to step into the playspace and share the fun with their younger brother or sister. Big kids can build, dig, and explore side by side instead of waiting on the sidelines. Older children of any age may attend when they are with a sibling who is 7 or younger, and admission for the older child is handled the same way as for ages 7 and under. This option is available every third Wednesday during all open hours, and no reservation is required. The experience supports confidence, problem solving, and resilience at every age. It keeps families together rather than splitting plans, and gives big kids a chance to act as role models, lead creatively, and grow their building skills. Participation requires being accompanied by a sibling age 7 or under.

Designed for busy individuals and families, 5 & Drive offers a convenient, affordable way to enjoy a home-style dinner with a quick drive-through pickup and no cooking or cleanup. A suggested donation of $5 per meal supports this community ministry and helps keep meals accessible for neighbors. The menu features a cheese and chicken quesadilla, Texas cole slaw, and churros.

Honor Flight Columbus returns from Mission 156, bringing home veterans who served with courage and sacrifice. At John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Columbus, OH, community members can line the terminal to offer the Welcome Home many never received years ago. For some, this may be the first time they hear those words. Applause, flags, and gratitude are welcome, helping show that their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Mission 156 is sponsored by The Ragan & McNamara Family.

Decorate cupcakes with floral designs inspired by succulents, roses, and other blooms while learning up to date techniques for weddings, showers, and parties. Personalize your creations by choosing your own colors, and take home a dozen cupcakes with a polished, professional finish. This class is for adults and for teens ages 13 and up. All ingredients, baked goods, tools, and supplies are provided, and an apron is recommended. A 22 piece basic decorating kit is available for $30 and includes two reusable bags, twelve small tips, two silicone bag rings, two couplers, three scrapers, and a spatula, and it is not required for the event. GF $25 and Vegan $30. Please share any dietary or other needs at registration. The facility is not nut free. Attendance is limited and all sales are final with no refunds or exchanges, including for illness, though tickets may be given to a friend. If the organizer needs to reschedule or cancel, you will be contacted by email and offered a full refund or the option to transfer to another available event. Street parking is available.

Settle out on the grass for a Halloween-themed movie night with complimentary popcorn available until it runs out. Pack a blanket or a folding chair for comfort. The bar will be pouring drinks, and a food truck will be serving on site.