Free events in Franklin County, OH

FOWP hosts a hands-on park cleanup at Westgate Shelter House to help keep the area looking its best. Volunteers will take on whatever tasks are most needed, which may include mulching, weeding, watering, or picking up trash. Meet at the enclosed shelter house parking lot. All tools are provided, but bring your own gloves and a water bottle. There is no access to a water source or bathroom at the worksite. Activities are weather dependent, and updates will be posted on the event page.

Clintonville Farmers’ Market serves as a lively weekend showcase for Ohio-grown and Ohio-made foods, featuring heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, artisan breads, cheeses and jams, cut flowers, ripe berries, fresh pasta, and a rotating lineup of food trucks. Friends, families, and neighbors gather to explore local flavors and connect with one another. Live music will be performed during the market to add to the atmosphere.

Motorcyclists gather weekly at Throttle Co. for a casual meet up with complimentary coffee from a rotating selection of local and regional coffee shops and roasters. It also serves as the regular meetup for the Litas Columbus, and those who are new or interested are welcome.

Enjoy relaxed Magic: The Gathering play focused on Commander, with legendary leaders, splashy turns, and friendly multiplayer battles. The format is Commander Constructed. There is no entry fee, and players of all experience levels are welcome, whether arriving on your own or with a friend.

Give shelter dogs fresh air and individual attention during a community dog walking event at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center in Columbus, Ohio. The shelter cares for 200 to 300 dogs on any given day, and volunteer walkers help ensure each one gets time out of the kennel. No advance sign-up is needed, and newcomers are welcome to drop in. This is an outdoor, weather-dependent activity, and any changes due to conditions will be shared on the event page. If you would like updates and reminders, you can RSVP. When you arrive, go to the large fenced walking yard behind the building and check in at the registration table. Staff will match you with an appropriate dog and provide waste bags, treats, and harness leads, so personal leashes and collars should be left at home. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. This is family friendly, and the primary dog walker must be 18 or older. Feel free to take photos of adoptable dogs and share them using #FCDSAdoptables. This activity is for shelter dogs only, so owned pets should stay home unless you are meeting a specific dog for adoption. If you become interested in fostering or adopting, staff can explain next steps. Donations of dog treats are especially appreciated.

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.

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.

Reggae Sundays features The Flex Crew with DJ P. Funk for a reggae-focused night. This event is for ages 21 and over. Admission is $10 for women and $15 for men.

Explore a weekly card show featuring Pokémon, trading card games, and sports cards at Counterbalance Brewing Co. Browse a rotating lineup of tables spanning both TCG and sports categories, with complimentary prizes and special activities adding to the fun. There is no admission fee, and the brewery offers food and drinks. All ages are welcome. For table inquiries or additional details, email midwestsportscardshows@gmail.com.

The Live Axles present a monthly set of favorite country western tunes, with plenty of space for two stepping.

At The Olde Oak, a monthly hot jazz jam and dance welcomes the community for a free, open evening of music and movement. The night starts with a complimentary dance workshop taught by a SwingColumbus instructor, featuring a short solo routine tailored to the brisk tempos of traditional jazz and refreshed with a new mini routine each month. After the workshop, the bandstand opens to musicians and vocalists of all kinds, with participants rotating in and out at their own pace. The bandstand and dance floor are open to all experience levels, and COHJS and SwingColumbus emphasize a welcoming, respectful, safe, and supportive atmosphere for everyone. While admission is free, a $5 tip is appreciated to help keep the jam running, and donations are also accepted through PayPal or Venmo.

A trivia event with no entry fee. Everyone is welcome to take part.

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.

Spend 10 minutes with a CMA educator in a focused conversation about a single artwork. This brief pop-up highlights different pieces on view as part of the 10 Minutes on the Dot series. Signage near CMA’s Welcome Desk will indicate the featured work for the day. The experience is included with general admission, and no registration is required.