Free events in Marion, OH

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.

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.

Find adult clothing in a range of styles, freshly cleaned and neatly organized by size, available at no cost to anyone regardless of financial circumstances. The selection can vary, and there are also a limited number of shoes, jewelry, and purses. Donations are welcome and help Open Door support the local community. No appointment is required.

At the Galion Firelands FCU branch, the parking lot will be filled with decorated trunks, participation from local businesses, and plenty of treats for an evening of trunk-or-treating. Families can wear costumes and walk from trunk to trunk to collect treats in a festive atmosphere. Admission is free and no registration is required.

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.

Clintonville’s third Friday tradition brings an evening of neighborhood fun with dinner from food trucks, surprise giveaways and limited-time deals, pop up experiences, and a recurring treasure hunt for kids at favorite local spots. This edition also introduces the first Ramble-Run-Walk, with check in at Global Gallery, a relaxed start where everyone can move at a comfortable pace while staying on sidewalks and following safety volunteers, and a finish-line celebration at Combustion Brewing. Participation is free. A commemorative cup is available for $12 and can be filled with beer or cider that night at Combustion Brewing, Global Gallery, or The Winemakers Shop. Neighborhood businesses taking part include The Atomic Shop, The Brass Hand, Clintonville Books, Combustion Brewery & Taproom, Eclectiques Antique Mall, Embassy Boardshop, The Galaxy Coffee, Global Gallery, Lemonade Gifts & Social Hall, Natterdoodle, Orangetheory Fitness, Rewash Refillery & Market, Rock Candy Healing Stones, Small Talk, Tigertree + Cubshrub, Virtue Vegan Salon, Whit's Frozen Custard in Clintonville, Wild Cat Gift & Party, The Winemakers Shop, World Peaces, and Zen Yoga, with more to be added.

A weekly get together for motorcyclists at Throttle Co with complimentary coffee. Each gathering features free pours from a rotating selection of local and regional coffee shops and roasters. It also doubles as the regular meet up for Litas Columbus, welcoming newcomers and those curious about the group.

The Westgate Farmers Market wraps up the season with its final official market day.

This free cultural gathering honors the memory of loved ones who have passed and offers an authentic Día de los Muertos experience as celebrated in Mexico. Attendees can explore community ofrendas and gravesite decorations, savor traditional cuisine, and enjoy live performances by local bands and musicians. The day includes activities for children, an art exhibition, artisan vendors, a Catrina costume contest, a parade featuring Aztec dancers, folkloric dance performances, and more. Presented by Latino Arts for Humanity.

Enjoy casual Magic: The Gathering Commander play with multiplayer matchups led by a legendary creature at the helm of your deck. The format is Commander Constructed. There is no entry fee, and everyone is welcome. Players are encouraged to bring a friend for relaxed games.

At the Columbus Metropolitan Library - Hilltop Branch, A Step in the Right Direction hosts a Hygiene Free Store that makes everyday essentials easier to access. It takes place twice a month and is open to everyone. No ID is required, and free hygiene items are available while supplies last. Parking is available in the library lot or on the side street, and visitors can look for the entrance sign. Community members who want to help remove barriers can volunteer, run a donation drive, make a contribution, or sponsor a store day. For questions or to get involved, contact info@intherightdirection.org or 614-254-0046.

Project Noelle’s Red Ribbon Spooktacular brings a free, family-friendly celebration to Marion with a focus on living drug-free and making healthy choices. Set at McKinley Park, the event welcomes the community with hands-on activities and helpful information. Attendees can take part in a coloring contest with prizes, enjoy free pizza and candy, and explore prevention information and community resources. Costumes are welcome but not required, and the emphasis is on creating a fun environment that supports a brighter, healthier future for kids.