Free events in Westerville, OH

A free, men-only fitness meetup in Pataskala brings local participants together at Foundation Park for a ruck-focused workout paired with bodyweight exercises. The session runs about 45 to 60 minutes and combines brisk walking or hiking with a weighted backpack and movements such as push-ups, squats, and planks. All fitness levels are welcome, with pacing and modifications that ensure everyone can take part and finish together. The group is currently a small circle of 4 to 5 local men and is open to growing its community. Bring a backpack with a bit of weight, such as dumbbells, wrapped bricks, or water bottles, or start with an empty pack if preferred. A water bottle and a positive attitude are recommended. There is no cost, no registration, and no sales pitch. This gathering takes place in any weather. Participants meet in the basketball court parking lot at Foundation Park, and looking for people with backpacks makes the group easy to spot.

The 32nd annual Delaware Charity Auto Show, presented by Performance CJDR Delaware and benefitting IMPACT60, welcomes spectators at no cost and invites owners of all makes, models, and years to register their vehicles. Early bird registration is $25 and day-of registration is $40. More than 115 trophies are planned, including categories for motorcycles and late models. Pre-registration offers savings, and early arrival helps with prime parking. A limited VIP option provides a premium reserved parking space and a show shirt, with only 35 spots available. Launched in 1994 by the Vintage Auto Club as The Blast from the Past, the show began at Delaware City Water Works Park, later moved to Delaware County JVS, and has taken place in downtown Delaware since 2001 at the request of City Council. Now co-hosted by Performance CDJR Delaware, a dedicated volunteer team, and the City of Delaware, it showcases standout collector cars, trucks, and motorcycles, with boats appearing on occasion. Vehicles from vintage to late model line Historic Sandusky Street while guests enjoy music, a farmers’ market, local dining, and more than 100 awards. The event regularly attracts over 500 vehicles and thousands of spectators and is recognized as one of Ohio’s top downtown gatherings. On event day, parking and check-in begin first, the show opens to the public, registration closes before judging, vendors and a swap meet run during the day, awards cap the festivities, and roads reopen afterward. Spectators attend for free, with fees only for show vehicles. Registrants may change the vehicle at check-in. Place the dash card at the windshield or under a wiper so judges can see it, and look for a colored dot on the card to confirm judging. Early departures are permitted with guidance from local police for safety, and winners are contacted if they have already been judged. Show cars park within the designated field and volunteers help direct vehicles to available spaces. Adult beverages are permitted outdoors only when purchased from participating downtown businesses under the DORA program, with no BYOB or unsanctioned open containers. Burnouts are not allowed. Portable restrooms and handwashing stations will be available in multiple downtown locations.

Browse the Granville Farmers Market at Raccoon Valley Park, where local growers and makers offer farm-fresh produce, artisan baked goods, colorful flowers, handcrafted goods, and other finds. Enjoy a lively community atmosphere as you explore the vendors and pick up something fresh to take home.

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.

Drive through to receive a selection of produce, with staff guiding vehicles along a marked route. Follow posted signs and on-site directions when you arrive. Traffic moves through a gravel lot, and produce will be placed directly in your vehicle. This is not a vendor fair and there are no rental spaces. First-time attendees should bring a photo ID and/or proof of address to create a record in the system. Services are available to qualifying Licking County residents with household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which are updated each July. Volunteers are needed each week.

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.

At the South Shelter near the Aquatic Center and baseball fields, the Ohio School of Falconry leads an engaging program about raptors found in Ohio. Learn how falconry began, how it has evolved through the centuries, and why hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons are vital to thriving ecosystems. The presentation also explains how falconry contributes to raptor conservation. Presented by Plain City Parks and Recreation, this program is free and open to the public.

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.