1. Celebrate 150 years of North Market

Recognized as one of the top 10 public markets in the country by USA Today 10Best, North Market has been serving authentic global cuisines to visitors to its Downtown Columbus location since 1876. In 2026, they will celebrate their 150th anniversary with special events, activations and more. With more than 30 independent vendors under one roof, North Market is a must-visit on your trip to Columbus.

3. Celebrate a landmark year of championship golf in Columbus

Watch one of the biggest weeks in golf as the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday marks its 50th anniversary in 2026. See the sport's top players compete June 1-7 at Muirfield Village Golf Club, designed by Columbus native Jack Nicklaus and the only course in the world to host the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and Presidents Cup. Golf fans will also want to return July 2-5, when the 2026 U.S. Senior Open comes to Scioto Country Club.

4. Attend World Cup watch parties in a top soccer city

Home to the country's first soccer-specific stadium, one of Major League Soccer's original teams and the three-time MLS Cup Champions, the Columbus Crew, it's no surprise that Ohio's capital shines as a true soccer city. Celebrate the World Cup being stateside with special watch parties and offerings.

5. Think fashion forward with a visit to Columbus' newest fashion incubator 

Did you know Columbus is one of the biggest fashion hubs in the country home to brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria's Secret, Justice and more? Columbus also has the highest concentration of professionals working in the apparel and fashion industry in the U.S. Coming in 2026, Columbus Fashion Alliance will open The LOOM Downtown, a new fashion incubator and cultural hub aimed at fostering collaboration.

6. Explore a food scene that's gaining national recognition 

Take your taste buds on a tour of Columbus, named one of America's most thrilling food cities by AFAR. With new and reimagined food festivals and top Columbus chefs like Josh Dalton opening two new concepts in 2026, this is the year to dine your way through Columbus.

7. Experience why Columbus is the perfect place to fall in love  

With date nights inspired by all four seasons, unforgettable places for a first date, some of the most romantic restaurants in the country and unique places to tie the knot, let Columbus be the place you say, “yes” to love in 2026. Learn about all the reasons Columbus is the perfect place for a romantic getaway at experiencecolumbus.com/love.

8. Celebrate love at the largest Pride festival in the Midwest 

Columbus is a welcoming city for all, celebrating its inclusivity and diversity year-round. In 2026, join Stonewall Columbus and over 700,000 guests at the annual Columbus Pride Festival & Resource Fair, June 12-13. Also returning to Columbus in 2026 is the Gay Softball World Series, the largest annual LGBTQ+ single-sport athletic competition in the world, to be held at Berliner Park Aug. 30 through Sept. 5.

9. It's never been easier to get to Columbus

Did you know that Columbus is within a day's drive and a one-hour flight of more than half of the U.S. population? And now, with more direct flights than ever before—like the brand-new Montreal to Columbus flight launching in May 2026—in addition to other recent nonstop additions like ones to San Diego and Orlando, it's never been easier to plan your trip.

11. Get an “Olympic” experience in the heart of the Midwest 

The Winter Olympics will “wow” fans internationally beginning on Feb. 6, but you don't have to wait until then to take part in winter sports (or Italian flavor). Try beer keg curling  at local breweries, enjoy outdoor ice-skating rinks, take a scenic winter hike and dine at favorite local spots like Cento, Speck and the new Metsi's Wood-Fired Italian. 

Located in the heart of Columbus' Short North neighborhood, the new Columbus Welcome Center, opening Feb. 5, will be the perfect place to start your trip in the 614. With endless resources, beautiful retail items and tech-assisted travel planning, you'll want to make sure to add the Columbus Welcome Center to your itinerary. 

14. Plan a trip around a must-see concert or local music festival

Each year, Columbus hosts can't-miss music festivals in all your favorite genres like Buckeye Country Superfest, Sonic Temple and Breakaway. This year, don't miss special tours coming to Columbus from your favorite artists like Luke Combs, Demi Lovato, AC/DC, Bruno Mars and local legends O.A.R., celebrating 30 years together in 2026 with a special homecoming concert Sept. 10 at KEMBA Live! featuring Gavin DeGraw.

15. Attend a marquee event during festival season in the city

While marquee events happen all year long, summer in Columbus means it's festival season with annual events like the COSI Science Festival, Columbus Arts Festival, Columbus Pride, Red White and BOOM! and Jazz & Rib Fest. Visit our Festivals and Events page to see what's happening year-round and plan a trip around your favorite festival. 

With 20+ metro parks all offering their own adventurous experiences, there's no better place to get outdoors than Columbus. For an adrenaline rush featured in National Geographic Travel in 2025, head to Quarry Trails Metro Park where you'll find the nation's first urban via ferrata, a protected climbing route that uses fixed steel cable, iron rungs, ladders and bridges to allow climbers to ascend cliffs that would otherwise be inaccessible.

18. Plan a reading retreat in a literary city

Columbus has rich literary ties to famed authors, with R.L. Stine, James Thurber and award-winning poets, Hanif Abdurraqib and Maggie Smith, all hailing from Columbus. Plan a trip around a talk from your favorite author or an annual event like the free Columbus Book Festival, coming July 11-12 to the Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Library. Plus, be sure to explore Experience Columbus' new Columbus Booklovers Trail and get rewarded after visiting all 10 stops.

19. Discover a new speakeasy hidden inside an art museum 

Columbus' speakeasy scene is on the rise, and the newest spot is Bar Room, located inside The Pizzuti, the Columbus Museum of Art's satellite campus in the Short North Arts District that focuses on contemporary art. This permanent, experiential art installation by Bahamian-born artist Tavares Strachan, invites visitors to step through an unmarked door into a fully realized reggae bar, complete with handcrafted cocktails, locally roasted coffee and light bites.

20. Take your sips on a stroll 

Columbus is home to many designated outdoor refreshment areas, including the newest City Center DORA open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with an expansive footprint allowing visitors to take their drinks to-go throughout most of downtown. In 2026, Columbus will open the first phase of its Capital Line, creating connectivity and enhancing the downtown experience with a new, two-mile urban pathway designed exclusively for bike and pedestrian traffic. 

21. Revel in a four-season city that shines in the fall 

Come see why Columbus was named among the best road trips to see fall foliage on TODAY. From the return of Ohio State football and iconic events like Columbus Oktoberfest, to the changing leaves at our local parks, you won't want to miss nature's most generous season in the 614.

22. See cherry blossoms in full bloom 

Named one of the best U.S. destinations to see spring flowers by USA Today, a best place to stay for Cherry Blossom Season by The Points Guy and a home to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, Columbus is the perfect place to take in spring's splendor.

23. Experience a top girls' trip destination in the world 

It's no wonder Glamour named Columbus a top destination in the world for female solo travel. Our unique neighborhoods offer a variety of ways to explore the city, either by yourself or with your crew. Book a spa day at PALOMA, take advantage of some of the best boutique shopping districts in town, plan the perfect bachelorette trip or take your GNO to the next level with our top-rated nightlife.

24. Find a welcoming and accessible destination for all 

Named one of the friendliest cities in the country by Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards, Columbus is welcoming to all visitors and was among the first cities in the country to launch an accessibility guide showcasing Columbus attractions, hotels, restaurants and transportation options that are accessible.

25. Lift diverse voices and support local businesses  

One of the first things you'll notice in Columbus is our residents' thriving, progressive, welcoming spirit. No matter who you are or where you come from, there is a place for you here. Discover Black-owned, Latinx-owned, and Asian-owned businesses here in Columbus, and read all about our women-owned local businesses here. Now in its third year, Experience Columbus' Small Business Program shines a light on minority-owned local businesses in our community with a free, year-long partnership.

26. Don't break the bank on your getaway 

With a huge list of free things to do no matter the season, it's no wonder Lonely Planet named Columbus among the 7 best value destinations in the U.S.  

Start planning your 2026 trip to the 614 now. Learn more about Columbus in our Media Room at experiencecolumbus.com/media.