Things to do in Columbus: Summer 2016 & Graeter’s Giveaway

by Erin

What are your plans for the rest of the summer? Columbus has so much to offer and I plan to do as much as possible, all with a cone of ice cream in hand.

Graeter's Ice Cream 2

We are in the thick of summer now! Despite the fact that stores are already trying to ruin what’s left of summer by setting up their Back-to-School displays, we will power through and soak up every last minute. Even though it’s been grossly humid here in Columbus I’m not going to wish it away.

If you know anything about Ohio, beyond putting a Buckeye spin on just about everything, it’s a state chock full of delicious ice cream which is a must during the summer. Guess that’s why they dubbed July National Ice Cream Month, those smart food-holiday inventors, whoever they are. But anywho, to celebrate I’m giving away 2 vouchers for two free pints of Graeter’s ice cream which originated in Cincinatti. One of my favorite flavors is blackberry chocolate chip and I also just fell in love with the coconut chocolate chip (it’s pretty spectacular sandwiched between 2 cookies). The only limit to be qualified is living in an area that sells it. Don’t worry, you don’t have to live in Ohio as I was able to find it when I lived in Memphis, TN! But please CHECK HERE for locations near you first before entering the giveaway (widget at the end of this post)

Graeter's Ice Cream 3

I plan on eating my fair share of ice cream, along with tackling my long list of things to do this summer. This city is just bursting with activities and as such have decided to share some with you. You know, just in case you also live in this fine city or if you needed an excuse to come visit me. In all honesty, this list is a bit biased towards what I want to do but it’s also a long list that’s bound to have at least one thing on it that you’re in to. Click the links to find out more! Oh and I promise this is not a sponsored post, I honest to goodness want to do all these things and want to spread the love for all to enjoy.

Columbus To-Do Summer 2016

July 15-17: Promowest Fest – Three day music festival in the Arena District. I’m only going on Sunday which includes performances by Brand New, Modest Mouse, Garbage, and Atlas Genius.

July 19-23: Restaurant Week – Restaurants are offering three-course meals at a discounted price (and $5000 of the proceeds go to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank). I’ve already made reservations with various people at 3 restaurants I have never been to before: Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, Kraft House No. 5, and Cooper’s Hawk Winery. Bob and I are also going to Lindey’s because it’s stinking amazing – we go every single Restaurant Week it’s kind of a problem.

July 22-24: Jazz & Rib Fest – Exactly what it sounds like. As if I need an excuse to eat ribs, ha!

July 27: Real Madrid versus Paris Saint-Germain – International soccer comes to the Ohio Stadium! It’s gonna be slightly weird seeing real football and not American football in that stadium but I love watching soccer regardless of the venue. Even if Ronaldo won’t be there because he’s injured.

July 27-August 7: Ohio State Fair – Mix of food, rides, live entertainment (Dolly Parton anyone?), and shopping.

July 30: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Release Party – I preordered my copy already for this release party at the Book Loft in German Village, I’m so excited, it’ll be just like the midnight release lines I stood in growing up reading these books.

August 4: The Goonies – Movie showing in Genoa Park for $5 in advance or $10 at the door. Food and drinks available from Mikey’s Late Night Slice, Dare Devil Dogs, Junior’s Tacos, and Land-Grant Brewing Co.

August 5: Star Wars The Force Awakens – Free movie showing at dusk in Bicentennial Park.

August 5-6: Columbus Summer Beerfest – Admission to either day gets you a souvenir mug and 25 taste tickets. If you by tickets today (July 15, 2016) you can get early entry tickets for regular price!

August 6: Gallery Hop – First Saturday or every month where galleries open their door to the public.

August 12-14: Food Truck Festival – Exactly what it sounds like, a bunch of food trucks all in one place! Last year I actually planned out which food trucks and items to get in advance and split each things with 4 people in order to maximize our sampling potential. It was one of my better ideas and I will be doing that again this year.

August 13: North Market Farmer’s Market Festival – Meet and purchase fresh and locally sourced produce and products from the best-in-class farmers of North Market.

August 18: Best Bites Tacos – All the taco places in town compete for best taco. $30 for admission to be able to sample every vendor.

August 20: Clintonville Quest/CrestFest – Scavenger hunt of sorts around my beloved Clintonville or you can just attend the community festival. I did it last year and it was a blast!

August 26: Night Nation Run – A 5K fun run with glow sticks, lights, lasers, and DJs playing music. And my registration came with a free ticket to a Columbus Crew soccer game – heck yea!

September 9: Ohio Bacon Fest – Food trucks and restaurants will be serving up their signature bacon dishes. I may have purchased VIP tickets for this the moment I heard about it… just saying.

Columbus Crew Soccer: There are obviously several dates for games and I have tickets to 2 different games already, as I’ve mentioned above.

Clintonville Farmer’s Market: Saturdays, April 30-Nov 19, 9am to noon, and alsoWednesdays, July 6-Sept 28, 4-7 pm. I can walk to this from my house and therefore have pretty much no excuse not to go every time.

North Market Farmer’s Market: Saturdays throughout the growing season starting at 8am till they run out!

North Market Peddler’s Picnic: Sundays starting in June, running through the end of October, 10 am-3 pm. Showcasing handmade, vintage, fine art, jewelry and more from local vendors.

NightLight614: Movies in Genoa park on Thursdays throughout the summer with different food trucks every night. (I’m going to The Goonies on August 4 as mentioned above.)

COSI Summer Movie Series: COSI is showcasing 2 different cult classic movies every Friday and Saturday from July 15-September 3.

Graeter's Ice Cream 1

Graeter’s Ice Cream is a nationally recognized and awarded ice cream brand (Named Top 5 in the Country by the Food Network!) that was founded over 146 years ago in Cincinnati, OH. The fourth-generation family owned and operated company has perfected the art of using the French Pot, a traditional, small batch artisanal process of making ice cream. Known for their indulgent, premium flavors and ingredients, they’re also widely recognized for their gargantuan gourmet chocolate chips. 

ENTER TO WIN BELOW

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided with vouchers for 2 free pints of Graeter’s ice cream from RMD Advertising and an additional 2 vouchers for the giveaway. I was not compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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20 comments

judith July 20, 2016 - 11:32 pm

seeing my twin who lives in japan

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Allison Swain July 19, 2016 - 5:28 pm

I always get excited for summer beach trips and bbq events.

Thank you for the chance to win this :)

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Kristen @ Dinner for Two Blog July 18, 2016 - 5:03 pm

I love going to the beach!

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Amy C. July 16, 2016 - 9:35 pm

Well, our summer is winding down, but I had a fun time with my boys! They were involved in VBS, sports camps, church camps, etc. They kept me hopping!

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Kristen July 16, 2016 - 6:34 pm

I’m looking forward to our friends & family camping trip.

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Carolsue July 16, 2016 - 5:52 pm

I’m looking forward to a “glamping” trip (glamorous camping). It seems like it will be a lot of fun.

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Susan Christy July 16, 2016 - 4:18 pm

I’m looking forward to my class reunion.

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liz July 16, 2016 - 3:31 pm

Jazz & Rib Fest is always a great time!

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cyndi br July 16, 2016 - 12:35 pm

I am looking for to a trip to the grand canyon

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Erin J. July 16, 2016 - 12:24 pm

I am looking forward to the North Market Festival!!

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nicole @ I am a Honey Bee July 16, 2016 - 7:26 am

I’m looking forward to getting to explore Tampa more. Just moved here from Boston.
Looks like you’ll be busy with everything going on in Columbus!

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Heather July 15, 2016 - 11:21 pm

I am looking forward to visiting Mammoth Cave with my boys in Cave City, KY. I live in Northern Kentucky and we LOVE Graeter’s around here! Black Raspberry Chip is my all time favorite!

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Jennifer July 15, 2016 - 10:54 pm

I’m looking forward to lots of beach and paddle boarding. Also our trips to Ireland and Hawaii.

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Leslie July 15, 2016 - 10:16 pm

Camping on Lake Michigan is the highlight of my summer every year.

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Susan July 15, 2016 - 9:13 pm

Boo hoo! They don’t sell Graeter’s ice cream in my area (Albuquerque is the closest place). I was thinking of you today when we were trying to find a restaurant in Memphis (while driving to North Carolina).

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Jeffrey July 15, 2016 - 5:22 pm

I’m looking forward to a trip to Cedar Point with my kids and riding the new coaster Valravn!

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Kayle (The Cooking Actress) July 15, 2016 - 10:52 am

ahhh once again I find myself with Columbus-envy!! This summer I’m looking forward to going to restaurants with friends and family, and maybe checking out a couple festivals, etc!

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spiffycookie July 15, 2016 - 12:59 pm

You know, you could just move here ;-).

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Kaylin@EnticingHealthyEating July 15, 2016 - 10:14 am

I am currently enjoying what I was most looking forward to this Summer – our company’s work-from-anywhere July. We literally get to work from anywhere. So I came to stay with my mother back in Arkansas and I’m enjoying family time with her and friend time with all my close girlfriends.

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spiffycookie July 15, 2016 - 12:57 pm

That’s so awesome! I work in a lab so unfortunately that is not a viable option for me and I am envious. Enjoy your stay!

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