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JULY 2019

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THINGS TO DO

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This annual Jazz & Rib Fest, July 19-21 on the Scioto Mile, offers three days of continuous jazz by renowned international and local musicians while barbecue pit masters serve up sizzling ribs, chicken and more. Savor the best ribs from around the country as 23 award-winning barbeque teams compete for Best Ribs bragging rights. Get Details.

INSIDER OFFERS

We're right in the heart of summer and we're sure you're looking for ways to get out and about. Use these offers we've gathered to explore the city. Receive discounted tickets to the Flavored Nation and What? Music and Arts Festival events. Decorate your next party or barbeque with Wild Cat Gift & Party. Or take the family out to a Columbus Crew SC match or a weekend getaway at Glen Laurel Inn and Cottages. There are many other offers for attractions, shopping and experiences available just to Insiders.

LATE SUMMER FESTIVALS

As summer heats up, Columbus has some huge events in store. Add these great festivals to your calendar for a full summer of fun.

TRAVEL PACKAGES

Our Cbus Sights package makes it easy to share incredible experiences at five of Columbus’ top attractions: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, COSI Science Center, Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, including a stay at the Drury Inn & Suites. Ready to rediscover the electricity of living in the moment? Explore our distinctive neighborhoods and dive into incredible dining, shopping and cultural experiences. 

EXPLORE HOCKING HILLS

Looking to soak up some great outdoors during your Columbus visit? Visit the natural wonders at Hocking Hills, located just 45 minutes southeast of Columbus.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN COLUMBUS

Ohio Wine Festival
July 12-13 | North Market

Ohio State Fair
July 24-Aug. 4 | Ohio Expo Center

Picnic with the Pops: The Ohio State Marching Band
July 26-27 | Columbus Commons

What? Music and Arts Festival
July 27 | 400 West Rich

Dublin Irish Festival
Aug. 2-4 | Coffman Park

Pelotonia
Aug. 2-4 | McFerson Commons

John Mayer
Aug. 3 | Schottenstein Center

Festival Latino
Aug. 10-11 | Genoa Park

Queen + Adam Lambert: The Rhapsody Tour
Aug. 13 | Nationwide Arena

Columbus Food Truck Festival
Aug. 16-17 | Scioto Mile

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 Thank you for joining the Columbus Insiders Club e-newsletter!

You will receive this email the second Wednesday of every month. We'll provide you with special offers to Columbus attractions, restaurants and experiences and also keep you up-to-date with the latest events, travel packages and things to do in Columbus.

View our online visitor guide here to use as a resource when planning your trip to Columbus or you can request one be sent to you here. Until the next newsletter arrives, here are some things you can check out now:

Take a look at our Insider Offers

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July 2019 

Simple family outings are elevated to vivid, timeless memories in Columbus. This summer, you can share the wonder of five incredible attractions and explore all that Columbus has to offer with our new Cbus Sights package.

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CBUS SIGHTS
SUMMER DISCOUNTS

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BASED ON A
FAMILY OF FOUR

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Package includes tickets to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, COSI Science Center, Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservancy and Botanical Gardens, National Veterans Memorial and Museum and 2-nights at a Drury hotel.

Would you rather customize your own package?

When you create a custom Roar & Explore package with Experience Columbus, you get the best possible deal on tickets to our most popular attractions and can take advantage of exclusive discounts at the Drury Inn and Suites, with rates as low as $90.This is your chance to build the perfect Columbus getaway. Simply select your hotel and add discounted tickets to your favorite attractions. Create your own custom package now!

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AUGUST 2019

BLOG

THINGS TO DO

EVENTS

The Midwest's largest food truck festival will take over Bicentennial Park and the Scioto Mile on downtown's riverfront. This two-day event features over 50 of the best food trucks from Ohio and surrounding areas. Come for great food, live music, special events and family fun for all ages. Get Details. 

INSIDER OFFERS

As summer is winding down and school is starting back up, it's the perfect time to plan some last minute activities with family and friends. Taste your way around the country at Flavored Nation, or head out to the largest motorcycle show in the U.S. at the AIMExpo. Take your family for a weekend trip at Glen Laurel Cottages at Hocking Hills or for a fun night out at a Columbus Crew SC match. Get Buckeye gameday ready online shopping at Clothe Ohio or head out with friends on a Pedal Wagon tour. All of these offers and more come at a discount just for insiders subscibers to enjoy. 

BIKING AROUND COLUMBUS

Cyclists visiting or living in Columbus never run out of ground to cover. With nearly 20 different Central Ohio Greenway Trails, plus services like CoGo Bike Share, even those without a ride have an excuse to explore. The fun doesn’t stop at the trailhead, though; explore three of the city’s lengthiest and most noteworthy trails, plus all the local attractions lying just around them.

TRAVEL PACKAGES

Our Cbus Sights package makes it easy to share incredible experiences at five of Columbus’ top attractions - The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, COSI, the Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Add a hotel room at the Drury Inn & Suites and stay for the weekend.

Prefer to customize your own package? Create a custom Roar & Explore package and get the best possible deals on tickets to Columbus' top attractions and rates at the Drury Inn & Suites.

WAG! FEST

In what has become known as “the coolest dog day ever”, WAG! Fest will takes place Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Prairie Oaks Metro Park in Hilliard. Grab your BFF (Best Furry Friend) and come out for the largest DOG PAWTY of the year and the country’s largest single-day dog festival. You’ll find a full day of activities and treats for the entire family – including Fido!

UPCOMING EVENTS IN COLUMBUS

Columbus Black International Film Festival
Aug. 22-25 | Wexner Center for the Arts

Breakaway Music Festival
Aug. 23-24 | MAPFRE Stadium

Columbus Summer Beerfest
Aug. 24 | Express LIVE!

 Flavored Nation
Aug. 24-25 | Greater Columbus Convention Center

Urban Scrawl 13
Aug. 24-25 | 400 West Rich

Rhythm on the River: BalletMet and Opera Columbus
Aug. 30 | Bicentennial Park

Columbus Greek Festival
Aug. 30-Sept. 2 | Annunciation Greek Cathedral

Ohio State Buckeye Football vs. Florida Atlantic
Aug. 31 | Ohio Stadium

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival
Sept. 2 | Northam Park

Columbus Oktoberfest
Sept. 6-8 | Ohio Expo Center

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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HighBall Halloween is the nation's fiercest costume party. Staged in the fashion capital of Columbus, Oct. 11-12, this yearly event for the Halloween season bridges runway style with the culture of the Short North Arts District. Be a part of the HighBall street spectacle and model yourself on High Street. At HighBall, you are what you wear. Get Details. 

INSIDER OFFERS

Fall is upon us and it's the perfect time to get out and explore the crisp Midwest air. Get a true taste of fall and climb or zip at ZipZone Outdoor Adventures or turn Columbus into a giant game board on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Experiment with scent and pour your own custom-scented candle at The Candle Lab. Don't miss the fall events! Get discounted admission to HighBall Halloween with the presale tickets through Sept. 28 or get discounted parking at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. 

THE BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN COLUMBUS THIS FALL

Ah, fall in the Midwest. Crisp mornings and crunchy leaves. There’s no excuse not to get outside and stay active into the cooler months. Columbus has a variety of outdoor excursions that are heightened by fall’s splendor. Take advantage of mild autumn days with this assortment of Central Ohio outdoor activities.

HONOR & EXPLORE HISTORY PACKAGE

At the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM), you can experience a living tribute to our veterans past and present. From its iconic concrete architecture that symbolizes how the strength of our nation’s veterans comes from within, to stirring interactive media experiences and rotating exhibits, to a serene Memorial Grove for quiet reflection, NVMM is a museum like no other. Book this meaningful Honor & Explore Hisotry package and get exclusive discounts at the Drury Inn and Suites and NVMM.

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOODS: POWELL
Thursday, Sept. 26 | 5-8 p.m.

Nestled between the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, Powell is a homespun downtown that is alive and thriving with entertainment and activity. Start at Huli Huli to grab your passport and enjoy exclusive drink specials! Then, stroll through the walkable historic downtown area to visit distinct shops, restaurants, breweries and local vendors using your passport to unlock discounts and samples. 

UPCOMING EVENTS IN COLUMBUS

Film Festival of Columbus
Sept. 11-14 | Wexner Center for the Arts

Scioto Fest
Sept. 12-15 | Scioto Audubon Metro Park

Country Living Fair
Sept. 13-15 | Ohio Village

Columbus Open Studio & Stage
Sept. 14-15 | Various Locations

Broadway in Columbus: "Dear Evan Hansen"
Sept. 17-22 | Ohio Theatre

Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC)
Sept. 25-29 | Various Locations

Harvest Fair
Sept. 28 | Columbus Commons

AIMExpo
Sept. 28-29 | Greater Columbus Convention Center

All American Quarter Horse Congress
Oct. 1-27 | Ohio Expo Center

Columbus Italian Festival
Oct. 11-13 | St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church

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OCTOBER 2019

BLOG

THINGS TO DO

EVENTS

Columbus offers the natural beauty and fun of all four seasons throughout the year. Now that fall has arrived, you can expect colorful changing leaves, cozy, brisk temperatures and a new round of special events. Whether you're in the mood to indulge in pumpkin spice-flavored foods, experience the fall harvest on the farm or live it up at a local festival, we have your ultimate guide to fall in the city. Get Details. 

INSIDER OFFERS

From activities like the ultimate trampoline park and ZipZone Adventures to shopping at The Candle Lab and Celebrate Local and so much more, insiders receive exclusive offers and discounts to many of Columbus' attractions.

HONOR & EXPLORE HISTORY PACKAGE

At the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM), you can experience a living tribute to our veterans past and present. From its iconic concrete architecture that symbolizes how the strength of our nation’s veterans comes from within, to stirring interactive media experiences and rotating exhibits, NVMM is a museum like no other. Book this meaningful Honor & Explore History package and get exclusive discounts at the Drury Inn and Suites and NVMM.

NEW RESTAURANTS TO EXPLORE

From rooftop restaurants to new coffeehouses, sushi to shakes, tavern favorites or German staples, taste your way through Columbus' neighborhoods and check out what’s opened recently!

SEASONAL TOUR OFFERINGS

Fall is officially here and Columbus CIty Adventures has fully embraced it with special tours for the season. Take the Tales of the Arena District Walking Tour to explore the dark side of the Arena District and its macabre penitentiary history or the Secret Columbus - Spooky Columbus Bus Tour to see the most hair-raising sites in Columbus. For something less scary, go on a German Village Walking Tour to take in the village in it's full fall glory.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN COLUMBUS

All American Quarter Horse Congress
Through Oct. 27 | Ohio Expo Center

The Rocky Horror Show
Oct. 10-20 | Short North Stage

HighBall Halloween
Oct. 11-12 | Greater Columbus Convention Center

Columbus Italian Festival
Oct. 11-13 | St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church 

Boo at the Zoo
Oct. 11-27 | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Fashion Week Columbus
Oct. 13-19 | Throughout Columbus

Halloween Pet Parade and Fall Festival
Oct. 20 | Easton Town Center

Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon
& 1/2 Marathon
Oct. 20 | Downtown Columbus

Broadway in Columbus: Mean Girls
Oct. 22-27 | Ohio Theatre

USWNT vs. Sweden
Nov. 7 | MAPFRE Stadium

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NOVEMBER 2019

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THINGS TO DO

EVENTS

An earlier sunset means more time to enjoy the colorful holiday lights around the city! This season, enjoy these 11 festivals, events and illuminated displays in Columbus. Get Details. 

INSIDER OFFERS

The holidays are right around the corner, which means time off, shopping and spending time with family. Receive discounts for shopping at places like The Candle Lab, get out with family to Rockin' Jump or Amazing Scavenger Hunt, or receive a discount on childcare in downtown Columbus.

COLUMBUS TRAVEL PACKAGES

Enjoy the holidays with this enchanting Holiday Lights package with Hotel LeVeque to experience the city's radiant light displays and shopping, with an emphasis on locally crafted gifts.

Now is a great time to experience a living tribute to our veterans past and present at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Stay at the Drury Inn with this meaningful Honor & Explore History package.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN OLDE TOWNE EAST

Oak Street in Olde Towne East has welcomed a growing number of interesting establishments, from bars and restaurants, to coffee shops, a winery and a brewery, just east of downtown Columbus. Take a look at what you’ll find along the strip.

BUCKEYE COUNTRY SUPERFEST

Buckeye Country Superfest returns to Ohio Stadium June 20, 2020 featuring Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown and more. Hotel and VIP packages are now on sale and make the perfect holiday gift.

The hotel package includes VIP tickets and a stay at the Blackwell, just steps from the concert, or choose from a variety of VIP ticket options to make sure you have the best experience next summer. 

UPCOMING EVENTS IN COLUMBUS

Broadway in Columbus: Les Miserables
Nov. 19-24 | Ohio Theatre

Easton's Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 22 | Easton Town Center

Winterfair
Dec. 6-8 | Ohio Expo Center

Short North Holiday Hop
Dec. 7 | Short North Arts District

Craftin' Outlaws
Dec. 8 | Columbus Museum of Art

Village Lights
Dec. 8 | German Village

Harmony Project
Dec. 12 | Nationwide Arena

Festivus 2019
Dec. 13-15 | 400 West Rich

BalletMet's The Nutcracker
Dec. 13-28 | Ohio Theatre

Andrea Bocelli
Dec. 14 | Schottenstein Center

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DECEMBER 2019

BLOG

THINGS TO DO

EVENTS

Central Ohio comes alive during the holiday season with special events, activities and shows. Here’s a highlight of what’s happening around Columbus! Or enjoy these 11 festivals, events and illuminated displays in Columbus this season.

MADE IN CBUS TRAIL HOLIDAY CONTEST

Shop local this holiday season with the Made in Cbus Trail and you could win a free, one-night stay at Hotel LeVeque or one of dozens of gift cards. From now through Dec. 31, anyone who makes a purchase at four or more Made in Cbus Trail stops will be entered to win, along with earning prizes along the way. The trail features over 20 local businesses, including top-rated distilleries, independently designed clothing, handcrafted accessories, home goods and more. The curated collection of local makers is perfect for completing your holiday shopping list.

NEW YEARS EVE IN COLUMBUS

Whether you're looking to ring in the new year low-key at a brewery, listening to live music or dancing the night away, we have you covered! Need a hotel? There are several hotel packages to choose from. Ring in 2020 and start the next decade off the right way with these events hosted throughout the city. 

View all of our travel packages throughout the year here.

10 PLACES TO TAKE VISITORS THIS SEASON

Many Columbus residents will welcome out-of-town friends and family over the holiday season, and will need a way to show them the best of the city during their stay. These 10 ideas should be sure to please visitors and local alike.

If you're looking for discounts, make sure to check our Insider Offers and receive specials on fun activities like the Pedal Wagon or an Amazing Scavenger Hunt, or shopping at Clothe Ohio or an Experience Columbus visitor center. For locals looking for storage or childcare, we have options there too!

WOMEN'S SPORTS REPORT

For 10 years, we've celebrated girls and women in sports at The Women's Sports Report. We've heard from trailblazers and advocates for girls' and women’s sports. We've gathered our community around the athletes, coaches, fans and media that continue to showcase the importance of women in sports. This year we invite you to join us on Tuesday, Feb. 18, as we host the 10th anniversary of this breakfast event dedicated to the celebration of women in sports! 

UPCOMING EVENTS IN COLUMBUS

Dickens of a Christmas
Through Dec. 15 | Ohio Village

A West Family Christmas
Through Dec. 15 | Axis Nightclub

Harmony Project
Dec. 12 | Nationwide Arena

Festivus 2019
Dec. 13-15 | 400 West Rich

BalletMet's The Nutcracker
Dec. 13-28 | Ohio Theatre

Andrea Bocelli
Dec. 14 | Schottenstein Center 

Trans Siberian Orchestra
Dec. 26 | Nationwide Arena

Harlem Globetrotters
Dec. 29 | Schottenstein Center

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Florida Panthers
Dec. 31 | Nationwide Arena

Columbus Winter Beerfest
Jan. 17-18 | Greater Columbus Convention Center

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BalletMet's Alice
Feb. 14-16 | Ohio Theatre

Columbus Mardi Gras Festival
Feb. 21 | The Summit Music Hall

WWE Presents NXT Live!
March 5 | Express Live!

Art After Stonewall
Beginning March 6 | Columbus Museum of Art

Arnold Sports Festival
March 6-8 | Throughout Columbus

Broadway in Columbus: "My Fair Lady"
March 11-15 | Ohio Theatre

Zach Brown Band: The Owl Tour
March 13 | Nationwide Arena

So Ready for Laughter: The Legacy of Bob Hope
Through April 17 | National Veterans Memorial and Museum

COLUMBUS TICKETS, TOURS AND EXPERIENCES

Travelers looking for a respite in the coming months need look no further than Columbus, located within two hours from anywhere in Ohio, and often no more than three hours from cities in bordering states. The state's capital and largest city, Columbus truly offers something for everyone. Some of Columbus' most notable assets are its variety of major attractions, public art throughout the city and our commitment to quality and collaboration in everything we do. Book any one of these special curated experiences, or customize your own, to start exploring something new.

COLUMBUS STAYCATION PACKAGES

Whether you live in Columbus and are looking for ways to get out and explore new neighborhoods for a change of scenery or if you live outside of the city, you don''t have to travel far to feel far away. Many Columbus hotels throughout the city have offered packages for visitors and locals alike. Enjoy a parents de-stress weekend away, work from a different environment or bring the whole family and take advantage of staying close to Columbus'' top attractions with any one of these packages. Plus, this fall is the perfect time to visit with fun socially distant exhibits and events throughout Columbus.

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Columbus is a city built on bold ideas and fueled by relentless optimism. As a community, we tend to dream big. We let nothing stop us from turning today''s dreams into better tomorrows. Right now, in the midst of this global crisis, when life seems to be put on hold, it''s more important than ever to look forward. By spreading hope and happiness, we can outlast the spread of COVID-19. As friends, neighbors and family, let''s live to love. Live to give back. And show the world all that''s possible when you LIVE FORWARD.

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LIVE FORWARD PLEDGE

Look for the orange window decal on more than 100 storefronts during your next visit for a quick and easy indicator of which businesses have made the health and safety of their patrons a priority upon reopening. Requirements for use of face coverings, social distancing, disinfecting solutions and more are breathing new life into Columbus' vibrant travel economy. View the businesses who have signed the pledge.

Columbus puts your safety first! Nearly 200 businesses have signed the Live Forward Pledge, indicating they have made health and safety of their guests a priority upon operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

LIVE FORWARD LIVE PODCAST

Produced in partnership with iHeart Radio, the Live Forward Live podcast goes behind the scenes with the organizations and businesses that make Columbus such a vibrant city to learn about some of the best-kept secrets of things to see and do..and meet the people who make it happen. You''ll hear stories about moving seals across the globe at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and LGBTQ life from Andrew Levitt, the man behind Columbus'' favorite drag queen, Nina West.

FALL FUN IN COLUMBUS

Columbus offers the natural beauty and fun of all four seasons throughout the year. Now that fall has arrived, you can expect colorful changing leaves, cozy, brisk temperatures and a new round of special events. Whether you''re in the mood to indulge in pumpkin spice-flavored foods, experience the fall harvest on the farm or live it up at a local socially-distant event, we have your ultimate guide to fall in the city. 

Extend your trip to Columbus with one of these hotel packages, or take the kids on an educational journey on the Warfront Trail, ending at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Once you''re here, make sure to also visit Motts Military Museum and the First Responders Park in Hilliard on your military-themed adventure.

INSIDER OFFERS

National Coffee Day is Sept. 29! Celebrate this annual occasion with coffee and pastry deals from Coffee Connections. Or explore all the unique shops on the Columbus Coffee Trail. As most of us have been looking for ways to get out of the house safely, consider using some of the offers we''ve curated just for you from our partners. 

COLUMBUS-STYLE PIZZA

Columbus-style pizza is a thing. It refers to pies with three things: thin crust, edge-to-edge toppings and cut into squares. Many of the city's signature pizzerias - all serving Columbus-style pizzas - opened in the 1950s or early 1960s and are still going strong. The Columbus-style pizzeria with the biggest reach is Donatos. Opened by the Grote family in the early 1960s, Donatos can now be found all over the Midwest.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oktoberfest at Hofbrauhaus Columbus
Sept. 11-12, 18-19

Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC)
Oct. 1-4 (Virtual)

While the sixth year of the festival of comics and cartoon art will be different from previous years, with the entire CXC program being presented online, there will still be a rock star lineup of artists. 

Watch the CXC programming live at here.

HighBall Halloween

Oct. 31 (Virtual)

The nation's most elaborate costume party bridges runway style with the culture of the Short North Arts District. Tune in to safely celebrate the best costumes and creativity over one magical evening!

Tickets for the virtual event go on sale Sept. 10.

COLUMBUS TICKETS, TOURS AND EXPERIENCES

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