culture

Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest Returns to West Bank Park This Weekend

The three-day event at West Bank and Bicentennial Parks follows recent gatherings and precedes Festival Latino later in August.

By Columbus Culture Desk · Published July 18, 2026

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The Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest is scheduled for July 24-26, 2026, at West Bank and Bicentennial Parks, bringing three days of jazz music and barbecue to the city.

Recent Events Draw Large Crowds

The Asian Festival at Franklin Park and the Ohio Black Expo in Downtown Columbus both took place May 23-24, 2026, and together drew over 140,000 visitors. Those numbers show the scale of attendance that similar free-admission events have achieved this year.

Upcoming Lineup Includes Multiple Venues

ComFest ran June 26-28, 2026, at Goodale Park for its 50th anniversary, with a focus on community, political activism, music and arts. The Columbus Arts Festival occurred June 12-14, 2026, along the Scioto Mile and featured over 230 artists along with live music, theater and dance. Festival Latino is set for August 10-11, 2026, at Genoa Park and marks the 27th year of the event, with music, food, dancing and cultural workshops.

Practical Details for Attendees

Free admission has been a feature of several of these festivals, including the Columbus Arts Festival and ComFest. Residents can check the listed dates and park locations for the remaining events to plan visits without cost barriers at the gate.

With the Jazz and Rib Fest one week away, the immediate focus for many is the upcoming weekend at the riverfront parks. The sequence of events through August gives residents multiple opportunities to attend outdoor programming at established city sites such as Goodale Park, the Scioto Mile and Genoa Park.

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