The Columbus Arts Festival will be held this weekend downtown. Hours are Friday, June 9, 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Street closures begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7. Streets will re-open at 6 a.m. on Monday, June 12. Parking meters around the Festival site will be bagged starting at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7.

The following streets will close at 6 p.m. on June 7 and will reopen at 6 a.m. on June 12:

A Pearl Market Welcome
Pearl Market welcomes a new Market Manager, Dustin Speakman, who took the "tomato" from outgoing manager, Adam Scroeder. Stop by the market to introduce yourself. Click here to read more.

Pearl Market Now Open for the Summer
Downtown's favorite farmer and merchant market has returned to Pearl and Lynn alleys for another summer of deliciousness and fun. Come see what's new from a rich mix of merchants offering locally grown produce, hand-crafted merchandise and delicious food. The market runs each Tuesday and Friday, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October 13.

On Friday, June 9 enjoy live entertainment from Chaz Mechenbeier.

If you can't stop by to get your fix, new this year, Allofeed is delivering from Pearl Market to your home or office. Download the Allofeed mobile app and get the freshest, most sustainable, and local food from Pearl Market delivered to you. You can either join the Allofeed CSA, which allows you to choose your food by category, and they will source it from vendors at the market that best match your preferences. Or sign up for a sampling from your favorite vendor at the market. Customers are only charged for food that is delivered. So, if you end up finding the time to go to the farmers market, you can cancel your distribution for that week simply by toggling "off" the date with a tap of a button. There's no fee or commitment when you sign up for either option and you can cancel as often as you want. A delivery fee does apply. Click here for more information and to download the app. 

Panhandling Survey
Capital Crossroads and Discovery SIDs want to know what you think about panhandling downtown. Please take a couple minutes to complete this survey. http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ee6agyyzj2q8ww43/start

Downtown ColumbUS Video
Some of you have likely seen the Downtown ColumbUS video that hit Facebook. There are two other videos available, one on working downtown here and one on living downtown here. While Capital Crossroads and Discovery SIDs are in a unique position to focus on downtown promotions, downtown is everyone's neighborhood, and the videos may be useful in all kinds of marketing. Please feel free to use the videos in whatever way you may find useful.

If you haven't already "liked" Downtown Columbus on Facebook, you can do so here: https://www.facebook.com/downtowncolumbus/ Please consider sharing the videos on your own social platforms.

Summer Movie Series
The From Book to Film outdoor summer movie series returns Topiary Park on June 17 with a showing of Jurassic Park. A food truck will be on hand, and there's free popcorn while supplies last. Click here to learn more about the series.

Road Race Updates
Columbus City Council passed legislation requiring that road race promoters apply for a permit at least 30 days prior to an event and to reach out to affected neighborhoods along the race course. This section will post updates about race applications that have been filed for downtown to allow for comment. You can request a copy of the route or send comments to Stephen Paullin at SBPaullin@columbus.gov.

Event: Dash for Donation 5K and 1 Mile
Date: July 15
Location: Genoa Park
Feedback Due: June 13

MORPC Commuter Challenge
Just how much does that car in the garage cost you each year? Even if you own an old beater, there's insurance and maintenance, and gas adds up. None of this takes in to account the headache of driving in rush hour or the cost on the environment. But giving up a car? Man, that can be scary. What about just testing the waters (okay, roads and sidewalks) for just a month by using other forms of transportation? And what if we told you, it's a game and you get the chance to win weekly and monthly prizes? Click here to learn more about MakeYourMilesMatter.com. 

The five elevators that service the Ohio Statehouse parking garage will be closed on a rotating basis for scheduled maintenance. Each elevator will be offline three to five days starting with the south penthouse elevator (corner of State St. and High St.) on June 6 and followed in order by the north penthouse elevator (corner of Broad St. and High St.), Huntington Center elevator (green level of the Statehouse garage), Ohio Statehouse south garage elevator (green level next to the south sliding-glass doors), and number two Statehouse elevator (ground floor of the Statehouse). If you have any questions, contact Luke Stedke at 614.728.2130.

Registration for the second session of downtown kickball fun closes on June 17, but may fill up before then. The next Tuesday night session runs July 11 - September 5, and the Wednesday night session runs July 12 - September 6. There are three game times per evening, and teams will play at different times throughout the session. For more information on how to register, visit http://columbuscommons.org/kickball-registration/. 

Columbus Metropolitan Library Summer Reading Club
The CML annual Summer Reading Club kicks off on Saturday, June 3 with a brand new online program. Participants can sign up and track their reading progress from home, as well as earn badges and prizes, play fun games and learn valuable tips to help early readers. Visit http://columbuslibrary.org/summerreadingclub for more information. 

Yoga@CMA
Thursday nights, 6 - 7 p.m. (Yoga), 7 - 7:30 p.m. (Meditation)
Columbus Museum of Art
Join CMA and Replenish: the Spa Co-Op for Thursday night yoga and meditation in the galleries. Gallery location rotates weekly. Cost of yoga is donation-based and supports efforts by Replenish to ensure that all people have a space to do yoga. All are welcome and no registration requested. 

Discounted Zoo Admission from COTA and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Central Transit Authority (COTA) are offering COTA's Zoo Bus riders special savings on Zoo admission this summer. Riders will receive Columbus Zoo admission for $3 and Zoombezi Bay admission for $10 per person. Zoo Bus fares are only $2 each way. Weekend and Holiday Zoo Bus service runs Saturday, May 6-Monday, September 4. The Zoo Bus operates Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Weekday service runs Tuesday, May 30-Friday, September 1.

Zoo Bus riders should ask the bus operator for a transfer/coupon. Discounted admission will be provided when Zoo Bus riders present the transfer/coupon at the Zoo's admission windows. The discount is not valid with other offers. Zoo Bus riders can board at the Statehouse Downtown stop (located on High Street between State Street and Broad Street) or leave their cars at the Griggs Dam Park & Ride (located at Riverside Drive & Nottingham Road). 

Columbus Commons Fitness Classes
Get your fitness with no contracts and no excuses. These free fitness classes make it easy to exercise all summer long. Just sign a waiver, and you can participate in any fitness class throughout the season. Session one runs through June 10 and session two runs August 1 - September 30. Click here for more information and the full list of classes.

Weekly Art Talks: Conversations & Coffee
Columbus Cultural Arts Center
June 8, No Conversations & Coffee due to preparations for the Arts Festival
June 15, Ele Ruman-Allen, Artist, Intaglio Prints (Drypoint), "Moments Near the Farm"

June 22, Bruce Robinson, Oil, Plywood and Mixed Media Assemblages, "Configurations"

http://www.culturalartscenteronline.org/ 

Exhibit: Ingrained
Now through June 8
Reception and Artist's Talk, June 8, 5 - 7 p.m.
OSU Urban Arts Space, City Center Gallery
With Ingrained, Cleveland-based artist Paula Izydorek creates a series of abstract paintings with interwoven linear planes to express her interest in environmental effects on one's biochemistry. http://uas.osu.edu

Exhibit: Bodies @ Work: The Art of Ruben and Isabel Toledo
Now through June 18
Columbus Museum of Art
This unique exhibition reveals the creative collaboration of fashion designer Isabel Toledo and artist Ruben Toledo. The artists will transform the Geraldine Schottenstein Gallery into an evocative installation that tells the story of their lifelong partnership in art, design and life, which springs from the complex interplay of two individuals, two aesthetics and the push and pull of their distinctive, yet complementary visions and energy. http://columbusmuseum.org

Exhibit: Configurations
Now through June 24
Columbus Cultural Arts Center
Artist Bruce Robinson, Professor Emeritus at Columbus College of Art & Design, has created an exhibition, Configurations, which includes plywood paintings and mixed-media assemblages which arise from the artist's curiosity about materials, process and perception. His figures dance across the walls--some referring to African-American themes and several reflecting contemporary social issues. All of the works emphasize transformation in some way, and invite viewers to respond to them through the lens of their own experiences.  http://www.culturalartscenteronline.org/   

Now through June 30

Toast to Summer Cocktail Party, June 16, 6 - 9 p.m.

Mac Worthington Gallery

http://macworthington.com 

Exhibit: Engineering Utopia
Now through July 15
Urban Arts Space
Featuring work by John Cage, Charles Csuri, Lutz Dammbeck, Isla Hansen, Ken Rinaldo, Lillian Schwartz, Stan VanDerBeek, and Amy Youngs, along with research into the restoration of works by Chris Burden and Ken Goldberg. http://uas.osu.edu

Exhibit: Melancholia
Now through July 22
Angela Meleca Gallery
Angela Meleca Gallery will present Melancholia, Sean Foley's first solo exhibition in the gallery. This is the first time in twenty years Foley has had a solo show Columbus. His new body of work explores concepts of melancholy that arose while Foley was researching wonder, and began to see the two as related and opposite. http://www.angelamelecagallery.com/melancholia 

Ohio Statehouse Map Room
Lord Dunmore's War is a designation that is applied to a series of bloody hostilities between the frontier population of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the Native Americans living in the Ohio Country, especially the Shawnee and Ohio Seneca-Cayuga in the year 1774. http://ohiostatehouse.org 

Food Truck Food Court
Thursdays through October 26, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Columbus Commons
Come enjoy 10 of the best food trucks in town. Enjoy eight staple trucks who will be there every single week: Giant Eagle Market District, Cupzilla, Angry Weiner, Mikey's Late Night Slice, Kinetic, Paddy Wagon, Pitabilities and Mya's Fried Chicken, plus two special guest trucks, which rotate monthly. http://columbuscommons.org/happenings/food-truck-food-court/

Vintage "Base Ball"
June 8, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse, West Plaza
Reminiscent of barnstorming tours of yesteryear, the match begins at 5:30 p.m., as the Capitol Cannons challenge the Ohio Village Muffins in an exhibition game of vintage "base ball" (originally two words.) The event is free and open to the public. Celebrate the Ohio Statehouse and take a step back to the 1800's as the Ohio Village Historical Muffins battle members of the Ohio General Assembly on the west lawn of Capitol Square. Bring your lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the hour-long old-time base ball game. After the base ball game, stay and enjoy a cannon firing demonstration. Come early to choose your spot as concessions will be available. The 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A will provide cannon fire demonstrations as part of the event. http://ohiostatehouse.org

The Columbus Arts Festival
June 9 - 11
Downtown Columbus Riverfront
The Columbus Arts Festival returns to the downtown riverfront for a 56th year of bringing the best in fine art and fine craft to Columbus,. The Festival has been rated by AmericanStyle and Sunshine Artist magazines as one of the top festivals in the nation and each year hosts hundreds of juried artists from across the United States, as well as several international artists. Performance stages featuring music, dance, theater and spoken word can be found throughout the festival, and hands-on arts activities, work by local artist collectives and a wide selection of quality food and beverages round out Columbus' favorite outdoor summer event. https://www.columbusartsfestival.org/

PBJ & Jazz: Byron Stripling and Bobby Floyd Trio
June 10, 11 - 11:30 a.m. (story time), noon - 1 p.m. (concert), 1 - 2 p.m. (art activity)
Topiary Park
PBJ & Jazz concerts are one-hour long interactive concerts designed to introduce jazz and American music to young children and their families. Featuring some of Columbus' finest musicians and ensembles, PBJ & Jazz concerts are hosted by former Columbus Music Hall owner and retired music educator Rebecca Ogden and are a great introduction to live music for the youngest audience member. Prior to the concert, kids can enjoy story time from the Columbus Metropolitan Library, and following the show they can enjoy an art activity. https://www.jazzartsgroup.org/pbj-jazz/

Art Explorations
June 10, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
OSU Urban Arts S[ace
Art Explorations is an interactive arts education series that provides an opportunity for children ages 4 to 11 and their families to create art in a gallery setting, with a goal of instilling a sense of art appreciation. On June 10, guests will looking at works by Paula Izydorek currently on display in the City Center Gallery. Kids will have the opportunity to create their own wood panel painting inspired by the artist. RSVP here.

Moonlight Market
June 10, 6 - 11 p.m.
Gay Street Corridor
Come enjoy the Moonlight Market on the second Saturday of each month through October. You'll find close to 100 sidewalk vendors, trucks, entertainers, plus popular brick-and-mortar restaurants and shops. http://www.moonlightmarketcolumbus.com/

Art Book Club
June 11, 2 p.m.
June 22, 7 p.m.
Columbus Museum of Art
Join Executive Director Nannette Maciejunes for a discussion of Peacock & Vine: On William Morris and Mariano Fortuny by A. S. Byatt. From the winner of the Booker Prize, a ravishing book that opens a window into the lives, designs, and passions of Mariano Fortuny and William Morris, two remarkable artists who themselves are passions of the writer. Cost of ABC is $5 for nonmembers, and free for members. To register, please call 614.629.0359 or visit columbusmuseum.org and click on Events and Programs. 

June 12, 8 - 9 p.m.

City Hall
Join Mayor Ginther and City Councilmember Hardin for the annual illumination of City Hall in a rainbow of colors to honor of Columbus Pride Week and to celebrate our open and inclusive community. 

Rappel for a Cause
June 16 - 16

PNC Plaza Building

Catch your breath, step up to the edge and rappel 190 feet down the PNC Plaza Building in the heart of Downtown. The Over the Edge event raises awareness and funds to end child sex-trafficking, and you still have time to sign up. For more information, call 614.848.4870. 

Author Talk: Margaret Peterson Haddix
June 15, 11 a.m.
Columbus Main Library
The New York Times bestselling author has written more than 35 books for kids and teens, including the Shadow Children and The Missing series. Readers ages 8-17 are invited to enjoy her interactive author talks as part of CML's Summer Reading Club activities. There are a total of four appearances (also at Dublin, Whetstone and Southeast branches), and all are free and open to the public. You can get more details here.

St. Mayhem Wine Dinner with Asempe Kitchen
June 15, 6 - 8 p.m.
Hills Market Downtown
Meet winemaker, Rob McDonald from Art + Farm winery and taste his new line up of wines called St. Mayhem. Expertly made red and white wines are aged with fresh peppers and other fruits and spices. It may sound like a gimmick but the flavor in these wines is so well integrated and unique that you can't help but fall in love at first sip. Rob will be pouring four wines paired with three courses freshly prepared by our Chef Kuukua Yomekpe of Asempe Kitchen. Originally from Ghana, Chef Kuukua puts a spin on West African food. https://stmayhemasempe.eventbrite.com

Beer + Ice Cream
June 15, 5 - 9 p.m.
PINS Mechanical
Join Columbus Underground as they celebrate summer with a mash-up of two seasonal favorites: beer and ice cream. Enjoy four exclusive pairings by Wolf's Ridge Brewing Co. and Velvet Ice Cream. A $20 tasting ticket gets you all four Beer and Ice Cream tasting combinations with a handy tasting guide, one full-sized Wolf's Ridge Beer and a souvenir tasting glass. During the event, you will have access to all PINS Mechanical Co. has to offer. While you're there, grab some dinner at PINS featured food trucks and hangout out for a while. Pre-purchase your tasting ticket today. There is a limited supply, and they are expected to sell out. 

Crafternoons!
June 17, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
OSU Urban Arts Space
Crafternoons! is a creative art-making program geared towards adults who love innovative and crafty projects. Guests 16 and over create unique projects each month with supplies provided by the Space. This event features decorating of ceramic tiles using a technique with alcohol ink. The event is free and open to all. ceramic tiles using a technique with alcohol ink. RSVP here.

POTUS Party
June 18, noon - 3 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse
Ohio is known as the "Cradle of Presidents." With eight men elected to the American Presidency, Ohio claims the most presidents. Join us for this family-friendly celebration of all dads, including the fathers of the United States who called Ohio home. This event is free and open to the public. http://ohiostatehouse.org

Author Talk: Dan Chaon
June 18, 2 p.m. (seating begins at 1 p.m.)
Columbus Museum of Art
Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) is continuing its new author series with Dan Chaon (pronounced "Shawn"). He is the author of three short story collections and two novels. His most recent novel is Ill Will; other works include Stay Awake, the national bestseller Await Your Reply and Among the Missing. Tickets are free, but registration is required at columbuslibrary.org/special-events. Registration is now open. 

Want more Event info?
For a comprehensive listing of events, visit Experience Columbus at
http://www.experiencecolumbus.com/events/

For a complete listing of downtown restaurants, visit the DowntownColumbus.com website. 

Throughout the summer

The Patio at Ohio Statehouse (Broad and Third streets)

Graze will team up with local vendors this summer to offer up unique seasonal treats on their full-service patio. This collaboration will feature some of Columbus' most popular up-and-coming cool treat concepts. Graze operates the patio Monday-Friday beginning at 11:30 a.m. http://ohiostatehouse.org 

Pure Pressed Announces New Grab-n-Go Menu Items
194 S. High St.
Pure Pressed now offers new menu items including salads, sandwiches, smoothies and more. They encourage everyone to stop in and give them a try, and feel free to ask for a sample. http://purepressedjuicery.com

#Thirstythursday Happy Hour
Every Thursday, 5 - 7 p.m.
Hills Market Downtown
Stop by their growler station and grab a pint of local draft beer (or glass of wine) and all you can eat from the hot bar feature of the week for just $10. Additional pints are just $4. http://hillsmarket.com/downtown

$15 Fridays June
June 2, 6 - 8 p.m.
Hills Market Downtown
Celebrate summer with picnic fare, light and fresh white wines, summery reds and summer beers. Fifteen dollars gets you 10 samples of beer and wine and plenty of snacks. Make sure you get your tickets ahead of time, because the ticket prices will go up to $20 per person at the door. You can get tickets here. http://hillsmarket.com/downtown

Poke Bros.
100 E. Gay St.
This new fast casual concept offers build-your-own poke bowls with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Bowls feature cubed-cut raw fish mixed in a bowl with rice, vegetables and flavorful toppings. It's like sushi in a bowl. Vegetarian options are also available. Read more about the concept here. https://pokebrostogo.com/

Veranico
401 N. Front St.
A second venture of Market 65 owners Anthony Micheli and Patrick Katzenmeyer, Veranico offers fast casual meals with a healthy twist in the Arena District. You'll find made-to-order salads, sandwiches, brain bowls, wraps, paninis, and from-scratch cookies and protein bars from Holly Schomberg. The evening menu adds flatbreads, local beers and wine. Scheduled hours are 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Elia Athenian Grill
20 N. High St.
614.706.4273
Check out this fantastic new spot, offering authentic Greek street food including gyros and souvlakia in chicken, pork, vegetarian and bifteki. Their meats are not processed and do not have any hormones, MSG or GMOs. They are open 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and hope to also add breakfast and dinner service. https://www.facebook.com/eliaatheniangrill/

Buckeye Bourbon House
36 E. Gay St.
614.456.2020
The new Buckeye Bourbon House is now open on Gay St. Stop in for your choice of more than 40 bourbon choices, bourbon cocktails, bourbon beer and more. You can also find a variety of craft beers and wines, plus small plates. https://www.facebook.com/BuckeyeBourbonHouse/

Sip & Shop
Every Saturday, 1 - 3 p.m.
Hills Market Downtown
Head to Hills for the best deal in town. Enjoy four samples of wines chosen by Hills' wine director for just $1. http://hillsmarket.com/downtown