Mark your calendars: ComFest is the weekend of June 27th, 28th, and 29th this year. It’s without a doubt one of the most popular summer festivals in the city, and it’s only a quick walk or bus ride down the road from your student apartment close to High Street.
What is ComFest?
ComFest is a staple of Columbus culture. Short for “community festival,” it’s a non-profit festival that relies on volunteer work to drive it. It centers around music and arts with live band performances, workshops, community engagement, and more. Its history goes way back to 1972 when it was first founded by The Columbus Free Press.
The festival takes place all around Goodale Park from 10am until sundown. Taking place in one of the larger green areas of downtown Columbus, the festival is sectioned off from traffic. There’s plenty of space to relax and hang out with friends while wandering around the grounds. And you’ll probably be doing a lot of that—there’s a ton to see and do at ComFest.
One part of ComFest that often goes overlooked is that the organization gives out grants to help support community, social justice, and political activism. Since 1997, it’s given out over half a million dollars in grant funding.
What to Look Forward to at ComFest
There’s plenty to do at this Columbus festival that draws in over 100,000 people over the course of the weekend. Attendees will find multiple stages scattered throughout the park, catering to different music tastes. The jams keep the good times rolling almost all day long. Other stations, such as kids’ arts and live art demonstrations, are set up for anyone feeling extra creative.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a festival without a huge lineup of crafts vendors. Artists and makers selling handcrafted goods, shirts, and other souvenirs set up tents for the weekend at ComFest. If you’re hanging out for the day with friends and you start to get hungry, don’t fret—food vendors are located right outside the park.
ComFest is a great excuse to get the friends together for a weekend, grab some drinks, and relax in the park on a summer day. The festival is completely free to get into. Sometimes, the best things in life are free.