🎇 A Look Back At 40+ Years of Red, White & BOOM!

Plus: 🍴 Say Goodbye: 5 Columbus Restaurants That Closed This Month

Author

Chelsea Wiley
June 30, 2025

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
From neighborhood block parties to music, food, and cultural festivals, there’s something happening almost every weekend in Columbus. Don’t miss your chance to explore the city through art, creativity, and a whole lot of fun. Find your next summer favorite at columbusmakesart.com/events.

Hello, Monday! Chelsea here.

We’re officially in the summer sweet spot, and if your weekend plans include sunscreen, skyline views, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of your closest neighbors… well, you already know what time it is. Red, White & BOOM! is back this week, so we’re taking a nostalgic look at what makes this wild, sweaty, completely chaotic Columbus tradition so beloved. I can’t remember personally, but from the photos, 1980s era Red, White & BOOM seems fantastic.

Navigator Feature Story: 🎇 40+ Years of Red, White & BOOM! In Columbus

🍴 Say Goodbye: 5 Columbus Restaurants That Closed This Month
Some local favorites have closed their doors this month . From a beloved fish & chips spot to a go-to for Turkish fare in Bexley. Here’s a look at the Columbus restaurants we’re saying goodbye to.

⛺️ The Best Places To Go Camping Around Central Ohio
Looking for a summer getaway that doesn’t require you to spend thousands of dollars? We’ve got some fantastic camping sites that aren’t too far from Columbus. You’ll find yourself in some of the state’s most gorgeous parks, with plenty of nature waiting to fill up your itinerary!

Headlines 📰 

🎇 Red, White and BOOM! can be overwhelming, but one local law firm is helping families enjoy it in a more sensory-friendly way. Barnes & Thornburg is hosting a private fireworks watch party for Childhood League Center families, complete with games, food, and front-row views, minus the noise and chaos. (NBC4)

🎢 Cedar Point just dropped its 19th roller coaster, and this one tilts. Siren’s Curse is now open, featuring a 90-degree plunge, weightless barrel rolls, and a haunting theme inspired by Lake Erie’s sirens. (Axios Columbus)

👏 Downtown safety ambassadors are stepping up during the heat wave. Capital Crossroads SID teams are hitting known “hot spots” with water, resources, and compassion as they work to support unhoused neighbors in dangerously high temps. (WOSU)

⛈️ Weather: 88 with showers and thunderstorms throughout the day

Sponsored by Dublin Irish Festival 🍀
Get ready to shamrock and roll at the Dublin Irish Festival! From August 1-3, Dublin transforms into the ultimate Celtic celebration with nonstop live music, high-energy Irish dancing, and all the Guinness your heart desires. Snag your tickets now and let the craic begin! 

Coming Up 📆

Today's Photo 🤳

☀️ We’re less than two weeks away from one of my favorite Columbus events: The Columbus Book Festival! I’ll be there and so should you! After all, it’s completely free to attend.

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- Chelsea