🎡 County Fair Season Starts Now

Plus: 🥯 A Cult-Favorite Philly Bagel Shop Has Arrived

Author

Chelsea Wiley
July 09, 2026

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
From neighborhood block parties to music, food, and cultural festivals, there’s something exciting happening 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, Thursday! Chelsea, here.

I’ve heard that '90s summers are making a comeback, and there’s no better place to bust out your disposable camera than a trip to the county fair. Counties throughout Central Ohio will be hosting their celebrations through October, so there are plenty of options to choose from. And in a summer where just about everything feels more expensive, county fairs are still one of the best budget-friendly days out. Most charge less than $10 to get in, many let kids in for free, and a few even include rides with admission. Grab a lemonade, eat something deep-fried, and enjoy one of Ohio's favorite summer traditions.

🥯 A Cult-Favorite Philly Bagel Shop Has Officially Landed In Columbus
A popular Philly bagel shop has officially landed in Columbus. Bagels & Co.'s first Ohio location officially opens tomorrow near Ohio State, with 20+ homemade schmears and plenty of reasons to become a morning person.

🤠 Country Star Chase Rice Is Opening A Farm-Themed Bar In The Short North
Country star (and Survivor alum) Chase Rice is opening his farm-themed bar, Welcome to the Farm, in the Short North this August. The bar will have live music, bourbon, Buckeye watch parties, and plenty of "yeehaw meets High Street" energy.

🌮 The Columbus Food Truck Festival Turns 15 This Year
The Columbus Food Truck Festival returns to Hilliard this August, bringing 45+ food trucks and every excuse you need to eat four small meals instead of one big one. Grab your $5 presale ticket, show up hungry, and maybe wear the stretchy shorts.

Headlines 📰 

📚 The Columbus Book Festival returns this weekend, and if your summer reading list is looking a little sad, Matter News rounded up 13 books by featured authors to get you started. Whether you're into thrillers, sci-fi, memoirs, or poetry, there's probably a new favorite waiting for you. (Matter News)

⚖️ Former Ohio Supreme Court justices stopped in Columbus this week as part of the nonpartisan "Justice in Motion" bus tour. The Justices are urging Ohioans to view judges as independent arbiters of the law, not political figures, and warning that declining trust in the judiciary threatens democracy. (WOSU)

🚓 Ohio drivers (and now passengers, too) will soon be required to provide their name, address, and date of birth during traffic stops under a newly signed state law. Supporters say it's about officer safety, while critics argue the measure is likely headed for constitutional challenges. (10TV)

☀️ Weather: 90 and mostly sunny, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m.

Coming Up This Week 📆

Sponsored by Columbus Recreation and Parks
Jazz & Rib Fest, presented by Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, is a FREE summertime tradition offering the finest in music and barbecue. Celebrate summer along the Scioto Mile in Downtown Columbus with hot ribs and cool jazz on July 24–26. For more info, please click here.

Coming Up This Month 📆

via Red, White & BOOM! (Facebook)

😎 The Best Things To Do in Columbus This July
It’s time to get serious about your summer plans, Columbus. Before you know it, it will be a crisp fall morning, so you’d better make the most of summer while it lasts! Here are the best things happening around town this month.

Today's Photo 🤳

Instagram Post

🪴The countdown is on for Franklin Park Conservatory’s titan arum bloom! This famous corpse flower is revealing its rich maroon hues as it gets ready for a once-in-a-lifetime botanical display.

Want your photo to be featured? Use #columbusnavigator or tag us!

Have a hot tip? Interested in advertising options? Hit that reply button - we love mail. 💌📭

- Chelsea