Summertime's in full swing and there are plenty of things going on around town this week. Here are CityScene
's top five picks for June 18 - June 25:
1.
Juneteenth Ohio Festival (June 18, 19, 20)
Celebrate African American Independence and cultural richness at the twentieth annual Juneteenth Festival. Cardinal Health, Honda, GCAC and Radio One Columbus sponsor the event that hosts children’s pavilion, soul food pavilion, talent show, jazz in the park and more in Franklin Park. Festivities kick off at 12 p.m. Friday and run until 9 p.m. Sunday night. Also, world-famous R & B artists Ray Jay and Ginuwine will perform at Vets’ Memorial, 7 p.m. Saturday. www.juneteenthohio.net for a full schedule of events.
2.
Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival (June 18, 19, 20)
Do you have the blues? If so, the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival in downtown Gahanna will help you indulge them. Some of Central Ohio’s best jazz and blues musicians will be on hand pluckin’ and strummin’ their blues away, including Terra City Blues Band, Dave Powers Trio, Tim Cummiskey Duo, Long Tall Deb and the Drifter Kings and more. There will also be food, vendors, and paddleboat rides on Big Walnut Creek.
www.creelsidebluesandjazz.com for a full schedule of events.
3.
Pride Festival (June 18, 19, 20)
Ohio’s largest LGBT Pride Festival waves its flag over Goodale Park all weekend, with a teen tent, carnival games, family area and live performers and musical entertainment on a number of different stages. Cool off in the beer tents and Tiki bar areas or tickle your tastebuds with different fair foods and vendors. The Pride parade will take High St. by storm Saturday at noon, so bring your sunscreen and support your family, friends and neighbors. www.columbuspride.com.
4.
Zoofari
The 40th annual Zoofari at the Columbus Zoo., presented by Nationwide Insurance, kicks off Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 11:45 p.m. It bills itself as an “adults-only fundraiser,” and recruits more than 100 Central Ohio restaurants and bars to serve appetizer-sized portions of the dishes and specialty drinks. Proceeds benefit the zoo, offering general admission passes, and half and full-table VIP tickets.
www.colszoo.com.
5.
The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful.
Calling all Vincent Price fans! CATCO presents its newest show, a murder-mystery turned satirical-spoof of gothic thrillers. The show bills itself as a funny take on the genre, where “life is anything but normal … where werewolves run wild, a sinister housekeeper spikes the tea, and a creepy caretaker lurks just outside the parlor door.” The show's over June 27, so get your tickets soon. www.catco.org for more details.
Image courtesy of CATCO