1. Obetz Zucchini Festival (Thu.-Sun. Aug. 26-29)
There are a slew of festivals this summer, but this is the only one celebrates the glory of the zucchini and features live music by legendary classic rockers Blue Oyster Cult. This year’s festival has been moved to Memorial Park on Alum Creek Drive, featuring rides, zucchini-centric foods, entertainment, games, a parade and more. Admission and parking is free. www.obetzzucchinifest.com

2. Waterfire featuring the Dwight Lenox Trio (7:30 p.m. Fri. Aug. 27)
Watch bonfires float atop the Scioto River from the Genoa Park Amphitheatre with the romantic ambience of a cool night and the jazz sounds of the Dwight Lenox Trio. Food and adult beverages will also be available, making this the opportunity for one of the best date nights of the year. www.waterfirecolumbus.com

3. Urban Scrawl (12-8 p.m. Sat. Aug. 28)
The fourth annual Urban Scrawl takes place this Saturday in Dodge Park in Franklinton. This is the perfect festival for art lovers, featuring more than 30 artists painting live and in person, arts and crafts vendors, dancing, live music, food and drink, kids’ area and more. The festivities last all day and admission is free. www.franklintonartsdistrict.org

4. Balloons and Tunes Festival (5-9:30 p.m. Fri. Aug. 27, 4-9:30 p.m. Sat. Aug 28)
Members of the Central Ohio Balloon club invite guests to come learn more about hot air balloons at Beulah Park. The annual event features ascensions, glows and tethered balloon rides, and also offers great food, live music and activities for people of all ages. www.grovecityohio.gov

5. Ohio Grown Film: Journey Through an Unseen Park (7 p.m. Sat. Aug. 28)
Made possible by a grant from the United Way, Journey Through an Unseen Park will screen at the Gateway Film Center. The film, made by local filmmakers, documents the transformation of the Weinland Park area from the violence of the 80s and 90s to its improvement and community activism of today. Stay afterwards for a brief talkback session with the filmmakers. Admission is free. www.gatewayfilmcenter.com

6. BONUS! Wicked’s Final Weekend (Fri. Aug. 27-Sun. Aug. 29)
If you haven’t been to Broadway Across America’s presentation of Wicked at the Ohio Theatre, you’re missing out. This weekend is the last chance you’ll get to see the show that flies out of town after Sunday. www.capa.com

7. BONUS! Central Ohio Garden Tour (9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. Aug. 28)
The Columbus Landscape Association presents a tour of the best Central Ohio gardens at various sites around Central Ohio. www.columbuslandscape.org/garden_tour

8. BONUS! Wessie Fest Nature Festival (10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. Aug. 28)
Westerville invites the whole family to explore nature at Otterbein Lake near Main St. and Collegeview Dr. www.visitwesterville.com

9. BONUS! Grandview Art Hop (5-9 p.m. Sat. Aug. 28)
Discover what makes Grandview Heights unique with special exhibits and activities as the stores between First and Fifth Avenues open their doors during the last Saturday of each month. www.thegrandviewhop.com



image courtesy of waterfire columbus