Expect music, food and a busy downtown , Stonewall Columbus returns to Goodale Park this weekend, drawing community members, allies and performers while prompting planned road closures that could affect your travel around the Ohio Statehouse. Here’s what to know, where to go, and how to plan.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: Stonewall Columbus Festival runs this weekend in Goodale Park, with the Pride March on Saturday starting near Broad & High Streets.
  • Road impact: Several downtown streets will be closed during the march and festival , expect detours on High, Buttles, Dennison, Park and several Front Street blocks.
  • What’s on: Live music, food vendors, community booths and performances from local LGBTQIA+ groups and allies.
  • Plan ahead: Allow extra travel time, use public transit or park outside the immediate area, and check Stonewall Columbus for event maps and updates.
  • Family-friendly vibe: The festival includes organisation booths and performances , it’s lively, colourful and aimed at community celebration.

A weekend of celebration right in Goodale Park

Stonewall Columbus brings its annual festival back to Goodale Park, and you can expect the kind of bright, buzzy atmosphere Pride crowds love , music thumping, food aromas floating and flags everywhere. Organisers have lined up performances and community booths, so it’s equal parts parade and neighbourhood fair. For many attendees it’s a meaningful reunion as well as a party; the festival honours the organisation’s history while spotlighting current LGBTQIA+ groups and services.

The Pride March route and what closes first

The Pride March will begin at Broad and High Streets near the Ohio Statehouse and move north on High toward Goodale Park, which is why Columbus Police listed several closures. High Street, Buttles Avenue, Dennison Avenue and Park Street are among the blocks affected, along with some stretches near Front Street and State Street. If you usually commute through the downtown core on Saturday, expect detours and traffic slowdowns during the march window.

How to get there , and where to avoid

Public transit and walking are the simplest options if you’re heading to the festival, particularly once roads around the Statehouse start closing. If you must drive, aim to park a few blocks away or use park-and-ride lots to avoid circling. Streets specifically listed for closure include High St. between Buttles Ave. and Rich St., Buttles Ave. between Dennison Ave. and N. High St., and parts of Front Street , so map your route in advance and leave cushion time for drop-offs.

What’s happening inside the festival , food, music and community booths

Inside Goodale Park you’ll find a mix of performers, food vendors and information tables from LGBTQIA+ organisations and allies. Stonewall Columbus programmes tend to balance entertainment with resources , think live sets alongside outreach booths where you can learn about local services. Families and friends often treat it like a summer outing, so bring sun protection and a sense of curiosity. The festival page on Stonewall Columbus’ site has the latest lineup and vendor list if you want to plan which acts or stalls to visit.

Safety, accessibility and community considerations

Event organisers and the police emphasise safety and access: follow posted signage, obey temporary traffic controls, and respect designated drop-off zones. If you need accessible access, check Stonewall Columbus’ information ahead of time for the best entry points and any accommodation services. And if you’re coming to support friends or family, small acts like arriving early and holding a shaded spot make the day more enjoyable for everyone.

It's a small change to your route that can make the whole weekend smoother , plan ahead, enjoy the music, and celebrate safely.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: