2025 HOPS ON HIGH

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

hop into fun

Hops on High is an all-day open streets event in the Short North Arts District that features free live performances, celebrates local creativity, and brings friends together on High Street. 

Be here for the next installment of Columbus’ largest open-streets event series, as we take all of the creativity and community of our legendary monthly Gallery Hops and add a market of local vendors, additional live performances, and creative experiences to create an unmissable Saturday in the Short North.

arts + exhibitions

Hops on High includes everything you love about Gallery Hop, including the opportunity to explore dynamic visual and public art throughout the Short North Arts District.

gallery exhibitions:
Experience exhibition openings from established and emerging Ohio-based artists, along with works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.

public art:
Discover fresh works along the recently completed Summer Spray collaborative mural, alongside iconic public art throughout the neighborhood.

Make creative memories with wide-ranging interactive arts experiences, including…

• Blockfort Artist Alley: Art lovers can’t miss Lincoln Street, where the Short North’s most dense gallery block will be amplified with Blockfort Artist Alley, a collaboration with over a dozen Blockfort artists who will bring live artist demonstrations, artisan-made carnival games, and more to the open streets.
• 934 Gallery’s Creative Cube: Come see the four-sided mural that invites you to tap into your creative side. Join 934 Gallery in a communal, temporary mural experience.
• Summer Spray Closing Reception: Stop by 881 N High Street for the final month of the Summer Spray pop-up gallery. Meet the artists for a reception beginning at 2pm, and shop their original works!
• DIY Zine Workshop with Prologue Bookshop: Express your creativity and get crafty with this DIY project at Prologue bookshop.
• Artist Demonstrations:
  • Experience art in the making at several of the Short North Arts District’s galleries, including Marcia Evans Gallery, Studios on High Gallery, and Little Blue House Gallery.
  • Enjoy live tunes and art classes conducted by the showcasing artists at First Commonwealth Bank’s emerging artist gallery space.
  • Create and collaborate at Pinot’s Palette with additional artist demonstrations and an inviting hands-on arts activity.

hop stop trail

Earn a free sweet treat by shopping along the one-day-only Hops on High Trail!

Starting on Saturday, September 6 simply stop into several of the 30+ businesses along the September Hops on High Trail to discover your check-in code (a 4 digit pin located at the point-of-service*.) After you reach 5+ check-ins, you’ll earn a FREE sweet treat! Show your 5th check-in confirmation to redeem a free scoop of ice cream or edible cookie dough at The Yard, plus 25% off at Tertulia Bakery Café.

The Hops on High Trail will be a digitally-enabled experience! This mobile pass will be enabled by Bandwango and administered by Experience Columbus.

hops on high market

when:
12 – 8pm

where:
Russell St. to W 2nd Ave.

Searching for the perfect gift, or a one-of-a-kind statement piece for your closet? Visit the Hops on High market and discover a curated lineup of 80+ talented local artisans and vendors.

food trucks:
You asked, we’re answering. In 2025, Hops on High will feature a curated selection of food trucks for you to enjoy while wandering the event:

• Tortilla Street Food: Mexican street food
• The Elote Man: street corn
• Posh Teatime Co: boba, gourmet iced teas, tea sandwiches, pastries, scones (all Halal)
• Ari’s Coneys: handhelds and bowls
• Lemon Loraine’s: lemonade, beignets, steak rolls, chicken rolls, and fries
• A Taste of Aseda: African Caribbean cuisine

pop up experiences:
Local businesses are getting in on the fun, too! Seek out these special pop-up sidewalk activations from your favorite spots…

• Play along at the Columbus Crew Street Soccer pop-up with giveaways alongside a miniature soccer field where you can challenge your friends and family to a mid-street match.
• Half Baked Brewing returns with their popular street skating demonstrations accompanied by some of Columbus’ best alternative musicians bringing a lively experience to the street.
• Formal meets fun with Generation Tux’s activity station that will inspire the whole family to join in on a creative activity.
• Game Day Drafts with Draft Kings & PBR Cowboy Bar will bring you gameday specials, swag giveaways, and open play cornhole.
• Try something new at one of many Short North restaurant locations’ pop-up booths, including Winans Coffee and Chocolates, Brassica, Sweet Green, and the brand new Tertulia Bakery.
• Look forward to additional experiences from Breakaway Presents, Brewdog Short North, Buckeye Ranch, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Club Espirit, Columbus Food Adventures, Penn & Beech Candle Co., Rowe Boutique, Samson, Short North Civic Association, Sun Studio, Zen Genius, and 17 West Salons.

live performances

The main performance area isn’t the only place to be entertained — the entire district from North to South will be alive with street performances through visual art, demonstrations, and other performance art!

spotlight performers:
Visit our mini main stage at 750 N High St., in front of The Graduate Hotel, to experience a rotation of spotlight musical performances throughout the day, including from artists:

street performers:
You can look forward to additional high-energy performers of all genres at Hops on High, including musicians, painters, muralists, belly dancers, stilt walkers, wood carvers, and more!

We’re excited to present a special pop-up performance from the dancers of Studio West during September’s event.

Ready to HOP into the fun? Learn more about joining our volunteer team, and apply for an upcoming event.

You asked and we’re answering! In 2025, Hops on High will feature a curated selection of food trucks for all to enjoy while wandering the event.

Applications are now closed, check back later for more details on Holiday Hop applications.

Bring your small businesses to the Hops on High Market! We’re seeking a wide range of talented makers and artisans.

Applications are now closed, check back later for more details on Holiday Hop applications.

Got a talent you’re ready to share with your community? Apply to become a main stage or street performer today!

Applications are now closed, check back later for more details on Holiday Hop applications.

sponsorships + donations

We couldn’t make Hops on High happen without our event sponsors, who receive pre- and post-event recognition as well as the chance to improve the Short North Arts District!

Contact Director of Advancement Johnny Riddle for more information on sponsorship.