SATURDAY, MAY 9

hop into fun

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

Get ready for the first pedestrian-only event of the season, May Hops on High in the Short North Arts District! Be part of the creativity and community as you enjoy a vendor market of 80+ makers, artists and artisans, a main stage of live performances with additional artistic acts throughout the event, and countless hands-on experiences to create an unmissable Saturday in the Short North.

things to do

Hops on High Trail

Hops on High offers you countless opportunities to discover one-of-a-kind finds and flavors in Columbus’ historic arts district. Shop the Trail to earn a free sweet treat during your visit! Download your trail pass + learn more here.

Gallery Showcase

A collective pop-up gallery featuring works from Short North galleries — connecting you to the artists and work outside of their brick-and-mortar displays.

Hands-On Creative Experiences

• Write and share messages of appreciation with Scatter Joy’s special “Letters to Loved Ones” project
• Express yourself at the Creative Corner with partners Milo Arts District and Pinot’s Palette featuring a hands-on creative opportunity all can enjoy
• Visit the COTA Interactive Bus for even more family-friendly hands-on activities, including COSI-inspired photo moments + interactive installations

Ways to Move, Groove, and Get Active

• Try something new with The Amazing Giants — from stilt walking lessons, to aerial arts try-outs, hula hooping, and juggling instruction — you’ll walk away with an amazing new talent yourself!
• Participate in pop-up dance classes throughout the day with “Dancing in the Streets” brought to you by Short North Stage instructors
• Grab a paddle and join the rally at the Pickleball Pop-Up with Friends of Goodale Park, including mini court play and beginning lessons right on High Street
• Take your best shot at the Columbus Blue Jackets interactive hockey experience, featuring an inflatable shooting zone and giveaways
• Get a creative upgrade on your golf game at the Ransom Supply x Just Swing Golf Co. “Golf Simulator + Swag”

Play + Gather at Italian Village Park

Throughout the day, relax in the renewed Italian Village Park, where there’s seating and picnic space perfect for families and groups, and new fun to discover, including:

• Live performances on the Wood Companies Mini Stage
• An Emerging Vendor Market featuring 10+ small businesses
• Food Vendors, Food Trucks, + local favorites
• Columbus Blue Jackets Pop-A-Shot + giveaways
• Juggling and hula hoop lessons with The Amazing Giants
• Face painting + Dollar Doodle portraits

hops on high market

when:
12 – 8pm

Searching for the perfect gift, or a one-of-a-kind statement piece for your closet? The May Hops on High vendor market will showcase 80+ makers, artists, and artisans who reflect the diverse creative community of the Short North.

food trucks:

Hops on High will feature a curated selection of food trucks for you to enjoy while wandering the event.

• DELISH
• Diamonds Ice Cream
• Power Plant Kitchen
• King of Gyrooh
• Sweet-Umms Dessert Truck

local businesses:

Local businesses from all over the Short North are getting in on the fun, too! Special pop-up sidewalk activations from your favorite spots:

• Blossom Flower Bar
• Prologue Bookshop
• SAMSON Men’s Emporium
• ROWE Boutique
• Sun Studio Tan

live performances

where:
main stage on the corner of Warren and High St.
Wood Companies mini stage at Italian Village Park

From the main stage to pop-up performances, music and movement will keep the energy high all day.

street performers:

The main performance area isn’t the only place to be entertained — the entire event will be alive with street performances including music, visual art, demonstrations, and other performance art!

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!

High Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from W 2nd Ave. to Russell St. on Saturday, May 9 from 6am to 10:30pm.

Additional details:

• West side streets will be closed from High St. to N Wall St., with Wall Street remaining open to local residents and adjacent business traffic only.
• East side streets will be closed from High St. to Pearl St., with Pearl St. remaining open to local residents and adjacent business traffic only.
  • Vehicles can access the Short North Garage (located at Bollinger Pl. and Pearl St.), the Graduate Hotel parking lot, Moxy Hotel valet, the The Hub Garage (located at E Hubbard Ave. and Pearl St.) via Pearl St.
  • E Hubbard Ave., from Pearl St. to Kerr St., will be closed.
  • Unlike our last street closure, NO vehicular cross-traffic will be permitted to cross High St. from Buttles Ave. to Bollinger Ave.
• Through traffic should plan ahead to use:
  • Neil Ave. (West of High) or Summit St. (East of High) to proceed southbound
  • Neil Ave. (West of High) or 4th St. (East of High) to proceed northbound
  • Goodale St. (South of Russell) to proceed east / westbound
  • 5th Ave. (North of 2nd) to proceed east / westbound