The weather has cooled slightly, (for 24 hours, anyway) this weekend is Arts Festival; it's kind of like the official opening of the summer season. Strawberries are in full swing - isn't it funny how the aroma of something can take you back in less than the speed of light? Cutting into this week's strawberry haul, I was instantly transported to a year ago, when I was doing nothing more exciting than standing in my kitchen, at the sink, hulling strawberries. I'm amazed by the small things. I like to reflect on everything that has happened in the past year. Hm, I hadn't meant to get so philosophical at the beginning of a listing of this week's events. . . This weekend's events seem a little light compared with last weekend, when I could barely keep up with all that was going on. Of course, a few events from previous weeks are still ongoing. You can find them at the bottom of the list.
First of all, I discovered this crafty girl Amy, whose shop is called "Sweet Stella Designs" through Columbus Underground; if you'd like to display your love for Columbus, check out these cool Ohio Love buttons; you can show hometown pride and support a local for less than$1.50 We're going to have to see about getting some Ohio Love buttons with carrots or something... I'm really going to have to meet some of these crafty kids soon.
- This weekend is the Park Street Festival - Starts Friday June 8th from 5PM-midnight and Saturday, June 9th from 3PM-midnight. All of your favorite North Market Vendors will be serving up treats on Park Street. Sounds like a great eating fest! Too bad (you know what I'm going to say, right?) too bad I'll be at work!
- As I mentioned above, this weekend is the Columbus Arts Festival downtown on the Riverfront. I haven't been to the Arts Festival in a few years - every year I say I'm going to go, and, well, I think you know how the rest of the statement goes. The nice thing about the Art Festival is that it begins tomorrow (Thursday, June 7th). I say nice because some of us have to work all weekend and have Saturday nights so stressful we spend out entire Sundays watching Law & Order reruns. Not me, of course, I'm way to cool for that, but some people. At any rate, the Art Festival runs Thursday -
Saturday, 11:30am - 10pm, and Sunday 11:30am - 6pm. Visit the Great Columbus Arts Council website for a complete rundown of activities. - For those of you with leisurely Saturdays, and would like to drive out to scenic Granville, their farmer's market began last Saturday. I've heard good things about the market, although I've never been. The market is located in Downtown Granville, at the corner of Main & Broadway.
- Two exciting exhibits begin this week at COSI - first of all, an animation exhibit which gets into the "nuts & bolts" of animation, featuring animation from the Cartoon Network, secondly is the Dinosaurs Alive! in 3D, which opens June 9th. Until Labor Day, COSI will be open 7 days a week, so there's no excuse!
- For the two weeks, art & architecture lovers can tour the Ohio Statehouse for free. Daily from 10am - 3pm. Call 888-OHIO-123 for more information. The statehouse is really beautiful.
- This Saturday is another Ohio Roller Girls double-header. The mayhem begins at 7pm, doors at 6. Click to their website for tickets.
- Center Stage Players will preform "Zombies from Beyond," a comedy set in the 50s this weekend and next. Performances take place at Axis Nightclub (775 N. High) Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, and Sunday at 6.
- This Weekend is the Annual Rose Festival at the Whetstone Park of Roses, 3923 N. High St.
- Markets you can visit this week: Worthington (161 & High), North Market (59 Spruce), and Clintonville (High at Orchard), all 9am - noon. Tuesday & Friday, Pearl Alley Market (Pearl alley between Gay & Broad) 10:30am - 2pm. Westerville Farmers Market (Home & State) Wednesday 3pm - 6pm,
Ongoing events from previous listings:
- Mart with agriculture by viewing The Beanfield, a public art project by artist Michael Mercil. Four varieties of beans have been planted and will be tended by the artist and his students.
- View 2000 student works for free through September 1st in the Canzani Center gallery (second floor) Cleveland Ave at Gay St.
- Cirque du Soleil is in town until June 10th. I won't go in to my disappointment that it isn't in the Arena District this year - I loved seeing Le Grand Chapiteau when driving past, but oh well. For those of you who have never been to Cirque du Soleil, I highly recommend it. Especially if you've been looking for some inspiration to get into shape. Tickets range from $28 for children to $75. This year, the big top is located at 717 E 17th St (aka the Fairgrounds), call 800-678-5440 for ticket information.
- Of course, Blooms & Butterflies is ongoing at Franklin Park Conservatory.
- The Underground Railroad series at the Kelton House continues this Sunday noon - 5pm. Admission is $5
- There are concerts this Sunday, June 10th on the Worthington Green (161 and High Street, old Worthington, click call 431-0329 for more information) and at the Park of Roses (3923 N. High Street in Clintonville, click or call 262-2790 for more information) ; both take place at 7pm.
- The Actors Theatre Group will present Mary Stuart through June 7th at Schiller Park in German Village. Performances are Thursdays through Sunday evenings at 8pm. Bring chairs and picnics!
