Things to do in Columbus, August 1st Edition

Okay, I don't want to sound like a little old lady (which I am quickly becomming), but I can't believe it's August already.  I can't believe how time flies!  Just for the record, I think I said the same thing on this day last year.  I think the reason August seems so weird is because school always starts at the end of August, so as a child, it was the worst month of the year - the dread!  Well folks, the best thing I can say is that, if you haven't been enjoying summer so far, you better get out there and start while you still can!  Before you know it, we'll be in the middle of the long, gray, rainy Central Ohio winter.  Hooray.  As always, if I've missed something, please let me know.

• First up, Gus Van Sant will be at the Wexner Center tonight, introducing his first film, Mala Noche.  The film begins at 7pm; tickets are a mere $7.  You should go.
• There will be a new midweek farmer's market this Thursday, and on the 9th & 16th of August at the Columbus Dept. of Public health, right on the lawn (Parsons @ Main).  Hours are 10:30am - 1pm.  In addition to the marketplace, there will be cooking demonstrations and entertainment.  More info.
• Well, the Ohio State Fair starts today and runs through August 12th.  Get your fill of livestock, cheese on a stick, butter cows, and deep fried candy bars.  Oh, and sometime I heard about on the radio called a "roast beef sundae."  Hm.  Admission to the fair is $8, and hours are 9am - 10pm.  More info.
• This weekend's Columbus Symphony Orchestra's Picnic with the Pops will feature the Ohio State Marching Band.  With fireworks!  Sounds Buckeye-tastic!  This is one event I'll happily miss for work, but I'm sure I'm in the minority on that one.  Tickets are $22.  Arrive at 6 with blankets, chairs, and picnics.  Concert begins at 8pm.  More info.
• This Saturday is the Gallery Hop in the Short North.  Galleries will be open until 10pm or later.  The Gallery Hop makes a nice first date, as there is lots of strolling, places to eat, etc.
• The Sunday Music in the Air series continues this Sunday at Goodale Park - bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the music from noon - 1:30pm.  More details.
• This weekend is the Dublin Irish Festival.  Dance and drink Guiness.  Sounds like fun!  More info.
• This week's CAPA Summer Movie Series will feature the Hitchcock classic Rope today through Friday (7:30pm), Caddyshack will air Friday night at 11pm, and Meet Me in St. Louis Saturday and Sunday (2pm and 7:30pm).  Admission is $3.50.  More info.
• The following events are ongoing, but should be enjoyed when the weather is beautiful: you can hear free music in the park in Gahanna at Friendship park, in Worthington on the Village Green, and at Whetstone Park (all are at 7pm Sundays throughout the summer).
• This week continues the Actor's Theatre Group's presentation of King Lear. Performances are Thursdays through Sunday at 8pm bring a blanket or lawn chair (this is becoming a theme).  Admission is free, but donations are accepted.  Schiller Park in German Village.
• Continuing also is Big Bugs! at Inniswood park.   Artist David Rogers uses natural materials to make these 10 foot ants, butterflies, and other bugs.    Click to their website for more information.