One of the most best things to do in June is celebrate Pride. In my home state of Ohio, the best Pride to attend is in our capital: Columbus. You don’t just need to visit during June. There’s plenty of fun things to do in Columbus for LGBTQ+ travelers ALL year long!
From fantastic shopping and nightlife to top-rated restaurants with rooftop views, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Columbus. It’s no wonder U.S. News & World Report named Columbus one of the Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest for 2021 and the Travel Channel selected Ohio’s capital as a Top 10 Domestic Travel Destination.
Iâve been fortunate many times. Growing up in the Cleveland area, I always felt lucky that Columbus was a quick two hour drive. It’s also a close drive to other midwestern cities like Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Detroit.
I had a lot of fond memories of Columbus growing up. As an out and proud LGBTQ+ traveler, my experience of the city has been different in a good way. I love my hometown of Cleveland but it doesn’t compare to it’s sister city to the South. The LGBTQ+ scene in Columbus isn’t only the best in the state, it’s one of the best in the Midwest. I’m going to give you the inside scoop on all of the fun things to do to in Columbus!
Disclosure: I took this trip in partnership with Experience Columbus but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
WHERE TO STAY
Before getting to all the things to do in Columbus, a comfortable, well located place to stay is a must. Fortunately, Columbus boasts many hotels in desirable locations like Short North. There’s two Short North area hotels that I highly recommend.
Situated primely in the middle of all the things to do in Columbus is The Joseph. A luxe stay in the heart of it all, The Joseph offers contemporary conveniences with all the art and soul of the Short North. Enjoy over 500 pieces of art throughout the hotel, grab a cocktail from the Soul Bar, or take in the sky high views from your room.
Plenty of things to do in Columbus lie just within walking distance of The Joseph. Jenniâs Splendid Ice Cream, brunch at Del Mar SoCal Kitchen, coffee shops, and boutiques galore, just take a jaunt up High Street and youâll not be in want of things to do in Columbus staying at The Joseph.
Being in proximity to Pride festivities ranks high on the list of things to consider when choosing a hotel. The AC Hotel in Columbus sits right next to Goodale Park, the center hub of all the fun things to do in Columbus for Pride. The fairgrounds, brunch, a brief walk to the parade route, what more could you ask for during Pride?
WHERE TO EAT WITH THE BEST VIEWS
If bites with the best views tickles your fancy, one of the coolest things to do in Columbus is head to a rooftop. Whether you’re on the hunt for a craft cocktail or the best sushi you can find in the sky, Columbus has a number of rooftop dining options.
The Lumin Sky Bar & Kitchen atop The AC Hotel is one of the best. Sprawling skyline views of Columbus combined with Spanish style tapas small plates makes for a perfect dining experience alfresco.
Looking for a little sushi in the sky? Check out Mandrake Rooftop. The vibes at Mandrake Rooftop are immaculate. Plus furniture perfect for chill conversations with a vibrant menu of plates to share as well as world class sushi, Mandrake is the spot.
WHERE TO GO OUT
After youâve had your fill of eclectic menus and skyline views, itâs time to take in some nightlife. LGBTQ+ nightlife is well and alive in Columbus. Slammers, one of the few true Lesbian bars left, calls Columbus home and is a must on your list of things to do in Columbus.
Ample outdoor dance space, a late night slice, and dope tracks being spun by top tier DJ talent make for one of the most fun nightâs out. The space radiates with good vibes and queer joy whether it’s Pride weekend or an average Tuesday night.
Union Cafe is right in the heart of the gayborhood of Columbus. This bustling, LGBTQ+ friendly hot spot offering hearty American style chow for brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as refreshing mixed drinks, a large outdoor patio, and ample room for entertainment.
Right across the street from Union Cafe is Axis nightclub, another staple in the Columbus LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. Entertainment is the keystone of Axis, boasting acts like RuPaulâs Drag Race winners and contestants. Resident and renowned DJs provide tunes to dance the night away to at this double decker club in addition to all-male revues, cabarets, and other samplings of the nationâs best entertainment. If you have tickets to a show, arrive early!
WHERE TO RECHARGE
After dancing the night away and experiencing some of the many things to do in Columbus, itâs time for a recharge.
Columbus is home to many coffee shops, One Line Coffee is a gem of Short North. This trendy coffee car offers house-roasted beans, locally made pastries, and even weekend brewing workshops. If youâre in the mood for an iced maple latte, One Line is your reprieve.
Hungry for more than coffee? Happy Little Treats Bakery bakes a bevy of rainbow treats to enjoy. From cakes, cookies, and cupcakes, to more savory options such as rainbow croissants and pesto twists, you have to stop for a bite. The icing on the cake? All the treats in shop are vegan.
Looking for some gluten free goodness? Check out Bake Me Happy. A queer and woman owned business serving up nostalgic treats and excellent baked eats all in a certified gluten free establishment.
LGBTQ+ Businesses to Support
Bake Me Happy is one of the many LGBTQ+ owned businesses to support in Columbus. Grab your friends and head over to The Plant Gays in the East Market. Take home a new plant friend, a pot or accessory for an old one, or go ham and deck out your whole space to be the jungle of your dreams.
If youâre in the mood for Americaâs favorite eats, check out Tasty Dawg. Build your dream dawg with over 26 topping offerings at this gay-owned grub spot with the best buns in town.
Stonewall Columbus is an institution. As Central Ohioâs LGBTQ+ community organization, Stonewall hosts events and offers many services like Coming Out Groups, Pride Pop Up Events, and a Sober Queer Writing Group.
As the organizer of Columbus Pride, Stonewall provided the LGBTQ+ folks and allies alike with a plethora of things to do in Columbus during Pride like a festival, the march, 5kâs, pride rides, parties, and performances all weekend long. They also provided the perfect selfie opportunity with a public art installation right in front of Stonewall called âPride Circlesâ.
There are so many wonderful in Columbus. For more recommendations on fun things to do in Columbus, Experience Columbus is an amazing resource!
With much of Ohio being a red state, a city like Columbus is truly a haven. A plethora of Nightlife offerings, LGBTQ+ owned businesses, and a commitment to inclusivity should bump Columbus to the top of your bucket list. With all the fun things to do in Columbus, you are welcome to celebrate your Pride not just during June, but all year long.