Fall for the Arts Lineup Grows as September 19 Festival Approaches

A Full Day of Art, Music and Creativity Awaits in Downtown Columbus

The lineup for the Fall for the Arts Festival continues to grow as we get closer to a full day celebrating creativity in the Trackside District – Downtown Columbus on Saturday, September 19, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oscar Vazquez Medrano is the latest performer to join the festival, adding another live performance to an already packed schedule. Medrano will perform from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at Cork & Barrel, giving festivalgoers even more live music to discover as they make their way through downtown.

With performances overlapping throughout the day and artists exhibiting at businesses across the district, visitors are encouraged to check the schedule and plan their route so they don't miss the performers and artists they most want to see.

Hosted by Columbus in Action (CIA), Fall for the Arts celebrates the incredible artistic talent found throughout our community and region while raising awareness and support for the Downtown Theater Renovation Project. Throughout the day, downtown businesses will be transformed into creative venues featuring visual artists, live music, performances and family-friendly activities.

Whether you're looking to purchase original artwork, listen to live music, meet talented artists or simply spend a beautiful fall day exploring downtown, Fall for the Arts offers something for everyone.

Meet the Artists

One of the highlights of Fall for the Arts is the opportunity to meet and visit with talented local and regional artists as they showcase their work inside businesses and public spaces throughout the Trackside District.

Artists scheduled to participate include:

• Jim Davis — Brick Side, 1270 27th Ave.
• Amy Tomasevicz — Duster's, 2804 13th St.
• Patrice Wielgus — Pioneer Plaza, 2402 13th St.
• Yara Ramos — Barbara Jean's, 2605 13th St.
• Danika Rowe — Home Revival by CK, 2419 11th St.
• Betty Osborn — Vintage Pine, 2307 13th St.
• Lily Ackman — It's All Fun n Games, 1158 26th Ave.
• Clyde Ericson — Cork & Barrel, 1354 27th Ave., lower level
• Dezi Johnson — Valencia, 2417 13th St.
• Oria Simonini — Columbus Art Gallery, 2500 14th St., second floor
• Eduardo Gardea — Columbus Art Gallery, 2500 14th St., second floor
• Graciela DeAnda — Columbus Art Gallery, 2500 14th St., second floor

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of artistic styles and mediums, meet the artists behind the work and purchase original pieces directly from the creators.

Unlike the scheduled performances, artwork can be enjoyed throughout the day, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the different locations, talk with the artists and discover something new.

Live Music and Performances Throughout Downtown

Music and live performances will fill downtown throughout the afternoon, with entertainment happening at multiple venues across the Trackside District.

The updated performance schedule includes:

• 11 a.m.–Noon — Jim Davis | Brick Side
• 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Drew Morelock | Duster's
• Noon–1 p.m. — Columbus Jazz Orchestra | Frankfort Square
• 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Sarah Bettenhausen | Valencia
• 12:45–1:45 p.m. — Oscar Vazquez Medrano | Cork & Barrel
• 1–2 p.m. — Leon Finecy Polka King | Pioneer Plaza
• 1:30–2:30 p.m. — Ethian Alejandro | Barbara Jean's
• 2–3 p.m. — CCC Theater Group | Home Revival by CK
• 2–3 p.m. — Jonathan de Santiago | Columbus Art Gallery
• 2:30–3:30 p.m. — Ruegazz | Vintage Pine
• 3–4 p.m. — Light Speed Highway | It's All Fun n Games
• 3–4 p.m. — Olivia Vanderford | Pioneer Plaza
• 3:30–4:30 p.m. — Los Juniors | Cork & Barrel
• 4–6 p.m. — Side Step | Barrel House

With performances taking place throughout the district — and several happening at the same time — festivalgoers can use the schedule to create their own Fall for the Arts experience. Pick the performers you don't want to miss, add a few artist stops along the way, grab lunch or a drink and spend the day exploring Downtown Columbus.

Open Mic at Henry's on 11th

Have a song to sing, a poem to share, a comedy routine, an instrumental performance or another creative talent? The Fall for the Arts Open Mic at Henry's on 11th is your opportunity to step into the spotlight in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The Open Mic will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to performers of all ages and experience levels. Twenty performance slots are available for clean, mixed-genre performances, including music, poetry, comedy, monologues, instrumental pieces and other forms of artistic expression.

Performers are encouraged to reserve a time slot in advance by contacting organizer Jeanne Schieffer at Jeanneschieffer1982@gmail.com or 402-910-2313. Any remaining openings on the day of the festival will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Even if you're not planning to perform, Henry's on 11th will be a great place to stop in and enjoy local talent throughout the day. Guests can relax with a coffee bar featuring pastries, croissants and coffee cake from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., then cool off with a lemonade stand and homemade desserts from 2 to 4 p.m.

Whether you're taking the microphone or cheering on the performers, the Open Mic promises to be a fun, encouraging celebration of creativity and community.

Check the Schedule and Plan Your Day

With so much happening, the best way to experience Fall for the Arts is to make the day your own.

Start with a favorite performer, visit the artists exhibiting nearby and then make your way to another venue for the next performance. Stop for lunch, browse a downtown shop, enjoy a drink or discover a business you've never visited before.

Be sure to refer to the latest Fall for the Arts schedule as you plan your day. With multiple performances taking place at different venues — sometimes at the same time — the schedule will help you decide where you want to be and when.

And keep checking back. As Fall for the Arts approaches, watch the Fall for the Arts website and social media for the latest information, artist and musician profiles, schedule updates and festival details.

Explore the Trackside District

Fall for the Arts is more than an arts festival — it's an invitation to experience everything Downtown Columbus has to offer.

Spend the day browsing locally owned boutiques, enjoying delicious food and drinks, visiting galleries, listening to live music and discovering unique artwork displayed throughout the district. Every stop offers something new to experience, making it easy to create your own self-guided adventure.

The festival also provides an opportunity to support local and regional artists, downtown businesses and the continued revitalization of our historic downtown while bringing attention to the Downtown Theater Renovation Project.

Save the Date

Make plans now to spend Saturday, September 19, in the Trackside District – Downtown Columbus for a full day celebrating art, music and creativity.

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., explore the district, meet artists, discover new music, shop, dine and experience Downtown Columbus in a whole new way.

Bring your family, invite your friends and come Fall for the Arts in Downtown Columbus!